Gauteng families can choose from dinosaur exhibitions, animal encounters, creative workshops and supervised holiday programmes between 23 September and 11 October 2026. Activities are scheduled across Springs, Johannesburg, Centurion, Sandton and Kempton Park, with advertised prices ranging from R100 per day for a school holiday programme to R300 for a dinosaur festival ticket purchased at the entrance. Parents should check dates, age limits, operating hours and what each fee includes before booking, particularly where additional activities carry separate charges.
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Dinosaur World Festival comes to Springs Mall
The Dinosaur World Festival is scheduled to run at Springs Mall from 24 September to 11 October 2026, with daily operating hours advertised as 09:00 to 17:00.
Organisers say the exhibition will feature moving dinosaur models alongside static displays. Visitors can choose between two exhibition sections, depending on the ticket purchased.
The Dino Expo features medium sized animatronic dinosaurs with sound and movement. Jurassic Giants includes larger displays, with organisers advertising a 12 metre Tyrannosaurus rex and a 20 metre Australotitan model.
Standard online admission prices advertised after 20 September are R120 per person for either individual exhibition section, R136.25 for a Silver ticket and R204.22 for a Gold ticket.
Silver tickets provide access to one exhibition section, while Gold tickets cover both. The advertised packages also include selected activities, but some rides require separate payment.
Additional activities include dinosaur rides, playgrounds, Jurassic cars, an electric train and other amusement rides. These cost between R50 and R100 per activity, according to the organisers.
Entrance tickets purchased at the venue are advertised at R150 for Silver and R300 for Gold. Children younger than ten months enter free, while the organisers define children as visitors aged 14 and younger.
Booking: tickets.dinoworldmzansi.com
Farm Adventure in Centurion offers animal encounters
A Farm Adventure holiday programme is scheduled for 28 September to 2 October 2026 in Leazonia, Centurion.
The programme runs from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday, and includes horse riding, horse care, animal encounters and an introduction to farm chores.
Children will also have opportunities to explore farm life through practical activities. The programme is advertised as an outdoor experience where participants can learn about caring for animals.
Organisers have limited attendance to six participants per day.
The advertised fee is R500 per day or R2,000 for the full five day programme.
Parents are asked to pack closed shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, lunch, snacks and sufficient drinks.
Bookings: Annelicia on 066 269 1021.
Joburg Zoo runs holiday activities for children aged 7 to 13
Joburg Zoo will host a holiday programme from 28 to 30 September and again on 1 and 2 October 2026.
The programme runs from 09:00 to 13:00 on each advertised date and is intended for children aged seven to 13.
Activities include animal feeding and enrichment, crafts and games. The programme combines outdoor activities with opportunities for children to learn about animals.
The advertised fee is R153. The event information does not specify whether this is a daily fee or covers multiple sessions, so parents should confirm the total cost when booking.
Booking is essential.
Bookings: Lebo Mokgawa at [email protected].
Club Engage Holiday Club in Sandton offers full and half day care
Club Engage will run a holiday club at Cherry Blossom Nursery School in Sandton from 25 September to 5 October 2026.
The programme is open to children aged two to eight, including children who do not attend the nursery school.
A full day runs from 07:00 to 17:30 and costs R270. A half day runs from 07:00 to 13:00 and costs R240. Lunch is included in the advertised fees.
The programme has a different theme for each advertised activity day:
| Date | Theme |
|---|---|
| 25 September | Spring Awakening |
| 28 September | Rainbow Garden |
| 29 September | Busy Bee Builders |
| 30 September | Blooming Science |
| 1 October | Little Garden Chefs |
| 2 October | Butterfly Adventure |
| 5 October | All About the Sun |
The programme may be relevant to parents who need care during working hours. Families should confirm availability for their preferred dates and ask about any requirements for younger children.
Bookings: clubengage.co.za
Enquiries: Elisha Chetty on 071 370 1453.
