5 Fun Activities For The Whole Family 

Mad about Melville Koppies

Johannesburg’s Melville Koppies offers organised hikes and guided tours at very affordable rates. The guide stops frequently during the walk to chat about the flora, fauna, geology, archaeology and history of the Koppies, which is a nature reserve and a Johannesburg City Heritage Site. The reserve’s geology goes back three billion years, and visitors can see a Late Stone Age living floor and the remnants of Iron Age immigrants’ kraal walls. Visit www.mk.org.za for more information about the Koppies and other activities there.

Follow the money to the Mint

The South African Mint has reopened the doors of its museum and retail store following extensive renovations at the Old Johannesburg Road, Centurion, site. The museum’s two distinct themes, circulation coins and collectables, give an unusual insight into South Africa’s history and take visitors on an intriguing journey from metallurgy to money. The museum also features historical artifacts that tell the story of early African currency and coins, and exhibits at the museum include ancient coins dating back to the 1200s and 1600s, found on the Eastern Cape coast. Contact the sales office on 012 677 2482, or email numismatics@samint.co.za for more information about the tours and to book a free guided tour.

Craft some fun at home

If the weather’s foul or you’re over the crowds at the mall, spend some family time together doing crafts. Pinterest has a treasure trove of ideas for all celebrations and budgets, or you could try your hand at moulding decorations from Kraftex FrogzEggz from Pratley, which is a completely biodegradable, hand-mouldable plastic. The name is derived from the opaque plastic material that, after being heated in hot water, clumps together to form a transparent, pliable mass that resembles frogs’ eggs. It can then be shaped into a range of objects, and either coloured with pigment or painted to match your theme.

How about Hamleys?

With stores in Sandton City, the V&A Waterfront, Gateway, Bedford Centre, Eastgate, Menlyn, Rosebank’s The Zone, and Fourways Mall, Hamleys always has loads of fun activities to keep kids happy. The Sandton City store’s super slide is a firm favourite with kids of all ages, as is its VR ride and race car track. In addition to fun free train rides, every store offers meet and greets with kids’ favourite characters, as well as arts and crafts activities and toy demonstrations.

Bonus idea

Many charities and NGOs are short-staffed. Find a cause that resonates with your family, and find out if there is any way you can help. While donations are often their first choice, many will welcome visitors to play with children or help clean out animal enclosures. Remember to leave your expectations at the door and answer their needs, rather than taking in yours.