School holidays can be tough on parents but fear not! The Easter school holidays are short and there is plenty to do to keep your kids entertained. From playground activities to roller-skating and more, there are tons of fun and exciting ways for the young to do this school holiday.
Parents need not feel left out either, as many of these activities have options for the adults to enjoy whilst the children play to their heart’s content.
A bouncy indoor adventure with Unlimited Rush
Keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays can be a challenge, but Unlimited Rush, makes it easy and affordable.
For just R215 per session, your kids get unlimited jump time at a Jhb’s premier indoor adventure park, while you enjoy a stress-free break.
Cost: R215pp, book online
When: Monday, 24 March to Monday, 7 April | Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm
Where: Rush Greenstone – Extreme Sports Park, Cnr van Riebeeck & Modderfontein Rd, Greenstone Hill
Pokémon Holiday Club
Unplug Yourself is hosting a week-long Pokémon Holiday Club for young Pokémon fans to learn new skills and strategies in the game.
Each day of the workshop covers a different topic, from learning the ropes of certain Pokémon video and card games, to building a card deck and finding new ways to play the beloved game.
Taking place during the school holidays, Pokémon-loving kids are sure to have a great time and meet new friends. Admission is free but requires a booking by a parent or guardian.
Cost: Free (booking required via Quicket)
When: Saturday, 29 March to Sunday, 6 April from 10am to 1pm each day
Where: Nexus Hub, 21 Harley St, Ferndale, Randburg, Johannesburg
Candy Land and putt putt Easter break activities at Clearwater Mall
Clearwater Mall’s Candy Land and putt putt experience unlocks the magic of the holidays with fun-filled activities to keep the kids entertained through the Easter school break.
Each ticket comes with a free Candy Land activity which can be done alone or paired with a putt putt session. The little ones get to make their choice between candy kebab making or DIY candy themed fridge magnets for their free activity.
Cost: R50pp (includes one free activity). Book via Webtickets
When: Friday, 28 March to Sunday, 6 April 2025 | Mon to Thurs & Sat from 11am to 6pm. Friday from 11am to 8pm. Sunday from 11am to 4pm
Where: Rochester Court – Clearwater Mall (Upper Level), Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort
A family-friendly onstage showcase of Seussical Jr.
Seussical is the fabulous Broadway Show based on the well-loved books of Dr. Seuss.
This fantastical, magical musical is fun for all ages and follows the adventures of Horton the Elephant and introduces fan-favourite Dr. Seuss characters such as The Cat in The Hat who springs to life on stage. Enjoy all this great fun and learning with a dynamic cast, amazing sets, charismatic costumes and of course, great doses of laughter.
The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham and many more have been the steppingstones to reading for many children and introduced them to a wonderful range of characters and positive concepts. Peoples Theatre is excited to once again share this much-loved show with audiences.
Cost: R175pp, book via Webtickets
When: Tuesday, 25 March to Monday, 21 April | Various showings
Where: The Peoples Theatre at Joburg Theatre, Cnr Hoofd street and Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Animals and exhibitions at The Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is one of the top things to do in Joburg for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in wildlife.
Whether you’re looking to learn about animal conservation, explore scenic walking trails, or simply enjoy a day out, the zoo offers something for everyone. The kids can enjoy spotting over 320 species and thousands of individual animals housed at the zoo.
There are also designated children’s play areas equipped with jungle gyms and shaded rest spots, ensuring a fun and comfortable experience for young visitors.
The zoo offers a range of well-maintained picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy outdoor meals. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase refreshments from on-site restaurants and kiosks.
Cost: R126pp for adults. R74pp for kids. | See the full breakdown of rates here. Tickets can only be purchased at the entrance
When: Daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Last entry 4pm
Where: Cnr Jan Smuts Ave & Upper Park Dr, Parkview, Johannesburg
Read more about the Zoo and special offers
The South African Stage Production of Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen is a Tony Award-winning musical that explores themes of mental health, loneliness, and the power of social media.
The story follows Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high school student who struggles to connect with others. When a misunderstanding leads people to believe he was close friends with a classmate, Connor Murphy, who died by suicide, Evan gets caught in a web of lies that spirals out of control.
The play is perfect for children aged 12 and up, teaching valuable lessons about the struggles of mental health.
Cost: From R150pp. Prices vary per seating category | Terrific Tuesday discounts are available. Block booking discounts (20% off for groups of 20+) apply to selected shows | Book via Ticketmaster
When: Running from Saturday, 15 March to Sunday, 13 April 2025 | Tuesdays to Sundays at various times. No shows on Mondays
Where: Teatro at Monte Casino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Read more about the play
A family-friendly circus spectacular with ‘Once Upon a Time: Reimagined’
‘Once Upon a Time: Reimagined’ is showing for its last weekend of the season this school holiday in Joburg.
This mesmerizing show offers a delightful fusion of classic fairy tales and breathtaking performances that have been captivating audiences of all ages throughout its run. More than just a show; it’s a magical journey that brings beloved fairy tales to life through a seamless blend of music, dance, and awe-inspiring acrobatics.
The show draws from childhood fairytale classics such as ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Snow White’, ‘Moana’, and more. Audiences are invited to join in and sing their hearts out to their favourite fairytale songs.
Cost: From R180pp to R280pp, book online
When: Running until 30 March | Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 12pm
Where: The Cirk, Cresta Shopping Centre, Weltervreden Road and Beyers Naude, Randburg
Read more about the show
Fun in the mud at Muddy Princess
Enjoy a fun and muddy day out with the girlies as Muddy Princess makes its way back in town for another exciting instalment of its 5km obstacle mud run.
Whether rolling with family or friends, the event is designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. With Muddy Princess, it’s not about clocking in the fastest time but instead having the best time. So, feel free to get creative with outfits and accessories as many participants have in past years.
Children as young as 6 years old are permitted to participate with 13 years and younger requiring a fully paid adult to accompany them. Kids 14 years and above do not need to be accompanied but are required to submit a signed indemnity form.
Cost: From R299pp, book via Webtickets
When: Sunday, 6 April from 1pm
Where: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road, Alberton
An edutainment experience at The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome
The recently renovated Wits Anglo Digital Dome offers a 360° immersive experience for visitors of all ages, with a variety of weekly shows for young and old. With new state-of-the-art equipment and delightful experiences for the kids, the Dome is the perfect digital art destination, offering kids education and entertainment all at once.
Cost: R40pp for kids and pensioners. R70pp for adults | Book via Webtickets. See the full lineup of public shows here
When: Tuesday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Monday
Where: Digital Dome, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Yale Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Read more about the Digital Dome
The City Sightseeing Red Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
Take the little ones on a captivating journey through the heart of Johannesburg with the City Sightseeing Red Bus Hop-on-Hop-off Tours. Journey through Johannesburg’s past and present, where every street corner reveals a story, and adventure awaits at every turn.
If you’re in the mood for an amusement park adventure after your tour, you can present your original City Sightseeing Johannesburg ticket at the Gold Reef City kiosk and get R100 off the entrance fee. If food is what you’re after, for every two people who present their tour tickets at the Johannesburg Zoo Stages restaurant, you can get a free large margarita pizza.
Cost: Online Hop-on-Hop-off 1-day tour (Offer valid until August 2025)— R299pp for adults. R185 per child aged 4 to 17 years. City Sightseeing are also currently running a Sunday Special where you get a tour for R285 instead of R299 | Book online
When: Daily, with first departures at 9am and final departures at 3pm
Where: Rosebank, Outside Holiday Inn Hotel – Oxford Rd | There are also hotel shuttles that do pickups at Southern Sun Sandton, The Maslow, NH Johannesburg Sandton, Radisson Blu Gautrain, and DaVinci Hotel.
Read more about the Red Bus Tours
Fun and fitness with MiFitness Kids Syringa Park
MiFitness Kids Syringa Park is one of Africa’s largest and best playparks in the heart of the countryside in Muldersdrift.
Bring the kids to Syringa park any weekend and let them explore various features including one of the largest jumping pillows in the world (300m2), a kindy playground, a zip line, four large playgrounds, an 8m climbing pyramid, a giant inflatable soccer pitch, a large jungle theme jumping castle, a mega obstacle course jumping castle, and a giant target.
There’s also a splash pad (make sure the little ones bring an extra set of clothes and towels), a snack shack stocked with snacks, drinks and the best soft serve in town, Syringa Park’s 14 gourmet vendor restaurants, and go kart racing, which is not included in the ticket price and can be organised with Epic Karting.
Camping chairs and picnic blankets are welcome on the premises and children under the age of two must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: R120pp (children aged 2 to 12). Adults enter free | Book via Quicket
When: Every weekend until 31 May | Friday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Saturday and Public holidays from 9am to 6pm
Where: MiFitness Kids Syringa Park, Portion 61, Driefontein Farm, Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift
Fun activities for the whole family at JoyJozi
JoyJozi is a one-of-a-kind playground, restaurant, and experiential venue designed for families to unwind together. This Johannesburg restaurant incorporates everything from safe and interactive play spaces indoors, to fine dining, and a host of unique pop-up experiences.
Parents can enjoy the restaurant or explore the countless other facilities at the venue whilst the kids enjoy themselves. Outdoor leisure activities include an action court, treehouse, bicycle track, mini splash park, and a dedicated space for toddlers right next to the vegetable garden.
For the indoor play centre, there are multiple mazes, slides and games as well as a vintage arcade room and a media room. Crafts are available, and for book lovers, there’s a well-stocked reading room overlooking the garden.
Cost: Free (older kids and adults). R60 per child u/15 (Weekdays). R100 per child under/5 (Weekend & Public Holiday)
When: Fri, 11am to 9pm | Sat, Sun, and Public Holidays, 9am to 9pm | School Holidays, 11am-9pm
Where: 51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg
Bounce off the walls at Bounce Inc.
