School holidays can be tough on parents, but fear not! The Easter holidays are short and there is plenty to do to keep your kids entertained. From theme parks, Easter egg hunts, playground activities, roller-skating and more, your children can have their pick of delightful ways to keep busy.
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.
Rand Show: An Easter festival with music, rollercoasters, crafts, and fun
The Rand Show has been a staple annual Easter holidays tradition in South Africa, inviting thousands to celebrate the Easter Weekend together. The event is great for the entire family, with something for everyone to enjoy.
For the kids, there is a Kids Hall, with its Candy Land theme and exciting activities. Children can play sports games, explore the world of virtual reality, bounce around in the jump zone, learn a thing or two from the educational theatre and more.
While the kids are enjoying themselves, the parents who are not on supervision duty can have their own share of fun at the Craft Area, where they can indulge in locally crafted drinks, or they can enjoy the local musical acts at the Main Stage, visit the shopping hall or grab some refreshments.
Cost: Free – R320pp, book via Ticketpro
When: 28 Mar to 1 Apr, 9am – 7pm daily
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, (NASREC), cnr Nasrec Rd & Randshow Rd, Johannesburg
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr: an Easter holiday retelling of a classic tale
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr is a retelling of a Disney classic filled with a mixture of magic, suspense, fun and excitement. Pinocchio, the little wooden puppet who after a series of adventures is magically brought to life by The Blue Fairy, must show that he is BRAVE, HONEST and UNSELFISH before he can become a real boy.
The performance features the beloved songs ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ and ‘I’ve Got No Strings’, alongside a host of other songs tackling timely issues about what it means to be “the perfect child” – and what it means to be “a real father.”
Book a ticket and make it a family outing to see local talents on stage this Easter.
Cost: R165 | R130 (Kids Club members) | R140 (Kids Club guardians), book via Webtickets
When: 12 Mar – 21 April at various times | 29 Mar to 1 Apr (Easter Weekend), 10.30am & 14.30pm daily
Where: Peoples Theatre at Joburg Theatre, cnr Hoofd Street & Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
JoyJozi: Fun activities and a cuisine experience for the whole family this Easter
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 under 15 (Weekdays) | R100 per child under 15 (Weekend & Public Holiday)
When: Fri, 11am-9pm | Sat, Sun, and Public Holidays, 9am-9pm | School Holidays, 11am-9pm
Where: 51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg
Bounce Inc: Make like the Easter Bunny and get bouncing
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 Easter holidays.
Cost: R45 (per pair of BOUNCE socks) | R99pp – R125pp (miniBOUNCER) | R90pp – R499pp (students & adults) | R699 – R799 (awesome 4some), book via BOUNCE
When: Mon to Thurs, 12pm – 6pm (9am – 6pm on School & Public Hols.) | Fri, 12pm – 6pm (9am – 7pm on School & Public Hols.) | Sat, 9am – 7pm | Sun, 9am – 6pm
Where: BOUNCE Fourways Mall, 95 Winnie Mandela Dr, Fourways, Sandton
Rollercade Pretoria: Glide through life with some roller-skating fun this Easter
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 (own skates) | R40 (spectator attendance fee)
When: Mon, 1pm – 6pm | Tues, Wed, Thu & Sun, 10am – 6pm | Fri & Sat, 10am – 9pm (16+ for 7pm – 9pm sessions)
Where: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre Level 5, cnr Atterbury Rd & Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria
Adventure Golf: Enjoy a Peaceful Easter with a tranquil game of Putt-putt
Experience putt-putt with Adventure Golf. Each of the four venues offers tranquil surroundings with caves, water features, magnificent greens as well as 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 Easter holidays.
Cost: R140pp (adults) | R110pp (Scholars) | R80pp (Under 7s & Pensioners)
When: Mon – Thur, 10am – 9pm | Fri & Sat, 9am – 10pm | Sun, 9am – 6pm | Public & School Hols., from 9am
Where: Randburg, Fourways, Hillfox or Stoneridge
PlayTown: A kids’ play venue offering education and entertainment all at once
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-Fri) | R100 per child (Sat & Sun)
When: Tues to Fri, 12pm – 6pm | Sat, 9am to 6pm | Sun, 9am to 3pm
Where: Highway Business Park 95 Park Avenue North, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion
