day outings

articles

• More places to visit on the Freedom Day long weekend
• Family Day Trips on the Easter Weekend
• Workshops and go-karting
• Loving the Lory Park Zoo
• A day at the coolest science museum in Jozi
• December 16th, what to do with your family?
• Kids car & circus parties plus family events this week
• October shows in Pretoria & Joburg
• Markets and events in Joburg and Pretoria
• What to do for Women’s month
• Family activities & train rides in Gauteng
• Walking the Tightrope at JoziX
• The Lion Park
• Yeesh! Fun for Kids, the perfect winter birthday party
• Kids theatre and Youth Day activities
• Markets and shows
• Animal parks and horse trails
• On Mother’s Day Jozikids talks to Amor Vittone on Jacaranda
• On May 1 Jozikids talks to Amor Vittone on Jacaranda
• Acrobranch, a forest jungle gym for kids and adults
• Jozikids on Jacaranda with Amor Vittone on Easter Sunday.
• The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre of De Wildt
• Gold Reef City Theme Park
• Chasing Big Foot across the countryside
• Delta Park Simba Playground
• 5 kids places to visit, free of charge, in Pretoria!
• Out and about in Jozi
• The Transvaal Museum – great for rainy days
• Visit Maropeng, its a blast!

If  you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in entire Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues and lessons.  You’ll also find our mobi site on your cell phone when you search for Jozikids.

Here are a couple of events and activties you can do with your family this week.
In Centurion, theres a family friendly restaurant with a play area and section for kids to make their own pizzas called the Purple Cow. They’ve organized a True Italian Cooking  Evening on Saturday Aug 6th . You’ll learn about making sauces, pastas – the cook is author Tossie Lochner who will have samples of her sauces for sale plus a book with some of the recipes she  will make. The whole family is welcome

Every Friday and Saturday night,  Lakeside Mall in Benoni organizes:

Kiddies Craft Evenings Its an enclosed supervised area where the kids can create while you enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants.

Rocky Ridge Estate This venue has a play park, fantasy minitown and road safety traffic area. It’s a place you can take your family for a day trip with a picnic basket , they also have a braai area – Booking is essential
as they also organise kids parties, educational outings and many other functions.
So phone before you go but it sounds like a great self catered family outing .

If you or your  kids want to ride a train theres:

Mini Steam Trains open days, Florida Park, Aug 7,21.

Reefsteamers to Magaliesburg, Parktown, Aug 6,9,27 .

Tshwane Xplorer at Friends of the Rail, Pretoria, ,Aug 9.

by Sine Thieme, a writer and mother of four who is new to South Africa and busy chronicling her experiences on her blog, Joburg Expat.

If you’ve ever felt the itch to join your kids on the jungle gym but were afraid you’d get stuck because everything was kid-sized, you’ll love JoziX. It’s a playground for kids and adults alike (though not very small kids – the minimum age is 7), featuring rock climbing walls, swinging monkey-bars, a trapeze, tightropes, a jousting wall, a tricky rope ladder, and gigantic slip-‘n-slides in the summer.

We recently had a birthday party there for our youngest daughter, and I had envisioned my job as setting up the refreshments, cutting the cake, and taking some pictures. But before I knew it I was swinging along the monkey bars like an orangutan and trying to throw my husband (who had envisioned his job as providing the transport) off a high beam using gigantic mittens.

Everything is padded so there is no risk of injury, but you will be left with some sore muscles (mainly from trying to climb out of the deep crevices of the huge mats you land on). The nice thing is that you get to stay as long as you want, so that you can go 5 out of 9 in the jousting competition against your husband, if necessary.

Visit my blog for a more detailed story about this fabulous venue.

by Sine Thieme, a writer and mother of four who is new to South Africa and busy chronicling her experiences on her blog, Joburg Expat.

A great place to visit with your kids if your budget is limited or you don’t have time for a full-fledged safari is the Lion Park just North of Dainfern. You get to drive through the park in your own vehicle (making sure the windows stay up the entire time!) and will get good looks at not only lions but also cheetahs, wild dogs, a variety of antelopes, and a giraffe.

Afterwards, when you’ve seen enough lions (we had the privilege of watching a young white lion climb up and down a tree), observed the wild dogs during feeding, and roused the cheetahs from their nap, you get to enter a special enclosure on foot, where there are more animals. We got to pet and feed a baby antelope, see hyenas and ostriches, and, as the crowning of our afternoon, play with the lion cubs.

They are actually a lot bigger and stronger than you think. Like grown dogs with sharp claws. So they’re not as easy to pet as little kittens, but just as playful. Only smaller groups of people are allowed in the lion enclosure at a time and there are several volunteers to help keep the lion cubs tame. They were kept quite busy as a group of Japanese visitors arrived after us!

A visit at the Lion Park will take you about two hours and costs R130 per adult or R70 per child (discounts for multiple children and children under four free). Just be sure to plan some time (and money) for the gift shop at the end

Click here for more information about the Lion Park

by Nicki Dadic, tattooed wife to David, mum to Luca Jack, marketing & digital consultant & social media girl, full-time gleek, part-time blogger. Visit her on facebook, twitter and her blog

Having a Winter baby is not the brightest idea, especially when it comes to birthday parties – I should know, as I celebrate my birthday in the very middle of June. Summer kids get to have birthday braais, pool parties with slip ‘n slides and water pistols, pony rides and petting zoos and long hot afternoons, while Winter kids end up taking two friends to the movies and calling it a day after a couple of hours. Now, you can’t exactly take a couple of two year olds to the movies, so last year I made the mistake of having Luca’s first birthday party at a semi-outdoor venue and the short version of day’s events, is that it was a complete disaster.

This year I took the responsible route, the route that I assumed would be unexciting and that no one would really enjoy. Boy, was I wrong! Yeesh! in Woodmead was the perfect venue for a Winter toddler’s second birthday! The helpful staff took care of everything from the table set up, decor, snack packs and clean-up – which is the one thing that most moms hosting a party dread. I arranged my own catering for the adults, but Yeesh! does offer this service, as well as customized party packs, cakes, cupcakes and more. Being the control freak I am, I had to take charge of a couple of items – but had I had no time to pick up the adult eats, Yeesh! would have taken care of the entire party, from start to finish.

We took the morning slot of 10 to 12, which worked out perfectly for a group of 15 children, aged between 16 and 36 months. Everyone had arrived before 11, with a jumping castle, ball pit, padded climbing apparatus and slides keeping all the kids busy. At 11 we sang happy birthday and the little ones dug into Luca’s “Gru” cake and “Minion” cupcakes (it was a “Despicable Me” themed party) and after another half hour of play time, all of the moms started to notice tired eyes, whiney voices and the goodbyes slowly began. Two perfect hours of Winter party fun, all thanks to Yeesh! We’ll definitely do it again next year, with the bitter Jozi Winters keeping us limited to indoor party venues.

Thanks again Yeesh!

Catch Merle from Jozikids.co.za on Jacaranda FM every Sunday morning, to find out what to do with your kids and families today and in the week ahead.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues and lessons.

Let’s see what we’ve got for you today and the week ahead.

I want to start with new children’s theatre productions that started this week in Jo burg

Alice in Wonderland at the People’s Theatre, in Braamfontein,
Oliver Twist at the National Children’s Theatre, in Parktown and
Romeo and Juliet performed by the South African Ballet Theatre at the Mandela Theatre, Jhb, June 7-19. For Grade 10 learners studying Romeo and Juliet as a set work book, there is a  special (shortened) performance on June 14th at a cost of only R50.

Another musical for the whole family is 60s Summer of Love Barnyard, Boksburg, on until Jul 10. Where you can take your kids to hear music from The Beatles, The Mammas and The Pappas, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clear Water Revival, Janis Joplin, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and many more

Then there’s Youth Day on Thursday and once again we have loads on offer for you.

If you want to support a charity -
Chocolate Festival for School of the Blind, Melville

If you want to see animals
Bird Garden at Montecasino, Fourways
Crocodile Feeding at Croc City Crocodile Farm, Fourways
Elephant Sanctuary open days, Hartbeespoort
Lory Park Zoo open days, President Park

How about some action
Compu-Kart Raceway go- karting, Edenvale East Rand/Ekurhuleni
Go-karting in Menlo Park Pretoria
Zwartkops Quad Centre Centurion, Jun 16

Or if the weather remains so cold you may want to find an indoor playground
Play Days at Oki Doki, Linden,
Jimmy Jungles indoor play area, Randburg,
Jungle Rumble indoor playground, Mulbarton

Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful day and I’ll be back with Amor next Sunday with ideas of what you can do with your kids and families.

Well that’s it from me. Remember you can find more ideas of what to do with your family in the Gauteng region on Jozikids.co.za

Catch Merle from Jozikids.co.za on Jacaranda every Sunday morning, to find out what to do with your kids and families today and in the week ahead.

