The start of school holidays often turns keeping children entertained for almost two weeks into an expensive endeavor. Since public schools in Gauteng are closed from September 24th to October 5th, parents are looking for ways to keep children occupied without spending hundreds of rand on every outing.
Fortunately, Johannesburg offers numerous options suitable for families that can provide a pleasant day without significant financial outlay. Below are five activities worth considering during the school break.
Visiting the Johannesburg Zoo can turn a holiday trip into both an educational and entertaining event. The zoo regularly organizes educational programs, tours, and special events for children, giving young visitors a chance to learn more about animals and nature conservation.
During the current school holidays, the Johannesburg Zoo is running a program for children aged seven to thirteen from September 28th to October 2nd. Activities include animal feeding and habitat enrichment, as well as crafts and games. The stated cost for the program is 153 rand. Parents are advised to confirm the cost and availability when booking, as the event information does not specify whether the 153 rand covers the entire program or just a single session.
For children who constantly ask 'why?', a visit to the Sci-Bono Research Centre in Newtown can be a good way to spend several hours. Johannesburg describes Sci-Bono as South Africa's largest science centre, offering interactive exhibits that make mathematics and science more accessible to young guests. The centre also hosts programs such as robotics training, school holiday events, and practical science experiments.
The centre's appeal is relatively low: entry for children aged three to eighteen costs 40 rand, while children under three enter free. Adults pay 60 rand. Thus, a parent with a child can spend the day exploring the centre, saving significantly compared to many of the city's major family attractions.
If your child enjoys stories, the interactive performance 'Imagine Africa: Our Stories Come Alive' features the works of renowned South African storyteller Dr. Gcina Mhlophe on stage. This performance takes place at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein and includes stories such as 'Golden Windows' and 'How the Lion Got His Roar and Horns,' complete with music, costumes, props, and audience participation.
The show runs until October 4th, with public performances during the school holidays at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Tickets cost 180 rand per person, but members of the People's Theatre Kids Club can purchase tickets for 145 rand.
For a shorter and more affordable outing, The Glen Shopping Centre is organizing a 'Kids Club Craft Corner' during the final period of the holidays. This activity allows children to express their creativity through practical crafting, making it a suitable option for parents looking for an activity without needing to spend the whole day away from home.
The Craft Corner operates from October 1st to 4th, starting at 11 AM, at the Pick n Pay Court. Ticket prices range from 50 to 100 rand via Webtickets.
If your little ones know all the words to songs like 'Let It Go,' 'Hakuna Matata,' or 'You've Got a Friend in Me,' there is a high probability they will enjoy the musical Disney's Dare to Dream JR. This musical revue combines over 20 Disney songs, covering both classics and new favorites from films such as 'Frozen,' 'Encanto,' 'Moana,' 'Coco,' and 'The Lion King.'
The production takes place at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown from September 30th to October 11th, 2026, making it a particularly convenient option for the October part of the school holidays. The show is suitable for all ages and lasts about 60 minutes. Tickets are currently priced approximately between 120 and 180 rand, depending on the source and ticket category.
For children who prefer climbing, swinging, and moving around rather than sitting through a performance, Acrobranch Melrose is running a special offer for the school holidays until October 5th. This adventure activity gets children outdoors, allowing them to overcome aerial obstacles and experience zip-line style challenges.
A 20% discount is currently available on adventures at Acrobranch during the school holidays when using the promo code AcroJozi20.
Keeping the fun going during the holidays doesn't necessarily mean visiting expensive events daily. Thanks to the variety of options—from a craft session for 50 rand to an evening of African stories or a morning visit to the zoo—Johannesburg offers many activities catering to different interests and budgets. The main thing is to check dates, age requirements, and ticket purchasing conditions in advance, especially for events with limited capacity or promotional pricing.