Where to enjoy September school holidays in Johannesburg

Recognised as Southern Africa’s largest science centre, Sci-Bono implemented the Gauteng Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Strategy in 2010, endorsed by the provincial department of education.

Here, young tech wizards can get lost in nearly 400 interactive exhibits that they can touch, press and play with, 3D water simulations with virtual waterfalls, a digital planetarium and various other activities.

There is also an after-school and holiday project space for 13 to 18-year-olds called the Sci-Bono Clubhouse, and a career centre where young people can engage in assessments, psychometric testing, counselling and other work-readiness programmes within tech.

• When: Weekdays, Saturdays and public holidays 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; Sundays 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
• Where: Sci-Bono, Newtown
• Cost: Students, pensioners and 3 to 18-year-olds R40; R60 for adults at the door

Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside a real mine? Find out on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holidays at a simulation hosted by Mapatiza in Midrand.

The tour takes between 30 and 40 minutes and is an interactive, educational underground experience taking you through colourful underground passages and chambers featuring natural crystal displays and rock formations.

The tour is a journey of discovery, teaching the young ones how rough stones go from their raw state to the beautiful jewellery that is purchased from retailers.

At the end of the tour, Africa’s biggest showroom awaits where kids can explore polished gemstones, crystals and other glittering, splendid items.

• When: Saturdays and Sundays during the September school holidays
• Where: Gecko Jewellers, Midrand
• Cost: R90 per person, R80 for under-12s on Quicket

Some things are best introduced to kids as early in life as possible, and one such activity is fitness. A dedicated Kids Race is happening in Pretoria this September.

The Munga Swords Series will be hosting three to nine-year-olds for two days on 26 and 27 September. It is a safe space where children can experience the thrill of racing on school grounds instead of intimidating public roads.

But these are children under 10, so the jumping castles and water slides available on-site are the perfect addition to the event. And when they get hungry, the food stalls will make their little bellies very happy.

• When: 26 and 27 September
• Where: Laerskool Witpoort, Pretoria East
• Cost: R50 per child on-site

Every child loves storytelling, so why not take the whole family to the Peoples Theatre while the schools are closed?

The theatre has adapted a selection of the legendary Gcina Mhlophe’s books—including How the Lion Got His Roar, Golden Windows and Horns Only—into an interactive production where every child gets a chance to take part and tap into their own creativity.

Who knows, you might even be raising the next Gcina Mhlophe yourself!

This theatre is known and loved for its interactive approach, even inviting some of its young audience members to perform with the cast on stage.

There’s even a club membership, and members whose birthdays fall on performance days get to be called out by name, with the rest of the audience singing to them.

• When: 15 September to 4 October
• Where: Peoples Theatre, Braamfontein
• Cost: R180 on Webtickets