Are you a teacher or parent looking for educational trips to take your class or kids to? From its rich history to its diverse culture and bustling urban life, Johannesburg offers a plethora of opportunities for educational trips that go beyond the confines of the classroom.
Maropeng Visitor Centre
While the Sterkfontein Caves remains closed until further notice, we’re pleased to announce that Maropeng Visitor Centre is open for tours every day, including weekends and public holidays.
Furthermore, the Maropeng Visitor Centre is an award-winning, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. Take a journey through time, starting with the formation of the planet and moving all the way through the evolutionary processes that culminated in the world as we know it today. See fossils, learn about how humankind was born, view stone tools that are up to one million years old, and much more.
Details: 014 577 9000 | info@maropeng.co.za | R400 off R563 Hekpoort Road Sterkfontein, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site 1911.
The Play Africa Museum
Next on our list is The Play Africa Museum, which sets itself apart from traditional museums by offering an interactive experience focused on learning through play. Unlike conventional museums, this unique space is designed to be hands-on, encouraging children to touch, explore, and interact with the exhibits. By adopting this approach, children are able to engage with the material in a more meaningful way. This leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subjects being explored.
Details: 011 480 4892 | info@playafrica.org.za | Play Africa at Constitution Hill, 11 Kotze Street.
Educational Trips: Friends Of Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Introduce the young ones to the Kloofendal Nature Reserve and they will love the outdoors forever. This reserve, situated in the suburb of Kloofendal, Roodepoort, features plenty of hiking trails and many different species of fauna and flora. All events include walks in the reserve and are led by qualified guides. The Friends of Kloofendal Display Centre can be found opposite the stamp mills.
Details: 079 693 5608 | kloofendalfriends@gmail.com | Galena Street, Kloofendal, Roodepoort.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
For fun that’s not just exciting but educational too, make sure you pay a visit to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in the CBD. Other than boasting interesting and cool exhibitions, they also have regular holiday programmes. You can expect everything from creating your own fossils and doing excavations to experimenting with chemistry and mechatronics.
Details: 079 693 5608 | info@sci-bono.co.za | Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph (formerly Newtown).
Cullinan Diamond Tours
Discover the fascinating world of diamond mining at the Cullinan Diamond Mine. Join their exclusive surface tours to explore this working mine, which has yielded some of the world’s largest and highest-quality gemstones. Notably, the Cullinan Mine is renowned as the birthplace of the world’s largest diamond, The Cullinan. Moreover, recent discoveries include record-breaking blue diamonds, such as the remarkable 122.52 carat gem that fetched an impressive value of US$27.6 million in 2014. Experience firsthand the rich history and extraordinary discoveries of the Cullinan Diamond Mine on their informative tours.
Details: 083 273 8548 | cullinantour@mweb.co.za | 99 Oak Avenue, Cullinan.
Apartheid Museum
School visits to the Apartheid Museum offer older scholars a creative and memorable way to learn about the country’s history. These outings are crucial for establishing a comprehensive connection between learners and the information in their textbooks. By immersing themselves in the museum’s exhibits and interactive displays, students gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s past and its implications for the present and future.
Details: 011 309 4700 | info@apartheidmuseum.org | Corner Northern Park Wy & Gold Reef Rd, Kempton Park.
Lory Park Zoo
Lory Park Zoo takes pride in offering an ethical and engaging interactive program that promises unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you’re a school group, community member, or adult visitor, education is central to their mission at Lory Park Zoo.
Moreover, conservation is at the heart of modern zoos, and Lory Park Zoo is committed to playing a significant role in species preservation efforts. From participating in species preservation programs to operating breeding facilities for endangered animals, they are dedicated to conservation. They cater for guided and non-guided school groups.
Details: 011 315 7307 | info@lorypark.co.za | 181 Kruger Road, Midrand.
James Hall Museum of Transport
The James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg, established in 1964, is the largest land transport museum in South Africa. It offers a captivating glimpse into Johannesburg’s transport history spanning over a century. Visitors can explore historic vehicles and interactive exhibits, gaining valuable insights into the city’s past. With its comprehensive collection and immersive learning experiences, the museum is an ideal destination for educational tours. Thus fostering a deeper understanding of South Africa’s transport heritage.
Details: 011 435 9487 | veronicap@joburg.org.za | 193 Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle.
If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to read our Top Child-Friendly Restaurants in Joburg article here.
