For the kids · Johannesburg, South Africa
14 Things to Do in Johannesburg with Kids
No museum-fatigue meltdowns here: Johannesburg sorted for traveling with children.
Kid-oriented places (parks, zoos, theme parks, hands-on museums) ranked by traveler review volume, out of 56 tracked Johannesburg places. Updated monthly.
Gold Reef City
Park & natureGold Reef City is a large theme park and casino complex in Johannesburg, built on the site of a real, historic gold mine, giving it a unique double identity as both a thrill-ride amusement park and a…
Read our full guide →Johannesburg Zoo
Park & natureThe Johannesburg Zoo is a sprawling 55-hectare facility located in the leafy suburb of Parkview, offering a home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
Read our full guide →Ingrid's Safaris - Day Tour
Park & natureIngrid's Safaris offers an immersive day tour from Johannesburg, taking you into the heart of South Africa's wild landscapes.
Read our full guide →Acrobranch Melrose
Park & natureLocated within the leafy James & Ethel Gray Park in Johannesburg, Acrobranch Melrose offers an exhilarating outdoor experience for adventure seekers of all ages.
Read our full guide →Deeprift Ventours
Park & natureDeeprift Ventours is an outdoor adventure and nature park located on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Read our full guide →Zoo Lake
Park & natureZoo Lake, part of the larger Johannesburg Zoo complex, offers a peaceful escape in the city.
Read our full guide →Zoo Lake Park
Park & natureFree entryZoo Lake Park is a beloved green space in the Forest Town neighborhood of Johannesburg, centered around a large lake that attracts both locals and visitors.
Read our full guide →The Wilds Nature Reserve
Park & natureFree entryThe Wilds Nature Reserve is a serene green space located in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg. Spanning several hectares, it features well-maintained walking trails that wind through indigenous vegetation, rocky outcrops, and small streams.
Read our full guide →Melville Koppies
Park & natureFree entryMelville Koppies is a 50-hectare nature reserve nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
Read our full guide →Spurwing Tourism Services
Park & natureFree entrySpurwing Tourism Services is a nature-oriented park and tour operator nestled in the leafy suburb of Linden, Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Glatt Safaris - Kosher Safaris
Park & natureGlatt Safaris - Kosher Safaris is a specialized tour operator based in Johannesburg, South Africa, providing kosher-friendly wildlife adventures.
Read our full guide →Market Theatre (Johannesburg)
EntertainmentThe Market Theatre is a renowned performing arts venue in Johannesburg's Newtown district, originally a fresh produce market before being converted into a theater in 1976.
Read our full guide →Turffontein Race Course
EntertainmentTurffontein Race Course is a premier horse racing venue located in the Turffontein suburb of Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Pulse Africa
Park & natureFree entryPulse Africa is a unique park and nature space located on the second floor of a building in Hyde Square, Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
We keep only child-appropriate venue types — parks, zoos, hands-on museums, theme parks — then rank them by how many families actually review them well, out of the 56 Johannesburg places we track. Refreshed monthly, with no paid placement.
Good to know
Most picks suit ages 2 to 10; a few also work for older kids and teens.
Popular museums and parks in Johannesburg are calmest right at opening or after 3pm.
Keep one indoor pick in your back pocket in case the forecast turns.
Common questions
Is Johannesburg good to visit with kids?+
Yes. Parks, boat rides and hands-on museums make it easy to break up sightseeing with things children enjoy, and every spot on this list is one families rate highly.
What can you do for free with kids in Johannesburg?+
Plenty of parks and playgrounds cost nothing. See our free things to do in Johannesburg for the full set.
How many days do you need in Johannesburg with children?+
Two to three days is enough to cover the highlights at a relaxed, kid-friendly pace.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.