Kids’ School Holidays in Sandton: What to Do, Where to Go and How to Keep the Kids Busy
School holidays in Sandton and the greater Johannesburg area are a perfect opportunity for families to slow down, explore, and spend quality time together, but they can also be challenging to plan day after day. Fortunately, this region offers one of the most diverse ranges of family-friendly activities in South Africa, all within easy reach of Sandton.
From hands-on science centres and live theatre productions to trampoline parks, roller skating rinks, outdoor adventures, interactive dining, and even underground cave explorations, there is something to suit every age, energy level, and interest.
Whether you are planning full-day excursions, quick afternoon outings, or a mix of both, this guide brings together everything you need in one place so you can keep the kids entertained, engaged, and active throughout the holidays without running out of ideas.
Wits Sterkfontein Caves Adventure
Sterkfontein Caves
Address: Kromdraai Rd, Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg
When: Tue–Sun, 9am–4pm (closed Mondays)
Cost: Approx. R120–R200pp
Why kids will love it:
It feels like stepping into a real-life underground adventure. Narrow tunnels, ancient rock formations, and fossil discoveries make it exciting and slightly mysterious.
What to expect:
Guided tours through one of the world’s most important fossil sites, part of the UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind.
Bounce Trampoline Parks
Address: Fourways Mall, William Nicol Dr & Fourways Blvd, Fourways
When:
Fourways: School holidays 9am–6/7pm
Mall of Africa: Daily 8am–9pm
Cost: From R50pp
Why kids will love it:
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, basketball lanes, dodgeball courts, and endless jumping freedom.
What to expect:
A high-energy indoor activity park designed for both fun and fitness in a safe, supervised environment.
Adventure Golf (Mini Putt-Putt)
Adventure Golf Johannesburg
Locations: Fourways, Randburg, Stoneridge, Hillfox
When: Mon–Sun (hours vary 9am–10pm depending on day)
Cost: Adults R150 | Kids R120 | Under 7s R80
Why kids will love it:
Colourful themed courses, tricky obstacles, and friendly family competition.
What to expect:
A relaxed outdoor activity perfect for all ages and a great way to slow the pace of a busy holiday.
RollEgoli Roller Rink
Address: 296 Main Rd, Bryanston
When: Daily with extended weekend hours
Cost: R110 entry + R50 skate hire
Why kids will love it:
Music, lights, skating fun, and a party-like atmosphere on wheels.
What to expect:
A lively indoor rink with beginner aids, safe supervision, and a fun social environment.
JoyJozi Family Dining & Play
Location: Dunkeld
When: Wed–Sun (school holidays 11am–9pm)
Why kids will love it:
Play areas, games, and entertainment built into the dining experience.
What to expect:
A modern family restaurant where children stay entertained and parents can enjoy a relaxed meal.
Theatre & Live Shows
Irene Village Theatre
Show: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
When: 19 Mar – 18 Apr 2026
Cost: From R140pp
Why kids will love it:
Colourful characters, music, and a magical storyline.
Peoples Theatre at Joburg Theatre
Show: Shrek the Musical JR
When: 10 Mar – 19 Apr 2026
Why kids will love it:
Funny characters, songs, and a familiar fairytale adventure.
Cinemas & Indoor Entertainment
Ster-Kinekor Sandton City
Nu Metro Hyde Park
Why kids will love it:
Big-screen animated films, popcorn, and immersive sound.
What to expect:
Easy, relaxing entertainment for slower-paced holiday days.
Science, Museums & Learning
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Address: Corner Miriam Makeba St & Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Cost: Typically from R50–R100pp depending on exhibitions and programmes
When: Tuesday to Sunday (hours vary, usually 9am–4pm)
Why kids will love it:
Sci-Bono feels like a giant science playground. Kids can press buttons, build experiments, test physics in action, and explore interactive exhibits that respond to movement and touch. It turns learning into a hands-on adventure rather than a classroom experience.
What to expect:
One of the largest science centres in Africa, featuring over 350 interactive exhibits across subjects like physics, engineering, electricity, robotics, and maths. School holiday programmes often include workshops, live demonstrations, and guided learning sessions designed specifically for children. It is educational, but never boring.
Wits Digital Dome
Address: Yale Rd, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein
Cost: Usually from R40–R100pp depending on show
When: Scheduled dome shows during weekends and school holidays
Why kids will love it:
The massive dome screen surrounds the audience, making kids feel like they are flying through space, diving into oceans, or travelling through galaxies. It is immersive, visual, and magical.
What to expect:
A full-dome cinema experience used for astronomy shows, educational films, and storytelling experiences. It combines science, space exploration, and visual effects to create an unforgettable sensory experience for children of all ages.
Museum of Illusions Johannesburg
Address: 280 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg
Cost: From approximately R120–R180pp
When: Daily, typically 9am–7pm
Why kids will love it:
Nothing is as it seems here. Kids can walk on ceilings, shrink in rooms, disappear in mirrors, and take playful optical illusion photos. It feels like stepping into a real-life magic trick.
What to expect:
A modern interactive museum filled with optical illusions, brain puzzles, and hands-on exhibits designed for fun photo moments and learning how perception works. It is especially popular with older kids and teenagers who enjoy social media-friendly experiences.
Outdoor Family Fun
Johannesburg Zoo
Address: Upper Park Dr, Parkview, Johannesburg
Cost: Around R80–R200pp depending on age and specials
When: Daily, 8:30am–5:30pm
Why kids will love it:
Seeing real animals up close, from lions and tigers to giraffes, elephants, and monkeys, is always a highlight. Feeding times and animal talks make the experience even more exciting.
What to expect:
A large, well-established zoo with more than 300 species, shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and educational animal encounters. It is a full-day outing ideal for families.
Delta Park
Address: 77 Craighall Rd, Victory Park, Randburg
Cost: Free entry
When: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Why kids will love it:
Wide open spaces mean freedom to run, cycle, climb trees, and explore nature. It feels like a mini escape from the city.
What to expect:
One of Johannesburg’s largest parks, featuring walking trails, cycling routes, birdwatching areas, picnic spots, and a peaceful dam. It is perfect for low-cost, relaxed family time outdoors.
City Adventure
City Sightseeing Johannesburg
Address (main stop): 69A Oxford Rd, Rosebank (Holiday Inn stop)
Cost: From R220–R400 per person depending on ticket type
When: Daily departures from 9am to 3pm
Why kids will love it:
Riding on an open-top red bus makes the city feel like a real adventure. Kids love sitting upstairs, feeling the wind, and spotting landmarks along the way.
What to expect:
A hop-on hop-off guided bus tour covering Johannesburg’s top attractions including museums, parks, cultural sites, and viewpoints. Audio guides make it informative but still fun for families. Hotel pickups are also available from Sandton-area hotels.
Acrobranch
Locations: Melrose, Modderfontein, Centurion, and other Johannesburg parks
Cost: From approx. R150–R350 per course
When: Daily (weather dependent), typically 9am–5pm
Why kids will love it:
Zip lines, rope bridges, climbing nets, and treetop obstacle courses make kids feel like adventurers in a jungle playground.
What to expect:
Outdoor adventure parks with multiple difficulty levels for different ages. Safety harnesses and trained staff ensure a secure but exciting experience.
🏁 Conclusion: Making School Holidays Effortless with WeStay
School holidays in Sandton offer an unbeatable variety of experiences, from outdoor adventures and educational attractions to indoor play centres, live theatre, and creative dining experiences. The key to enjoying it all is having a comfortable, convenient base that keeps everything within easy reach.
That is where WeStay makes all the difference.
WeStay offers fully serviced, modern apartments in prime Sandton locations, designed specifically for families, business travellers, and short-stay guests. With spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, fast Wi-Fi, and hotel-style convenience, families have everything they need to feel at home while staying close to all major attractions.
Instead of rushing across the city, families staying with WeStay can easily move between activities like Bounce, JoyJozi, RollEgoli, museums, and theatre shows, all while returning to a comfortable space to relax, recharge, and plan the next day’s adventure.
For families looking to turn school holidays into a stress-free, memorable experience, WeStay provides the perfect base in the heart of Sandton.