Bounce Inc is a family-friendly destination for people of all ages. Whether you come to perfect your backflip, learn new skills, or simply hang out with friends and family, it’s the ideal venue to “get a taste of Freestyle.”
The venue consists of 3000 square meters of interconnected trampolines surrounded by padding and airbags, and additional adventure features placed around the playground. The activities allow for the development of muscles, coordination, balance and agility.
For the younger children, there are the miniBOUNCE zones that allow them to have their own fun in a safer play area. This is a great activity to keep the kids active and entertained over the school holidays.
Cost: R45 (per pair of BOUNCE socks) | R104pp to R135pp (miniBOUNCER) | R90pp to R550pp (general) | R704pp to R820pp (awesome 4some). Book online
When: Mon to Thurs, 12pm to 6pm (9am to 6pm on School & Public Hols.) | Fri, 12pm to 6pm (9am to 7pm on School & Public Hols.) | Sat, 9am to 7pm | Sun, 9am to 6pm
Where: BOUNCE Fourways Mall, 95 Winnie Mandela Dr, Fourways, Sandton | BOUNCE Menlyn Maine, Amarand Ave, Central Square, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
A tranquil game of Putt-putt at Adventure Golf
Experience putt-putt with Adventure Golf. Each of the four venues offer tranquil surroundings with caves, water features, magnificent greens, and professionally laid out putting courses.
This is a great activity to keep both parents and children entertained, whilst also offering a unique sense of peacefulness and scenic views amid the fun. If the parents prefer, there is a Deck Restaurant where they can relax and supervise from afar whilst sipping a coffee or enjoying a meal.
Visit any one of the four locations nearest you this school holiday.
Cost: From R140pp for adults. From R110pp for scholars. From R80pp for (u/7s and pensioners)
When: Mon to Thur, 10am to 9pm | Fri & Sat, 9am to 10pm | Sun, 9am to 6pm | Public & School Hols., from 9am
Where: Randburg, Fourways, Hillfox or Stoneridge
Fun, fitness and connection at the Youth-Spire Wellness Hike
This family-friendly event is more than just a Wellness Hike – it’s an adventure designed to bring people together in the great outdoors while celebrating wellness and community.
Expect breathtaking scenery, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a variety of activities beyond hiking including horse riding, games, picnic spots, and more. There are also wellness stations where wellness experts offer tips and demos on fitness, mindfulness, and health.
Delicious, healthy snacks and refreshing beverages are available from local vendors, and there are opportunities to connect with top brands and corporate companies involved in the wellness space, showcasing their products and services.
Cost: From R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 29 March from 7am to 5pm
Where: Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof 358-Jr, Pretoria
Pretoria Zoo Family Fun Day with Colour
The Pretoria Zoo Family Fun Day offers a boatload of family fun with colour at the Pretoria Zoo.
With fun rides for the little kids, thrill rides for the big kids and tons of experiences that the whole family can enjoy, it’s a must-visit. There is also an epic colour festival experience, so guests are encouraged to wear white shirts to be covered in bright colour powders at the event.
The experience features a colorful and festive atmosphere, exciting performances by talented artists, interactive activities for the whole family such as swimming pools, water slides, and jumping castles, food and beverage options, and an opportunity to explore the wonders of Pretoria Zoo.
Each adult ticket includes a 50g bag of colour powder.
Cost: From R170pp for adults. From R160pp for kids 3 to 12. Free for kids’ u/3 | Book via Webtickets
When: Sunday, 30 March from 10am to 6pm
Where: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria
A gliding adventure with Rollercade Pretoria
Rollercade Pretoria provides a safe and friendly environment for the entire family to enjoy roller-skating. Everyone can partake in the fun set to a groovy skating playlist in the background. Parents who prefer to spectate can sit back and relax at the Rollercade café and purchase a snack or refreshment.
Bookings are essential to reserve a shoe size. Tables and chairs are also available for booking, and guests may bring their own food and drinks if they have booked beforehand.
Cost: R200pp per 2-hr session. R100pp with your own skates. R40 spectator attendance fee | Book online
When: Mon, 1pm to 6pm | Tues, Wed, Thu & Sun, 10am to 6pm | Fri & Sat, 10am to 9pm (16+ for 7pm – 9pm sessions)
Where: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre Level 5, cnr Atterbury Rd & Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria
An education and entertainment play experience with PlayTown
Playtown is a family-friendly recreational facility, offering a diverse array of activities for children. Designed with both entertainment and education in mind, this vibrant space caters to various age groups, creating an inclusive environment for young adventurers.
PlayTown’s main focus is pretend play. There are multiple themed playrooms dedicated to various pretend activities. These include a police department, a grocery store, a gym, a news station, a doctor’s office, and more.
In addition, there is an outdoor area for the children’s enjoyment, a jungle gym, and a soft-play or jumping area. Parents can enjoy the on-site restaurant while the children have their fun.
Cost: R50 per child (Tues to Fri) | R75 per child (Sat & Sun)
When: 9am to 6pm daily on school holidays
Where: Highway Business Park 95 Park Avenue North, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion
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