This week we want to tell you about markets that are open today

For those of you into a holistic alternative lifestyle, there’s the Body Mind Soul  Holistic Fayre at Edenvale community centre on Sunday until 3pm. A full day of holistic fun and entertainment for people interested in complementary health, alternative healing, holistic lifestyle, physical well being. Various free talks and demonstrations lined up on the day, including a Live Crossing-Over Session welcome

Then there’s the blu Bird Wholefood Market every Sunday til 2pm in Birnam, Joburg, Find fresh produce, seasonal organic fruit, vegetables & raw honey. Bio detergents. Someone who will plant trees on your behalf to offset your carbon footprints called GROWATREE. Every stall offers you a taste of flavours, from cheeses, pates, sauces and more. We are known as the united flavours of nations. For kids, there are earthworms and seeds to grow their own trees plus children chefs selling their own produce, every Sunday

Fare on the Square at Irene Village Mall on every last Sunday, the entire mall is transformed into a bustling marketplace for Fare on the Square, where the choice goods on offer include organic fare, creative crafts and plenty of family entertainment..

Last week I mentioned the JSO (Junior) Concerto of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra taking place at Linder Auditorium at 3pm today. The same concert will be taking place next Saturday at the Musaion Auditorium in Lynwood Pretoria. Young girls between the ages of 10 and 14 playing classical music.

Then there’s the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Expo at Inanda Country Base, Kyalami, Jun 10-12. From Caravans to trailers, outdoor gear and accessories, travel and much more. Daily Entertainment, big screen tv’s for rugby enthusiasts, pony and dog demos, good food and wine tastings and  so much to do for the kids with Hunting Hound,  Guide Dog and Boarder Collie demos, funky goods for kids to buy and lots of fun activities to enjoy.

Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful day and I’ll be back with Merle from Jozikids next Sunday with ideas of what you can do with your kids next week.

Well that’s it from me. Remember you can find more ideas of what to do with your family in the Gauteng region on Jozikids.co.za

Catch Merle from Jozikids.co.za on Jacaranda, every Sunday morning, to find out what to do with your kids and families.

This week we want to tell you about places you can take your family to see animals or go horse riding.

First up is Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wildlife Park, near Warmbaths, Pretoria North. They claim to  host one of South Africa’s largest private Primate collections featuring 38 species, in addition to a large number of beautiful, exotic birds and predators such as White Lions, Bengal Tigers and Cheetahs. They are open until 4pm- adults R100, kids u/13yrs R50 , u/3yrs free. They offer guided tours, have a restaurant, sell picnic baskets plus 4 star luxurious accommodation if you want to spend the night.

Then there’s Ukutula Game Lodge and Lion Education Center conveniently situated within an hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria in the Brits area.  The game farm comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra. Tour Times: 8am & 4pm (for our lion walks) 10am & 2pm (for Lion Interaction Program)

Another fabulous family outing is visiting the Mapatiza Underground Gemstone Mine in Kyalami– you’ll see a a huge variety of African gemstones being cobbed, sorted and polished. Witness the outside mine-run, view colourful underground chambers and passages. There’s also a huge kiddies scratch patch  they’re open until 2pm daily and very reasonable at R30 for adults and R20 for kids including a free bag of gemstones for the kids to take home.

If its horse riding you want to do, whether it’s going on an outride or letting your kids ride a pony there’s Egoli Rangers in Craighall Park and near Muldersdrift, there’s Croc River Horse Trails where you can choose from a variety of horse trails , one of which takes you game viewing on horseback in the beautiful Glen Bourne Lodge game reserve .

Information about everything we have mentioned is available on www.jozikids.co.za

Catch Merle from Jozikids.co.za on Jacaranda, every Sunday morning, to find out what to do with your kids and families  on the weekend and in the week ahead.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids.co.za is the most up to date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need including events, activities, venues and lessons.

Let’s see what we’ve got for you on Mother’s Day, May 8th

In Kyalami, Johannesburg ,  you can experience the magic of the South African Lipizzaner stallions, dancing to Mamma Mia, in two special Mothers’ day performances at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Visitors are welcome to meet the riders and feed carrots to the beautiful horses after the show.

At Montecasino, catch the last show at 6pm tonight of Dreamgirls, an internationally acclaimed Broadway musical with an  all South African cast

At the Barnyard Theatre in Menlyn Park, Pretoria at 2pm today you can still see the musical – Rough Diamonds & Divas–  which pays tribute to the likes of Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, Tina Turner, Bonnie Tyler, Cher and a few more surprises.  Its on until May 29 at 8,30 from Tues to Sat with afternoon shows on Sunday.

