15 Fun Family Attractions in Gauteng for School Holidays

School holidays are here, and if you are looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, Gauteng has plenty to offer. From wildlife adventures and the great outdoors to hands-on interactive museums, here are fifteen attractions perfect for your next family day out.

Active Outdoor Adventures

1. Acrobranch

Acrobranch is ideal for families of all ages with ziplines, rope swings, and clamber nets arranged across four tree-top obstacle courses. The Acro-twigs course is perfect for younger kids aged three to six, while the Monkey Moves course suits older children and beginners. Several locations across Joburg and Pretoria include Huddle Park and James and Ethel Gray Park.

Cost: From R150 per person
Where: Multiple locations
Ages: 3 years and up

2. The Big Red Barn

Set across the Sunlawns Estate farm on 200 hectares of land, 15 minutes from Centurion, The Big Red Barn offers an array of activities plus a family-friendly cafe. Activities include a tree-top Acrobranch course, a kids cycle park with bike rentals, go-karting at Vroom Pedal Go Karts, and the Clay Cafe where kids can paint ceramic objects.

Cost: Activity prices vary, check website
Where: 7 Nelson Road, Sunlawns AH, Olifantsfontein
When: Wednesday to Sunday, plus public and school holidays

3. Jozi X Adventure Centre

Catering for active kids from 5 to 75 years old, Jozi X offers physical fun for fans of extreme adventures. Activities include mountain boarding, a slackline park, big wheel trike drifting, a parkour gymnasium, a ninja centre, and the star attraction, an extreme wipeout course. There is no entrance fee, and you pay per activity.

Cost: Pay per activity, from R80
Where: Corner of Main Road and Sloane Street, Bryanston
When: Closed Monday and Tuesday

4. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge

This expansive lodge sits in the middle of a 160-hectare conservancy offering mountain biking, hiking trails, and open-water swimming. For families, the 10km route around the dam is a relatively gentle walk that kids and teens will enjoy, especially with game to spot including zebras, giraffes, and springbok. Bike rentals are available if you arrive early.

Cost: Entry fee applies, check website
Where: Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift
Best for: Game viewing, hiking, swimming

5. Gold Reef City Theme Park

One of southern Africa's biggest and best theme parks, Gold Reef City has rides and attractions for all ages. Extreme rides like the Anaconda, Jozi Express, and Tower of Terror are for the brave. For little kids there are gentler rides, a 4D Theatre experience, and a full trampoline park called Jump City.

Cost: From R250 per person, book online
Where: Corner Northern Parkway and Data Crescent, Ormonde
When: Thursday to Sunday, tickets must be pre-booked

6. RMC Cycle Park

Let the kids zoom off on their bikes around a series of looping dirt tracks while you relax with a drink on the deck overlooking the dam. This cycle park was designed specifically for families, meaning you do not need to worry about your kids getting lost or wiped out by serious mountain bikers.

Cost: Entry fee applies
Where: Plot 293 Rietfontein, Muldersdrift
Rules: Bring your own bikes, no helmet no ride

Educational Attractions and Creative Play

7. Johannesburg City Sightseeing Bus

The open-top hop-on hop-off red bus route has been designed with families in mind, and kids get their own special commentary. Popular family stops include the Joburg Zoo, Gold Reef City, and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. You can also buy tickets that include burgers and fries at Rocomamas in The Zone at Rosebank.

Cost: From R200 per person, discounts online
Where: Tours start at The Zone in Rosebank
Tip: Book online for discounted prices

8. Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves

Maropeng is the official visitors centre for the UNESCO-protected Cradle of Humankind. A visit starts with a fun boat ride through the ages before you enter the museum proper, which is packed with interactive and educational displays. Five minutes away, take a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves where the remains of Little Foot and Mrs Ples were found.

Cost: Combined tickets available, check website
Where: R400 just off the R563 to Hekpoort
When: Visitor centre open Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 09:00 to 16:30. Caves open daily 09:00 to 16:00

9. National Children's Theatre

The theatre presents a regular programme of productions and musical theatre workshops designed especially for young children. A new Outdoor Imagination Theatre hosts shows outside in the theatre's grounds when weather permits.

Cost: Ticket prices vary by show
Where: 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown
Best for: Theatre lovers, ages 3 to 12

10. Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

This interactive science museum in Newtown offers hands-on exhibits that delight young minds. From physics experiments to technology displays, kids can learn while they play. The centre regularly hosts special exhibitions and workshops during school holidays.

Cost: From R60 per person
Where: Miriam Makeba Street, Newtown
Best for: Curious kids, ages 5 to 15

Wildlife and Nature

11. Johannesburg Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the country, Joburg Zoo is home to over 320 species including lions, elephants, gorillas, and polar bears. The zoo offers guided tours, night tours, and special educational programmes during school holidays.

Cost: R100 for adults, R65 for children
Where: Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview
When: Open daily 08:30 to 17:30

12. Montecasino Bird Gardens

The bird gardens feature over 60 species of birds, plus reptiles and small mammals, in a beautifully landscaped setting. The highlight is the Flight of Fantasy show featuring macaws, cockatoos, and other trained birds.

Cost: From R120 for adults, R75 for children
Where: Montecasino, Fourways
When: Open daily, shows at scheduled times

Creative and Indoor Options

13. Clay Cafe in the City

Let kids paint their own ceramics at this creative studio. Choose from a range of pottery pieces, paint them on-site, and collect the fired pieces a few days later. It is a calm, creative activity perfect for a rainy day.

Cost: From R120 per piece
Where: Multiple locations including Hurlingham and Norwood
Best for: Creative kids, ages 4 and up

14. Art Jamming

Another creative outlet where kids can paint on canvas in a relaxed studio setting. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. It is a great way to spend a few hours creating something to take home.

Cost: From R150 per canvas
Where: Various locations
Best for: Budding artists, all ages

15. The Big Box

This indoor play centre offers climbing frames, ball pits, and soft play areas for younger children. There is a cafe for parents to relax while kids burn off energy in a safe, contained environment.

Cost: From R80 per child
Where: Various locations
Best for: Toddlers and young children

Before You Go

Book ahead where possible, especially for popular attractions like Gold Reef City and Maropeng. Pack snacks and water for outdoor activities. Check opening times online before visiting, as holiday schedules may differ. Many attractions offer family packages or online booking discounts.