Every winter it’s the same old story: what can you do to entertain your kids in the school holidays to avoid the inevitable cry: “I’m bored!”?
With shorter days, longer nights, and fewer outdoors options than usual, your children’s winter holiday activities are limited only by your imagination and what’s happening in your city. Which is why we’ve compiled a hand-picked list of Joburg events, kids entertainment in Cape Town and child-friendly activities in Durban to keep the little ones smiling throughout the frosty season.
Family-friendly events and entertainment in Joburg:
Winter in Johannesburg brings with it a wealth of family fun: from educational events to adrenaline-packed activities, there’s a day out for everyone and something for every mood. Gold Reef City is always a winner, dishing up thrilling gold-rush-themed rides and entertainment in all shapes and sizes, for all ages: ride the high-speed Jozi Express roller coaster or brave the vertical drop into an old mine shaft on the Tower of Terror. Or, take a slower pace and explore the educational mine museum. Make golden family memories together, here: https://www.tsogosun.com/gold-reef-city-casino/theme-park
Topping the list of the ultimate kids’ events in Joburg, the biggest and slimiest event of the year takes place at the Ticketpro Dome from 6 - 7 July. Nickelodeon’s ‘NickFest’ promises to be filled with slime, music and mayhem! Buck up. Your kids will love it. For more info, head to https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/bb3e5129-7bc4-6ba5-f794-5c95059ca92c
Fun things to do with kids in Cape Town:
As one of the top family holiday destinations in South Africa, it’s no surprise that Cape Town is loaded with kid-friendly fun. A guaranteed hit, no matter the age of your children, is the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. Here you can enjoy a day of underwater fun and wonder discovering hundreds of aquatic species native to the Indian and Atlantic oceans while exploring the I&J Children’s Play Centre, the Touch Pool, the Penguin exhibit, The Jelly Gallery, and the famous Predator exhibit. More info here: https://www.aquarium.co.za
A highlight on the annual Cape Town winter holidays calendar, Disney on Ice is sure to fascinate and amaze with comical on-ice stories of everyone’s favourite princesses Ariel, Rapunzel and Belle. Taking place from 10 - 14 July at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, this is one of Cape Town’s best family-friendly events, so book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment. https://disneyonice.showtime.co.za
What to do in Durban in winter:
With a much milder climate than other cities in South Africa, Durban is a popular winter school holiday destination. Loads of outdoor activities are on offer: beach days, hikes, city walks and more. But the ultimate family entertainment in Durban is found at uShaka Marine World. This is especially true from 15 - 16 June, when #BoredomMustFall returns with a jam-packed programme of kids activities. Plus, you only R99 for entry into Sea World, Wet n Wild, Kids World and Dangerous Creatures. Here’s all the info you need: https://ushakamarineworld.co.za/boredom-is-history-this-june/
For younger kids, the timeless story of Charlotte’s Web comes to vivid life in Greg King’s enchanting stage adaptation at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 13 Jun - 19 July. Charlotte’s Web tells the tale of Wilbur, a prize-winning piglet and his unique friendship with an extraordinary barn spider named Charlotte. This heart-warming family entertainment is perfect for the July holidays. Get your hands on tickets at https://www.viagogo.co.za/Theatre-Tickets/Family/Charlottes-Web-Tickets
If you’re going away for the winter holidays, make sure you travel #AAOkay by preparing your car for a winter road trip and downloading our App to access roadside rescue when you need it, fast.
