Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city and capital of Gauteng, is without doubt a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers. With the availability today of cheap domestic flights from almost any city in South Africa to Johannesburg with SA Airlines, a spur of the moment long weekend with the family is a reality.
If you’re traveling with kids, chances are you will be looking to balance your days with a mix of sight-seeing, good old fashioned fun and some historical facts about the city you are visiting. Tourist attractions that you might already be familiar with include The Cradle of Humankind, Lion Park, Montecasino, Johannesburg Zoo and Gold Reef City, but that’s not all that Johannesburg is about.
Spend quality time with your family at the lesser-known attractions
If you are under the impression that Johannesburg is a city that’s focused only on the art of big business before it comes alive for the night scene, you’d be wrong. There is a modern buzz of activity in this friendly unrestrained city from first light to midnight.
The town centre is no longer a place to avoid as continuous development transforms the neighbourhood with urban renewal projects into a world of work, live and play as loft apartments and office blocks rise up at a rapid pace. Yet there are sombre reminders of a past that is trying to be forgotten but needs to be remembered when you visit the Apartheid Museum just 8km south of Johannesburg city centre. Visiting the Museum is an overwhelming experience but it’s a must-see institution that will leave the family with an understanding and insight into the struggles of a country and its people as it moved towards a democracy.
With the educational part of the holiday firmly packed away, there are many child-friendly tourist attractions and activities to unpack, which once you discover them, will have you well on your way to experiencing a fun family holiday in the City of Gold.
The ultimate list of best places to visit with the family in Johannesburg
- City Rock: tire out the whole family with a few hours of fun rock climbing activities. City Rock offers rock climbing for newbies and experienced climbers. You can check out the venue at cityrock.co.za
- Mapatiza Underground Gemstone Mine Tours: here the whole family can go on an underground tour and learn more about the various gem stones. The kids are also provided with the opportunity to dig for treasure in the gem scratch patch.
- Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens: if you’re looking for a little peace, quiet and relaxation, the botanical gardens are a must. Here you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and spend a few hours snacking in the quiet picnic spots.
- Acrobranch: you don’t often hear about zip lines and Tarzan swings for kids, but Acrobranch has exactly that as well as a series of fun obstacles, nets, and bridges for kids to enjoy too. This is a great attraction and one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- People’s Theatre: watch local actors take to the stage and enjoy a variety of fun shows and concerts at the People’s Theatre. The kids will love it and it’s a great place to take the older generation too.
- Brightwater Commons: this complex in Randburg can provide many hours of entertainment for the whole family. The venue offers 60 shops, restaurants and bars, a skate park, laser tag, cinema and a flea market.
- Zoo Lake: this man-made lake is just across from the Johannesburg Zoo and provides the perfect opportunity for the kids to feed the ducks and enjoy the play area. It’s a big hit with the kids. For the adults, there is access to the bowling club, bar, tennis courts, and Moyo restaurant.
- Kloofendal Nature Reserve: the nature reserve hosts fun weekend activities for families such as panning for gold and bird ringing. Guided walks and trails also offer an educational insight on the birds, insects, and plants along the way.
- Honeydew Bee Maize Maze: get lost in some of the most interesting mazes. The favourite for most is the honeycomb maze that is 3,5 km long and includes an 8 station general knowledge quiz for the whole family.
- Saddle Creek Adventures: fun pony rides and quad biking trails for kids and adults. Spend a day on the farm enjoying some quality time in the sun.
- Melville Koppies: this nature reserve and Heritage site is one of the last remaining ridges on the doorstep of Johannesburg. Join a guided tour to enjoy just some of the 200 bird species that have been recorded in the reserve and a variety of small mammals; civets, genets, hedgehogs and mongooses.
There are so many choices of things to do, places to go and sites to see in Johannesburg that it makes a great family holiday destination. There’s only one thing left for you to do…Book your cheap flights to Johannesburg with SA Airlines now and start planning just how you intend to explore this gutsy city!