Gauteng is rolling out a packed calendar of Easter activities for kids in 2026, with egg hunts, family festivals and interactive shows taking place across Johannesburg and Pretoria. The programme is aimed at families looking for school holiday entertainment, with options ranging from free shopping centre activations to large-scale outdoor events.
The Easter period matters for parents because it creates a short window of structured activities during the school break. Organisers say demand for child-focused events has increased, with more venues offering dedicated kids zones, workshops and holiday programmes designed for different age groups.
ALSO READ: Gold Reef City Easter Market 2026: Free Family Event Set for Johannesburg This March
Easter Events for Kids in Gauteng: Key Dates and Where to Go
Several confirmed events are scheduled between late March and early April, aligning with the Easter weekend and school holidays.
Key kids-focused events include:
• Egoli Easter Family Festival in Johannesburg
• Italian Sporting Club Easter event on 28 March
• National Children’s Theatre holiday programmes
• Gold Reef City Easter Market (27 to 30 March)
These events are spread across multiple days, giving families flexibility to plan outings.
Easter Egg Hunts for Kids in Gauteng 2026
Easter egg hunts remain one of the most popular activities for children during the holiday period.
Confirmed and recurring venues include:
• Stonehaven on Vaal, hosting scheduled egg hunts across the weekend
• Italian Sporting Club, offering egg hunts alongside play areas and entertainment
• Family markets and pop-up events across Johannesburg
These events typically include:
• Chocolate egg hunts
• Outdoor play spaces
• Face painting and games
• Food stalls for families
Organisers say egg hunts are often combined with broader family activities to create full-day experiences.
Egoli Easter Family Festival: Carnival Rides and Kids Entertainment
The Egoli Easter Family Festival is positioned as one of the largest child-focused events in Gauteng.
According to organisers, the festival includes:
• Carnival rides and funfair attractions
• Water-based play zones
• A petting zoo
• Daily Easter egg hunts
• Live entertainment for children
The event is designed to cater to a wide age range, from toddlers to older children, with multiple activity zones operating simultaneously.
Free Easter Activities for Kids in Gauteng
Free activities remain an important option for families during the Easter period.
The Bedford Centre Kids Easter Garden is one of the confirmed free-entry events.
Activities include:
• Arts and crafts stations
• Colouring and creative play
• Scavenger hunts
• Open participation for children
Additional shopping centre activations across Gauteng are expected to offer similar experiences, including themed play areas and seasonal installations.
These events are typically designed for younger children and do not require advance booking.
Theatre Shows and Holiday Programmes for Children
Indoor entertainment and educational experiences are also part of the Easter offering.
The National Children’s Theatre and People’s Theatre will host:
• Interactive stage productions
• Seasonal performances such as Seussical Jr
• Holiday workshops and creative programmes
The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome is also offering immersive shows that combine education and entertainment.
These programmes are aligned with school holidays and provide structured activities for children during weekdays.
Outdoor Family Activities and Kid-Friendly Destinations
Families looking for less structured outings can also consider Gauteng’s outdoor spaces.
Popular options include:
• Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake for picnics and play
• Voortrekker Monument programmes for children
• Water parks such as Happy Island Water Park
These locations offer flexible, self-paced activities that can be combined with other Easter events.
Markets and Pop-Ups with Kids Activities
Markets and pop-up events are a key part of Easter weekend programming in Gauteng.
Events include:
• Gold Reef City Easter Market
• Prison Break Market Easter activities
• HeartSpace Easter Night Market
These markets often include:
• Kids play areas
• Craft activities
• Food stalls and treats
• Live entertainment
Some markets also host mini egg hunts or themed activities for children.
What This Means for Gauteng Families
The Easter 2026 calendar reflects a growing focus on child-friendly entertainment across Gauteng.
For families, this means:
• A wide range of activities for different budgets
• Increased availability of free events for children
• More structured holiday programmes during the school break
• Opportunities to combine entertainment, education and outdoor activities
The clustering of events over a short period also allows families to plan multiple outings without travelling far.
Easter Activities for Kids in Gauteng 2026 FAQ
When are Easter activities taking place in Gauteng
Most events are scheduled between late March and early April 2026, aligning with the Easter weekend and school holidays.
Are there free Easter activities for kids in Gauteng
Yes. Several shopping centres and markets offer free-entry activities, including arts and crafts and play areas.
Where can kids take part in Easter egg hunts
Egg hunts are hosted at venues such as Stonehaven on Vaal, Italian Sporting Club and various family markets.
Are there indoor activities for children
Yes. Theatres and venues like the Digital Dome offer shows and educational experiences during the holidays.
What are the best large events for kids
The Egoli Easter Family Festival and Gold Reef City Easter Market are among the larger events offering multiple activities in one location.
What Happens Next
With Easter approaching, organisers are expected to release final schedules and booking details for individual events.
Parents planning to attend may also see updates on capacity limits, safety measures and event timings as the holiday period begins.
The performance of the 2026 Easter programme may influence how future school holiday events are structured across Gauteng, particularly as demand for child-focused experiences continues to grow.
