Some kids need constant entertainment. It’s hard to keep it new and interesting all the time, especially during the school holidays. So, we’ve decided to help you out with this list of things to do with your kids during the end-of-year holidays if you’re in Johannesburg.
1. Get swinging at Acrobranch
Acrobranch gives you and the kids the chance to unleash your inner ape and go swinging through the treetops. The Acrobranch park in Melrose consists of four courses (two for kids, two for adults) and is equipped with four zip lines, swing bridges and Tarzan swings. The courses are family-friendly and safe for children as young as three years, and there’s a lot of variety, from acrobatic bungee-style adventures to obstacle courses and even combination courses.
Image credit: Acrobranch.
Acrobranch operates cash-free, so book online or make use of the card facilities on site.
Contact: 0869990369, acrobranch.co.za
2. Visit the Cradle of Humankind
Get out of the city and head to the Cradle of Humankind in Maropeng for a family trip that promises to be as fun as it will be educational. The Learner Centre is interactive and informative and will be a hit with both young and old. The main attraction, however, is the underwater boat ride that guides you through the history of Earth’s creation in a visceral, awe-inspiring way. If the fossil display piques your interest, take a tour through the Sterkfontein caves—the home of the historic ‘Mrs Ples’.
Both Maropeng and Sterkfontein are open from 9am-5pm, but the last tours of each day start at 4pm. Please note: the caves are sometimes closed to the public, so it’s best to call them beforehand to check if they’e open.
Image by Lisa Johnston.
Price: Admission to the Maropeng Visitor Centre is free for children (under 6) and R100 for everyone. Admission to the Sterkfontein Caves is free for children and R100 for everyone.
Contact: 0145779000, [email protected], maropeng.co.za
3. Go quad-biking
Escape the urban jungle and hit the Segwati quad trails on the slopes of the Witwatersberg mountain range overlooking the Cradle of Humankind. Combine your quad-biking trip with a picnic, braai or maybe even some game-viewing or bird-watching. There’s also a paintball range here. Kids have to be over 13 years old to go quad-biking. You can experience Segwati on foot as well—it has lovely hiking and walking trails. Segwati also has cottages and a bush camp if you plan on turning your quad-biking trip into a weekend away.
Price: The price depends on how long the trip is; Please contact Segwati for its latest prices.
Contact: 0824129823, [email protected], segwatigetaways.co.za
4. Visit Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Friends of Kloofendal is a conservation NGO that offers guided nature tours through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. These tours give you a chance to learn about and interact with the reserve’s plants, animals and insects. From bird-ringing to panning for gold, there are interesting events happening almost every weekend. You can have a look at the reserve’s event line-up here. If you feel like doing your part for nature conservation, you and the family can join the Friends of Kloofendal team on one of its invasive alien plant ‘hacking’ sessions.
Contact: 0116742980 or 0796935608, kloofendalfriends.yolasite.com
5. Play paintball at Woods Paintball
Feeling trigger-happy? Try out paintballing at Woods Paintball’s range, conveniently situated 10 minutes from the Fourways Shopping Mall in a forest environment. It’s open 7 days a week and offers a number of different playing fields.
Contact: 0793874217, [email protected], woodspaintball.co.za
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