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The Best Small Party Venues in Johannesburg Loved by Event Organisers
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for a small party in Johannesburg, forget Google. I’m the ultimate party guru around here!
I must have sparked a neighbourhood-wide alert because suddenly every backyard party aficionado was on speed dial, ready to spill their secrets. That neighbourhood party network is no joke!
But hey, I figured why fight it when these folks clearly know their stuff? After some serious reconnaissance and a few brainstorming sessions, here it is: the ultimate guide to small party venues Johannesburg has to offer.
JoziKart
Website: https://jozikart.co.za/
Address: Entrance 4, Level 1, Cresta Shopping Centre, Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, Randburg, 2194
Phone: +27 79 032 6899
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Ages: All ages
JoziKart offers an exciting venue for small parties right here in Johannesburg. I recently organised a birthday celebration there for a group of friends, and it was a blast.
The place buzzes with the sound of karts zooming around the track, and there’s this energy that’s infectious. We opted for the Sodi SR-5 karts, which are quick and agile, perfect for some friendly competition.
Racing against my friends in our own mini Grand Prix was definitely the highlight. It was great seeing everyone having such a good time, and the best part was that it catered to all ages, from kids to adults.
| Pro Tip: Kick off the excitement by warming up with stretches and light exercises together. It’ll not only amp up your racing skills but also ensure everyone stays fueled and ready to race to their heart’s content! |
The Slope at Cedar Square
Website: https://www.theslope.ski/
Address: Shop U1, Upper level Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Cedar Rd, Fourways
Phone: +27 71 685 8091
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Ages: All ages
The Slope in Fourways is a 75-metre-long ski deck rising over 20 metres high, featuring a high-speed tubing surface in vibrant blue for an exhilarating ride.
I recently attended a small party there and was impressed by the setup. Our designated area was nicely decorated with balloons and a neatly laid table covered in white cloth with colourful overlays.
The party packs, filled with snacks like Lays chips and Kitkat bars, were a hit with the kids. It provided a perfect blend of excitement from tubing down the slope and comfort from the well-organised party amenities.
| Pro Tip: Make your celebration special by bringing your own birthday cake, cake condiments, and themed (non-edible) table decor, as these are not provided at the venue. |
Barn on Boundary
Website: https://thebarnonboundary.co.za/
Address: 373 A, 373 Boundary Rd, North Riding AH, Roodepoort
Phone: +27 82 262 6541
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Ages: All ages
The Barn on Boundary offers a serene escape for hosting small parties. I recently organised our family’s year-end gathering there, and it was a delightful experience.
The kids loved exploring the playground with its swings and jungle gym, while adults enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere amidst the landscaped gardens.
The venue’s self-catering setup made it easy to manage, with a well-equipped kitchen and ample seating provided. The highlight was definitely the supervised access to the farm animals, which added a unique touch to our event.
| Pro Tip: Make the most of the party venue by offering activities like meeting farm animals, enjoying pony rides, and getting whimsical face paintings for the kids. |
The Secret Tea Garden
Website: https://www.thesecretteagarden.co.za/
Address: Manor Recreation Centre, 16B Penguin Drive, Norscot, Fourways, Sandton
Phone: +27
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 10:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Ages: All ages
The Secret Tea Garden offers a peaceful retreat from the usual spots in Johannesburg. When I hosted my mother’s kitchen tea there with 30 guests, it turned out to be a fantastic choice.
Steve, the owner, really stood out with his hands-on approach. He was everywhere, making sure everything ran smoothly. The staff were just as impressive, friendly and efficient from start to finish.
