Johannesburg’s history began when Australian prospector George Harrison discovered traces of gold on the farm Langlaagte. Harrison had no idea how lucrative his find would become and sold his stake for a mere 10 pounds.  He probably never forgave himself - the traces of precious metal he found were only a miniscule fraction of what turned out to be one of the richest gold-bearing underground reefs ever  - and changed the sleepy highveld into a bustling gold rush settlement, attracting fortune-hunters from all over the world.

From then, it was, as they say, history! Johannesburg became South Africa’s  Eldorado and a major economic powerhouse on the African continent.  Unlike Cape Town and Durban where lifestyles tend to focus largely on all kinds of activities/’non-activities’ related to sea, sun and sand (and Mountain for Capetonians), Johannesburg buzzes with energy. Joburgers are action people, with a penchant for making money, shopping, socializing and finding new and exciting things to do.

True to her nature, Johannesburg offers kids bountiful activities for leisure time. A favourite is the Joburg Zoo with its huge and exciting collection of animals from far and near – here you can see endangered species such as the African wild dog, exotic predators and even arctic Teddies aka polar bears.

Gold Reef City, a charming open air museum town depicting the city’s early beginnings is definitely top of the pops amongst kids. The big drawcard is its amusement park with extreme and scary rides such as the anaconda or earthquake tunnel. Gentler options for smaller and less adventurous kids are offered at the funfair. For over sixes, an underground tour down a mine is a fun and educational experience.

Johannesburg boasts an impressive green zone.  Parks are great for relaxed picnics and kids can feed the ducks and enjoy the freedom of spacious lawns to romp and run on.  Popular destinations are Zoo Lake, Emmarentia Dam & Gillooly’s Farm. You can also get close to nature at Wemmer Pan, Thokoza Park and Roodepoort’s glorious Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, which offers family entertainment on selected Sundays.  Nature-lovers can enjoy stunning views over the city when hiking along Melville’s Koppies, open to the public three Sundays a month.

Montecasino Bird Gardens is home to more than 100 exotic feathered creatures  and presents two free flight shows, featuring owls, cranes, pelicans and vultures daily.

Some shopping malls offer adventure zones, where kids can be entertained, while you’re shopping - also useful when the weather isn’t great and the family has cabin fever

Theatre is alive and well in Jozi. Other than many brilliant productions staged, kids can also get involved and develop their own theatrical skills at the Johannesburg Youth Theatre.  Ice-skating is another option for youngsters - simply to have fun with their mates or to get more serious at competitive or performance level.

The real stars of the highveld night skies can be dazzling and your kids can experience vistas beyond the blue planet by star gazing at the Johannesburg Planetarium.

Back to basics, animal farms make great outings - kids can interact with farmyard animals - cuddly bunnies, wooly sheep, placid cows, and ride ponies.

If you’re looking for something special, check out the pure white Lippizzaners showing off their impressive skills at their renowned performances at Kyalami every Sunday. For those with a taste for something wild, get close to Africa’s iconic lions at Lanseria’s Lion Park.

Johannesburg offers a glittering emporium of family activities – something for every taste, for every age and every season!