Summer is back in Gauteng, and with temperatures climbing, families are already looking for ways to cool off. From slide-packed resorts in Pretoria East and Krugersdorp to an indoor water park in the Vaal and community pools across Johannesburg, there are plenty of places to make a splash this season.
We’ve checked the latest 2026/27 prices, opening dates and rules so you can plan your day out before you pack the cooler box. Many venues now require pre-booking and accept card payments only, so it pays to check before you go.
We’ve checked the latest 2026/27 prices, opening dates and rules. Many venues now require pre-booking and accept card payments only, so check before you go.
Gauteng Water Parks At A Glance
| Venue | Area | Adult entry | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pines Resort | Krugersdorp | R180 (public holidays R220) | 5 Sep 2026 to 24 Apr 2027 |
| Cedar Junction | Pretoria East | R150 (peak days R200) | Sep 2026 to Apr 2027 |
| Hennopspride | Hennops River, Centurion | R150 (public holidays R200) | Weekends and holidays |
| Wild Waters | Boksburg | Check when booking | 10 Oct 2026 to 31 Mar 2027 |
| Aquadome at Emerald | Vanderbijlpark | R80 weekdays, R150 weekends | Year-round (indoor) |
The Best Water Parks In Gauteng
1. Pines Resort, Krugersdorp
Pines Resort in Silverfields is one of the West Rand’s favourite summer spots, with something for every age.
What to expect:
- Big slides for children aged eight and older
- Kiddies’ slides for ages three to seven
- Splash pad and toddler pools
- 350 m rope course
- Lifeguards on duty
2026/27 prices:
- Ages eight to adult: R180 (public holidays R220)
- Ages three to seven: R120 (R160)
- 13 months to two years: R90 (R130)
- Pensioners: R100 (R140)
- Water park and rope course combo: R330 (R370)
Season and hours:
- Weekends, selected public holidays and school holiday days
- 5 September 2026 to 24 April 2027
- Gates open 09:00, slides from 09:30, resort closes 17:00
Good to know:
- Tickets must be bought in advance through Webtickets, Pick n Pay or Boxer
- No ticket sales at the gate
- Own food allowed in plastic containers
- Braai stands are first come, first served
- No glass or outside alcohol
2. Cedar Junction, Pretoria East
Cedar Junction in Zwavelpoort, about 8 km east of the Solomon Mahlangu Drive intersection on Lynnwood Road, is built for big family days out.
What to expect:
- Three pool areas with 18 slides in total
- Lazy river and speed slides
- Baby pool
- 1,2 km miniature train ride
- Fairground rides
2026/27 prices:
- Adults: R150
- Children aged two to 12: R130
- 16, 25 and 26 December 2026 and 1 January 2027: R200 for adults, R150 for children
Season and hours:
- September 2026 to April 2027
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00 to 17:00
- Weekdays: 10:00 to 17:00, for groups of 50 or more only
Good to know:
- Bookings required for every visit
- Card payments only
- Cooler boxes welcome
- Charcoal braais only, no wood
- Lapas can be booked from R300 to R800
ALSO READ: Gold Reef City Entrance Fee: How To Buy Tickets
3. Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort, Centurion
[IMAGE]
- Alt text: Pools and slides at Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort near Centurion
- Caption: Hennopspride has nine pools and 20 slides along the Hennops River. Image: Hennopspride
- Source: hennopspride.co.za or Hennopspride social media
Set along the Hennops River on the R511, Hennopspride combines a water park with outdoor activities.
What to expect:
- Nine pools and 20 slides
- Train rides
- 5 km hiking trail
Prices:
- Adults: R150 (public holidays R200)
- Children aged two to 12: R130 (R150)
- Pensioners: R130 (R150)
Season and hours:
- Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and school holidays: 09:00 to 17:00
- Weekdays by appointment
- Pools closed from 1 June to 31 July
Good to know:
- Card payments only
- Lapas and braai areas must be booked in advance
- Charcoal braais only, and the kiosk sells charcoal and ice
- No music, pets or glass
4. Wild Waters, Boksburg
[IMAGE]
- Alt text: Supertube water slide at Wild Waters in Boksburg
- Caption: Wild Waters is a long-time East Rand favourite. Image: City of Ekurhuleni
- Source: City of Ekurhuleni media office or Wild Waters social media
Owned by the City of Ekurhuleni, Wild Waters in Bardene, Boksburg, has been entertaining East Rand families for years.
What to expect:
- Raging rapids body-board slide
- 500 m supertube
- Pools for younger children
- Putt-putt and volleyball
Season and hours:
- 10 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
- 09:00 to 17:00
Good to know:
- Tickets are sold online through Howler
- Some slides were closed during the previous season, so check what’s running before you go
- Food rules have changed in recent seasons, so read the ticket terms before packing a picnic
5. Aquadome At Emerald Resort And Casino, Vanderbijlpark
The Aquadome in the Vaal is Gauteng’s go-to indoor water park, perfect for rainy days or avoiding the midday sun.
