This month we say farewell to May-hem, and a warm wintery welcome to June and its action-packed Father’s Day outings. We have activities and adventures for every dad, ranging from the laidback laying on their backs, the debonair with flair, to the moustached macho with spit and dust on cuts, dad types. Taking a quick look at spots for picnics, art classes, hikes, game drives and old-fashioned family fun.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email [email protected]
THE WILDS
Bond better with your family as you take a lovely walk and talk through these indigenous gardens. The Wilds Nature Reserve, offers beautiful vegetation and spectacular art pieces by the talented, James Delaney. What started in 2013 to 2018 as a pastime of trimming trees and cleaning in the park, James and fellow volunteers, revitalised the park and brought the glorious green gem in the urban heart of Joburg back to its former glory.
These 16 hectares of vegetation were donated to the City of Johannesburg in 1924 with the condition that it remains in its natural state and open to the public. In 1938 it was opened and structured with lawns, ponds, waterfalls, and paths laid out in stone. The park is technically split by Houghton Drive, but luckily there is a footbridge that was built in 1965.
Bring a book and blanket if you prefer to take it easy, with plenty picnic spots to relax and enjoy the tranquil fountains or city skyline backdrop.
Cost: Free
When: Sunday 18 June, 6am – 6pm
Where: Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Website: jhbcityparksandzoo.com | Tel: 011 643 2313
Facebook: @TheWilds | Instagram: @thewilds.jozi
WORLD OF GOLF
World of Golf is 18 hectares of world-class greenery, housing a leisure and golf park. It’s furnished with a quaint family restaurant, Dimples Café, that hosts live music on most Sundays. The park also holds a large play area for mini-sports, cycling tracks, jungle gyms, and open play areas, making it the perfect kid-friendly outing for a balanced family day.
Whether you swing a club like it is a baseball bat or knock the ball perfectly enough to emit that iconic click, there is no intimidation or judgement at this venue. From professionals to beginners, they welcome all grades to their fields.
Cost: Entrance is free. Activities vary
When: Sunday 18 June, 7am – 8pm
Where: Cnr Woodmead &, Maxwell Dr, Waterfall, Midrand
Website: worldofgolf.co.za | Tel: 011 545 8600
Facebook: @WorldofGolfSA | Instagram: @worldofgolf_sa
CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
With the theme of Fathers at heart, why not take your family to learn about their ancient forefathers.
Home of Homo Naledi, the Cradle of Humankind, allows you stroll through amazing exhibitions of our planet, fossils, and tools, to learn about our history and understanding of how we came to be. As a self-guided tour, you can give yourself all the time you need to interact with all the fascinating displays while you contemplate life and its origin.
With Maropeng focused on the development of our planet and ancestors over millions of years, or the Sterkfontein Caves flaunting its ancient shapes and formations, you’re guaranteed a full day of excitement and knowledge.
Cost: R100 per person
When: Sunday 18 June, 9am – 5pm
Where: Cradle of Humankind
Website: maropeng.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 014 577 9000
Facebook: @maropengsa | Instagram: @cradleof_humankind
LILLIAN GRAY ART SCHOOL
Whether you round off your Father’s Day with a stick figure doodle or a detailed family portrait on your fridge, you’re bound to enjoy an educational art class with Lillian Gray herself.
In case you were wondering, Lillian Gray, is a Contemporary South African Fine Art’s Artist with international recognition and displays in New York, London, Spain, Chicago and Miami. She believes that her work must empower people to reach their own creative pinnacles whilst also serving as an investment to all her patrons.
At this extravagant school they teach classes that range from toddlers, teens and tweens, to adults of all ages. If you fall in love with the school as much as we did, be sure to check out additional paint nights, workshops, photography classes, and online store.
Cost: R900 per pair (father and child). For additional child + R350. Book here
When: Sunday 18 June, 10am – 1pm
Where: Lillian Gray Art School, 82 Kessel St, Fairland, Johannesburg
Website: lilliangray.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 076 828 2448
Facebook: @lilliangrayart | Instagram: @lilliangrayart
CRADLE MOON LAKESIDE GAME LODGE
This 1500 hectares of Cradle Moon Conservancy, offers a secure and pristine natural experience for all ages, as well as for the bushveld enthusiasts or the man of leisure seeking a break from the big city life.
The Cradlemoon Lakeside Game Lodge will keep the parents and the kids, busy for a few days. Making it ideal for not only a Father’s Day outing, but rather for a whole weekend getaway. Immerse the family in the wildlife that can be accessed on the hiking- and cycling trails, game drives, canoeing, and swimming spots.
