As the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg boasts a long lineup of activities and attractions for families of all ages and interests. With a diverse history and colorful present, families can explore the once home of Nelson Mandela, now a museum, along with a slew of interesting and educational attractions along the way.
Venture through stunning botanical gardens, modern museums and historic landmarks to your heart’s content, as the city is literally filled with them, or stick to the thrills that will keep your kids active, engaged and entertained for the duration of the trip.
Skim through this list of kid-friendly fun in the city.
Keep the kids busy and entertained at Gold Reef City, an amusement park loaded with gold-mining history and information, playfully mixed into more than 30 roller coasters and interactive 4-D theater experiences.
You can always rely on a great city zoo to keep the kids happy on a family vacation. Explore the many beautiful and wild residents of the zoo and enjoy kids programming and learning all about the Joburg Zoo conservation efforts.
Get a little closer to the action and visit the Lion & Safari Park. This tourist destination protects wildlife from poaching and abuse, as well as educates visitors on unique and endangered species. Read more about the voluntourism programs before visiting and see if your kids want to get involved. Children 12 and younger are free admission and can even get up-close to some of the friendly wildlife.
Brown lion cubs running and playing in a nature reserve in Johannesburg South Africa. Photo: Shams Faraz Amir | Dreamstime.com
Boasting natural landscape and incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites — one of only eight in the country — this stunning locale is known as the place where mankind originated. The Cradle of Humankind is the location where the first hominid, or great ape and human species, Australopithecus fossil was uncovered in the early 1920s, leading scholars to believe the area was home to the first signs of life. The entire region boasts 13 excavation sites, all a significant fossil discovery as the birthplace of the human species. The region is about an hour drive from Johannesburg proper, so pack some snacks and enjoy some fun along the way with the kids. The picturesque wide-open landscape and natural beauty is reason enough for a quick trip.
Get in a little shopping, dining and relaxing at the Neighbourgoods Market in downtown Johannesburg. The open-air market is open every Saturday, with locals selling food, drinks, homemade goods and unique art pieces, along with a wide variety of attractions.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 1, 2026Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to Welcome Return of Elf on the Shelf This Holiday Season
The magic of Christmas quickly approaches as summer comes to a close, and families can experience the holiday season in a unique way this year.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / North America
Sep 1, 2026Family-Friendly Ways to Welcome Fall in the Finger Lakes
Some of us are still trying to stretch out the dog days of summer, but there is no denying fall will be here soon. Whether ready for it or not, it’s time to look for ways to welcome the season that will be fun for the family. Luckily, New York’s Finger Lakes region has plenty of ways to do just that.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Aug 31, 2026Dude Ranch Experience Coming to Historic Arizona Golf Resort
Later this fall, family travelers are invited to experience one of Southern Arizona’s hidden gems in a true dude ranch setting. Otero Ranch at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa opens for the season Nov. 15, presenting an experience by True Ranch Collection that will feature exclusive dude ranch adventures, such as horseback riding and hiking along the Santa Cruz River valley, playing a round of golf at the 27-hole championship course, trying 3-D archery, exploring the town of Tubac, touring historic Tumacacori Mission, and relaxing at the resort’s spa or pool.
ShareThis