Everybody loves some time away – to unwind and relax, or simply switch off. Whilst this part of the country may not offer the ocean breeze or long walks on the promenade, one can surely be spoilt for choice. There’s a little something to keep the busiest body busy, and the nit-picker comfortable. The Day Trip directory includes family outing venues, wellness venues as well as amazing places of interest for school trips and the like in Gauteng.
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.
How to use our Day Trip Directory
Some day trips require planning and forethought, whilst others can be quite spontaneous. Whatever the occasion, your decision will depend on the season, company, cost, time of day and various facilities. Here are some ideas to consider while browsing the directory, which should help you find what you need
Indoor vs Outdoor Day Trips
Neither is the better. A venue choice really depends on the mood, occasion, company and often the budget.
Kids will love the array of
action packed indoor activities in and around the city. In fact, Mums and Dads may want to unleash the kid in them and join in the fun! Battle it out at laser games, enjoy painting together, bounce off some steam at a trampoline park, or keep updated with the latest trends and family fun at the many shopping malls. If you need some time-out there’s a
number of indoor playgrounds that offer a childcare service while you enjoy a cup of tea – absolutely ideal for the occasional play date.
During warmer climates one may be beckoned towards some
outdoor action. Swinging on tree tops like Tarzan or get caught in a splash of colour at paintball – let the kids decide. Go-karting and fishing spots make for some ideal Dad and Lad time – if dad can handle the pressure of being beat! And while boys will be boys- the ladies can enjoy some pampering at one of the many spas and wellness centres. Adventure lovers- do you have what it takes to find yourself? – Get lost in a maze to find out. The Mazes offer an ideal day trip for team building, or families.
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
