Let’s face it: there are so many extramural activities in Joburg, but none that really stand out. Everyone is doing piano lessons, ballet or horse riding, but what if your child isn’t interested in the mainstream activities and wants to do something different? Keep reading, as we have a list of fun extramural activities in the city for your kids to try out.
Make a Racket and Play Some Padel
It’s a great cardio workout, easier on the joints, easy and simple to learn and the latest craze to hit South Africa! All you need is a racket, ball, and access to the Playtomic app to play! The best part is this extramural activity can be enjoyed as a family! Whether you are a newbie or seasoned player, the concept isn’t difficult to grasp.
Read our article here to find out where you can enjoy this hybrid game.
Image from Blue Island Padel Arena.
Battle it Out at Total Ninja
Here's another physical activity to try out, that we're sure the kids will love! Total Ninja Park is located at Stoneridge Centre and Northgate Shopping Centre, and offers supervised indoor activity and fitness fun based on the global phenomenon TV series, Ninja Warrior. According to their website, "there is no minimum or maximum age requirements as we cater for all ages!"
Book your tickets to the largest inflatable and obstacle course in Africa here.
Blow Off Some Steam at BOUNCE
Looking for an exciting afterschool activity that will thrill and excite the kids? Well, why not let them blow off some steam at Bounce Inc. while you run some errands? Not only does this give your children some exercise, but it's also loads of fun! Keep an eye out for their Freestyle Academy Holiday Camps, where children will learn how to "fly" – learning fundamental movement skills such as springing, rotating in different directions, balancing and holding static shapes, and more. Soon, you'll have an acrobat on your hands!
Take Classes in Parkour
We are always looking for activities that'll keep our kids moving, active and busy while enjoying the outdoors. The Concrete Foundation Crew offers just the workshop for your kids. Ever considered letting your kids try out parkour? Not only is it 'cool', but it's also a great activity if you want the kids to step away from the TV, their phones or their Play Stations/Nintendos/Wii/Xbox/whatever. These parkour classes are open Monday to Sunday
Click here for more information on their classes.
Join A Guides Or Scouts Club
Guides and Scouts clubs have long entertained and provided valuable life skills for millions of children, so why not let your little ones join one of these special organisations to get them outdoors, learning new skills, camping and even selling brownies! Most clubs accept boys and girls from the age of seven to 17 and teach complementary skills. Most club members attest that these clubs taught them a few lessons that stuck with them for the rest of their lives. Take a look at Scouts South Africa or Robin Hills Scout Group.
Learn A New Language
There is nothing more interesting than learning a foreign language. When you first hear a new language, the sound is so unique and different that you cannot help but notice and listen. If you’re interested in offering your child the opportunity to learn about another world, its language, culture and customs, 2025 is the year to do it. For Italian, Società Dante Alighieri Johannesburg offers extramural classes for children and teenagers. If you’d rather want them to parlez vous français, Alliance Francaise offer French courses for students.
Take Centre Stage With Drama Classes
Is your child a born performer and wants to have a future in television or theatre? Then why not nurture that dream and passion with drama or acting classes for kids? Not only will it build your child’s self-confidence, but it will also provide them with life and communication skills. If this sounds like an amazing opportunity for your little one, check out the drama programs at Creative Education Institution or for creative lessons, try Kids On Camera.
Get Creative With Sewing Classes
Crafting is fun and it’s even more so when your child can use these skills throughout their lifetime – whether they’re looking to create unique items or make their way into fashion design. If sewing sounds like a great creative outlet for your little one, Sew ‘n Grow is just the place to be. Not only do they offer sewing classes, but they also have sewing holiday programs to keep crafty kids creating when school is out.
Have we left out any great unusual extramural activities for kids that you love? Let us know below!
