A
ART: get creative this holiday. For inspiration visit one of the city's fine arts and crafts shops such as Jimnettes Art and Craft, (012 361 4469) or Schweickerdt Art Centre, Lynnwood Road (012 460 5406); take a trip to an art museum or gallery. Pretoria Art Museum, corner Schoeman and Wessels streets (012 344 1807/8). Open 10am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays.
- Pretoria Art Museum holiday workshops - Today: papermaking; July 1: printmaking in monoprint: July 2: drawing techniques; July 3: clay modelling; July 4: painting techniques. Classes are 10am to noon, R30 per child. Call 012 344 1807/8.
ANIMALS: Animal farm, picnic area and playground at Rooihuiskraal Terrein, 012 661 4284, 8.30am to 5pm. (see also under B for birds and Z for zoo)
B
BAKING: Holidays are a great time to try out baking. Make a chocolate cake, muffins, scones or pancakes. (Try this recipe for healthy muffins: Take 750ml flour, 250ml oats, 100ml sugar, 100ml oil, 400ml milk, 2 eggs, 3 teaspoons baking powder, pinch of cinnamon, 150ml raisins and 3 apples chopped. Mix all together and put into greased muffin tins. Bake 180ºC for about 20 minutes.
BIRDS: Visit Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, corner of Melk and Boshoff streets, New Muckleneuk. There is a free bird hide you can visit. Guided tours available over weekends. Book by calling 012 440 8316.
- Mystic Monkeys and Feathers; 55km from Pretoria this zoo has an array of exquisite and exotic birds, plus lions and tigers. Contact 012 521 0335.
- Bester Birds Animal Park, Simon Vermooten Road, Willow Glen, open 9 to 5 every day. Entrance includes food for the farm animals. Visit the Touch Farm and see a range of birds - including penguins - as well as red pandas, wallabies and mountain lions. Call 012 807 2574.
- Exotic Birds, at Montecasino Bird Gardens in Fourways, bird shows twice a day, small animals to feed. Call 011 511 1864. Open 8am to 5pm everyday.
- Lory Park Zoo has a fine collection of endangered, exotic and indigenous birds, open over weekends and public holidays, 180/1 Kruger Road, President Park, Midrand. Call 011 315 7307.
- Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary has abundant bird life, thatched viewing hides around a large dam and is a breeding ground for herons, cormorants and sacred ibises. Just behind the Kyalami Golf Course. From Main Road, Bryanston - Kyalami (R55) enter the suburb of Bealieu via Hawthorne Road, pass through the security boom. Turn right into Percheron Road and immediately left into parking area, admission is free of charge.
- Bunny Park, with an aviary, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and ducks, at the Bunny Park, Pretoria Road, Rynfield, Benoni. Open daily 8am to 5pm. Park has a playground for picnics or braais.
BOTANICAL GARDEN: Enjoy a walk through the lovely National Botanical Institute Gardens, 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria. Idyllic picnic spots, restaurant and tea garden. Call 012 843 5000. Open 8.30am to 5pm.
BOARD GAMES: You need not be bored with the latest games available at The Toy Shop in Menlyn. Contact 012 361 7042.
BROOKLYN MALL: Boot Camp Kids Playhouse, a childcare facility with fun and educational activities, children 3-10, until July 12. Call Nathan Williams at 012 346 1063.
C
CANOPY TOURS: Magaliesberg Canopy Tours, Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa, North West Province, 014 535 0150, 7am to 6pm. An eco-adventure tour down the Ysterhout Kloof in the Magaliesburg Mountains with expansive views and surrounding ecology. Canopy guides assure the safety of participants and describe indigenous plants, bird life, econology and geology of the area.
CYCLING: This is one of the most popular pastimes and holidays are the perfect time to pump up the tyres and head off on your bike.
Mountain biking and hiking trails at Groenkloof Reserve, Mondays to Fridays, 7am to 7pm. Contact 012 440 8316/341 0591. Entrance at Fountains Valley resort.
