Day trips, family outings and things to do in West Rand

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 are 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 the warmer months 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

Gauteng is beautiful. Nature walks and hikes certainly provide a breath of fresh air. Pack a picnic basket and drag along some friends and family; you would 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- West Rand has it all!

Book an outride into the sunset or enjoy the scent of the fresh morning dew. Horse riding can be therapeutic and fun for family and friends, so 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 theres 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 is something homely about markets, something mysteriously nostalgic. Gautengs home industry markets 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, West Rands 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.

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 the provinces finest talent on show. 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 participate 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 is 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 West Rand for this weekend and once you are done, visit this page again to find your next place of interest. Get ticking on that bucket list and don't forget to review places you've visited!