Categories > Guides and Tips

Family-Friendly Activities in Pretoria Your Kids Will Love

Family-Friendly Activities in Pretoria Your Kids Will Love

| Last Updated: March 2024

Ever wondered what makes Pretoria a family favourite? Beyond being known for its top-notch universities, like the famous University of Pretoria, this city is a playground for families seeking fun.

From historical museums to beautiful gardens, Pretoria offers a bunch of family-friendly activities. To help you plan your trip, here are some of the best things to do in Pretoria for families!

See various animals at Pretoria Zoo

Website: https://www.pretoriazoo.org/ 

Address: 32 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Phone: +27(0) 12 339 2700

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM 

Pretoria Zoo, also known as the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, is the biggest zoo in the country, home to over 3,000 animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and gorillas.

Kids can have fun at the farmyard with cows, sheep, and pigs, and there’s a cool reptile park and a marine aquarium. You can bring your lunch and relax by the Apies River or buy snacks from the cash-only vendors.

Pro Tip:
Apart from seeing the usual animals, you can also check out aquarium tours, spend the night camping, and go on exciting night tours to spot owls, elephants, lions, and red pandas at Pretoria Zoo.

Bike at Cycle Park in Red Barn Farm

Website: https://www.thebigredbarn.co.za/big-red-barn-trails/ 

Address: 7 Nelson Rd, Sunlawns AH, Olifantsfontein, 1666, South Africa

Distance from Pretoria: 21-minute drive

Phone: +27 82 389 4795

Operating Hours: Open daily – 7 AM to 4:30 PM

Red Barn in Olifantsfontein has cool bike paths and offers yummy brunch in an old hay barn turned restaurant. It’s on a farm in Irene with fun stuff like Acrobranch, an adventure park for all ages, and Ludwig’s Roses, a rose garden perfect for moms.

They have a cycle park with different tracks for all levels of bikers, as well as running trails for those who prefer to jog or walk. You can bring your bike or rent one on-site.

Pro Tip:
You can enjoy a cosy dining experience at the Red Barn Cafe with spacious interiors and sunny patios. 
You have many options like a breakfast menu, such as waffles and bacon, and a lunch menu, which features burgers, pizzas, and toasties.

Experience farming at Irene Country Lodge

Website: https://www.irenecountrylodge.co.za/ 

Address: Nellmapius Dr, Irene, Pretoria, 0062, South Africa

Phone: +27 12 667 6464

If you’re looking for a relaxing and authentic farm experience in the city, you might want to visit Irene Country Lodge. This hotel offers diverse accommodations, dining, and spa services for a pampering and revitalizing experience.

But the highlight of your stay might be the opportunity to visit the adjacent Irene Farm, a working dairy farm where you can see the cows being milked, taste fresh farm products, and explore the natural beauty of its meadows. 

Pro Tip:
You can also enjoy various activities on the property, such as fishing, picnicking, bird spotting, and watching the sunset over the lake. 

Visit Smuts House Museum

Media from natanielnews

Website: https://www.smutshouse.co.za/ 

Address: Jan Smuts Avenue, Centurion, 0062, South Africa

Phone: +27 12 670 9016

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM

Smuts House, also called the Big House, gives you a peek into Jan Smuts’ family life in Irene, between Johannesburg and Pretoria. This easygoing museum started as a prefabricated officers’ mess in Britain and ended up in South Africa.

The house, with a bathroom phone, was a cherished family home where Smuts, a statesman, blended family life with nature and philosophy. 

Pro Tip:
Every first and last Saturday of the month, there’s a lovely market at Smuts House Museum called Irene Village Market. The setting is beautiful, making it a must-visit spot in the Highveld.

Climb, slide, and swing on various obstacles at PlayTown

Website: https://www.playtown.co.za/ 

Address: Highway Business Park 95 Park Avenue North, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, 0154, South Africa

Phone: +27 10 023 0093

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 6 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM

PlayTown, located in Centurion, South Africa, is an indoor play area catering to kids aged 0 to 13. It hosts various sessions and events, including birthday parties and school outings, making it a memorable destination for kids.