COMPUTER GAMES: Play on your own, visit an Internet cafe or get connected with some friends at a Lan party.
COOKING CLASSES: Antoinette's Cookery School at 230 Kruger Avenue, Lyttelton Manor has cooking classes. Call 012 664 8485 or 082 770 3833.
- Ushef Cooking School in Olivedale, north of Joburg has fun cooking classes for kids aged 7-15. Contact 011 462 8964.
CROCODILES: Croc City Crocodile Farm, Fourways, Johannesburg North. Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 4.30pm, 011 460 0413.
CHEESE: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm tours, R560, Skeerpoort, 012 207 1289 or 083 226 7834. Open daily 8am to 4pm, closed Tuesdays. Visit an authentic Dutch cheese farm, see how cheese is made and taste it at the cheese restaurant. Booking essential for the tours, the cheese-making courses as well as for meals. Picnic hampers may be ordered.
CULLINAN: The historic village of Cullinan has lots of things to see.
Cullinan Diamonds, purchase diamonds or watch how they are cut and polished. Call 012 734 2625.
Open Air Museum with a display of mining equipment.
Follow the gravel road next to the railway line to the back of the ventilation shaft (the big building with the SA flag painted on it) where you can view Cullinan's big hole (four times as big as Kimberley's, approximately 1km long and 500m deep.
Guided tour at the McHardy House Museum, the oldest building in Cullinan open on Saturday, Sundays and public holidays and during the week by appointment. Donations welcome, guided tours.
Visit the St Peter's Catholic Church, St George's Anglican Church and Presbyterian Church - open on special holidays.
Resident artist Marcella de Boom built Aldebran Studio, a cob house; her gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment, and is situated in Suikerbossie Street. Call 012 734 2700.
Murals painted by Italian prisoners of war, archaeological artefacts and items of historical value, DVD about the history of Cullinan, all at the Cullinan Recreation Centre. Call 012 734 2388.
Military Cemetery (World War II) and the village cemetery dating back to 1905 are situated next to the road to Refilwe.
From Koppie Drive, you can view the military insignia set out in stone against the slope of the koppie, which was done by some of the regiments who operated from Cullinan area during World War II.
Zonderwater Prisoner of War Camp - open Tuesdays only.
Village Tours - JL Historical Tours - need to be booked in advance at 012 734 1111; minimum of four people.
Imfundiso jewellery school, open during the week. Call 012 734 0245.
Zuluka Cultural Village - have lunch with the king. You need to book in advance at 012 734 1111.
Game Drives, Bird Watching, Hiking - Premier Game Park 082 936 6979; Somabula 082 550 1892 or Windy Brow 012 734 2388.
Cullinan also has day tour specials: Option 1 : Mine tour (no children under 10), tour of Mchardy House Museum, and a village tour. Option 2: Village tour, Cullinan Recreation Centre - DVD History of Cullinan, tour of the building includes murals painted by Italian POWs and mine tour (no children under 10). Option 3: Mine tour (no children under 10) and Zuluka Cultural Village.
The village tour is done via tram.
Mine tour includes a visit to the diamond museum and diamond "hub".
For any enquiries about Cullinan and to book tours, call 012 734 1111.
- Friends of the Rail Steam Trains is taking a trip to Cullinan via Rayton on July 5, (2009). Take your picnic basket with you. Call Arno or Billy Victor at 012 548 4090.
- On Sunday July 26 the Tshwane Xplorer will be running from Hermanstad depot, around Pretoria via Pyramid and the city. You will be able to see a vintage car exhibition, take a picnic basket. Call Arno at 012 548 4090.
D
DVD: Get out all those movies you missed during term time and invite a few friends around for a DVD night.
DE WILDT: Cheetah and Wildlife Centre in the foothills of the Magaliesberg breeds cheetah, wild dogs, brown hyena, blue duiker and species of vultures and owls. Booking is essential for the tours, no children under the age of six. Contact Louise at 012 504 1921.
E
Eating out: Why not prepare a meal for some friends?
