The kids have made it halfway through the school year, earning themselves a well-deserved break this winter. But parents need not fret as there are plenty of things to do with kids and teens to keep them busy and entertained over these school holidays.
From city sightseeing to carnival experiences and cooking classes, the kids will not be complaining about boredom this June Holiday.
Kids activities running for a limited period
City Sightseeing kids’ winter break discount
City Sightseeing’s popular R49 Kids’ Offer is back to give families a pocket-friendly way to get adventurous this winter in Joburg.
Kids love these double-decker, hop-on-hop-off tours and for a limited time, when you buy an adult ticket for the Classic Hop-on Hop-off tour you can pay only R49pp for up to 2 kids. This deal runs until 12 September 2025, and only applies to kids between the ages of 4 to 17.
It’s a great, full-day activity that will kids engaged as they glide past some of the city’s most important sights. BOOK HERE
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 (regular price). R49 per child with the winter special | 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.
See what else City Sightseeing has on offer
Rhythms and Rhymes from Mother Goose to Dr Seuss
Get ready to dive into a world of nursery rhymes and fun as the National Children’s Theatre brings you a new production: “Rhymes and Rhythms: From Mother Goose to Dr Seuss”.
This musical spectacle is perfect for young theatre lovers aged three to seven and their families, as this enchanting production brings nursery rhymes with a modern twist.
Nursery rhymes aren’t just about fun and games; they help grow young minds. Rhymes boost language development, social skills, memory, and much more. So come sing along to the stories we all know and love.
Cost: From R120pp, book via Quicket
When: 17 to 27 June. Various days at 10am to 11am or 2pm to 3pm
Where: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg
Craft X presents Christmas in July
Experience the magic of the holiday season in the heart of winter with Craft X’s Christmas in July Market.
The one-of-a-kind Market is bringing festive cheer early this year with a delightful celebration for the whole family. Expect unique, artisan-made treasures perfect for early festive shopping, and beautiful seasonal decor to bring Christmas charm to the home.
Delicious Christmas treats are also on the cards, from creamy fudge and crumbly biscuits to melt-in-your-mouth chocolates and more. The cozy holiday vibes make this the perfect winter outing.
Cost: Free entry
When: Friday, 20 June to Sunday, 27 July. From 9am to 8pm daily
Where: Silverstar Outdoor Event Area, Silverstar Casino, R28, Muldersdrift
The National Children’s Theatre presents The Railway Children
Step into the world of The Railway Children, a moving and unforgettable story that speaks just as powerfully today as it did when it was first told.
Follow the journey of three siblings—Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis—who are sent to live in the countryside at a house near a railway. As they adjust to a life far removed from the one they knew, they discover new friendships, hidden strength, and the importance of kindness and community.
Audiences will be moved by its gentle handling of complex issues such as poverty, racism, the effects of war, and the experience of displaced people—presented in a way that is both thoughtful and accessible for children and families.
Cost: From R60pp, book via Quicket
When: 18 June to 5 July. Various times
Where: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg
The Art of Graffiti Jamming: A Kids Club Culinary Cook-Off
Kids dive into a world of colour and creativity with artist Mak1one—painting, sculpting, crafting, and collaging their way to one-of-a-kind masterpieces in this playful, hands-on jam.
Expect themed art projects with a twist, playful intros to cool graffiti art techniques, a collaborative mural that screams creativity, and fun art games and creative challenges. Further highlights include a Chef Host Demo Recipe, where the kids get to watch as an artist blends colours into a mesmerizing marble effect on canvas and learn techniques like blending, layering, and texture play.
There is also a Hands-On Art Jam where the kids get to create their own themed art project using graffiti, collage, and mixed media. Finally, there is a Bonus Take-Home DIY where the kids will receive a small canvas with a fun guide to creating spray-paint-style effects at home.
The kids are encouraged to bring an old t-shirt as things will get messy.
