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Best Amusement Parks in Johannesburg for an Exciting Day Out
For centuries, people have been looking to amuse and entertain themselves. So it’s not that surprising that amusement parks have been around since 400 years ago (imagine the rides back then!).
In Johannesburg, the first one opened in 1971, and these parks have only grown in popularity since then.
Below is our list of these parks so you can spend an adrenaline-filled day when in the city!
1. Gold Reef City Theme Park
Address: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres
Website: https://www.goldreefcity.co.za
Contact Number: +27112485000
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If we’re going to talk about amusement parks in Johannesburg (and in fact South Africa), then we need to talk about the grand-daddy of them all, Gold Reef City Theme Park!
This theme park is truly one you should check out with your family.
The park has a ton of rides for you to try. Some are more child-friendly while some are for those seeking something thrilling.
The young ones tried the dragon ride which made them feel like knights going on an important quest. We, adults, took on the Golden Loop for some dizzying and heart-pumping fun!
| Pro Tip: There are a total of 15 rides at the theme park and you may want to get advance information on the layout of the park to maximise your visit. Download the park’s map before you drop by. |
2. Santarama Miniland
Address: 183 Rosettenville Rd, Glenesk
Website: https://www.santarama.co.za/
Contact Number: +27670625519
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fans of dioramas and miniatures will surely have a field day if they visit Santarama Miniland. As its name implies, it’s an amusement park where you and your loved ones can enjoy top-notch views of mini buildings, churches, parks, and even a dam.
Plus, the place is located in the middle of a wide open area filled with lush greenery and well-maintained grass, making it an ideal relaxation spot for the entire family.
We rode the park’s train around these dioramas, and the views around the park took our breaths away. The detailed miniatures contrasted against the open grassy fields surrounding the vicinity.
| Pro Tip: The entrance to the park will cost around ZAR 35 for adults and ZAR 30 for kids under 12 years old. This fee includes a free train ride around the park where you can spot a large bluish statue of the late legendary popstar Michael Jackson. |
3. Jozi X
Address: Main Rd & Sloane St, Bryanston
Website: http://www.jozix.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 82 456 2358
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jozi X offers some of the most unique activities all in one spot, and we like that there’s something here for everyone.
They have Nerf wars, a parkour obstacle course, splatter (large group painting session), and the more challenging Ninja Warrior (extreme obstacle course).
If you’re travelling with young children, then no worries, as the park also offers a colourful inflatable park where the young ones can play and interact safely.
We let the young ones loose and they joyfully jumped and bounced around with their playmates.
Our fave has to be the Nerf wars though. We blasted away our park rivals!
| Pro Tip: You can also improve your health, wellness, and fitness if you enrol in one of their CrossFit classes. They call their CrossFit program BattleRush and you can learn more about it by clicking on their website. |
4. The Fun Company
Address: Shop FF20-FF27, The Zone @ Rosebank, 50 Bath Ave
Website: https://thefuncompany.co.za/
Contact Number: +27871649459
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
After scoring great deals at the Rosebank Mall, you can bring the entire family to The Zone’s Fun Company. It’s a collection of different attractions—bump cars, XD Rider, hyper bowling, and a family favourite, ten-pin bowling.
If you or another family member is a fan of retro gaming, then this amusement centre is also worth your time with its arcade games. Keep winning so you can collect tickets and claim your prizes.
We didn’t know where we would spend more time—the bump car area or the arcade. We’re mostly fans of arcade gaming but the thrill of bumping against other cars is something we wouldn’t miss!
| Pro Tip: If you want to get the most bang for your Rand, then we suggest visiting on Tuesdays when the attractions are 50% off. Of course, this only applies during regular days and not during public holidays or school days. |
5. Wild Waters Boksburg
Address: 1 Margaret Ave, Bardene, Boksburg, 1459, South Africa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwatersboksburg/
Operating Hours:
- Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wild Waters Boksburg is a great spot for you to beat the heat as you splash and play with your family and friends. This water park has everything you want in a tropical paradise setup—wave pools, a picnic area, and water slides galore!
You can choose among the different slides here with longer and higher ones for the adults and the shorter twisting ones for younger kids.
Since we wanted to relax a bit, we whipped out our picnic basket and enjoyed a light snack at the picnic area before we hit the waters!
| Pro Tip: Check out their Facebook before your planned date of visit. They sometimes have announcements (like park closures during the winter) that may affect your travel plans. |
