10 great ideas for school holiday fun
JOBURG - Eagerly awaited by children, often dreaded by parents, the winter school holidays are upon us.
Here are 10 suggestions to keep children – and parents – easily occupied for hours:
1. Explore the great outdoors
Can’t face the thought of spending the holidays at home? Explore the wonders of nature in the City of Gold! Joburg Zoo will offer a holiday programme that includes animal feeding enrichments, crafts and games.
Details: Joburg Zoo 011 646 2000, www.jhbzoo.org.za
2. It’s show time
No less than three theatres will stage child-friendly productions, from fairytales old and new, to puppet shows.
Catch Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr at the People’s Theatre at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein; Freckleface Strawberry at the National Children’s Theatre, Parktown; and a selection of puppet shows at the Kinder Theatre, Emmarentia.
Details: The People’s Theatre 011 403 1563, www.peoplestheatre.co.za; National Children’s Theatre 011 484 1584, www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za; Kinder Theatre 011 646 7457, www.kinderspiel.co.za
3. View from the top
See Joburg as you’ve never seen it before! The Carlton Centre’s 50th floor viewing deck is called the Roof of Africa for a reason – find out why these holidays.
Details: 011 308 1331.
4. Get science smart
The holidays don’t have to bring education to a halt.
Get up close and personal with one of the most misunderstood creatures on earth – the shark – at Newtown’s Sci Bono Discovery Centre. The centre will host a scary programme that will include shark dissections and building mini indoor gardens, electric generators and solar heaters.
Details: 011 639 8400; www.sci-bono.co.za
5. Burn off the extra energy
Northcliff’s Orango Tango’s has some of Africa’s biggest jungle gyms for toddlers and older children, as well as bumping cars, a soft toy area, gaming consoles, sand art, and a jumping castle. There’s also a TV for dad to catch up on all the sport.
Details: 011 782 3917; www.organgotangos.co.za
6. From tree to tree
Enjoy a day of adventure and excitement at Acrobranch Melrose. This aerial, arboreal obstacle course will take visitors from tree to tree with zip lines, Tarzan swings, nets and bridges. Acrobranch offers four courses suited to different age groups.
Details: 078 438 7463; www.acrobranch.co.za
7. Eyes on the sky
The Planetarium offers family and children’s shows, giving visitors a new perspective on the night sky and our celestial neighbours, the stars and planets.
Details: 011 717 1390; www.planetarium.co.za
8. Big on ballet
Dance the day away with the Joburg Ballet at Killarney Mall, and learn the steps to your favourite show on 6 July. The class will also provide inside tips and expert advice.
Details: 011 646 4657
9. TV brought to life
Head to Vodacom World, Midrand, to meet Ben 10 and Mister Maker at the DsTV Kids’ Xtravaganza. The event, on until 6 July, will feature live shows, face painting, Lego puzzles, gaming stations, and children’s merchandise.
Details: www.computicket.com
10. Have a blast with books
Discover new worlds at the Skoobs Theatre of Books Children’s Festival. From 14 until 18 July, children can enjoy story time taken to a new level with fun activities including making cupcakes, friendship bracelets and feathered carnival masks.
Details: 011 513 2800; colleen@skoobs.co.za