Cost: Hiking, Cycling, and Swimming R20, Fly Fishing R50
When: Weekdays 6:30 – 8pm Weekends 5:30 – 8pm
Where: Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive Muldersdrift
Website: cradlemoon.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 919 5000
Facebook: @cradlemoonlodge | Instagram: @cradlemoongamelodge
CROC CITY
It’s surely been a while since you’ve seen a crocodile, or perhaps the beguiles of smaller, friendlier reptiles. Croc City may be your choice of entertainment if you have a love for our cold-blooded friends.
With guided tours, croc feedings, and the most venomous animals on display, ranging from spiders to snakes, this venue is a must for the wild ones at heart. If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, try the Croc City Flyover, which is a zipline activity allowing guests to ‘fly’ 5 meters above ground over the crocodiles.
Fun and facts await you at Croc City.
Cost: Adults 100, Pensioners R90, Kids R70. Flyovers cost an additional R100pp
When: Sunday 18 June, 9am – 4:30pm
Where: Corner of Cedar Road & R114 Nietgedacht 535 Chartwell, Chartwell
Website: croccity.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 657 7561
Facebook: @croccity | Instagram: @croccity
SANDTON FAMILY MARKET
Fresh veg, foods and goods.
With fresh being the theme of this market, the Sandton Family Market, is fairly fresh to the industry. Stocked with locally cultivated foods and goods, a jumping castle in the children’s play area, and a covered area to sit and catch up with family and friends, it beckons all for family friendly fun.
The market provides a local variety of craft beers and delicious wines for you to sip on, or the best foods on Sandton’s menu for you to indulge in while you browse through the stalls of bespoke, artisanal, and organic gifts and goods that put the market on the map.
Cost: Free entrance.
When: Sunday 18 June, 10am – 5pm.
Where: 127 B Wroxham Rd, Paulshof, Johannesburg, 2056.
Website: sandtonfamilymarket.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 745 8500
Facebook: @sandtonfamilymarket | Instagram: @sandtonfamilymarket
FIELD BERRY FARM
Take a short, family road trip outside the city limits, and you can find yourself surrounded by open pastures and foraging for berries in the south of Joburg at, The Field Berry Farm.
A raspberry farm that offers an opportunity to pick berries, purchase berry goods or frozen berries, and ingest delicious baked treats while having a picnic, sounds like nature’s heaven on earth. The farm also has an outdoor play area for the children while dad can relax and read a book at his self-made mini garden party.
Be sure to contact the venue and check if berries are in season for picking.
Cost: R40 Entrance.
When: Weekends 9am – 3pm.
Where: The Field Berry Farm, 1876 Walkerville, De Deur, 1876.
Website: fieldberryfarm.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel:079 719 0793
Facebook: @thefieldberryfarm | Instagram: @thefieldberryfarm
GINOLOGIST GIN DISTILLERY
Surprise your dad a day early by taking a trip through one of Joburg’s best craft gin and spirit cooler distilleries, with a delicious tasting to boot.
The distillery tour explains the science behind crafting gin, rum, and vodka. Visitors can also peruse and browse through the library of herbal and botanical extracts that include three distinctive flavours; Citrus, Floral and Orient.
If your thirst for knowledge isn’t quenched after this, a team of well-informed bartenders, prepare all their tasting boards and drinks in front of the guests to school and educates them on pairing ideas.
How well do you think you know your flavours and mixes? The Ginologist also gives you the chance to test your creative side by making your own gin in a Masterclass with none other than the distillery master himself, Jacques.
Cost: R350pp for Masterclass Blending Session. Other packages vary from R60pp to R120pp
When: Saturday 12pm – 6pm
Where: 1 Fox St, Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg
Website: ginologist.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 464 3515
Facebook: @theginologist| Instagram: @theginologist
HENNOPS HIKING TRAIL
Embrace the wild side of life via the natural beauty of rivers and valleys, all bordered by mountain ranges in the north and south. With activities such as mountain biking, off road trails, hikes and picnics, this is the perfect Father’s Day outing for the adventure-man dad.
With three trails to choose from, Hennops Hiking Trail, offers an opportunity to see the suspension bridge and river crossing in each one.
For a brisk hike or fun jogging experience, The Dassie Trail is 2km long. For a slightly longer walk, but better reward with sightings of zebra and various buck wildlife, the Zebra Trail is 5km long. For a challenge seeker, the Krokodilberg Trail is 10km long, but not suited for beginner hikers or children under the age of 12.
Cost: R100 for adults, R50 for school children
When: Sunday 18 June, 7am to 1pm
Where: Hennops Hiking Trails, R511, Pretoria
Website: hennopstrail.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 825 9205
Facebook: @hennopshiking | Instagram: @hennops_mtb_trail
