Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Johannesburg That the Whole Family Will Actually Enjoy

Whether you're planning a weekend outing or trying to do something different, Johannesburg has no shortage of activities that are fun for kids and surprisingly enjoyable for adults too.

From obstacle courses and wildlife encounters to science shows, markets and outdoor adventures, here are some of our favourite kid-friendly things to do around Joburg.

1. Take on the Trees at Acrobranch

If your kids have endless energy to burn, Acrobranch is one of the easiest recommendations. Think rope bridges, zip lines, suspended obstacles and tree-top adventures designed for different age groups, from little explorers to thrill-seeking teenagers.

Every course is colour-coded according to age and difficulty, meaning younger children can safely enjoy the experience while older kids (and brave parents) can challenge themselves on more advanced routes.

It's the kind of activity that gets everyone off their screens and into the outdoors.

Perfect for: Ages 3+ (course dependent)

Why we love it:

• Multiple difficulty levels
• Safe, instructor-led experience
• Great birthday outing
• Outdoor adventure without leaving the city

2. Spend the Day at Mall of Africa's Fun Park

If you're looking for an outing that feels like a mini theme park without leaving Johannesburg, the Fun Park at Mall of Africa is hard to beat. Located outside the mall, this travelling-style amusement park is packed with rides for every age, making it one of the easiest places to entertain the whole family for a few hours.

Little ones can enjoy gentle rides like the Tea Cups, Mini Wheel, Carousel, Flying Bus and Dragon Coaster, while older kids (and adventurous parents) can jump on bigger attractions including the Giant Wheel, Crazy Wave, Dodgems, Tilt 'n Whirl, Pirate Ship, Force 10, Break Dancer and Wipeout.

The park typically operates from Thursday to Sunday, as well as during public and school holidays, making it an ideal weekend activity. Individual rides start from R20 per ticket, while a R250 ride package offers excellent value if you're planning to spend the afternoon there.

What makes it even better is that it's all part of the Mall of Africa entertainment precinct. You can easily pair the Fun Park with Goal Zone, BOUNCE, lunch at one of the restaurants or a movie at Ster-Kinekor to turn it into a full family day out.

Why we love it:

• One of Johannesburg's biggest family fun fairs
• Rides for toddlers, kids, teens and adults
• Affordable ride packages
• Perfect for birthdays, school holidays and weekend outings
• Easy to combine with the mall's other attractions

3. Go Ice Skating

Nothing beats trying to stay upright on the ice together.

Ice skating remains one of Johannesburg's classic family activities and is suitable for beginners and experienced skaters alike. Many rinks offer skating aids for younger children, making it easier for first-timers to join in.

Expect plenty of laughs, a few falls and lots of memorable moments.

Best for:

• School holidays
• Weekend family outings
• Active kids

4. Roll Into Fun at RollEgoli

Roller skating has made a huge comeback, and RollEgoli is proof that it's fun at any age.

Besides the roller rink, the venue also includes climbing walls, mini games and plenty of entertainment that keeps younger kids occupied between skating sessions.

Whether you're introducing your kids to rollerblading for the first time or reliving your own childhood, it's one of Joburg's most fun indoor activities. RollEgoli

Why kids love it:

• Roller skating
• Rollerblading
• Indoor fun
• Birthday-friendly venue

5. Spend the Day at Johannesburg Zoo

Some attractions never go out of style.

Home to hundreds of animals from around the world, Johannesburg Zoo remains one of the city's best educational family outings. Kids can spend hours spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, reptiles and birds while learning more about conservation.

The zoo regularly hosts educational programmes, holiday activities and guided experiences throughout the year, making every visit a little different. Johannesburg Zoo

Great for:

• Animal lovers
• Picnic days
• Educational outings

Special Mention: Bambanani in Melville

Some places are kid-friendly because they have a play area. Bambanani Melville was built around the idea that a family restaurant should work for both the kids and the adults.

