Day Trips, Family Outings and Things to do in Gauteng

Everybody loves some time away - to unwind and relax, or simply switch off. Whether it's an outdoor or indoor activity, a visit to a museum, family market, nature reserve, farm, playground, restaurant, pool, horse riding, go-karting or a train ride you'll find it here.

Nature and Animal Lovers outings

With the Jacarandas in full bloom, one tends to find the spring in the step. Nature walks and hikes certainly provide a breath of fresh air. Pack a picnic basket and drag along some friends and family – you’d be surprised at how beautiful the City really is. Be mindful of opening and closing times in the various seasons, and look out for guided tours to be safe.

Zoo trots also make for a good Sunday morning walk. Get in tune with your body as well as nature, plus enjoy family time. One could adventure with elephants or monkey around – birds, reptiles, wild cats and more- Johannesburg has it all!

Of course, one can gallop away in the wind – book an outride into the sunset or enjoy the scent of the fresh morning dew. Horse riding can be therapeutic and fun- family and friends, saddle up!

The City – with all its tall buildings and billboards is also home to many farms. Sing along to the tune of Old McDonald while milking a cow, running amongst the chickens, feeding a goat or hopping with a bunny. Now there’s something warm and homely to be excited about.

Sports Lovers Day Trips

Mountain biking or road cycling? Swimming, hiking, abseiling or fishing? Whatever your adrenalin rush – the day trip directory most certainly has something for you. If the family is not keen on joining you, you may want to choose something closer to home for an early return, or a venue that caters for kids needs too. Teens and tweens will enjoy some roller skating, or ice skating fun too.

Outdoor Family Markets

There’s something homely about markets – something mysteriously nostalgic- that often leaves one feeling calm. Gauteng’s home–industry family markets are on a sudden growth, and make for a great family outing, or a stroll around. Products are unique and made with love, from food to furniture, and that is probably where the special feeling emanates from.

Museums, educational and city tours

Threading the path of discovery, Johannesburg’s rich history has much to offer the inquiring mind. Each listing on the directory will spark an interest for school tours, as well as family outings. There are some wonderful city tours you can explore. One can be taken back in time, understanding the background of our beautiful country, or propelled into the future at one of the many science centres . A mode of transport often forgotten is the train. Little kids can enjoy mini train rides while families and schools will prefer rumbling through the outskirts of Gauteng. From Caves to hop-on-hop-off bus tours, let the adventure begin.

Theatre and shows

Fancy dining out with your loved one? Or, giggling with the kids at impersonations of their favourite characters? The calendar is updated regularly with Jozi’s finest talent on show. Family theatre outings sure make for a special treat for all once in a while. The world of imagination, the confidence to act, to be bold enough to partake in public speaking events – these are skills that can only be honed and inspired in a world of theatre and drama. Schools, families, friends – here’s a trip that can suit any company. Music enthusiasts can also choose from a host of local to international shows.

Theme Parks

A day trip that certainly requires a bit of planning is theme parks. Most times one would need to leave early, pack some food, invite some friends and family, and pack in some extra clothes. However, exhausted as can be, as the day draws to a close, teachers, students, grandparents, families, cousins, friends, from toddlers to teens and tweens, can all concur that it was a day well spent. The memories live on forever, especially as these places are not frequented as often as shopping malls.

Begin the search

Explore the Day trips directory, get clicking on the various tabs, to find the ideal day trip in Gauteng for this weekend – and once you’re done, visit this page again to find your next place of interest. Get ticking on the bucket list