What to do when … you have nothing to do
There are a lot of vacation days coming up. Here are few free things you can do in Krugersdorp.
Over the next couple of days, children will have the benefit of multiple days off from school.
Unfortunately, some adults still need to be at work. So instead of sitting at home, teenagers wander around town without much to do. Tight budgets because of limited pocket money can be a real bummer for children who want to enjoy themselves without having to sell an organ for funding.
The News compiled a list of things children can do during off days that would not leave holes in their pockets:
Sport activities:
• Head over to Key West Shopping Centre’s skateboard park which is free to enter and use. There’s always skateboarders and BMX riders showing off their sick skills and newbies are accepted with open arms. You can also visit the dam situated next to the centre where you can watch the ducks and birds enjoy the water. Although the dam doesn’t permit anyone to fish there, it’s always fun to sit underneath the trees.
• Coronation Dam is free to enter and it is where a lot of Krugersdorpers pass the time when they don’t have the money to go on vacation. You can swim or fish in the dam and there are people camping there most of the time. The area is relatively safe since homeless people and illegal squatters were recently cleared from the grounds. However, try to be cautious when you visit the park as there aren’t that many security guards and no life guards. If you have a motorcycle or bicycle, there’s ample space to drive around within the park. There are also lots of grass plains and trees where you can have picnics. One of the entrances is on Johan Jonker Street next to Laerskool Millennium.
• Although summer is coming to an end, there’s a little heat left before the long winter. Make the most of the last weeks of summer and visit the Krugersdorp West Swimming Pool. The area has an Olympic-sized pool as well as a kiddies pool in an enclosed space. The space is very safe as both pools have ample life guards and security guards. An entrance fee of R5 per adult and R2 per child is required to keep the park in prime condition. Keep in mind that you will not be allowed back in if you leave the premises – you’ll have to pay the entrance fees again. Make sure you have all your swimming gear, snacks and warm clothes to avoid disappointment.
• Krugersdorp share a border with Muldersdrift and on this border there is a steep hill called the Paardeplaats or Hillsnax Hill. The hill has one dirt road that makes its way to the top. The road is great for hiking and there is a lot to see, not to mention a gorgeous view from atop the hill, from which you can see the entire Muldersdrift. The hill is not that challenging as it only goes up about 2km before becoming relatively flat. This is an activity that you preferably shouldn’t do alone. The hill is completely open to the public and has various trails. Hobby Park owns a part of the hill that is enclosed. The hill is steep and vehicles that aren’t equipped with 4 x 4 abilities would have difficulty making it up the dirt road. The hill is home to a beautiful ecosystem that should not be destroyed.
• Dirt Bronco is the West Rand’s very own world-class motorcycle park that hosts various national and international races almost every weekend. There are always bikers aged from two to 80 years old. There are three tracks and multiple endurance tracks. If you’re going in with a car, an entrance fee is required. However, if you’re travelling on foot or bicycle you might not have to pay entrance fees. You can watch the bikers do flips over the huge ramps or watch them race each other on the tracks. Who knows, some of them might even give you a chance to ride their bikes. Just remember – safety first. The owners prefer younger children to be accompanied by adults. It’s at the intersection of Viscount Road and the R28, heading towards Randfontein.
Animal-orientated activities:
• Friends of Rescued Animals (Fora) is an animal shelter that takes care of abandoned or saved puppies. The shelter houses many different animals who have been mistreated by humans. These animals require a lot of love and enjoy the company of kind-hearted souls. Visitors are always welcome and they can pet the animals, learn about them and even be a furry baby owner for a day. It’s on Windsor Road in Luipaardsvlei.
• Husky Haven is a shelter catering especially for huskies. They are one of the kindest dog species. The haven has about 50 huskies who all need love and especially baths. The huskies are kept two-by-two in area about 10 square metres, each with its own house, shell filled with water, a tree and a toy or two. Huskies are like miniature wolves that need a lot of attention and exercise. Visitors are always welcome. The Haven is at 23 Frans Korb Street, Oatlands.
Evening activities:
• Rice Street in Rangeview has an elevated cul-de-sac. The dead-end street is the perfect place to go stargazing and city lightgazing. It is a very quiet area and there are not that many visitors which makes it the perfect place to take someone on a romantic date. There’s not much space to lay out a picnic blanket, but lying on top the bonnet of a car watching the full moon is very romantic. It’s a fairly safe area, but always be aware of possible dangers around you.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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