The Melville institution was created after founder Caryn Cohen realised there weren't enough places where parents could take their children and still enjoy themselves. Nearly two decades later, that idea is still at the heart of Bambanani.

This isn't just a restaurant with a jungle gym in the corner. There are indoor and outdoor play spaces, creative activities and dedicated childminders who keep an eye on the little ones while they play. Bambanani even expanded into the house across the road to create more garden space for children, with areas designed so parents can relax nearby while the kids do their thing.

And it almost disappeared. Bambanani announced its closure earlier in 2026, but reopened in August, which makes its place on this list feel even more fitting. For a lot of Joburg families, this isn't just somewhere to take the kids for lunch. It's a place they've been making memories for years.

Why it deserves a special mention:

• A proper family restaurant, not just a restaurant with a play area
• Indoor and outdoor spaces for kids to explore
• Creative activities and play experiences
• Dedicated childminders
• A place where parents can actually sit back and enjoy the outing too

Perfect for: Family lunches, playdates, birthdays and those days when you want the kids to have a good time without sacrificing your own.

6. Challenge Your Brain at Museum of Illusions

This isn't your typical museum.

Museum of Illusions combines science, psychology and photography into one interactive experience filled with optical illusions, puzzle rooms and gravity-defying installations.

Kids get to learn while playing, and parents usually end up taking just as many photos.

Expect plenty of "How is that even possible?" moments. Museum of Illusions Johannesburg

Don't miss:

• Infinity Room
• Tilted Room
• Vortex Tunnel
• Hologram exhibits

7. Become a Ninja at Total Ninja

If your kids dream of competing on Ninja Warrior, this is about as close as they'll get.

Total Ninja features obstacle courses, giant inflatables, climbing challenges and balance obstacles designed to test strength, agility and confidence.

It's active, exciting and surprisingly challenging for adults too.

Locations across Johannesburg make it an easy addition to your family weekend plans. Total Ninja Stoneridge Total Ninja Interactive Fourways Mall

Ideal for:

• Ages 5+
• Active families
• Birthday parties

8. Explore Johannesburg on the City Sightseeing Bus

Sometimes the best way to experience your own city is as a tourist.

The iconic red City Sightseeing bus lets families hop on and off at some of Johannesburg's biggest attractions including Constitution Hill, Gold Reef City, the Johannesburg Zoo and more.

Kids love riding on the open-top deck, while parents can enjoy seeing the city from a completely different perspective. City Sightseeing Johannesburg

Perfect for visitors and locals alike.

9. Visit Joburg's Best Weekend Markets

Markets aren't just for shopping.

Many of Johannesburg's markets include open lawns, live music, playgrounds, delicious food and plenty of space for children to run around while parents relax.

Our favourites include:

Fourways Farmers Market

Set on a beautiful outdoor property with food stalls, picnic spaces and plenty of room for kids to explore, this market is ideal for lazy weekend afternoons. 4 Ways Farmers Market

Prison Break Market

Food, desserts, live entertainment, unique stores and a relaxed atmosphere make this one of Joburg's most popular family-friendly weekend destinations. Prison Break Market

Other markets worth adding to your list include:

• Bryanston Market
• Rosebank Sunday Market
• Victoria Yards First Sunday
• Field Market

10. Learn to Ride at Cycle Lab Bike Park

Whether your child is learning to ride without training wheels or already loves mountain biking, Cycle Lab Bike Park offers one of the city's best cycling spaces.

The park includes beginner-friendly tracks, pump tracks, skills zones and trails that help riders build confidence while having fun.

Parents can ride alongside the kids or relax with a coffee nearby. Cycle Lab Bike Park

Perfect for:

• Beginner cyclists
• Family bike rides
• Outdoor weekends

11. Make a Day of It at Syringa Park

If you're looking for somewhere that ticks multiple boxes, Syringa Park deserves a spot near the top of your list.

