Things to do with kids in Johannesburg
Johannesburg does not have a reputation as a family-friendly destination, mainly because it has a high crime rate. But in reality, there's no end to entertainment and attractions for kids in this bustling and busy city. Importantly, families should be perfectly safe if they take basic precautions and stick to safe areas.
A family holiday wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Johannesburg Zoo or the ever-enticing Gold Reef City. One of the most exciting attractions for kids in South Africa is the mammoth Lost City waterpark, casino and resort, which is a short drive out of the city.
Other great Johannesburg attractions for kids include fairy gardens, ice skating rinks, skate parks, adventure golf, go-kart courses, and adventure centres.
Johannesburg is a great city for shopping malls and these shopping centres tend to include all the indoor attractions kids might desire. There are also numerous beautiful wilderness areas nearby and families that love the outdoors can enjoy some spectacular hiking, camping, and mountain biking close to the city.
For a picturesque picnic setting, travellers can head to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. The world-class Maropeng Visitor Centre and famous Sterkfontein Caves at the Cradle of Humankind are also a must for those travelling with kids in the region.
Gold Reef City
This huge entertainment complex is essentially a theme park full of thrill rides, but was designed to recreate Victorian Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. Situated five miles …
Gold Reef City
This huge entertainment complex is essentially a theme park full of thrill rides, but was designed to recreate Victorian Johannesburg during the gold-rush era. Situated five miles (8km) south of the city centre via the M1 motorway, the park was built around the No.14 Crown mineshaft that began operations in 1887 and closed in 1971. During its production years, 1,400 tons of gold came out of the shaft. Visitors can now descend into the old mine shaft to experience life at the rock face, and watch gold being poured and minted. Gold Reef City also houses a number of museums, and offers performances by traditional gumboot dancers and the like. Youngsters particularly enjoy rides such as the Anaconda, roller coaster and Thunder Mountain River Rapids.
Website www.goldreefcity.co.za
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is a favourite place for locals to take a stroll. Its many enclosures house more than 320 species of animal, including polar bears that can be viewed underwate…
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is a favourite place for locals to take a stroll. Its many enclosures house more than 320 species of animal, including polar bears that can be viewed underwater in their pool. Of course, the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) are all in residence, while other highlights include lemurs, gorillas, caracals, Siberian tigers, hippos, orangutans, brown bears, and cheetahs. The zoo's various monkeys are also very entertaining and visitors will appreciate the large collection of birdlife. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation and conducts some breeding programmes.
Website www.jhbzoo.org.za