December holidays are hard. It’s hot, it’s busy, and everything you can keep your kids busy with costs an arm and a leg, or is situated out of town. Here are five local spots to visit that don’t cost your whole budget in one go.

1. Hardy Plants fishing hole
The Hardy Plants nursery at 166 Coetzer Street in Withok Estates, is both an excellent spot to walk among the plants, and a spot where you can fish. Yes, you heard that right, they have a fishing hole.

The small park with the pond also has braai facilities, and visitors who aren’t catching fish can just have a picnic in the relaxed atmosphere.

The fishing is strictly catch-and-release, and no swimming or boating is allowed. There is an entry fee, and times vary depending on the season, so check with the nursery front office before you go to the fishing hole.

2. Decorated houses
A beloved feature of Brakpan is that many houses throughout town are decorated with Christmas lights for a large part of December. While you can just drive around your area in the evenings to find houses that are decked out in festive cheer, we also have a guide of houses submitted by residents here: (insert link to lights list).

Some communities also clean up and decorate their local parks, with stalls and entertainment. Check your street or suburb WhatsApp group for announcements of such events.

3. The Dalpark Bird Sanctuary
Teaching your children about nature is invaluable, and where better to do it than the Dalpark Bird Sanctuary, located in Dalpark Ext One. Bird watching may sound boring to children, but the lessons learned are sure to stick with them their whole life.

Located on the banks of the Van Dyk Dam, with several open park areas on the banks open to the public, it’s the perfect spot to teach your children how to identify wildlife, or just to hold a picnic. Just make sure to leave the space as you found it.

4. The Brakpan Library
The Brakpan Library at the Ekurhuleni Civic Centre along Escombe Avenue is the perfect place to take your bookworm children to borrow books or just browse. It’s a mandatory quiet space, so if you’re looking for an excuse to keep your kids quiet, this is it.

The library is open from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30, and the first Saturday of each month from 08:00 to 13:00. Registration for individual residents is completely free, and a registration is valid for two years from the date of approval.

5. Parkrun
Brakpan is fortunate enough to have two Parkrun locations to choose from, which will be open every Saturday of December.

The Brakpan Parkrun, hosted on the grounds of the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre, starts at 08:00 and follows a course throughout the grounds and stadiums.

Carnival City Parkrun takes place just to the left when you enter the Carnival City grounds. It also kicks off at 08:00. Both are free to participate in, but if you want to keep a record of your times you can register for free on the Parkrun website.

You don’t need to run, just walking the 5km courses is fine, but it’s a great way to get some of your kids’ energy out at the start of the day so they’re less hyperactive the rest of the day. It’s also a great way to stay healthy during the festive season.