Cost: R450pp, book online
When: Monday, 30 June 2025 from 10am to 12.30pm
Where: Food Jams at Feastivity, 64 Jones Rd Jurgenspark, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
The Art of Graffiti Jamming: A Teens Culinary Cook-Off
The teens will dive into a world of colour and creativity with artist Mak1one—painting, sculpting, crafting, and collaging their way to one-of-a-kind masterpieces in this playful, hands-on jam.
Expect themed art projects with a twist, playful intros to cool graffiti art techniques, a collaborative mural that screams creativity, and fun art games and creative challenges. Further highlights include a Chef Host Demo Recipe, where you’ll get to watch as an artist blends colours into a mesmerizing marble effect on canvas and learn techniques like blending, layering, and texture play.
There is also a Hands-On Art Jam where you’ll get to create their own themed art project using graffiti, collage, and mixed media. Finally, there is a Bonus Take-Home DIY where you will receive a small canvas with a fun guide to creating spray-paint-style effects at home.
Participants are encouraged to bring an old t-shirt as things will get messy.
Cost: R450pp, book online
When: Monday, 30 June 2025 from 1.30pm to 4pm
Where: Food Jams at Feastivity, 64 Jones Rd Jurgenspark, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Check out the full Food Jam schedule for June
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, and it will be open every weekend throughout these winter school holidays.
Bring the kids to Syringa park 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. Adults are not allowed entry on their own.
Cost: R120pp (children aged 2 to 12). Adults enter free | Book via Quicket
When: 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
July Holiday Cooking Course for kids
This three-day cooking course is the perfect opportunity for older kids (strictly age 12 +) to learn to make three delicious, easy meals to enjoy for lunch.
Plus, the kids will get to make delectable chocolate brownies, moreish choc chip cookies, make and ice a vanilla cake with delectable buttercream icing and decorate it with personalised fondant decorations/novelties.
The course is suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters.
Cost: R1380pp for the entire course, book via Quicket
When: 1 to 3 July, 9am to 12.30pm daily
Where: Simply Delectable Cooking School, 1 Fiskaal Cres, Randpark Ridge, Randburg
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fast-paced musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, interpreted from the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.
The Pieter Toerien Theatre is bringing a season’s run of the show to Joburg, appealing to a brand-new generation of fans. The musical stars Dylan Janse Van Rensburg (Spring Awakening) as Joseph, Lelo Ramasimong as the Narrator, and Christopher Jaftha as Pharaoh, with a new young cast ready to wow audiences.
Expect to hear much-loved pop and musical theatre classics including “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door”, “There’s One More Angel In Heaven” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph”. Bursting with vibrant energy and unforgettable music and song, this production is set to captivate audiences of all ages.
Cost: R200pp to R475pp, book via Webtickets
When: 19 July to 28 September 2025. Wednesdays to Sundays at various times
Where: Pieter Toerien Montecasino Main Theatre, at Monte Casino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Pretoria Youth Theatre Presents The Wizard of Oz
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Sandton’s Theatre on the Square. Pretoria Youth Theatre proudly presents The Wizard of Oz, a dazzling stage production that brings it.
Frank Baum’s beloved classic to life! Written and directed by Kerry-Anne Beldon and JP Kloppers, with Vocal Direction by Virtuous Kandemiri and produced by Clive Martin, this magical journey follows Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion as they venture through the Land of Oz.
With enchanting music, spectacular costumes, and breathtaking performances, this production promises to capture the hearts of audiences young and old. This heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and self-discovery is perfect for the whole family. Expect dazzling choreography, toe-tapping songs, and, of course, a journey to meet the mysterious Wizard himself.
Cost: R150pp, book via Webtickets
When: 1 to 5 July. Various times
Where: Theatre On The Square, Sandton, Nelson Mandela Square, West St, Sandown, Sandton
Arcade rides galore at Irene Village Mall Carnival
The annual Carnival in Irene is rolling back into town, and it’s here to bring three months of non-stop fun and excitement for the whole family.
Step into a world of colour, lights, and laughter with all your favourite carnival attractions, including thrilling rides,
classic kiddie rides for the little ones, fun fair games with prizes to be won, sweet treats, carnival snacks, and more.