Or why not arrange a travelling supper - where you go from house to house for the different courses of a meal?
ELEPHANT RIDES: Efaf Destinations Dinokeng, 50km from Pretoria on the N1 North Polokwane, call 012 711 0245 or 082 556 6730.
- Walk with the elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary, Hartbeespoort Dam. Call 012 258 0423/0332.
ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION: Bushtrail Environment Centre, Magaliesberg, North West Province. Call 014 577 1566 or 082 923 2739. Holiday camp for kids aged 7-15. Visit www.bushtrails.co.za.
EXPERILAB: Various workshops for children, until July 17. Guild House, 239 Bronkhorst Street, New Muckleneuk. Call 012 460 3597. Classes include science, music, chemistry and lots more.
F
FISHING: Struben Dam, Innes Road, Lynnwood Glen, open 6am to 6pm, entrance free.
Or Rietvlei Dam, 012 345 3917. Fishing permits available at the gate, open 6am to 6pm. A beautiful area to spend the day with braai and ablution facilities. Camping facilities available.
- Footloose Trout Farm, about 9km past Fourways on the William Nicol highway has five trout dams plus another four for carp, barbell and bass. Swimming pool, kiddies' playground. Kids can be dropped off for the day. Contact 011 466 9911.
- Brookwood Estate, a garden-like trout farm in Muldersdrift is great for a fishing outing and you can camp, picnic or braai there. Contact David at 082 856 2448.
FLEA MARKET: Visit the B&B Flea Market at Hatfield Square on Sundays, with entertainment provided, 011 442 4488.
FARMS: Children's Farm, at 25 Philirene Street, Swartkops, off Ruimte Road, Centurion. Open first Sunday of the month between 10am and 4pm, where children can see farm life. Call 012 666 8604.
- Farmhouse Country Restaurant 17km north of Fourways Mall, 012 669 0546/0237 open daily, 8.30aqm to 5pm. All kinds of animals for the children to see as well as a fully equipped playground and roller-skating rink. Safari Garden Centre Lynnwood Drive, The Willows, 012 807 0009 is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5.30pm and Sundays 9am till 5.30pm. Facilities include a kiddies'farmyard and playground as well as tea garden.
- Irene Estate Dairy Farm, Nelmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion, is open daily from 10am to 5pm and has herds of Friesland cows. The farm is a beautifully preserved old building. The milking parlour is open from 3pm for viewing and milk and delicious produce can be purchased from the farm shop, or have tea in their garden next to the calves' enclosure.
- Struis Huis Party and Function Venue, Waterkloof Agricultural Holdings, 582 Joshem, Rietfontein Vallei, Pretoria East, 012 345 2946 or 082 494 0491, open to the public on weekends and by appointment on weekdays. in the morning Miniature horses, pigs, goats, ostriches and tractor rides.
G
Gold Reef City Theme Park: In Johannesburg, daily tribal dancing, bird shows, rickshaws, bands, clowns, and spectacular rides. Open every day in the holidays, 9.30am to 5pm, Entrance fee includes all the rides. Call 011 248 6800.
GAMES ARCADES: Menlyn and Kolonnade Centre.
GAME LODGE: Genius Loci Game Ranch, for guided bush walks and game drives, 012 521 0335.
Go-Karting: Sancardia Centre, Weekdays open from 11am, Saturdays: 10am, Sundays 11am. Go-kart track, pool tables, arcade games, foosball and tennis table. Contact 012 323 5064.
GOLF: Jungle Golf at Brooklyn, Pretoria. Contact 012 346 5388.
H
Hiking: Nature trails at Moreleta Kloof and Faerie Glen (see Nature Trails - N)
- Trek-Ox Trail, Die Ring, Hartbeespoort, North West Province, 012 259 1506, this trail is open daily, and offers beautiful vistas and interesting terrains, spectacular views over the Hartbeespoort Dam.
