THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR KIDS AND JUNIORS

Looking for child-friendly activities in South Africa?

We know the feeling: It’s late on Friday evening and you haven’t planned anything for the weekend. Can you really convince the kids that the inflatable paddling pool is an enviable swimming pool again, or that sticking uncooked pasta to cardboard makes for a fun day in? 

It’s not as difficult as you might think to find a day out that children and adults alike can enjoy. 

Below we’ve compiled our favourite junior experience days, from Gauteng to Cape Town, boat cruises to supercars. (Macaroni not included.)

No matter what your little one loves to do, we think one of our unique days out will be a hit with both the kids, and the adults looking after them!

Read on to find out our top picks.

Airboat Adventure on Hartbeespoort Dam - 1 Hour- R990

For an aquatic adventure guaranteed to put smiles on everyone's face in the family, hold onto your hats (or sunscreen) for a thrilling ride on the mighty Hartbeespoort Dam! This is a splashy, speedy, and downright hilarious experience that will see you and your kids laughing away.

We're talking about airboats here, the wacky offspring of a speedboat and a hovercraft. With its ability to navigate shallow waters and zoom across the surface with unparalleled agility, the airboat promises an adventure like no other!

After a quick safety briefing (don't worry, life jackets are involved), you climb aboard the airboat and get ready to feel the wind in your hair. Hold on tight, here you go!

With a mighty roar, the fan at the back of the airboat comes to life. As the airboat whisks you away, you'll be treated to breath-taking views of Hartbeespoort Dam and its picturesque surroundings. Gaze at the rugged mountains, marvel at the lush vegetation, and spot some of the local wildlife if you're lucky. But hold on tight because, with the airboat's 360-degree turns and sudden twists, you might just find yourself experiencing a refreshing splash or two. Just remember, that's what waterproof sunscreen is for!

You can purchase a child ticket here, and an adult ticket here.

Sundays River Boat Cruise 1.5-Hour - Child Ticket - R 200

For a scenic day out that everyone will enjoy, from your youngest child to your mother-in-law, look no further than this Sundays River Boat Cruise. This relaxing journey is the only way to take in the scenery of The Sundays River, and with tickets for adults and children, it’s something everyone can take part in.

Your boat cruise begins when you meet your guide at the designated spot. After a brief introduction and sign-in, they’ll show you to your vessel for the day. There’s no better place to cruise than the Sundays River, originally named Nukakamma (‘Grassy Water’) by the Khoisan people for its luscious evergreen riverbanks. 

As you begin your journey, take in the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the feeling of gliding along in the boat. Your knowledgeable guide will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the area, and remember to pack some food as there’s nothing better than a riverside picnic! 

We think this idyllic boat cruise will keep the kids quiet for a while - thank us later!

Children's Introductory Fly Fishing Lesson in Gauteng - R 350

If your little one has an interest in fishing and you have no idea where they got it from, leave the instruction up to the angling experts at Sundowner Adventures. This fishing clinic based out of the picturesque Lanseria Country Estate in Gauteng offers easy and hands-on fishing lessons to anyone who wants to learn, no matter their age or experience!

Surrounded by the incredible natural landscape, the 90 minute lesson begins when your child meets the instructor for a chat about what's in store for the session. It'll begin with an entertaining and fascinating history of fly fishing, plus a description of the various equipment used to ensure fly-fishing remains eco-friendly. 

The instructor will show everyone how to choose the correct flies to fish with and how to cast the line. Then for the most exciting part, the first go at actual fly fishing! 

Guides will be on hand to ensure the flies are tied on properly, and to give advice so that hopefully by the end of the session everyone will have caught (and released) their very own fish.

Express Segway Tour Experience in Durban - R 285

If you’re looking for a unique new way to explore Durban, this Express Segway Tour is the answer! Fun and easy to operate, the Segway is making a name for itself as the king of sightseeing tour transportation. Zipping around on one of these nifty vehicles means that you can take in a lot more sightseeing than just walking, and we guarantee the kids will love it. 

Whilst booking your experience, you can choose either the Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour or the Golden Mile Tour that takes you down the iconic promenade on the Durban coastline. Whichever you decide to go for, you're guaranteed plenty of fantastic photo opportunities, expert tuition from the instructor, and a full 45 minutes of fun facts and interesting stories. 

Discover the 80,000 capacity Stadium and learn about its history and engineering, or glide along the seafront to the famous Suncoast Casino which homes its own semi-private beach - rated one of the top three in South Africa!