And in the week ahead don’t miss The Baby Expo MamaMagic™ at the Coca Cola Dome in Northgate where you’ll find all the essentials you need from 0-6 years old with Barney on stage daily,  expert advice  and unbeatable shopping.  Open daily 9-6pm R60 pp, under 10yrs olds enter free.

Zwartkops Quad Centre in Centurion is joining  Jacaranda’s Winter Warmer project and offering a free quadbike ride in exchange for a new blanket. They are open daily from 9am-5pm excluding Mondays and Thursdays.

Wanting a special adventure next weekend. The Cavern Resort & Spa in the Drakensberg is hosting a Mountain Bike Challenge for the weekend where all proceeds go to a primary school in the area. Great family resort with health spa,  kids activities, views and fabulous walks.

Here’s wishing all moms a fabulous Mother’s Day and I’ll be back  next Sunday with ideas of what you can do with your kids next week.

Listen to Merle from jozikids.co.za talk to Amor every Sunday morning about what to do with your kids and families on the weekend and the  week ahead.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Jozikids is the most up-to-date and detailed resource for parents in the Gauteng region to find what you need for your kids and famlies including events, activities, venues and lessons.

Lets see what we’ve got for you on  Sunday, May 1 :

A great family venue with something for everyone is Dirt Ryders Adventures on the West Rand, near Lanseria – they have  a restaurant where you can also braai if you want to plus loads of activities including go-karting ( from 6yrs), paintball, archery, volleyball a swimming pool, kids playground and pony rides.  They’re open from 9am-6.30pm daily, the restaurant opens until 10pm

Then if it’s animals you want to see – why not visit a special little zoo called Lory Park Zoo – they have lions tigers, leopards, linxes and more.  Exotic parrots keep you company at their tea garden. During school holidays they organise Ranger Days where you can leave your child at the zoo to be trained as a mini-ranger. From 8am-4pm your child will  learn to feed the animals and all about their habitat. Open every day 10am-4pm, cost R55 adults; R35 kids 2-12yrs,pensioners. They’re in President Park, NE Joburg

Then the whole family can get creative at Artjamming. They have are branches in Lonehill, Fourways and Blubird Shopping Centre in Athol.  Artjamming is “paintertainment” . No drawing or painting skills are needed. You receive canvases, acrylic paints on tap, and tools to freely express yourselve.  You can let your mind loose and fill the canvas with colours and inspiration. From R95 pp for 2 hours depending on the size of the canvas, incl materials. Open every day. Call for details of times.

The next very important day filled with activities coming up is Mother’s day next Sunday. A short preview of what to expect. We’ll have much more for you next Sunday:

Hazel Food Market in Hazelwood Pretoria is organizing a Mother’ Day Candlelight Market next Saturday night.

There are 2 Mother’s Day concerts coming up on Sunday- so you can pack your picnic baskets and head for either  the  Joburg Zoo where you’ll hear the likes of,  The Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, The Bala Brothers and Tamara Dey for an unforgettable performance, fit for a queen

OR

the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort where the band “She” is set to entertain moms, young and old with a string of hits from the 60’s through to the 90’s

That’s it for this week.  You’ll find tons more ideas on Jozikids if you need anything else.

Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful week and we’ll be back on Mother’s day with Amor next Sunday between 10.30 and 11am.

by Merle Dieterich, passionate mom and businesswoman whose 2 beautiful children, Lerato and Marvin never cease to amaze and teach her about what counts. You’ll find her at  jozikids.co.za

This review submitted by Corrinne Lamoral on Jozikids, sparked my interest in Acrobranch:

This is a wonderful outing in the heart of Joburg. I took my three children, age 4 1/2, 6 1/2 and 10 and they all loved it. There are stages for every age and much is decided by height – my tall 4 1/2 year old did the beginning of the Cheetah’s course and when the ropes got too high for him (and got a bit scary), the guide safely lowered him down. You do need to keep an eye on your children as they have the responsibility of remembering to keep a carabiner attached to the guide ropes at all times. Bring two parents if you have children of different ages otherwise you’ll be running back and forth. This was the most enjoyable two hours spent under the trees on a Sunday morning, we’ll be back! (PS: booking ahead is essential)

So one Sunday morning my entire family of 4 made our way there.

First each child  aged 9 and 13 yrs, was decked out with gear

Then a quick lesson and practise session

And then they were off. My husband and I watched in amazement as they disappeared with their ropes and carabiners, swinging and balancing.  Our only complaint was that we had stiff necks the next day from watching them perform their amazing feats up in the trees. We’ll also be back and maybe then, the adults will also have a go!

Click here to find out more about Acrobranch