- Vergenoeg Nature Reserve Trails, Hartbeespoort, North West Province, 012 207 1007, open by appointment only, in the southern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountains. View the endangered Cape vulture. Self-catering chalets available. Booking essential.
- Northern Farm, R114, Johannesburg North, just 5km from the Lion Park, 082 533 4545. Open over weekends and public holidays.
Over 2 500ha of grassland and woodlands to explore, several dams, 300 different bird species, trails for cyclists, hikers, horse riders and birders. braai facilities available. Tickets can be purchased from SA Trails, or contact 082 533 4545.
Horse riding: Take a relaxing horse ride in the nature reserve at Voortrekker Monument, discount prices during the December holidays , 082 828 6323,
- Esperanza riding school and party venue, Volstruis St, Pretoria East. Call Marina at 076 184 5660.
- Danielsrust Horse Trails, Kromdraai Conservancy, Cradle of Humankind, Western Gauteng, 011 957 0109 or 082 555 3153. Outrides through countryside rich in palaeontological sites, or through the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. Booking essential.
- Roberts Farm Horse Trails, R24, between Magaliesburg and Rustenburg, North West Province, 014 577 3332. Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains. It offers 40km of horse trails, mountain biking, hiking and bird watching. Basic riding skills recommended, no children under 12 years, self-catering accommodation available, booking essential.
HOLIDAY CAMPS/CLUBS: Adventure & Beyond in Krugersdorp, night hikes, abseiling, rock climbing, archery, kayaking, team building, paintballing, arts and crafts, call Paul Grobler at 082 922 2671, or Lilli at 086 092 2677 or 083 449 9819. or visit www.holidaycamps. co.za.
- Holiday Club, at Eastside Community Church, 850 Primula Road, Moreleta Park. Camping Wild, until July 3 for Grade 0 to 7, 8am to 1pm; Camping Wild Eastside Holiday Club goes to Sunnyside at Sunnyside Primary School, until July 3 for Grade 0 - 7. Pre-register at www.eastside.org.za. There is no cost. More information at 012 998 2877 or e-mail holidayclub@ eastside.org.za.
- Lion King Holiday Club, fun holiday activities and games for children aged 6-13, 8am to 1pm, until July 3. Call 012 460 3271.
- Adventure Beach Holiday Camp, call Paul Groblerat at 082 9222 671.
- Performing Arts. Gecko Valley Performing Arts Camp at Vaal River, workshops for kids from age 7. Booking essential. Call Mo or Quinton at 072 405 6807 or 083 393 0285, or book at Computicket.
- Kim Field Holiday Dance Workshops, ages 3-13, at 46 Kingfisher Drive, Fourways. Children are taught the latest techniques and dances. Call Kim at 083 626 0392.
- Adventure Pony Camp, seven-day camp, ages 9 - 17 years, with horse riding lessons, farm life, nature hikes, at BBK Trails Campsite, Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga. Call Susan Yates at 082 853 3993 for details of dates.
- Basecamp SA Holiday Camp at Hartebeespoort Dam Holiday Resort for children from 3 years. Exercise, arts, crafts, baking, outdoor action and more. Call Tanya at 072 238 7342.
HOT AIR BALLOONS: Air to Air Africa cc, Cradle of Humankind, Western Gauteng. Call 011 708 7774 or 084 602 3491. Flights depart daily at sunrise.
HOLIDAY INFO: For a list of things to do in Pretoria and Johannesburg, visit http://jozikids.co.za.
I
Ice Skating: Kolonnade ice rink, 012 548 2450, open 10am to 5pm, 7.30pm to 10.30pm daily during holidays.
IRENE VILLAGE MALL: For activities visit www.irenevillage-mall.co.za. They have a synthetic ice rink open until July 19, 10am to 1pm Mondays to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
J
Jumping castles: Jumping castles, trampolines etc at Adventure Zone, Norwood Shopping Centre, Johannesburg, 011 483 3833. Or hire your own and have a holiday party (for details see Pretoria News Classified or the phone directory).
JOURNAL: Start a journal, try writing poetry or letters to special friends.
K
KOLONNADE Shopping Centre: Situated in Zambesi Drive, Montana Park has an expo. Our time for Teens Expo, July 7 to 13 , showing EA Games, Canon Cameras, F1 Models, K1 Racing (Go Karts), Zipp Zone and Edgars. There is also an SMS competition. The ice rink is also open during the holidays. Go-Karts are available 10am to 4.30pm. Call 012 548 1902.
KITCHEN: A great time to get into the kitchen; try making a luscious pudding (see also baking)
KITE: On windy days, fly a kite, either bought or built at home.
KNITTING: Try making a scarf for next winter. Get some funky yarn from Metro or a wool shop and get knitting. On average you need 20 to 30 stitches on size 5 to 7 kneedles and three to four balls of wool.
KRUGERSDORP GAME RESERVE: Spend a memorable day viewing lions, buffalo, hippo, zebra, giraffe and antelope, 011 950 9900.
L
LIBRARY: Visit the local library for some great reading material.
LIONS: Lion enclosure at Lanseria, corner Hans Strydom and Old Pretoria roads, 011 460 1490.
- The Lion Park in Muldersdrift, with a children's petting zoo,. Call 011 460 1814.
- The Lion Park in Honeydew, corner Malibongwe and R114 has lions, meerkats, tigers, rare side stripe jackals and hyenas. Call Earl at 082 884 8889 or visit www.lionpark.com.
LIPIZZANERS: These fabulous horses perform Carol performances at their centre at Zoetendal, near Pretoria.
Call Moira at 082 374 4349.
M
MODELS:Holidays are ideal time to try your hand at model-making. Visit Jix Hobbies at Menlyn Retail Park
for a superb range of model kits.
MAROPENG: The name means returning to the place of origin, and the Sterkfontein Caves are within the World Heritage Site at the Cradle of Humankind. See where
Mrs Ples and Little Foot were found, 9am to 5pm daily. Call 014 577 9000.
MUSEUMS: Transvaal Museum, Paul Kruger St, open 8am to 4pm, 012 322 7632. The Discovery Centre will
be open these holidays.
- Cultural History Museum, Visagie Street, open 8am to 4pm. Call 012 324 6082.
- Melrose House, Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm. Parking in Scheiding Street, entrance in Jacob Mare
Street. Call 012 322 0420.
- Kruger Museum, 60 Church Street West, 012 326 9172, open weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm, weekends 9am to 4.30pm.
- Sammy Marks Museum, 012 802 1150, Old Bronkhorstspruit Road, tours every hour on the hour
weekends and weekdays: 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.
- Jan Smuts House, Irene, 012 667 1176, open daily 9.30am to 4.30pm. The restored home of General Smuts, tea garden, walking trail to the top of the koppie.
- Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum, Take the Rayton/Cullinan/Bapsfontein off ramp from the N4, turn left, follow the signs, 012 736 2035/36. Find out more about farm life in the past. Open 8am to 4pm.
- Pioneer Museum, Watermeyer Street, Silverton, Pretoria 012 803 6086, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, weekends: 9am to 4pm. There is an historic Voortrekker farm, farm animals and plants. Picnic and braai facilities available.
- Tswaing Meteor Crater and Eco Museum, situated 30km north-west of Pretoria on the Onderstepoort Road. See birds and animals. Open daily: 7.30am to 4pm. Call 012 790 2302 for directions.
- South African Air Force Museum, Paul Kruger Road, off Route 101, Valhalla, Tshwane. Call 012 351 2153. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 3.30pm, Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Flying machines, old and new, on display alongside the Swartkop runway.
- Police Museum, Pretorius Street, open Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 3.30pm.
- Origins Centre, Wits University, 1 Yale Road, Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Call 011 717 4700. Open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm; exhibits include San, Khoe and Bantu rock art, self-guided and guided group
tours offered.
- Constitution Hill Children's Room, Constitution Hill, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 011 381 3110, open
daily 9am to 5pm. Ages 3-12 years, educates children about their rights and responsibilities in an interactive
and entertaining way. A visit to Nelson Mandela's cell is included in the programme.
- Museum of Military History, 22 Erlsworld Way, Saxonworld, Johannesburg, 011 646 5513, open daily 9am to 4.30pm. Adjacent to the Johannesburg Zoo, it houses a collection of old weapons and aircraft. Groups must book in advance, guided tours may be arranged.
- Santarama Miniland, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle, Johannesburg, 011 435 0543, daily 9am to 5pm, miniatured models of historical sites and places of interest in South Africa, Jan van Riebeeck's Dromedaris, miniature train operates daily.
- James Hall Museum of Transport, Pioneer Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle, Johannesburg, 011 435 9718/9485, open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4.30pm. An impressive collection of modes of transport through the ages.
- Liliesleaf Farm. See where Nelson Mandela spent his last days before he was imprisoned. Open every day 8am to 6pm. Take the N1 to Johannesburg. Take the Rivonia offramp and go down Rivonia Road. Turn right
into Rietfontein where there is a sign for Liliesleaf Farm. Go through the boom gate and turn left into Winston
Road and left again in George Road. On the right is the museum. Call 011 803 7882.
MENLYN CENTRE: Visit www.menlynpark.co.za for detailed programme.
MUSIC: Classical Encounters Garden Picnic Concerts, Sunday June 28 at 1 to 3pm at the Pretoria Botanical
Gardens, Cussonia Avenue Brummeria. Popular classics from the duo Lizelle Botes (violin) and Emrie de Klerk (cello) as featured on their new CD Eclips. Call 012 843 7272/3/4. Tickets: R18 for adults, R7 for scholars,
R10 for tertiary students.
MINIATURE JOHANNESBURG: Look down on a tiny version of the metropolis, with mini trains at Santarama
Miniland, 183 Rosettenville Road, Wemmer Pan. 011 435 0543.
N
NATURE TRAILS: Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, entrance at General Louis Botha Ave, at Plumbago, 6am to 6pm, entrance in Helios Street, free of charge. Three hiking trails: Hadeda route 6.2km, Akasia route 4.5km and Kiepersol route 11.3km. Inquiries: 012 358 1510.
- Moreletakloof Nature Reserve has self-guided hiking tails for viewing the rich bird life or springbuck, blesbok
and zebras. Inquiries and reservations: 012 358 1510; Restaurant bookings: 012 998 1503.
NDEBELE CULTURAL VILLAGE: Situated at The Zebra Country Lodge, visit a cultural site and journey through four periods of settlement of indigenous people. Call 012 470 5300.
O
OX WAGON RIDES: Voortrekker Monument. Call Alwyn, 082 920 5413. Open 9am to 4pm.
OSTRICH OASIS: Half an hour from Pretoria, on Moloto Road, learn about these unusual birds, relax in the tea garden, visit the curio shop, tours arranged, call 012 735 1533.
P
PICNIC: Botanical Gardens (see B), Magnolia Dell, Queen Wilhelmina Road, Fountains or Derdepoort resorts.
PAINTBALL: Paintball Extreme, operates at Derdepoort Park. Booking essential. Call 082 497 8395.
- Paintball Games, 082 961 2906, Zinnia Street, Newlands, opens 8.30am. Booking essential.
- Paintball Park, 082 413 8955, between Garsfontein and Lynnwood Road, Pretoria East. Opens 8am, booking essential.
PLANETARIUM: Wits University Campus, Empire Road, Parktown, Johannesburg. Learn about space and cosmic origins. Space travel for kids 5-8, every Saturday. Hubble
Vision Show, tour through the eyes of the Hubble Space Telescope, Fridays 8pm and Saturdays 3pm. Booking
essential. Call 011 717 1392 for information.
PUTT PUTT: Adventure Golf at Brooklyn Mall, Veal Street, Opposite Absa Bank, 9am to 10pm. Call 073 268 0336.
Q
QUAD BIKES: Zwartkops quadbikes, route R55, Centurion, at the same premises as the Zwartkops Raceway, 9am-5pm, Jumping castles, jungle gym, sandpit, trampolines. Call Linky at 082 688 6046.
- Quad Bikes, 011 795 1091, Daytona Adventure Park in William Nichol Street, Fourways, opens at 9am.
Caters for children 4 years and up. For older kids there's a guided outride into the bush and across rivers.
R
RESORTS: Derdepoort, open at 7am. Pool, braai facilities, and paintball. Book with Gert at 083 297 2641.
- Wonderboom, open 7am to 4pm, R13pp, braai and picnic facilities, hiking trails, paths to the fort. See the waterfall and cave, plus the 1 000-year-old tree. Inquiries and bookings: 012 341 0591 or 012 440 8316.
- Roodeplaat Nature Reserve, 012 808 5131, has picnic facilities, game drives and hiking trails. They also have an environmental education programme for all grade learners. Call Thuli Sikhosana at 083 528 0582 for more information.
RHINO AND LION NATURE RESERVE: At the Cradle of
Humankind, 520 Kromdraai Road, between Krugersdorp and Lanseria Airport. Various tours and childrens events during December, booking essential, 011 957 0349.
S
SCI-ENZA: University of Pretoria, enter the amazing world of science, weekdays 9am to 4pm.
SHOWS: Daar's 'n Alien Onder my Bed!, until July 4 at 10am; Pierneef Theatre, corner Pierneef and Mogg Avenue, Villieria. Tickets at the door or call 012 329 0709.
- Sleeping Beauty, until July 4 Breytenbach Theatre, Sunnyside, Gerhard Moerdijk Street, Sunnyside, 012 440 4834.
- Coppelia, by South African Ballet Theatre continues until July 5 at Promusica Theatre, 100 Christiaan
de Wet Road, Florida Park, Roodepoort, 011 674 1357/8.
- Noddy at People's Theatre, Johannesburg Civic Theatre Complex, corner Loveday and Hoofd streets, 011 877 6854, until August 6.
- Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren, until August 1, bookings at Computicket, at National Children's Theatre (NCT), No 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, 011 484 1584.
- Aladdin, 3pm and 7pm, July 3 to 19 at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor's Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton
Park. Tickets at Computicket.
- The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, produced by Ballet Bugs, until July 4 at Wits Theatre, corner Jorrissen
and Station streets, Braamfontein, 011 717 1376. Tickets at Computicket.
- Bybelstories vir Kinders, July 3 at 11am Centurion Theatre, 123 Amcor Road, Lyttelton Manor, 012 664 7859.
- Romeo and Juliet, directed by Nina Lucy Wylde, until August 8 at 7.30pm, at Wits Downstairs Theatre, Jorissen and Station streets, Braamfontein. Bookings with [email protected].
SPORT TOURISM: For school, church and club groups of 50 or more to any of the Nature Reserves (Tshwane). Activities involve hiking, mountain hiking and sports
games. Available in school holidays, sports equipment available. Call Masilo at 072 366 9339.
SONKASTEEL: Children's bookshop on the corner of Duncan and Prospect streets, Brooklyn. Story Time, Saturdays at 10.30am for about an hour. Contact Ruth at 012 362 5892 (083 391 4176).
SOUTH AFRICAN MINT: In Centurion, see coins of the past and the future, Tuesdays to Fridays, R20. Booking essential, call 012 677 2342 or 082 539 9595 or 082 260 8900.
SNAKES: Come face to face with Africa's most venomous snakes at African Reptiles and Venom, Plot 94 Diepsloot, Johannesburg North. Call 011 464 1450 or 083 448 8854. Snake demonstrations can be tailored to cater for every age group.
- Hartebeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park, Scott Street, (Route 27), Hartbeespoort Dam is open daily 8am to 5pm, with mammals, reptiles and birds. Seal and snake handling shows on Sundays and public holidays at noon and 3pm.