Set in Muldersdrift, the lifestyle destination combines outdoor play areas, restaurants, go-karting, scooters, family activities and plenty of open space, making it easy to spend an entire day there without anyone getting bored. Syringa Park

It's especially great if you're planning a multigenerational outing where everyone wants something different.

12. Travel Through Space at the Wits Planetarium

The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome (formerly the Johannesburg Planetarium) has been transformed into one of Africa's most advanced digital domes.

Families can enjoy immersive astronomy shows, science presentations and full-dome experiences that make learning about space genuinely exciting.

It's educational without ever feeling like school. Wits Anglo American Digital Dome

Best for:

• Curious kids
• Future astronauts
• Rainy day adventures

13. Get Lost at Puzzle Park

Located at The Big Red Barn, Puzzle Park is a little different from your typical kids' outing.

The experience is built around puzzles, exploration and problem-solving. Families can take on the 3D Maze, which has plenty of twists and turns to navigate, or tackle the Forest Puzzle Walk, where you'll need to solve a series of challenges as you make your way through the course.

It's one of those activities where the adults don't just stand on the sidelines. Everyone gets involved.

Why we love it:

• A fun mix of physical activity and problem-solving
• Great for families to do together
• Located at The Big Red Barn
• Something different from the usual play park

14. Spend the Day at MiFitness Kids Park

If the kids need to burn some serious energy, MiFitness Kids at Syringa Park should be on your list.

The outdoor play park has four playgrounds, a zip line, obstacle courses, jumping castles, an inflatable soccer pitch and a splash pad. Its biggest attraction is the massive 300m² jumping pillow.

There is also food available on site, which makes it easy to turn a few hours of play into a proper family day out.

Perfect for:

• Active kids
• Playdates
• Birthday celebrations
• School holiday outings

15. Have Lunch While the Kids Play at Sass Café

A kid-friendly outing doesn't always have to mean spending the day at a play centre.

Sass Café in Bedfordview is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that gives parents and kids something to enjoy. The restaurant has a dedicated children's play area and a kiddies menu, while the adults can settle in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The outdoor setting and gardens also make it a good option when you're looking for a more relaxed family outing.

Why we love it:

• Dedicated kids' play area
• Kiddies menu
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• A proper meal for the parents too

16. Let the Kids Take Their Adults to JoyJozi

JoyJozi's whole concept is built around one simple idea: a place where kids can take their adults.

Located in Dunkeld, it's a family restaurant, playground and experiential space rolled into one. Kids can explore the gardens, treehouse, bike track, splash park, indoor play centre, mazes and games, while there are also spaces for toddlers, a reading room and an amphitheatre.

Meanwhile, the adults can actually sit down and enjoy a meal.

It might be one of the best examples in Joburg of an outing designed for the whole family, rather than just the kids.

Don't miss:

• Indoor and outdoor play spaces
• Treehouse and bike track
• Splash park
• Dedicated toddler area
• Games and reading spaces

17. Head Indoors at MaxFun

When the weather isn't playing along, MaxFun in Bruma is an easy option.

The indoor amusement park is designed around active entertainment and gives families a place to spend a few hours playing, moving and having fun without worrying about the weather.

It also works well for birthdays and weekend outings when you're looking for something more energetic than lunch and a movie.

18. Make It a Family Outing at Olé Olé

Located at Nine Yards in Parktown North, Olé Olé is a family-friendly restaurant that makes eating out with the kids a little easier.

The restaurant is part of the Nine Yards precinct and has a play area for the little ones, giving kids somewhere to keep themselves entertained while the adults settle in and enjoy a meal.

It’s a good option for a relaxed family lunch where you don't have to choose between taking the kids somewhere fun and actually sitting down for decent food.

Why we love it:

• Family-friendly restaurant
• Dedicated play area for kids
• Easy option for a weekend family lunch
• Located at Nine Yards in Parktown North