Little Rangers Holiday Programme in Kempton Park
Little Rangers will offer a holiday programme from 23 September to 6 October 2026 at 66 Dann Road, Aston Manor, Kempton Park.
The programme is open to children from all schools and costs R100 per day.
Advertised activities include creative workshops, games, sports and free play. Organisers say places are limited.
The information provided does not specify daily drop off and collection times, an age range or whether meals are included. Parents should confirm these details directly before making arrangements.
Contact: 078 839 6253
Email: [email protected]
Indoor entertainment at The Zone in Rosebank
Families looking for activities outside organised holiday programmes can also consider the entertainment venues listed at The Zone in Rosebank.
The centre’s entertainment directory includes The Fun Company, Cracker Zac’s, the Museum of Illusions and Ster Kinekor. City Sightseeing is also listed in the directory.
These venues offer alternatives for families who prefer to arrange activities around their own schedules rather than book a full day programme.
The supplied directory does not confirm September holiday specials, admission prices, age restrictions or individual operating hours. Families should check these details with each venue before visiting.
Compare Gauteng school holiday activities and prices
| Activity | Location | Dates | Advertised price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinosaur World Festival | Springs Mall | 24 September to 11 October | From R120 per person online for one exhibition section |
| Farm Adventure | Leazonia, Centurion | 28 September to 2 October | R500 per day or R2,000 for five days |
| Joburg Zoo Holiday Fun | Johannesburg | 28 September to 2 October | R153, fee basis to be confirmed |
| Club Engage Holiday Club | Sandton | 25 September to 5 October | R240 half day or R270 full day |
| Little Rangers | Kempton Park | 23 September to 6 October | R100 per day |
| The Zone entertainment venues | Rosebank | Check with individual venues | Prices vary |
Prices are those advertised in the event information supplied for September and October 2026. Families should confirm current rates and availability before paying.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The advertised activities give Gauteng parents several ways to plan around the spring school holiday period, whether they need supervised care during working hours or activities for a family outing.
The options also differ considerably in cost. Little Rangers advertises a R100 daily fee, while Club Engage offers half and full day care with lunch included. The farm programme has a higher daily fee but offers a reduced price for booking all five days.
For families planning a once off outing, the dinosaur exhibition and entertainment venues in Rosebank provide alternatives to structured holiday clubs. However, dinosaur festival visitors should account for the additional cost of rides and other activities not included in their admission package.
Age restrictions are another consideration. Club Engage caters for children aged two to eight, while the Joburg Zoo programme is intended for ages seven to 13. Parents should confirm suitability with the organisers of programmes that have not published an age range.
Before booking, families should also establish collection arrangements, supervision details, meal provisions, cancellation conditions and whether the advertised fee covers every activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can children do in Gauteng during the September 2026 school holidays?
Advertised activities include the Dinosaur World Festival at Springs Mall, Farm Adventure in Centurion, a Joburg Zoo holiday programme, Club Engage in Sandton and Little Rangers in Kempton Park. The Zone in Rosebank also lists several entertainment venues.
Which advertised holiday programme costs R100 per day?
Little Rangers in Kempton Park advertises a fee of R100 per day for its programme running from 23 September to 6 October 2026.
Are there holiday activities for younger children?
Club Engage in Sandton accepts children aged two to eight. Parents should confirm age requirements directly with other organisers where these have not been specified.
Does the Dinosaur World Festival ticket include all rides?
No. Organisers say some additional activities cost between R50 and R100 per person. Families should check the inclusions for their chosen ticket category.
Do parents need to book in advance?
Joburg Zoo states that booking is essential, while Farm Adventure has only six places available per day. Other organisers also advertise limited places or online ticket sales. Families should confirm availability before travelling.
Plan Around Dates, Costs and Age Requirements
Gauteng’s advertised spring holiday activities cover a range of interests, from animal care and outdoor learning to creative workshops and dinosaur displays.
Families choosing between them should compare the total cost, programme duration and suitability for their children’s ages. Confirming booking details directly with organisers will help avoid unexpected charges or arriving when a session is unavailable.