What to expect:
- Climate-controlled, heated pools
- Waterslide and shipwreck play feature
- Lazy river
- Adventure golf and wall climbing included in entry
Prices:
- Weekdays (excluding holidays): R80 for adults, R70 for children under 12, pensioners and chalet guests
- Weekends, school holidays and public holidays: R150 for adults, R90 reduced rate
Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 to 18:00
- Weekends and holidays: two sessions, 09:30 to 14:30 and 15:00 to 20:00
- Closed on the mornings of 6, 17 and 18 November 2026 for private bookings
Good to know:
- Cashless venue
- No outside food, drinks, alcohol or braais
- Food available at the resort
Public Swimming Pools In Gauteng
Municipal pools are the most affordable way to cool off, but opening dates vary and some pools are still closed for repairs.
Johannesburg
- The 2026/27 season was delayed from 1 September to October 2026 for maintenance and safety work
- Pools are reopening in phases, starting with 15 and growing to 35
- The City has 57 public pools in total
- Heated pools: Ellis Park, Linden, Pimville, Pioneer Park and Coronationville
- 2026/27 fees had not been announced at the time of writing. In 2025/26, entry started at R7 for children and R21 for adults
Community favourites:
- Zoo Lake pool, Parkview: first opened in 1928, reopened on 14 September 2026 after volunteers raised R66 000 for repairs
- Blairgowrie pool: renovated by the community and allowed to open for the season
Tshwane
- Hillcrest Swimming Pool: Pretoria’s only 50 m competition pool, popular with lap swimmers
- Zita Park Paddling Pool, Garsfontein: free and popular with young families
- The City had not published its full 2026/27 pool schedule at the time of writing, so check before visiting
Ekurhuleni
- 37 municipal pools across the metro
- Many were closed last season because of vandalism, chlorine shortages and maintenance
- Check with your local customer care centre to find out which pools are open
Worth The Drive: Harties Holiday Resort
If you don’t mind crossing into North West, Harties Holiday Resort on Old Rustenburg Road in Hartbeespoort has water slides and kiddies’ pools.
- Adults: R150
- Children aged two to 12 and pensioners: R130
- 16, 25 and 26 December 2026 and 1 January 2027: R200 and R150
- Card payments only
What About Mzansi Happy Island?
Mzansi Happy Island Theme Park in Muldersdrift, formerly Happy Island Water World, was known for its wave pools and high-speed slides. We could not confirm its 2026/27 opening dates or prices, so contact the park directly before planning a visit.
Stay Safe In The Water This Summer
Water parks and public pools with lifeguards are the safest places to swim. Gauteng’s rivers and dams are not.
Why rivers and dams are risky:
- In January 2025, the Department of Water and Sanitation warned against water contact sports in any river in Gauteng because of pollution and algal blooms
- Testing in April 2026 found dangerously high E. coli levels in the Kaalspruit, which feeds into the Hennops River
- Police recovered 28 bodies from Gauteng waters during the 2024/25 festive season, including at Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Roodeplaat Dam, the Vaal River and the Hennops River
Safety tips for families:
- Always watch children in and around water, even in shallow pools
- Swim only where lifeguards are on duty
- Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising children
- Never dive into water when you don’t know how deep it is
- Stay away from rivers and dams, especially after heavy rain
- Teach children to swim and learn basic CPR
- Use sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water
Tips For Planning Your Water Park Day
- Book ahead: Pines Resort and Cedar Junction require bookings, and holidays sell out fast
- Bring your bank card: Cedar Junction, Hennopspride and the Aquadome don’t accept cash
- Check the food rules: Some venues welcome cooler boxes, while the Aquadome doesn’t allow outside food
- Arrive early: Gates usually open at 09:00, and shaded spots go quickly
- Pack a gazebo: Shade can be limited at outdoor parks
- Watch the weather: Afternoon thunderstorms can close slides, so aim for mornings
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Water Park In Gauteng For Toddlers?
Pines Resort has toddler pools, a splash pad and kiddies’ slides. Cedar Junction has a baby pool and train rides, and the indoor Aquadome is a good option on cooler or rainy days.
How Much Does It Cost To Go To A Water Park In Gauteng?
Adult day entry at most Gauteng water parks costs between R150 and R180 on regular days for 2026/27, rising to R200 to R220 on public holidays. The Aquadome costs R80 for adults on weekdays.
Is There An Indoor Water Park In Gauteng?
Yes. The Aquadome at Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark is an indoor, climate-controlled water park that is open all year.
When Do Johannesburg Public Pools Open For 2026/27?
The City of Johannesburg delayed the opening to October 2026 and is reopening pools in phases. Check the City’s website or social media for the latest list of open pools.
Can I Swim In Gauteng’s Rivers And Dams?
It is not recommended. The Department of Water and Sanitation has warned against water contact sports in Gauteng’s rivers because of pollution, and drownings in dams and rivers are common in summer.
Can I Bring My Own Food To Gauteng Water Parks?
It depends on the venue. Pines Resort and Cedar Junction allow your own food, with braai areas available. The Aquadome does not allow outside food or drinks.
Make A Splash This Summer
Whether it’s a full day of slides in Pretoria East, a lazy afternoon at your local pool or an indoor escape in the Vaal, Gauteng has plenty of ways to beat the heat. Book early, check the rules before you go and keep a close eye on little ones in the water.
