{"id":45266,"date":"2025-12-18T15:24:30","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T15:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=45266"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:24:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T15:24:30","slug":"where-to-take-the-kids-in-joburg-this-festive-season-your-gig-guide-to-family-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2025\/12\/18\/where-to-take-the-kids-in-joburg-this-festive-season-your-gig-guide-to-family-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to take the kids in Joburg this festive season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2>Looking for festive fun in Joburg? This family-friendly experience blends adventure, imagination and indoor entertainment kids will love.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Festive Gig Guide: Fun for you and your family. This holiday, no matter where in SA you are<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The festive season is officially in full swing, and Gauteng is delivering a packed calendar of family-friendly experiences designed to delight kids and adults alike. Whether you\u2019re chasing a refined Christmas outing, creative play for little ones, or immersive festive storytelling, this gig guide rounds up the best places to be this December.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" alt=\"Picture supplied \" class=\"wp-image-4261880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg 2132w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 2132px) 100vw, 2132px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Picture supplied \" class=\"wp-image-4261880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg 2132w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Neon-Glow-Mini-Golf-Bedford-1-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2132px) 100vw, 2132px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Nelson Mandela Square \u2013 Celebrations on the Square<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dates: 12\u201322 December | <\/p>\n<p>Time: 4pm \u2013 9pm<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Nelson Mandela Square is elevating festive cheer with Celebrations on the Square, a sophisticated seasonal experience focused on indulgence, gifting and atmosphere. <\/p>\n<p>Set inside an elegant glass marquee, the activation brings together a curated selection of premium local brands offering artisanal treats, d\u00e9cor, food, and thoughtful festive gifts.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Guests can browse offerings from Babylonstoren, Veldmeisie, Oooh La La, Storm Ceramics, Le Perline, Lemoni Food Studio, Matcha Pod, Gelato Mania, Kaldista Coffee Company, Casa LV, Chapters Home Fragrance, and Grandiflora, alongside beautifully curated cookbooks by Naqiyah Mayat and Angie Durrant.<\/p>\n<p>Luxury champagne house Laurent-Perrier adds sparkle with tastings, bottles for purchase, and personalised luggage tags available in its dedicated champagne lounge, ideal for gifting with meaning.<gwmw style=\"display: none; background-color: transparent;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cost: R75 (includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier and a charcuterie board)<\/p>\n<p>Booking: At the venue | Limited to 200 guests per day<\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong>Where to party on New Year\u2019s Eve<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4261882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-825x550.jpg 825w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071462_81_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071462_81_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4261882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Destination-Christmas-825x550.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Eastgate Shopping Centre: Candy Cane Lane<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display: none; background-color: transparent;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dates: 10\u201324 December <\/p>\n<p>Time: 10am \u2013 6pm<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Eastgate transforms Strelitzia Court into Candy Cane Lane, a sweetly themed festive playground designed especially for families. Expect interactive entertainment that keeps kids smiling without overwhelming parents.<\/p>\n<p>Activities include reindeer-inspired ice cream tastings, the North Pole claw machine, Rudolph\u2019s Gaming Station, and festive face painting. Optional add-ons such as a doughnut DIY kit and sweet-wall bauble making station add an extra layer of creativity, making this a relaxed yet engaging outing for all ages.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cost: R50 (add-ons available)<\/p>\n<p>Booking: At the activation area<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" alt=\"Picture supplied \" class=\"wp-image-4261883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071464_93_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-825x550.jpg 825w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071464_93_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071464_93_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Picture supplied \" class=\"wp-image-4261883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071464_93_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melrose-Arch-Glo-bikes-825x550.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Menlyn Park Shopping Centre: Menlyn Sky Kids Zone<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display: none; background-color: transparent;\"\/><gwmw style=\"display: none; background-color: transparent;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dates: 5\u201324 December <\/p>\n<p>Time: 11am \u2013 8pm<\/p>\n<p>Menlyn Sky\u2019s outdoor area becomes a lively festive hub with the Menlyn Sky Kids Zone. Children can enjoy ornament-making, cookie decorating, colour-and-win stations, basketball challenges, and a soft play area for younger visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Craft elves and Mrs Claus\u2019 helpers guide the fun, while parents unwind at Santa\u2019s Brew Bar. Families who dine at Menlyn Sky restaurants also receive complimentary parking, making this a stress-free festive outing.<\/p>\n<p>Cost: Free<\/p>\n<p>Booking: Not required<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mall of Africa: Zootropolis Mini Golf Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dates: 28 November\u201327 December <\/p>\n<p>Time: 9am \u2013 8pm<\/p>\n<p>Located at Waterfall City Park, the nine-hole mini golf experience inspired by Disney\u2019s Zootropolis 2 offers a playful, immersive journey through the animated animal metropolis. Each hole recreates scenes from the film, blending colour, creativity, and challenge for players of all ages, making it a standout family activity this festive season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" alt=\"Picture supplied \" class=\"wp-image-4261884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mall-of-Africa-Zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mall-of-Africa-Zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-1-1200x960.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mall-of-Africa-Zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-1-768x614.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071466_715_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C512&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766071466_715_Where-to-take-the-kids-in-Joburg-this-festive-season.jpg?resize=640%2C512&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Picture supplied \" class=\"wp-image-4261884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mall-of-Africa-Zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mall-of-Africa-Zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-1-1200x960.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mall-of-Africa-Zootropolis-2-inspired-mini-golf-1-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><strong>Fourways Mall Santaland: The Jingle Bell Academy<\/strong><gwmw style=\"display: none; background-color: transparent;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dates: 10\u201324 December <\/p>\n<p>Time: 9am \u2013 7pm<\/p>\n<p>Returning for its sixth year, Santaland introduces The Jingle Bell Academy, where kids journey through magical Christmas houses to train as Santa\u2019s helpers. Activities include cookie decorating, chimney scooting, present stacking, letter writing, festive face painting, and a memorable photo with Santa.<gwmw style=\"display:none;\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cost: R50 per child<\/p>\n<p>Booking: Pre-book via Quicket (recommended)<\/p>\n<p>Beyond Santaland, Fourways Mall offers adventure golf, go-karting, cinemas, gaming arenas, and special events like the Night Market. Extended trading hours, free parking after 5pm, and a gift-wrapping station supporting the Smile Foundation complete the festive experience.<gwmw style=\"display: none; background-color: transparent;\"\/><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#kids #Joburg #festive #season<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for festive fun in Joburg? This family-friendly experience blends adventure, imagination and indoor entertainment kids will love. Festive Gig&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":45267,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45266","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45266","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45266"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45266\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45268,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45266\/revisions\/45268"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45266"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45266"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45266"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}