Kids can enjoy pretend play in 10 themed rooms, ride bikes on a track, climb rocks and tree houses, and explore a pirate ship jungle gym. They can also jump on trampolines and jumping castles or play with soft toys and ball pits. 

Pro Tip:
PlayTown has a restaurant that serves delicious food like cheesy garlic rolls, chicken strips, and mini pizza. You can also enjoy hot drinks like choco milk, chai latte, and mochaccino in single or bottomless cups. 

Ride mini trains at Cedar Junction

Website: https://cedarjunction.co.za/ 

Address: Plot. 404 Graham Road Zwavelpoort Street Extension Pretoria East, Lynnwood, 0036, South Africa

Phone: +27 082 766 2748

The Cedar Junction theme park has cool mini trains that your kids will love riding on. The trains travel around a 1.2-kilometre track, going through tunnels and over bridges.

Besides trains, there’s a swimming pool, pedal boats, jumping castles, trampolines, jungle gyms, a sandpit, and a mini bike track for more fun. You can take your kids there for a device-free morning of outdoor play and big smiles.

Pro Tip:
After a day of splashing and playing, you might be hungry for some delicious food. Bronberg Wynlandgoed restaurant is only 15 metres away from the park entrance and offers vegetarian-friendly options.

Explore the Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/pretoria/ 

Address: 2 Cussonia Street, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0184, South Africa

Phone: +27(0)12 843 5071

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM 

Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to visit with your family. It has two parts, one cooler and one warmer, divided by a tall rock. 

You can enjoy the different habitats, such as the wetland, the cycad garden, the succulent garden, and the natural grassland. You can also learn about the plants and animals that live there and how they are important for biodiversity. 

The garden also hosts the National Herbarium, the Biodiversity Centre, and the Environmental Education Centre, where you can discover more about the scientific research and education that takes place there.

Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the opportunity to also explore the Mary Gunn Library, which is located inside the garden. The library has a rich collection of books, journals, maps, and illustrations on South African flora and fauna. 

Savor the delicious food at Spur Steak Ranches

Website: https://www.spursteakranches.com/za 

Address: Shop 15, P6 Level, Menlyn Shopping Centre Atterbury Rd. Pretoria

Phone: +27 012 368 1042

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM 

Arapaho Spur Steak Ranch is a family-friendly restaurant at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. Whether you are looking for a juicy steak, a tender rib, a mouth-watering burger or a crispy wing, you will find it at Arapaho Spur. 

The restaurant also has a play area for kids, where they can enjoy games and activities while their parents relax. It also hosts birthday parties, events, and promotions throughout the year.

Pro Tip:
Spur Steak Ranches offers added family perks through the Family Club App. Sign up, add your kids, and enjoy free treats with every Kids’ Meal, a special birthday Kids’ Meal, and automatic entries to Spur Kids Competitions!

Zip through the air at Acrobranch

Website: https://acrobranch.co.za/ 

Address: The Big Red Barn, C/O Nelson & Glen Road, Sunlawns Estate, Olifantsfontein, Centurion, Pretoria

Phone: +27 (021) 201 1121

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM 

Acrobranch offers a one-of-a-kind treetop adventure where you can swing through a lush forest. It’s not just for kids; they have different courses for all ages, even adults.

You can swing, zip, climb, and crawl through different courses that suit your age and skill level. Whether you want to have fun with your kids, challenge yourself or unleash your inner Tarzan, Acrobranch has something for everyone. 

Pro Tip:
You should wear closed shoes with good tread for stability and comfortable clothes allowing unrestricted movement. If you have long hair, tie it up in a bun to prevent snagging on tree branches.

Watch model trains at Centurion Society of Model Engineers

Media from jozikids

Website: https://www.centuriontrains.com/ 

Address: 999 Kwikkie Cres, Zwartkop, Centurion, 0051, South Africa

Phone: +27 64 520 8572

Operating Hours: Every Sunday – 9 AM to 3:30 PM 

Centurion Society of Model Engineers, in Zwartkop, is a green oasis that offers a 2-kilometre miniature railway where kids can enjoy riding small steam trains. The track goes through scenic landscapes, including tunnels, bridges, and a tranquil lake.