We chose the high tea menu, and the food, especially the scones with jam and cream, was outstanding. The setting couldn’t have been better either; we enjoyed the lovely weather sitting under the gazebos on the lush green lawn.
| Pro Tip: For a cohesive and memorable kitchen tea, choose a theme upfront to weave into invitations, decor, and attire. |
The Living Room Jozi
Website: https://livingroomjozi.co.za/
Address: Living Room, 5th Floor, Main Change Building, 20 Kruger St, City and Suburban
Phone: +27 82 370 9284
Operating Hours:
- Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Ages: 18 years old and above
The Living Room Jozi is a venue set on a rooftop with a stunning city skyline view. When I organised a bachelor’s party there, we found the atmosphere to be really laid-back and stylish, blending modern urban design with a bohemian feel.
Their events team guided us through the planning process from the catering options to the bar service. Speaking of which, the cocktails were a hit among the guests, and the canapés they served were delicious and perfectly suited to the occasion.
Throughout the evening, the staff were attentive and friendly, making sure everyone had a good time without being overbearing.
| Pro Tip: You can tap into a curated selection of entertainment options, from DJs to live bands and comedians, all expertly coordinated by the venue. |
Total Ninja
Website: https://totalninja.co.za/total-ninja-stoneridge/
Address: Shop U61, Stoneridge Centre, Hereford Rd, Greenstone Park
Phone: +27 10 630 0611
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Ages: 4 years old and above
Total Ninja offers an exhilarating venue for parties that promise non-stop fun for kids aged 4 and up. I organised a birthday celebration there and opted for the Ninja Heavyweight package.
The place was buzzing with excitement as soon as we arrived. The Ninja Park was impressive, offering two full hours of activities that kept the children thoroughly entertained.
The kids loved the souvenirs they got, and the party packs with socks, gloves, headbands, and sweatbands were a thoughtful addition. The food and drinks were kid-friendly and plentiful, and the Pick n Mix sweet jars on the tables were a hit.
| Pro Tip: It’s advisable to arrange your catering needs 24 hours prior, ensuring a diverse array of certified halal platters from their fully equipped restaurant are ready for your adult guests. |
Imagine The Venue
Media from jozikids
Website: https://www.imaginethevenue.co.za/
Address: 85 Mint Road, corner Carr St, Fordsburg
Phone: +27 11 492 3592
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 1 PM
Ages: All ages
Imagine The Venue is set amidst the serene countryside, offering a spacious 160m² thatched Lapa with a kitchen equipped with all the essentials. Inside, there were comfy couches and café-style chairs neatly arranged to seat about 40 adults.
What really impressed us was the expansive garden. It was like a hidden playground with so much to explore. There’s a playhouse nestled among shady trees, an adventure jungle gym, and a quaint duck pond with friendly ducks waddling around.
The kids loved the trampolines, swings, and mini bike track, while the adults gathered around the braai area for a relaxed afternoon.
| Pro Tip: During parties, maintain a balance by setting clear boundaries for your children without giving in to every demand, and ensure you’re listening to their needs and feelings. Remember to praise their good behaviour and join in the fun! |
The Rooftop at The Empire
Website: https://empirevenue.co.za/event-spaces/the-rooftop/
Address: 16 Empire Road, Parktown
Phone: +27 11 340 9535
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM
Ages: All ages
I recently attended a friend’s birthday party at The Rooftop at The Empire, and it was absolutely stunning. Right away, we were struck by the cool breeze and the impressive view of Johannesburg’s skyline in the evening light.
The spacious rooftop allowed us to move around freely, enjoying both the stunning views and the lively atmosphere of our gathering. The staff were attentive and friendly, ensuring everyone had drinks and snacks throughout the evening.
Catering was handled seamlessly by the venue staff, who served a delightful selection of finger foods and canapés.
| Pro Tip: For an unforgettable rooftop party, choose a standout theme that sets the tone for the entire event. Whether it’s a nostalgic ’90s throwback or a TV series-inspired extravaganza, your theme will guide everything from decor to music. |
The Bunny Hop Haven
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebunnyhophaven/
Address: 59 Frederick St, Observatory
Phone: +27 72 817 5968
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Ages: All ages
The Bunny Hop Haven is a haven for rescued animals that doubles as a delightful venue for children’s parties.
