Things to Do at Emerald Resort & Casino in the Vaal

Emerald Resort & Casino unveils a packed line-up for the entire family, from the kids to the adults. Experience a jam-packed kids’ programme, a Virtual Reality experience, brand-new restaurants, and tons more ongoing experiences to explore! Here’s what you need to know.

On at Emerald Resort & Casino

Trick or Treat

The gates to Animal World’s mysterious Family Manor are opening for one unforgettable night.

Strange creatures have escaped, Wednesday has hidden clues and Thing needs your help to complete a series of spooktacular challenges.

Whether you are brave enough to follow Wednesday, clever enough to solve the animal mysteries or simply ready for an evening of fun, the Family Trick-or-Treat Adventure has something waiting around every corner.

Children can collect a Trick-or-Treat Passport and visit treat stations throughout the Zoo, tackle themed games and challenges, brave the Kids’ Spooky House, get creative with craft activities and enjoy the playground.

The entertainment continues with a magic show, character meet-and-greets, music and a photo booth, with photographs available to purchase. Guests aged 10 and older can venture into the Forbidden Forest: The Aftermath.

Food, drinks, a beer garden and a sweet stall will be available throughout the evening. Come dressed up for a chance to win a prize in one of four categories: Best Addams Family Character, Best Animal-Inspired Costume, Creepiest Creature and Best-Dressed Family.

Cost: R140 per adult, including Zoo entry and the Forbidden Forest walk. R110 per child, including the kids’ games and Trick-or-Treat experience | Book via Webtickets

When: Friday, 30 October 2026 from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Emerald Resort and Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

More on at Emerald Resort & Casino

Beyond the festive excitement, Emerald is also home to some of the most exciting experiences and escapes across the province. From water fun to padel on the court, the possibilities for entertainment are plenty.

Emerald resort & Casino Animal World game drive | What's on in Joburg

Animal World Zoo

Take the family on a wildlife adventure at Emerald Zoo where you will encounter many different species of animals, birds, and reptiles. Look out for hippos and flamingos, iguanas and antelope, monkeys, lions, snakes, and more.

Cost: From R70 per adult; from R50 per kid u/12; from R50 per pensioner | Animal World Zoo PLUS Game Drive: From R120 per adult; from R90 per kid u/12 and pensioner.

When: Open daily from 9am to 4pm
Where: Emerald Resort Animal World, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Aquadome

Enjoy summer in the Aquadome as you take a dip in the climate-controlled swimming park. Kids will love the waterslide and shipwreck, and everyone can enjoy drifting along lazy river.

Note that the Aquadome fills up quickly, so be sure to get there and secure your spot early. Entry to the Aquadome includes a free round of Adventure Golf and Wall Climbing.

Cost: School and public holidays + weekends – from R150 per adult; from R90 per kid u/12; from R70pp for chalet residents; R60 per pensioner.

When: Open daily for two sessions. Session 1 is from 9.30am to 2.30pm; session 2 is from 3pm to 8pm
Where: Aquadome in Emerald Resort and Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Liquid lounge River Cruises

Enjoy 1 Hour leisure cruises on the Vaal River, departing from Emerald Resort and Casino.

Cost: R250 per adult and R125 per child under 12. Book your cruise now online

When: Only available Sunday & Public Holidays from 10.30am to 11.30am
Where: Departs from Emerald Resort and Casino

The Fun Company

Offering a wide variety of arcade games from shooters and drivers to kiddy rides, skill games, and ten pin bowling, The Fun Company at Emerald truly creates fun for the entire family! All you need to do to get in on the action is buy a Fun Company play card in store for R10, load your desired amount, and swipe to activate the games.

Cost: R10 for a card. Cash for games can be loaded onto the card

When: School holidays – Monday to Saturday from 10am to 11pm. Sunday from 10am to 10pm
Where: The Fun Company Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Padel

Step into the social hub of the padel world where you can meet other players, bond over your love for this exhilarating sport, and expand your network.

Emerald’s padel courts are fast, fun, and affordable. Bring your A-game (or just your friends) and get moving!

Cost: December rates – court rental: R200 per 30mins; R300 per hour; R400 per 90mins. Book your spot via Playtomic

When: Open daily from 6am to 10pm
Where: Emerald Resort Padel, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Emerald Resort & Casino Day spa new | What's on in Joburg

Always Upstairs Day Spa

Step into calm at Emerald’s newly refurbished spa, a peaceful hideaway where you can recharge, unwind and indulge.

Highly trained therapists help you unwind, relax and rejuvenate with treatment options and packages, ranging from facials and manicures to hot stone and aromatherapy massages.

Cost: Prices vary. Enquire via email at [email protected] or call 064 820 3447

When: Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm. Saturday & Public Holidays from 9am to 7pm. Sundays from 9am to 2pm
Where: Always Upstairs Day Spa at Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Graze Restaurant

At Graze Restaurant, every element is designed to create an unforgettable dining experience. Step into a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, with its light, airy interiors that exude modern elegance. While the ambiance is undeniably upmarket, the menu ensures that luxury remains accessible, with thoughtfully crafted, reasonably priced dishes.

Cost: Dishes are priced between R70 and R290. Book via email at [email protected] or by calling 016 982 8005

When: Breakfast from 7am to 11am; Lunch from 11am to 6pm; Dinner from 6am to 11pm
Where: Graze Restaurant at Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark

Graze Braai

Nestled beside the hotel swimming pool and overlooking the tranquil game park, Graze Braai presents an à la carte menu with a proudly South African twist.

Here, the timeless tradition of the braai is elevated into a refined dining experience, with a carefully curated menu that showcases premium cuts, flame-grilled flavours, and proudly local favourites.

Cost: Prices vary. Book via email at [email protected] or by calling 016 982 8005

When: Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. Kitchen closes at 9pm
Where: Emerald Hotel, next to the Pool, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark