This Easter in Johannesburg is once again packed with great family-friendly events happening over the long weekend with tons of fun involved. Whether kids are after the thrill of carnival rides or want to watch an immersive live theatre show, have a look at our recommended events to book now.

Daily creative activities and play for kids at Clearwater Mall’s Craft Cafe

The Craft Cafe at Clearwater Mall is one of the biggest family-friendly Easter events in Johannesburg not to be missed. Head to their Rochester Court for fun and exciting ways for kids to get creative and play to their heart’s content.

There are 5 set workshops running daily at various times. The centre is also hosting a special space for kids to play during sessions, and try multiple workshops throughout the day. All materials and tools needed are included in the rates, and kids can take home their finished creations.

Cost: From R30pp to R50pp, book via Webtickets

When: Running from 21 to 28 March. Monday to Sunday, various times
Where: Rochester Court at Clearwater Mall (Upper Level), Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort

Get the full programme and details here

EASTER AT INDABA HOTEL

Where: Indaba Hotel, Corner of William Nicol Dr and Pieter Wenning Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Kids can play away all their energy at Indaba Hotel’s enclosed jungle gym area, plus there’s a dedicated egg painting station where the little ones can get creative and stand the chance of winning a prize. An Easter egg hunt is also confirmed for the day.

Also on Sunday, the hotel put together unique activities for kids including an Easter egg on arrival, colouring-in Competition, an Easter egg hunt, and a visit from the Easter Bunny for photo ops. There is also a lucky prize draw on the day.  READ MORE

When: Sunday, 9 April from 10am
Cost: Complimentary with bookings for Sunday buffet experiences

SANDTON CITY CHOCOLATE CAFE SPECKLED EDITION

Where: Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton

Sandton City’s Chocolate Cafe Speckled Edition showcase is packed with fun activities for the kids to try such as Easter egg cookie painting, Easter egg painting and chocolate slab decorating, and more.

Visit the Clever Caterpillar, located on Level 6 opposite Woolworths, on Easter weekend, 8 to 10 April, for super cool face-painting, and photo opportunities with Sandton City’s iconic Easter bunny on 1, 2, 8, 9, and 10 April.

Looking for the perfect gift for family and friends or stock up on sweet delights for yourself? Browse an impressive collection of choccies, Easter eggs, and limited edition treats from the Checkers, Beacon, Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, Chocoloza, and Mr Sweets stalls. READ MORE

When: 30 March to 10 April
Cost: FREE entry

WINNIE THE POOH KIDS

Where: The Imagination Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg

This stage adaption sees beloved characters Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and of course Tigger too) come to life for young audiences. The plot follows the residents of Hundred Acre Wood as they launch a rescue operation for Christopher Robin, who has been captured by the mysterious Backson.

This production is suitable for children aged three years and up and picnic baskets, blankets and chairs are welcome (although alcohol is not).

When: Running until 10 April
Cost: Adults R140 | Children 2 – 17 R120 | U2 Free, book via Quicket

HIP, HOP AND HAPPENING EASTER AT NORTHGATE SHOPPING CENTRE

Where: Northgate Shopping Centre, 21 Northumberland Ave, Northgate, Roodepoort

Pop into one of the three fun activation areas at Northgate Shopping Centre. Kids and those with a sweet tooth will love the Easter Candyland Experience which can be found at Entrance 6 next to Spur. Here you can shop a selection of chocolate eggs and other sweet treats for gifting or tae home.

Capture your Hip, Hop and Happening Easter selfies or family pics in the Truworths court and tag the centre on Facebook or Instagram to stand a chance of winning your share of R10 000 in shopping vouchers.

Work on your putter fingers at our mini putt putt court and crafts station for the little ones in front of Checkers. READ MORE

When: Running until 12 April
Cost: FREE

PEPPA PIG’S PERFECT DAY

Where: Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park

In this incredible escapade where Peppa tries to plan the perfect day for Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig but not everything goes according to plan. From space rockets to starfish, exploding bubbles to Bing Bong singalongs – its non-stop excitement.  

Peppa Pig Live in South Africa promises to have fans laughing, cheering and dancing – just like Pepp. This fully immersive musical production, featuring all the favourite songs along with incredible life-sized puppets and beautifully costumed characters, brings Peppa Pig to life like never before. And Daddy Pig is happy to advise that he has personally checked that all venues are good to go even in the event of loadshedding.

When: Running until 10 April
Cost: R159 – R699pp, book via TicketPro

SOUTHGATE MALL

Where: Rifle Range Rd, Mondeor, Johannesburg South

There’s much to love about Southgate Mall’s Easter programme that you cannot miss on your next trip to the centre. The centre is coming alive for exciting activities for the entire family, supervised arts and craft play sessions, great meet, and memorable photo opportunities with the Easter bunny. Also included in this year’s lineup is an indoor putt putt course to play off the energy. 

Make sure to stock up on chocolate eggs and bunnies, hot cross buns, and other surprise gifts from one of the stores at the mall. READ MORE

When: Running from 6 to 10 April
Cost: FREE entry

THE FIELD MARKET

Where: Field & Study Park, 11 Louise avenue, Parkmore, Sandton

The ever-popular Field Market is celebrating Easter in Johannesburg in their signature chilled way on Saturday, 8 April. Take the entire family along and stroll underneath the trees while browsing curated stalls with quality local handcrafted items. There’s also a wide variety of gourmet food and craft drinks, and live acoustic music to set the mood for a relaxed vibe. 

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Live A large free play area is reserved for kids with activities such as horse rides, sand art, ceramic painting and scavenger hunts.

When: Saturday, 8 April, 9am to 3pm
Cost: FREE entry

RAND SHOW

Where: Nasrec Rd & Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg South

The Rand Show is South Africa’s largest consumer lifestyle event staged annually and every Easter in Johannesburg at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. The event runs from 6 to 10 April.

With a legacy dating back over 125 years, the show remains South Africa’s largest and most iconic event that has entertained multiple generations of South African families. A variety of entertainment, shopping and experiential activations are showcased. Visit the show for live demonstrations and a host of talent and cooking competitions.

When: Saturday, 8 April, 9am to 3pm
Cost: From R60pp, book via Howler