20 Minute Microlight Flight in Hoedspruit - R 1150

Who says adults should get to have all the fun?

This short but sweet microlight flight from Hoedspruit is suitable for participants from ages 5 and up, so if your child has a daring side, treat them to the thrill of a lifetime!

Flights take off from the Hoedspruit Civil Airfield, where you’ll be met by an experienced pilot. They’ll brief you on what to expect before leading you to the lightweight, fixed-wing aircraft. After taking your seats, the pilot will prepare for take-off—and then it’s up, up and away! 

If you’ve never flown in a microlight before, a twenty-minute flight is the perfect introduction. Once you’re at altitude, the pilot will offer a brief flying lesson, allowing you to take the controls yourself. Alternatively, you can choose to sit back and simply enjoy the views. 

A variety of game can be spotted on the ground below—including members of the Big Five—so be sure to keep a lookout! You won’t want to return to solid ground!

Franschhoek Hop-On Hop-Off Tram Tour - Child - R 90

If you’re partial to a glass or two - or three, or four - of wine, there’s no reason why the kids can’t come along on a wine tasting adventure. (Adults only for the tastings, of course.) This Hop-On Hop-Off Tram Tour of Franschhoek is the perfect family day out, hitting gorgeous wine farms that adults and kids will love.

When you book your wine tram experience, you can choose your preferred route. The Green Line goes to La Bri, which has a special kiddie's pairing, so the kids can join in the fun! Many of the estates feature on multiple lines, but it's always worth checking the exact route before booking to ensure you have the perfect day. 

We think this tram tour makes for the perfect family day out.

Plettenberg Bay Dolphin Watching Excursion - Child Ticket - R 290

If your child has an interest in marine life, they’ll love this Plettenberg Bay Dolphin Watching Excursion, suitable for all ages. Bring everyone along for an exciting day out! 

The boat will launch from Central Beach and embark on an exciting 2-hour voyage, taking in the whole Bay – from Arch Rock to the ‘wild side’ of the Robberg Peninsula. The ocean here abounds with an astonishing variety of marine life – including colossal whales, menacing sharks and lazing Cape fur seals. 

Of course, dolphins are the real stars of this trip. You can hope to spot several species of these highly sociable creatures – from Common and Bottlenose to the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback. You’ll be amazed by the dolphins’ agility in the water and young photographers can capture some truly dynamic shots. 

The tour strictly adheres to current regulations and conservation guidelines, so parents can also feel reassured that animal welfare comes first. As the tour concludes, kids will return to shore with memories to last a lifetime and a new enthusiasm for the ocean and its wildlife.

Atom vs Atom Passenger Racing Experience - R 1829

Is your little one a speed demon in the making? 

If they’ve been playing with plastic race cars since they had full control of their hands, this passenger ride is a great way to treat them to a taste of what’s to come when they eventually get their license! This voucher is valid for two people, so why not join them for an unconventional parent-child bonding experience?

After registering at the welcome desk on the day of the experience, the instructor will talk you both through what to expect from the race and go over the safety briefing ahead of your scheduled time slot. 

Once you're strapped in it's 3... 2... 1... Go go go! These drivers are experts in their field and have driven the circuits countless times, so they'll give you the ride of your life as you race down long straights and round bends at gut-wrenching speeds. 

Will you come out the victor or be pipped to the post at the last minute?

Cape Point Funicular Cable Car Return - Child - R 35

For a fun way to entertain the kids that’s easy on the wallet, this Cape Point Funicular Cable Car Return is the answer.

For over two decades, the electrically powered Flying Dutchman funicular—which takes its name from the legendary ghost ship—has carried passengers from the Cape Point carpark to a viewing point below the upper lighthouse. 

The line follows the route of an old bus service, through dense fynbos, and each car can carry up to 40 passenger per journey. 

With a return ticket, you can enjoy that journey twice—and save yourself the uphill climb! While on-board, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the native fynbos, coastal scenery and Atlantic Ocean, before disembarking at the upper lighthouse. 

Kids will love the personal messages etched in the lighthouse, and may even spot some marine life! 

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading our guide to child-friendly activities in South Africa.

We hope you’ve found the perfect day out to keep the kids entertained, but if you’re still looking, feel free to browse our entire range of gifts for kids and juniors here.

Got a question, or an activity you think we’ve missed?

Feel free to leave a comment - we’d love to hear from you!