You can also enjoy a family outing there, as it has barbecue facilities and some food stalls.

The club members who own steam trains can bring them here and run them on the track every third Sunday of the month.

Pro Tip:
If you’re hosting a birthday party, make sure to book in advance and check the weather forecast. The miniature trains are very popular and can accommodate up to 20 children per ride, but they only operate on certain days and times. 

Join game drives at Ezemvelo Nature Reserve

Website: https://www.ezemvelo.co.za/ 

Address: R25, Bronkhorstspruit, 1020, South Africa

Phone: +27 13 680 1399 / 087 405 3554

Ezemvelo Nature Reserve near Johannesburg and Pretoria is a top spot for nature lovers. You and your family can enjoy short walks or the stunning trail along the Wilge River.

Campsites, chalets, and mountain huts are available, with the River Camp ideal for groups. Families can explore game drives, putt-putt, mountain biking, and guided walks for a great outdoor getaway.

Pro Tip:
You might want to consider staying at the MERU Tented Camp. This is a safari-styled camp that can accommodate up to 30 guests in comfortable tents. 

Enjoy some friendly family racing at Compu-Kart

Website: https://compu-kart.co.za/ 

Address: Stoneridge Centre, Hereford Rd & Modderfontein Rd, Greenstone Park, Lethabong, 1610, South Africa

Phone: 011 609 0076 / 011 609 0039

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 1 PM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday – 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

Compu-Kart Raceway offers a 300-metre circuit. Experience the excitement of go-karting with your family in a safe and fun environment!

You can choose from different types of races, such as Grand Prix, Endurance, Shoot-Out, or Arrive and Drive. 

Moreover, anyone between 6 and 60 years old can enjoy racing here. It operates in any weather condition, making it a perfect choice for fun outings, birthday parties, or team-building activities.

Pro Tip:
After your races, you can explore some family-friendly places in Stoneridge Centre, such as the arcade, the bowling alley, or the cinema.

Learn about natural history at Transvaal Museum

Website: https://ditsong.org.za/en/our-museums/museum-of-natural-history/ 

Address: City Hall, 432 Paul Kruger St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Phone: +27 12 492 5744

Operating Hours: Open daily – 7:30 AM to 4 PM

The Transvaal Museum, now known as DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in South Africa. It showcases the rich diversity and evolution of life on Earth.

You can see amazing fossils of ancient animals and humans. You can also learn about the different minerals, rocks, and crystals that make up our planet and admire the colourful and varied collection of birds from South Africa and beyond.

Pro Tip:
A great way to enrich your museum experience and gain more knowledge is to attend their educational talks. You can learn more about the fascinating exhibits, such as the fossils, minerals, and wildlife, and ask questions to the experts.

Fish and relax at Thulani Resort

Website: https://thulaniresort.co.za/ 

Address: 516 Lavender Rd, Wonderboom, Pretoria, 0182, South Africa

Phone: +27 72 604 6038

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Thulani Fishing and Leisure Resort in Pretoria is great for family outings or team-building, nestled by the beautiful Apies River. With shaded spots and braai facilities, the resort offers a perfect setting for a riverside barbecue or picnic.

You can also enjoy fishing in a river or dam, splash in swimming pools with water slides, and play volleyball (bring your own ball).

Plus, they have a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals. They serve kid-friendly dishes like French toast, chicken strips with chips, ice cream with chocolate sauce, and four-cheese pizza.

Pro Tip:
The resort is most enjoyable on weekdays because there are fewer people then. You’ll have more fun on the water slides, bumper boats, paintball, and fishing without waiting in long lines or dealing with too much noise.

Jump freely on the trampoline at Bounce, Menlyn Maine

Website: https://www.bounceinc.co.za/menlyn-maine/ 

Address: 180 Amarand Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, 0042, South Africa

Phone: 011 517 2500

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 6 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

Bounce at Menlyn Maine is the biggest trampoline park in South Africa. It has cool stuff like a free-jump area, a trampoline slam dunk spot, dodgeball, and a special adventure challenge called X-Park.

