Dance Party
In The City:
Is your little one a future prima ballerina or hip-hop star? Why not enroll them in a dance class to work off those winter jitter bugs? There are many great dance studios situated all around Joburg. However, if you are looking for a school that offers a range of dance styles, look no further then
Katz School of Dance. They teach modern dance, Tap, Ballet, Ballroom, Latin American, Spanish, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, belly dancing, Salsa, Indian dancing, Break dance and Afro Fusion! Plus, if your little star is interested in acting, they also teach Drama and Musical Theatre. They are situated in Hurlingham, Sandton.
Details: 011 886 0529 | Sandhurst Centre, 61 Woodlands Avenue & Republic Road, Hurlingham, Sandton, Johannesburg.
DIY:
Alternatively, host a do-it-yourself dance party at home. Invite the kids' friends around, and maybe a couple of your own friends, too. Let the kids choose their favourite songs to dance to and create a playlist tailored for them. Or, go completely old-school and set up an interactive dance mat. You are sure to get a few good laughs out of this one. All the while the kids will be having fun, and getting exercise without even realising it.
Bounce
In The City:
Trampolining is one of the best ways to have fun while burning off some steam. Kids love it, too. Take them along to
Bounce Inc. at the Waterfall Lifestyle Centre for a bounce session unlike any other. If you are nimble enough, join in on the fun. Sessions cost between *R140 - *R500.
Click here to book a session.
Details: 011 517 2500 | Waterfall Lifestyle Centre, Cnr Waterfall Drive & Country Drive, Midrand, Johannesburg.
DIY:
You could also splurge and buy the kids a trampoline set of their own. They are bound to have endless hours of fun. But, make sure to supervise them at all times and place the trampoline out of direct sunlight to avoid ruining the tarp before the guarantee runs out. Check out
Game's range of trampolines for a great deal.
Climb
Kids will climb almost anything - from trees to jungle gyms, even the kitchen counters. Keep the little ones active by taking them to
CityROCK Johannesburg. This indoor wall climbing centre offers climbing challenges for kids aged 5 - 12. There is also a climbing area for adults, so you will have no excuse to put on those extra winter kilos. There are three designated climbing areas for the kiddies:
- Bouldering - no rope is required, as the wall is only 2 - 3 metres tall and there is a foam mat for kids to fall back onto.
- Automatic belay wall - a harness and rope is required for this obstacle, however, kids will not require a climbing partner for this wall.
- Top Rope Climbing - here kids will need assistance - someone will need to do the necessary rope work for belaying (the person who will arrest a fall if the child falls). Parents are allowed to belay their child if they have passed the “Belay test” which will ensure that they have the necessary skills. The belay test is free of charge. Please enquire about this at the front desk.
Details: 010 007 2732 | 173 Republic Road, Fontainebleau, Randburg, Johannesburg.
Underwater fun
In The City:
Swimming in winter? Absolutely. Water babies simply can't get enough of the pool, no matter how cold it is outside. Pack up the family and spend a leisurely weekend at
Emerald Resort and Casino. Their climate controlled
Aquadome is open all year round. Kids will love the water slides, which feature a pirate's shipwreck and the lazy river. Tickets cost R50 for adults and R40 for children under 12.
Details: (016) 982 8000 | 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg.
DIY:
If you really aren't happy to let the little ones go swimming in the cold, make bath time extra fun instead. Rope them into helping you make fizzy bath bombs or simply let them splash around a little more than usual. It's only water after all. Plus, after all the splashing and mopping up you will have to do, you are bound to lose a few calories.
To make bath bombs you will need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup epsom salts
- 4 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted) - you can replace with vegetable oil if desired
- 9-10 tsp water
- Food coloring or food coloring gel (optional)
For the full recipe, visit
Honestly Modern.
[caption id="attachment_97381" align="aligncenter" width="660"]
Honestly Modern Homemade Bath Bombs[/caption]
Skate, Rattle & Roll
Embrace the winter cold and take the kids ice skating! The
Ice Rink at Northgate Shopping Centre is still one of the best rinks in the city. Entrance costs *R80, plus *R35 for skate hire. Kids can skate for as long as they like once they have got their skates on and have found their balance. You are welcome to join them, too. Consider it as a bonding experience - if you fall, you will have a memory to look back on and laugh at for years to come.
The rink operating times are:
Daytime Session: 10:00 - 17:00
Evening Session: 19:30 - 22:30
Details: 011 794 8706 | Northgate Shopping Centre, Northumbeland Road, Northriding, Johannesburg.
Have we missed out on any great ideas to keep the kids active during winter? Let us know about it! 