Cost: Prices vary
When: Saturday, 24 May to Sunday, 31 August. School Holidays from 11am to 6pm
Where: Irene Village Mall, Cnr of Nellmapius Dr &, Van Ryneveld Ave, Irene, Centurion
Ongoing things to do with kids
The Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is home to a wide range of playful exhibitions, eye-catching visual experiences, educational displays, and optical illusions that change with perspective or trick the eyes, and Johannesburg is lucky enough to be the first South African city to welcome this immersive experience.
Open daily, the museum invites guests to check out their 60 extraordinary exhibits and be amazed by optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on interactive displays.
Cost: R180pp for kids and pensioners, R220pp for adults. A family bundle includes tickets for 2 x kids and 2 x adults at R620. Infants and toddlers under 4 years enter free. Book online
When: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm. Friday and Saturday, 9am to 10pm. Sunday and Public Holidays, 9am to 7pm
Where: The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Read more about the museum here
The Ski Deck ski and snowboard lessons
Take advantage of the cold and get some ski and snowboard lessons to get the kids ready to hit the slopes on your next ski trip.
The Ski Deck provide continuous skiing and can guarantee 30km of skiing when booking a lesson course. They are also the safest way to learn skiing and snowboarding. They have two rotating surfaces that provide an excellent way to get the feel of skiing.
Cost: R2950 (6 lessons). R1990 (4 lessons). R590 (1 lesson) | Book via tel at 011 781 6528
When: Lessons are booked at any time that is mutually convenient
Where: The Ski Deck, 74 Bond Street (entrance on Elgin Road), Ferndale, Randburg
Kids become Ninja Warriors at the Total Ninja obstacle and inflatable park
Nestled in the heart of the Northgate, the Total Ninja indoor park brings the excitement of the global sensation TV series Ninja Warrior to life.
The kids get a thrilling experience filled with massive inflatables and obstacle courses designed to push their Ninja skills. Expect a range of attractions and conveniences, including a ground-floor Café complete with a spectators’ area, a dedicated Ninja zone catering to the under-five crowd, and complimentary secure parking for up to two hours.
Cost: R80pp (u/4 for 1h) | R120pp (u/4 for 2h) | R160pp (4+ years for 1h) | R240pp (6 to 16 years for 2h) | Book online
When: Monday to Friday from 10am to 9pm | Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm
Where: Shop 267, Northgate Mall, Northumberland Avenue, Northgate, Johannesburg
JoyJozi is an immersive playground with loads of family activities
JoyJozi is a one-of-a-kind playground, restaurant, and experiential venue designed for families to unwind together. This restaurant in Johannesburg incorporates everything from safe and interactive play spaces indoors and outdoors, and a host of unique pop-up experiences.
Outdoor leisure activities include an action court, tree house, bicycle track, mini splash park, and a dedicated space for toddlers right next to the vegetable garden. All the play equipment has been tastefully integrated into the expansive gardens
For the indoor play centre, there are multiple mazes, slides and games as well as a vintage arcade room and media room, perfect for the winter months. At the end of the garden, there is a 70-seater amphitheatre and stage for visitors to watch, join, and even perform their own shows in a beautiful, serene setting.
Cost: Free (older kids and adults) | R60 per child u/15 (Weekdays) | R100 per child u/15 (Weekend & Public Holiday) | Book via Dineplan
When: Wednesday to Sunday | From 11am to 9pm on school holidays
Where: 51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg
Climbing activities at CityROCK Johannesburg
CityROCK is a climbing gym which caters to climbers of all levels, from first-time kids to experienced outdoor climbers.
CityROCK’s children’s zone is all about fun, where kids can use this activity to develop fine muscle control, gain a sense of achievement and body awareness and for those who take it more seriously, develop the correct climbing skills.
Their climbing facilities include a large bouldering area (bouldering is climbing 3m – 4m high without a rope) and up to 15m high walls for roped climbing. For all top rope climbing they only use the Grigri belay device and for belayed climbing, all climbers and belayers must pass a compulsory top rope belay test.
