The festive season is upon us. There is no better way to end a pretty dramatic and stressful year than finding a location where you can leave the stress behind and just unwind, socialise and get into the year fully recharged with a new zeal for life. Joburg is endowed with diverse locations and neighbourhoods but few people come close to the vibrant and socially buzzing Kempton Park. What makes people’s eyes lit up at the mention of Kempton Park?
Here are 10 fun things to do in Kempton Park these holidays:
- Visit Emperors Palace for arcade games, movies and the garden of lights
Nothing compares to a good old visit to a casino and experiencing the entertainment giant. Emperors Palace is the go-to place for this!
If playing arcade games and bowling is not quite your cup of tea then the Nu Metro should be able to keep you entertained with the latest film releases. If movies are also not so appealing to you, then a walk in the Garden of lights should do the trick. The Garden of Lights is an annual event hosted outside the premises of Emperors Palace. It is a beautiful fantasy world created with Christmas lights and you come across fantasy characters as you got about with your walk.
The arcade games, movies and the garden of lights can all be done alone or with family and friends, and the accommodation facilities listed on Afristay are just a bonus to the ultimate Emperors Palace experience!
2. Theatre of Marcellus
If you are a theatre enthusiast, then the Theatre of Marcellus located in Emperors Palace is a great option for you. This theatre offers all sorts of entertainment, from opera to theatre plays and stand up comedies.
From 04 December to 31 January, the Theatre of Marcellus is running a Funfair event which is suitable for your little ones and yourself. It will have all the platforms that guarantee maximum fun – bumper cars, Ferris Wheel and a food kiosk to feed your hunger after all the fun!
If you are leaning more on the standup comedy side, then a show by Skhumba’s weekend comedy special is the show for you. It is on 11 & 12 December and R200 gets you in!
3. Wild Waters
If the December sun gets too scorching for you and your friends, then some fun splashes at Wild Waters will do you some good.
This waterpark is close to Kempton Park, and your entire family will love it! It has huge water slides and enough shade to have a little picnic. So pack your swimsuits, towels and head to Wild Waters for a great day of some water splashing.
4. Triple Desire Brewery
Beer consumption is almost a social culture in South Africa, and this gourmet beer craft takes it up a notch.
The Triple Desire Brewery is a craft brewery in the East Rand. It provides visitors with a myriad of delicious beer flavours, which are usually showcased at various restaurants, pubs and bars in Tembisa, which is quite close to Kempton Park.
…and of course, drunk and driving are strictly prohibited, so why not find a nice guesthouse close to the Triple Desire Brewery on Afristay before trying out this beer haven?
5. Kempton Park Golf Club
Get in touch with your Tiger Woods at the Kempton Park Golf Club. Here, you can practice your golf swing on a variety of luscious green and well-maintained golf courses.
There is also an option of going for professional golfing lessons. The Golf Club has a restaurant that serves affordable food, and there is a driving range, as well as a bar with pool tables and darts.
6. The Big Red Barn
The Big Red Barn offers fun obstacle courses and equipment for both kids and adults to climb.
Challenge yourself physically and let your adrenaline run loose as you zip-line, swing, and jump across various equipment. You can relax and unwind at the end of a physically strenuous day at a nearby accommodation in Kempton Park.
7. Scenic flights
How can you be in the city that is home to the OR Tambo International Airport and not experience a scenic flight to get a bird’s eye view of the area?
Several companies provide scenic flights for both local and international tourists. If heights are your thing, get high in the sky and see beautiful views of Kempton Park!
8. Build-a-Bear 
This is a perfect place to take your little ones, the Build-a-Bear workshop allows children to build stuffed animal from scratch. And if you’re an adult looking to make your inner-child happy, making your little bear can be a fun activity to do.
9. Irene Village Market
The Irene Village Market, located in the Big Red Barn, is a local market located close to Kempton Park. It’s great for arts and craft enthusiasts who are looking to add to their collection, and there’s always delicious food on sale.
10. Hunyani Snake City 
For reptile lovers, Hunyani Snake City serves as an educational space where more can be learned about these slithering creatures. This snake park is open from Monday to Friday
BONUS: Kempton Park Hospital
If the paranormal excites you, driving past the Kempton Park Hospital could serve as a fun activity for you. After being abandoned in 1996, the Kempton Park Hospital is said to be an area where strange spiritual phenomena occur (if you believe in that sort of thing).
Of course, we don’t recommend breaking the law and trespassing on the premises, but driving past is harmless and should feed some of your curiosity. The best part? It’s free!
There are tons of activities to plan and experience in Kempton Park and its surrounding areas during the holidays. Whatever you choose, be sure to book accommodation through Afristay to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
