Gauteng offers a vibrant mix of winter attractions and family-friendly, child-friendly activities that promise fun and excitement for all ages. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and cozy indoor fun, the province offers a number of options to beat the winter chill. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 winter activities to enjoy in Gauteng this 2025 Winter season.
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1. Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Location: Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Streets, Newtown, Johannesburg
Operating Hours: 9am – 4:30pm
Description: Sci-Bono is Southern Africa’s largest science centre, featuring over 350 interactive maths, science, and technology exhibits. It offers dynamic learning experiences for children and families, including climbing walls, hands-on experiments, and regular educational programmes. The centre is ideal for curious minds eager to explore science in a fun, engaging environment. A coffee shop on-site adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
Entrance Fee: Website
Website: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
2. Sterkfontein Caves
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Location: Kromdraai Rd, Sterkfontein, Krugersdorp
Operating Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
Description: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with guided tours showcasing important archaeological finds like the “Mrs. Ples” skull. Educational and captivating for all ages.
Entrance Fee: Adults R150, Children R125
Website: Sterkfontein Caves
3. Apartheid Museum
Location: Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg South
Operating Hours: 9am – 5pm daily
Description: A profound journey through South Africa’s history, ideal for families wanting to learn about the country’s past.
Entrance Fee: Adults R170, Children R120
Website: Apartheid Museum
4. Johannesburg Zoo and Pretoria Zoo
Locations:
- Johannesburg Zoo: Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive, Parkview, Johannesburg
- Pretoria Zoo: 232 Boom Street, Pretoria
Operating Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm | 9:00am – 4:30pm daily (respectively)
Description:
Johannesburg Zoo, situated in Parkview, covers 55 hectares and is home to over 320 species, totaling about 2,000 animals. It features educational programmes, guided tours, and family-friendly events throughout the year. Pretoria Zoo offers similarly diverse animal exhibits and facilities, making both zoos excellent choices for winter family outings to connect with wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities.
Entrance Fees: Johannesburg Zoo | Pretoria Zoo
Websites: Johannesburg Zoo | Pretoria Zoo
5. Gold Reef City – Theme Park
Location: Cnr Northern Parkway and Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg South
Operating Hours: 10am – 5pm daily
Description: Theme park with thrilling rides, historical tours, and entertainment for all ages.
Entrance Fee: R295 (Free on the day of your birthday – present valid ID)
Website: Gold Reef City
6. Museum Africa
Location: 121 Lillian Ngoyi (formerly Bree) Street, Newtown, Johannesburg
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm; Closed on Mondays and public holidays
Description: Museum Africa is Johannesburg’s premier cultural and historical museum, offering fascinating exhibitions that explore South Africa’s rich heritage. Visitors can discover artefacts, photographs, and multimedia displays covering topics such as apartheid history, indigenous cultures, and urban development. The museum provides an educational and engaging experience for families and history enthusiasts, making it an ideal indoor winter activity. Free guided tours are often available, enhancing the learning experience.
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: Museum Africa
7. Paintball at Soweto Towers
Location: Soweto Towers, Soweto, Johannesburg
Operating Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am – 6pm (booking recommended)
Description: Experience the thrill of paintball at Soweto Towers, an exciting outdoor activity perfect for families, friends, and groups looking for adventure this winter. The venue offers well-maintained paintball fields with safety gear and professional supervision. Whether you are a beginner or experienced player, paintball provides a fun and active way to bond and enjoy the outdoors during the cooler months. Packages are available for different group sizes and ages.
Entrance Fee: R160 per player, per session & R200 for onsite payment (R20 Mandatory Entrance Fee)
Website: Soweto Towers Paintball
8. Ten Pin Bowling and Laser Tag at The Fun Company
Location: Multiple venues across Gauteng; main locations include Fourways and Pretoria
Operating Hours: Typically 10am – 9pm daily (varies by venue)
Description:
The Fun Company offers an all-in-one entertainment destination featuring both ten pin bowling and laser tag, making it a perfect winter outing for families, friends, and groups.
Entrance Fee: Ten Pin Bowling | Laser Tag
Website: The Fun Company
Ten Pin Bowling:
Enjoy a lively atmosphere at modern bowling alleys equipped with advanced electronic scoring and video simulations suitable for all ages. Ten pin bowling combines social interaction, physical activity, and friendly competition. Whether you’re aiming for strikes or just having fun knocking down pins, the game requires no special skills-just enthusiasm! The vibrant setting ensures a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.
Laser Tag:
Step into a thrilling laser tag arena where players navigate themed battle zones using laser guns in a safe, supervised environment. Laser tag is ideal for children, teens, and adults seeking an action-packed adventure. It encourages teamwork, strategy, and active play, providing hours of excitement indoors during the colder months.
9. Roller Skating Arenas
Location: Westgate Shopping Centre, Entrance 5 – 2nd level Parking, 120 Ontdekkers Road Roodepoort
Operating Hours: Website
Description: Roller skating is a fun, energetic indoor activity perfect for families and friends looking to stay active during the winter months. Roller Skate Arenas offer safe, well-maintained rinks with skate rentals, music, and vibrant atmospheres suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, these arenas provide an exciting way to enjoy winter entertainment while keeping warm indoors.
Entrance Fee: R175
Website: Roller Skate Arenas
10. National Children’s Theatre Winter Productions
Location: NCT Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, and on tour to schools across Gauteng
Description: This winter, the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) presents two captivating productions designed especially for children and families.
Entrance Fee: R60 – R120 (varies by production and venue)
Operating Hours: Showtimes vary; typically weekend matinees and evening performances
Website: National Children’s Theatre
School Bookings:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011 484 1584
Rhymes and Rhythms: From Mother Goose to Dr Seuss!
Back by popular demand, this musical spectacle invites young theatre lovers aged 3 to 7 (and their families) to dive into a world of nursery rhymes with a modern twist. Nursery rhymes are more than just fun-they play a vital role in early childhood development. Research shows that children who know eight nursery rhymes by age four often become the best readers by age eight. Rhymes boost language development, social skills, memory, and more. This enchanting production brings to life the stories we all know and love, encouraging children to sing along and engage with timeless rhymes that have shaped generations.
When: 18 June – 27 June 2025
Ages: 3 to 7 years, families, and schools
The Railway Children
This poignant wartime story follows siblings Roberta (“Bobbie”), Peter, and Phyllis, who move from London to the countryside after their father is falsely accused of spying and imprisoned. Near their new home by the railway, the children befriend an old gentleman who takes the 9:15am train and ultimately helps prove their father’s innocence. Told through the children’s eyes, the play explores themes of family, resilience, and human connection-values that remain relevant today. It highlights how adversity can inspire strength and community, making it a valuable experience for children, families, and schools.
When: 18 June – 27 June 2025
Ages: 8 to 15 years, families, and schools
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
CHECK OUT: Gauteng’s Nature Reserves: All You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Outdoor Escape
Have Fun!
Gauteng’s winter attractions are packed with exciting activities for every interest and age group this season – keep the kids entertained during the holidays. Whether you prefer exploring nature, or enjoying cultural experiences, the province offers plenty to keep you entertained and warm. Plan your winter itinerary now and make lasting family memories.
Note: Please check individual websites for the latest updates on operating hours and ticket prices.