In X-Park, you get to climb, jump, and run around before zipping on a cool aerial runway. If your children like trampolines, they can take classes specially designed for them to have fun and learn at the same time. 

Pro Tip:
A must-try for an exciting holiday at Bounce is to enrol your kids in Bounce’s Freestyle Academy Holiday Camp. They’ll learn new skills like trampoline tricks and freestyling and parkour moves.

Meet rescued farm animals at Ashers Farm Sanctuary 

Website: https://www.ashersfarmsanctuary.org/ 

Address: Plot 37 Tweedragt, Boschkop Pretoria East, 0001, South Africa

Phone: 065 120 2664

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – by appointment
  • Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM

Ashers Farm Sanctuary is a wonderful place to meet and interact with over 200 rescued animals, such as cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. You can also learn about their stories and personalities and how they came to live at the sanctuary. 

The farm offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events for kids and adults. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, picnic areas, and gift shop. 

Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal at Ashers Corner Cafe. The cafe offers vegan and vegetarian options as well as fresh juices and smoothies.

See The Voortrekker Monument 

Website: https://vtm.org.za/ 

Address: Eeufees Rd, Groenkloof 358-Jr, Pretoria, 0027, South Africa

Phone: 065 120 2664

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 10 AM and 2 PM
  • Friday – 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM

The Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, South Africa, celebrates the Boers’ journey from the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. This large granite structure is a National Heritage Site and a top tourist spot in South Africa.

With 64 ox-wagons and statues of historical figures, it tells the story of the Voortrekkers. The Hall of Heroes has a frieze and a small museum about Voortrekker’s history.

Pro Tip:
The monument is located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city. You can climb to the top of the dome and see the interior of the monument from above. 

Try adventure sports at AdrenalinX Adventure Park

Media from jacoroux

Website: http://www.adrenalinx.co.za/ 

Address: 74 Graham Rd, Shere, 0084, South Africa

Phone: 073 271 3936

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM and 10 PM

AdrenalinX Adventure Park is a great place for families with kids who love outdoor fun. They have laser games, rock climbing, and a cool water park with a giant slide.

Instructors make sure everything is safe and fun by explaining each activity and keeping a close eye on everyone. It’s perfect for parties, but you need to book ahead for a guaranteed good time.

Pro Tip:
AdrenalinX Adventure Park has a variety of food options on their menu. We recommend going for the spitbraai menu, which includes a whole lamb on a spit, roast chicken, potatoes, salads, and garlic loaf. 

Watch a show at The South African State Theatre

Website: https://statetheatre.co.za/ 

Address: 320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Phone: 012 392 4000

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM and 4:30 PM

The South African State Theatre offers different halls for shows, parties, weddings, and more. You can watch awesome performances like operas, ballets, musicals, and kid-friendly shows.

The theatre has hosted various shows since 1981, and some of its notable productions are Swan Lake, Cats, and Sarafina!

Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a place to eat near the South African State Theatre, you might want to check out Propaganda Pretoria. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from African cuisine to steaks, salads, burgers, and more. 

Slide and dive at Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort 

Website: https://hennopspride.co.za/ 

Address: Plot 48 R511 Hartbeespoort Road Centurion, 0182, South Africa

Phone: 083 288 9915

Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort, near the Hennops River, is a great countryside spot with a family-friendly waterpark. With 9 pools, 25 slides, shady picnic spots, and activities like trampolines, it’s perfect for all ages. 

Families can have fun exploring a 5-kilometer hiking trail to caves. There are also other activities like drives, a jumping pillow, volleyball, and fishing. 

At the resort’s kiosk, you can grab simple meals, snacks, and essentials like ice and inflatables.

Pro Tip:
For animal lovers, you can also visit Woodrock Animal Rescue nearby, where you can adopt or sponsor a cat or a dog, or just spend some time with the rescued animals.
Related topics