No matter whether you're young or young at heart, Johannesburg is sure to have something to delight and entertain. There's plenty of animal sanctuaries and menageries to visit, perfect for a fun-filled day that's not only exciting but educational too. There's also lots of interesting museums to explore as well as loads of fun indoor venues and more. Keep reading to find out more about where to go.
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Animal Sanctuaries Museums Arts & Crafts Indoor FunAnimal Sanctuaries
Johannesburg Zoo
Get a little fresh air and sunshine by taking a stroll through and visiting the animals at the Johannesburg Zoo in Parkview. 54 hectares big and housing over 320 species of animals, this internationally accredited menagerie is highly respected for its high standard of maintenance, animal welfare, nutrition and ethical conduct. The Joburg Zoo is open 364 days a year including Christmas, New Years and Easter holidays. And to keep the kids entertained, they do host school holiday programmes that's sure to keep them busy. Visit the Joburg Zoo.Montecasino Bird Gardens
For a thrilling day out, why not head to Montecasino in Fourways? Not only do they have plenty of entertainment within the complex, ideal for all ages, but they also have the exciting Montecasino Bird Gardens just outside! Here, families can enjoy viewing a wide variety of bird species as well as reptiles, amphibians, small animals and even the local Ring-Tailed Lemurs that roam freely in one of the enclosures. There are also interesting bird shows held in the amphitheatre. Visit the Montecasino Bird Gardens.Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park
Have a fondness for the critters that are scaly,cold blooded, and even slither and crawl? Then be sure to visit Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park in Chartwell. This is just the place if you're looking to do something daring (like holding a baby crocodile or touching an exotic snake) and different, like also learning about the creatures that call this venue home. There's also a Croc FlyOver Experience designed for the brave at heart. The zip line is an thrilling adventure that allows visitors to fly 5m above the ground over the crocodiles! Visit Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park.Lory Park Animal & Owl Sanctuary
Helping in creating awareness of conservation, Lory Park Animal & Owl Sanctuary is a must visit if you're looking to spend an afternoon out and about , admiring and enjoying all the beautiful animals that reside here. Lory Park have an ethical, fun and interactive programme at the zoo. Also, educating the public on conservation has always been the forefront of what they do. Visit Lory Park Animal & Owl Sanctuary.Benoni Monkey and Bird Park
Looking for a relaxing day out with the family, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, surrounded by various different bird species, wildlife and monkeys? Then visit the Benoni Monkey & Bird Park. Also, they have a Tea Garden that overlooks a large kids play area, perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon outing. they also offer party packages if you're looking for a unique birthday party idea for the kids. Visit Benoni Monkey and Bird Park.
Museums
James Hall Museum of Transport
Looking to take a journey into the past? Then be sure to visit the James Hall Museum of Transport, the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in the country. Housing thematic displays and exhibits in the various halls, the museum will take visitors on an interesting and rare glimpse into Joburg's transport history, dating back more than a century. There's also an impressive collection of memorabilia, artefacts, special interest vehicles and an extremely rare and exciting steam vehicle collection. Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport.Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Dabble with science is a fun and exciting way at the world-class, award-winning Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Southern Africa’s largest science centre. This is an edutainment destination offering a broad variety of science and technology related events, activities and programmes for the general public as well as the school community. Visit Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.Maropeng
Take an adventure back to where is all began! Where humankind started all those thousands of years ago. Maropeng is the official visitor's centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, that presents powerful evidence of this is where our existence began. Other than the unique heritage museum that houses thousands of artefacts and fossils that date back millennia, visitors can also take a tour through the incredible Sterkfontein Caves, that's more than 4-million years old. This is where famous archaeological finds including the 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus skull of "Mrs Ples" and the 3-million year old almost complete Australopithecus skeleton of "Little Foot" was discovered. Visit Maropeng.Ditsong National Museum of Military History
The Ditsong National Museum of Military History is the only museum of its kind in the country. This military history memorial is one of eight world-class museums situated in Gauteng. This one is Joburg’s only Ditsong Museum – the remaining seven are located in Pretoria. The museum boasts a vast collection of more than 44 000 items, all divided into 37 separate categories, including the official South African war art and photograph collections. The aviation collection contains some of the rarest aircrafts in the world. Visit the Ditsong National Museum of Military History.
Arts & Crafts
Artjamming™
For paintertainment perfect for the whole family, Artjamming™ is the place to be! Located at various branches throughout the country, Artjamming™ offers guests with an activity where they can play, paint, sponge or spray all over a blank canvas, unleashing all of their inner creativity. Take your pick from 12 different size canvases, a choice of non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, various brushes and tools and get painting! Visit Artjamming™.
Indoor Fun
iJump
For a massive jump arena complete with trampoline dodgeball, foam pits, slam dunk tracks, extreme jumping, fitness classes and much more, iJump is an absolute must visit if you're looking for a thrilling day out for all ages. And for younger children, the exciting iKIDZ arena houses over 400 square meters of trampoline and playground reserved exclusively for them. And if you're feeling hungry after jumping around, visit their gourmet in-house eatery, Sliders, for some of the best speciality mini burgers in town. Visit iJump.BOUNCE Inc
It's time to jump around! And what better place to do this than at BOUNCE Inc. Here, visitors can enjoy springing here, there and everywhere on more than 100 interconnected trampolines housed within huge, colourful spaces. Also at this urban playground, all of the hard surfaces have been replaced with circus-grade sponge, giant air bags and springs to ensuring less injuries and more fun. Visit BOUCE Inc.The Playhouse
Looking to treat the kids to a fun day out? Want to join them and have a blast together? The Playhouse is an indoor play centre in Alberton, offering both children and adults of all ages and abilities a great way to have some fun and get some exercise. They offer guests a four level indoor play structure, a one-of-a-kind indoor Electric Train, a 16m signature Rainbow slide, tons of soft toys, three ball ponds, a foam pit, and a trampoline to play in and on! Visit The Playhouse.