Kids eagerly gathered around as the staff introduced each animal, from fluffy rabbits to curious chickens. The children were thrilled to feed and pet the animals, their laughter echoing through the cosy party area.
We enjoyed snacks and cake amidst the gentle clucking of chickens and the occasional delighted squeal from the little ones. The staff were fantastic, engaging the children with educational tidbits about each animal’s background and care needs.
| Pro Tip: Ensure children are closely supervised during animal interactions, especially avoiding teeth and hind legs that irritated animals may use defensively. Always have children wash their hands or use sanitiser after handling animals at the farm party. |
Owls Loft Guest House
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owlsloftguesthouse/
Address: 165 Pecan Grove Lane, Midrand
Phone: +27 83 393 2298
Ages: All ages
Owls Loft Guest House is a charming thatched country house offering a perfect blend of tranquillity and luxury. The venue boasts spacious accommodations with modern amenities including free high-speed Wi-Fi and a pet-friendly environment.
The banquet hall, where we held our event, was tastefully decorated and comfortably accommodated our group. The staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring that everything from setting up decorations to serving meals went smoothly.
One of the highlights was the outdoor pool area, where we enjoyed some downtime under the sun. It provided a refreshing break between activities and added to the overall enjoyment of the day.
| Pro Tip: Crafting a guest list is key to a successful event; it ensures ample provisions and the ideal venue size for your attendees. This strategic move guarantees a comfortable and memorable experience for all. |
Ranger Stables
Website: https://rangerstables.weebly.com/
Address: Cnr Richmond and, Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg
Phone: +27 82 452 9321
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 11 AM
Ages: All ages
Ranger Stables is a community-based equestrian centre located in Craighall Park. When we held our small party there, the venue’s lush botanical setting with views of the Braamfontein Spruit made it feel like a hidden gem in the middle of the city.
We arranged a pony camp party for the kids, which turned out to be a big hit. The children enjoyed riding the ponies, guided by a patient and friendly instructor, and had a blast grooming them and playing horse-themed games.
The adults appreciated the scenic picnic area, which provided a relaxing spot to sit and chat while keeping an eye on the kids. One highlight was the horseshoe decorating activity, which was fun and kept the kids engaged.
| Pro Tip: Teach your child not to run the horse back to the barn to prevent the horse from becoming “barn sour,” a behaviour that can make the horse difficult to control and pose a safety risk. |
Sky Dining at Higher Ground
Media from _cat351_
Website: https://www.highergroundrestaurant.co.za/events/
Address: St. Stithians College Property 40 Peter Place, Randburg
Phone: +27 84 449 6040
Ages: 18 years old and above
Sky Dining at Higher Ground offers a truly unique experience for those looking to host an unforgettable small party. Suspended 30.48 metres in the air, this venue provides a breathtaking view of Johannesburg.
I recently organised a hen party there, and the experience was unparalleled. We chose the champagne breakfast option, and being up in the sky added an exciting twist to our morning.
The staff in the middle of the lift ensured that we were well taken care of throughout the session, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. The food was delicious, and we loved taking photos with the stunning views in the background.
| Pro Tip: Remember to dress comfortably yet appropriately for the weather, as you’ll be elevated above the ground and exposed to the elements. |
Jozi X Adventure Centre
Media from jozikids
Website: https://www.jozix.co.za/
Address: 51 Sloane St. Bryanston
Phone: +27 82 456 2358
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM
Ages: All ages
For my dad’s 50th birthday, we chose Jozi X because of its diverse activities like the inflatable park and bubble soccer. The venue was spacious, with plenty of seating areas and shade, which was great since it was a sunny day.
We started with a round of Nerf wars, which got everyone laughing and competitive. Then, we moved on to off-road go-karting, where my dad surprised us all by winning a race against my younger brother.
The on-site pizzas were a hit, especially with the kids, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed.
| Pro Tip: Always pack an extra set of clothes; chances are, you’ll be embracing the elements, which means getting sweaty, wet, or dirty. |