Cost: R210pp (adults day pass) | R180pp (student/pensioner day pass) | R170pp (kids u/18 day pass) | Book online
When: Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9.30pm | Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays from 9am to 6pm
Where: CityROCK Johannesburg, 46 Fourth Ave S, Fontainebleau, Randburg
A bouncy blast at Bounce INC
With so many fitness activities in Johannesburg, it’s hard to find one that kids and teens can genuinely enjoy and want to partake in. Not simply because they feel as though they need to keep fit, but rather because they have fun whilst exercising. Bounce Inc. is exactly the sort of venue to give you simultaneous fun and exercise.
Their venues in Midrand and Fourways feature 3000 square meters of interconnected trampolines surrounded by padding and airbags, and additional adventure features placed around the playground.
Whether you come to perfect your backflip, learn new skills, get silly and have fun, or simply hang out with friends and family, it’s the ideal venue to ‘get a taste of Freestyle.’
Cost: From R50pp, book online
When: Fourways Mall – Mon to Thurs, 12pm to 6pm (9am – 6pm on School Hols.) | Fri, 12pm to 7pm (9am – 7pm on School Hols.) | Sat, 9am to 7pm | Sun, 9am to 6pm | Mall of Africa – Monday to Sunday, 8am to 9pm
Where: Lower Level at Fourways Mall, Cnr William Nicol & Fourways Bvd, Fourways, Johannesburg | Shop 2025, Mall of Africa, Lone Creek Crescent and Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City, Midrand
A sharpshooting activity amongst friends at Blades and Triggers OPS
Blades and Triggers OPS is a supervised Airsoft and Nerf gun battle zone located at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort and Eastgate Mall in Bedfordview. It offers hours of pulse-racing action where visitors compete in various games across four different arenas.
There are over various different themes and games to choose from such as Airsoft, Laser Tag, Ninja Stars, Paintball Targets, Archery, Gel Blaster, Airsoft Target, Long Distance Range. The Eastgate venue also boasts a fan favourite for those seeking an extra adrenaline rush in their Glow in the Dark Arena.
Cost: R20pp to R250pp, book online
When: Clearwater – Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 7pm | Friday, 9am to 9pm | Saturday, 9am to 7pm | Sunday, 9am to 5pm | Eastgate – Monday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm
Where: Clearwater Mall, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. In the Parking lot of Entrance 3 | Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston. At Entrance 8, Next to Hamleys
Fun with furry friends at Bunny Hop Haven Animal Sanctuary
The Bunny Hop Haven animal sanctuary is a home for rescued and rehabilitating exotic pets and farm animals. Schools and families can spend time interacting with and feeding farm animals during their visit.
The non-profit company is a haven and home to rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, pigs, and tortoises. Most of the animals are up for adoption and the haven follows a strict home check and adoption process.
Besides being an animal sanctuary, the Bunny Hop Haven is an educational and play centre too. Children can interact and learn about animals through playing with and feeding the animals. The sanctuary houses a children’s jungle gym for endless hours of fun.
Cost: R50pp to R60pp | R20 for an extra veg bucket | Pay at venue
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Where: The Bunny Hop Haven @ Observatory Sports Club, 59 Frederick St, Observatory, Johannesburg
Rollercade Pretoria
Rollercade is the biggest Roller-skating Family Rink in Menlyn Park. They provide a safe and friendly environment for the entire family to enjoy roller-skating or just vibe to the music.
Bookings are essential to reserve a shoe size. Tables and chairs are available for booking, guests may bring their food and cold drinks if an area is booked.
Cost: R200pp (2-hr session). R100pp (own skates). R40 (spectator attendance fee)
When: Mon at 1pm to 6pm | Tues, Wed, Thu, and Sun at 10am to 6pm | Fri & Sat at 10am to 6pm, 7pm to 9pm (16 years +)
Where: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre Level 5, Entrance. 14 Atterbury Rd &, Lois Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria
