Johannesburg offers many ways for families to spend quality time together. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, learning experiences, or places to relax and enjoy meals, the city has something for every age group.
This guide highlights six popular activities in Johannesburg that are easily accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. Each option suits different interests, helping you create meaningful memories with your loved ones.
Family Fun Activities for All Ages
- Explore Gold Reef City Theme Park
Gold Reef City remains one of Johannesburg’s most visited family attractions. It offers a mix of theme park rides and historical exhibits built around a former gold mine. Families can enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and kid-friendly attractions — all within one space. For older kids and adults, underground mine tours and live shows give a glimpse into Johannesburg’s gold rush history.
There’s also a small animal farm and food courts inside the park, making it easy to spend the whole day here without needing to leave the premises. It’s a great way to balance thrill, learning, and family bonding.
- Visit Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Located in Newtown, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is a top spot for children who enjoy hands-on learning. This science and technology centre features hundreds of exhibits designed to teach in a fun and visual way. From physics puzzles and robotics demos to health science labs, kids are encouraged to touch, play, and explore.
This space is entirely indoors, so it’s a perfect activity for rainy or hot days. Parents can also enjoy watching their kids interact with real-life science in an engaging and safe environment.
- Enjoy Nature at Emmarentia Dam and Botanical Gardens
If your family enjoys peaceful surroundings and outdoor fun, Emmarentia Dam and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are perfect. Families can bring a picnic, walk along scenic paths, or watch ducks and birds near the water. The open green space is ideal for playing ball games, flying kites, or simply stretching out with a good book while the kids explore.
This is a cost-effective way to spend time together in nature, and it’s a great break from indoor screens and shopping malls.
- Have Fun at Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo offers an up-close look at a wide range of animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, reptiles, and more. It’s spacious, clean, and easy to navigate, which makes it suitable for strollers and large family groups. Regular feeding talks and educational tours provide extra value.
The zoo is one of those places where toddlers, teenagers, and adults can all find something they enjoy — from watching animals to learning about wildlife conservation efforts.
- Discover Interactive Play at Fun Company
The Fun Company is an ideal indoor play centre for younger children. Located in various malls, these centres offer soft play zones, slides, obstacle courses, and ball pits that are all supervised. It’s a safe, fun way for kids to get active indoors, while parents can relax nearby or enjoy a quick bite.
For busy families, this is a great option when you’re looking for a short, structured activity that still feels like an outing.
- Shop and Dine at Fourways Mall
Fourways Mall provides more than just shopping. Families can enjoy movie theatres, arcade zones, and various dining options suitable for both kids and adults. The mall often hosts themed events during school holidays and weekends, creating extra reasons to visit.
Whether it’s grabbing frozen yoghurt after a movie or browsing stores for games and books, the mall offers both convenience and variety for families looking to spend relaxed time together.
How to Find Great Deals for Your Family Outing
When planning activities across Johannesburg — or even looking for ideas in places like Cape Town — using a local discovery and deal app can make things easier. Platforms like the FOMO App help families discover trending events, dining specials, kids’ activities, and limited-time offers in real-time.
Instead of checking multiple websites or searching manually, families can use FOMO to find what’s happening nearby, what’s affordable, and what’s family-appropriate — all in one place. Especially during holidays or weekends, it can save time and money, while helping you explore something new.
Families looking to stretch their budget while enjoying quality time together often find real value in using local savings apps that focus on curated, real-time experiences. Whether you’re in Johannesburg or Cape Town, deal discovery apps make outings more affordable and accessible.
Summary!
Johannesburg is a city full of options for family fun, whether you’re into nature, learning, rides, or indoor play. From the thrills of Gold Reef City to the quiet beauty of Emmarentia Dam, families have plenty of choices. Add in places like Sci-Bono, The Fun Company, and Fourways Mall, and it’s easy to build a weekend or holiday plan that includes everyone in the family.
And to make it even simpler, the FOMO App is a smart way to stay informed. It helps you discover local events, flash deals, and experiences suitable for all age groups, enabling you to plan better days out without overspending. Whether you’re searching in Johannesburg or elsewhere in South Africa, FOMO is designed to help families find the fun, fast.