SKATEBOARDING: Thrasher's Extreme Skating, corner Louis Botha and Serene streets, Garsfontein, 012 348 0669. Call for session times.
T
TEN PIN BOWLING: always fun for an outing with friends. Available at Menlyn and Kolonnade Centre.
THEATRE WORKSHOPS: Until July 4 for 8-12 year olds, July 13 to 13 for13-18-year-olds. The courses are at
the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square in Sandton. Call 011 883 8606.
TOURS: Premier Diamond Mine Tours, 012 734 0081 and Cullinan Tours at 012 734 0260.
TRAINS/SHIPS: Centurion Society of Model Engineers, Kwikkie Crescent, Centurion, next to the Centurion Golf Club, 012-643 0750 (after hours). Mini built-to-scale diesel or steam locomotives, ride along a 450mtrack, through tunnels and over bridges. Every third Sunday of the month.
- Centurion Scale Ship Modellers Group, at the same place as the Society of Model Engineers. See fleets of model shps set sail on Sundays in the lake adjacent to the mini train track. Contact Bill at 012 633 7873.
- South African National Railway and Steam Museum. Randfontein Estates Gold Mine, Randfontein, Western Gauteng, 011 888 1154. Take a trip down memory lane. Clamber onto the main exhibit. Vintage steam rides conducted from 10.30am to 2.45pm on the first Sunday of each month.
- Miniature Steam Train where children can ride miniature trains over bridges, through tunnels. Visit the museum and picnic afterwards, every first and third Sunday of the month. Corner Louis Botha and Golf Club Terrace, Florida Park, Johannesburg. Call John at 082 837 2371.
U/V
ULTRALIGHT FLIGHTS: Contact Horseback Africa at 012 735 1531.
VOORTREKKER MONUMENT: Take a ride on horseback or in an oxwagon and experience the lives of the Voortrekkers.
W
WALKING: Go on a hike on the Moreleta Trail. A popular and safe place to start is at Plumbago on General Louis Botha Drive.
WILDLIFE: Did you know Pretoria has its own nature reserve? Rietvlei Nature Reserve is open 6am to 5pm. See wild animals, close to home. Also hiking, horse rides for over 12 years, and night drives can be arranged. Inquiries at 012 358 1811/12. Bookings: 012 358 1811/12.
WARMBATHS: Aventura Resort, daily 7am to 5pm, 014 736 2200.
WILD WATERS: 1 Margaret Avenue, Boksburg, entrance in Oosthuizen Street, open weekends and public holidays 10am to 5pm, daily in school holidays. Great fun for a sunny day, supertubes, kamikaze rides, water slides and a river ride. Lifeguards on duty at all times.
WACKI WAREHOUSE: Hennops Park. Call 012 653 1029 or 082 390 8680.
WEBSITES: Kids' News - a website that gives party venues, entertainment, holiday camps and events and places to visit with kids. Visit www.kidsnews.co.za.
- Jozi kids - a website for events, activities, day outings, family friendly restaurants, playgrounds, swimming pools and such, in the Johannesburg/Pretoria
area. See www.jozikids.co.za.
X
X-BOX/PLAYSTATION: You can hire games from your local video store.
Y
YOGA: Take up yoga, pilates or some other form of exercise. Speak to your local gym for details.
Z
ZITA STREET PARK: In Garsfontein, a popular place for picnics and games.
ZOO: The National Zoo offers holiday courses during the July school holidays. Courses range from one to five days; prices range from R50 to R150. Bookings are essential, call the zoo's education department at 012 328 3265. Courses include Junior Nature Conservator (in English) until July 3 and July 6-10; Meet the Birds until July 15 (in English), until July 7 (in Afrikaans); An introduction to Bird Identification: July 1 (Afrikaans), July 2 and 13 (English); The World of Reptiles July 9 (Afrikaans), July 8 and 15 (English); Meet the Mammals July 1 (Afrikaans), July 2 and 13 (English). Booking essential - call 012 328 3265 x 173.
- Compiled by Clare Braun.