Winter’s calling, school’s out, and Pretoria is buzzing with action. If you're looking for ways to keep the kids smiling and your sanity intact, we’ve got you covered. From wild animal encounters to icy adventures and creative camps, here’s your go-to guide for memorable school holiday fun this June/July break
Top Family-Friendly Adventures for School Holidays
Pretoria comes alive during the winter school holidays with a range of exciting activities for children of all ages. Whether your child is a budding artist, a nature lover, or just needs to burn off some energy, you’ll find the perfect spot to visit.
Head to the National Zoological Gardens for an outdoor family safari right in the heart of the city. The zoo offers a Slither Run, which is a treasure hunt adventure that invites participants to follow clues and learn about different reptiles along the way. Kids can test their knowledge and uncover interesting facts about these remarkable creatures..
If you're looking for something more hands-on, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens will host daily eco-themed workshops where kids can learn about local flora, build mini terrariums, and even plant their own seeds to take home.
Indoor Escapades to Beat the Chill
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but Pretoria offers plenty of indoor school holiday fun to keep boredom at bay. The Grove Ice Rink in Lynnwood is always a hit, especially with their Winter Carnival Weekends, featuring ice games, skating demos, and marshmallow stations.
Another fantastic option is the Sci-Enza Science Centre at the University of Pretoria. The centre offers a variety of interactive and hands-on science experiences for students, families, and the general public, with a particular focus on engaging school-aged children. They have over 200 exhibits, a camera obscura, and offer a range of programs, including workshops, shows, and puppet shows.
Movie lovers will also enjoy discounted family screenings at Ster-Kinekor Brooklyn Mall, offering kiddie combo specials and themed character meet-and-greets every Saturday morning during the holidays.
Creative Camps & Workshops That Inspire
Pretoria’s art and drama studios come alive during the holidays with inspiring camps that spark creativity and self-expression. Helen O’Grady’s popular holiday programmes offer a fun and focused way for children to continue developing their confidence and performance skills outside of term time. Each day runs for three hours and includes hands-on experience in three theatrical disciplines, such as drama, singing, dance, mask-making, puppetry, costume design, or physical theatre, guided by industry professionals.
Creative Planet hosts exciting drawing and painting classes every school holiday, designed for young artists aged 6 to 18. Each session is tailored to age groups and skill levels, making it fun and accessible for beginners and seasoned sketchers alike. Past holiday classes have included popular themes such as Bunny Painting, Pokémon Drawing, Anime Anatomy, Pikachu Painting, Marvel Superheroes, Star Wars Characters, My Hero Academia, Cartoon Animals, Toucan Painting, and Harry Potter Character Drawing.
Bookings are essential. Call or WhatsApp Teacher Xandor on 073 303 4140
Email: [email protected]
For music lovers,
Jembe Studio in Lydiana, offers African Drumming classes tailored for kids, teens, and adults, with a unique focus on creativity, balance, and well-being. Since 2015, the studio has incorporated sound and rhythm therapy techniques into its sessions, making it not just fun but deeply therapeutic. Classes cater to all abilities and are especially welcoming to those with developmental challenges. Options include individual lessons, group drumming circles, and therapy-based workshops.
Each session is age-appropriate and can be customised to meet specific needs. It's an enriching, high-energy outlet that channels creativity and promotes calm through rhythm.
Animal Encounters and Outdoor Thrills
Pretoria is blessed with beautiful reserves and outdoor spaces that offer educational fun in the fresh winter air. The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is ideal for a low-cost family outing, with guided game drives running daily and picnic spots overlooking the water. Kids love spotting zebras, rhinos, and ostriches roaming freely.
Tucked away in the heart of Lynnwood Glen, Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary offers a peaceful escape for families looking to enjoy nature during the school holidays. The sanctuary is best known for its scenic walking trails, birdwatching hides, and open picnic spots, all set around a tranquil dam with views of the surrounding bushveld.
It’s an ideal outing for younger kids and parents who want to slow down and reconnect with nature. Spot kingfishers, herons, and other water birds while taking a gentle stroll or enjoying a relaxed picnic under the trees.
Cultural & Historical Outings
Introduce kids to Pretoria’s rich history and heritage with fun, interactive museum experiences. The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History will be running their popular “Dino Days” series, where children can touch fossils, attend storytelling sessions, and participate in a dig-for-fossils game.
Take a day trip to the Voortrekker Monument, which offers family tours that dive into South Africa’s past through storytelling, crafts, and outdoor play zones. Plus, their panoramic views of Pretoria are picture-perfect.
The Freedom Park Heritage Site also hosts family-friendly walks and educational scavenger hunts that encourage kids to learn through exploration.
Shopping Malls Turned Play Zones
Pretoria’s top malls transform into mini wonderlands during the June/July holidays. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre will roll out a “Winter Fun Village”, complete with inflatable playgrounds, mini train rides, and daily craft sessions for kids.
At Brooklyn Mall, catch the Kids Winter Theatre featuring puppet shows, magic acts, and interactive dance parties—perfect for toddlers and young children. Parents can shop or relax at nearby cafes while the little ones are entertained.
Centurion Mall will offer a tech zone with hands-on VR games and coding workshops to cater to tweens and teens looking for something different.
Budget-Friendly Options for Every Family
We get it—keeping kids entertained can get pricey. Fortunately, Pretoria has a host of free and low-cost options perfect for family bonding without breaking the bank.
Public libraries across the city, like the Lyttelton and Arcadia branches, are hosting free storytelling hours, crafts, and book clubs tailored to different age groups.
Nature reserves such as Faerie Glen and Moreleta Kloof offer serene walking trails, bird hides, and open-air picnic spots at no cost. Just bring snacks, games, and a good pair of sneakers for a laid-back day outdoors.
And don’t forget the Pretoria Community Markets—like Hazel Food Market and Boeremark—where families can enjoy live music, yummy eats, and open lawns for kids to play.
Pretoria turns into a playground of discovery, imagination, and joy during the winter school holidays. With so much on offer—from thrilling wildlife adventures to cosy creative spaces—every family can build their perfect mix of rest, fun, and connection. So layer up, grab your calendar, and start planning the ultimate school holiday fun in Pretoria!
FAQs
1. When are the school holidays in Pretoria for June/July 2025?
Most schools will break from 20 June to 13 July 2025, but dates may vary by school.
2. What are some free activities for kids in Pretoria during the holidays?
Nature reserves, public libraries, and community markets offer plenty of free fun.
3. Where can I take my toddler during the winter holidays?
Try Brooklyn Mall’s Kids Winter Theatre or sensory play zones at various indoor play centres.
4. Are there holiday camps for teens in Pretoria?
Yes, music camps, tech workshops, and adventure camps cater to older kids.
5. What indoor places are good for rainy days?
The Grove Ice Rink, Sci-Enza, and Ster-Kinekor are top picks.
6. Is the Pretoria Zoo offering anything special this winter?
Yes, they have a Winter Wildlife Trail with animal encounters and family games.
7. Can I find creative workshops for kids?
Absolutely—ArtJAM and DramaBuzz run daily creative sessions throughout the holidays.
8. Are family discounts available at major attractions?
Yes, many venues offer family passes or discounts for multiple children.
9. Where can we go for a winter picnic in Pretoria?
Try Rietvlei Reserve, Pretoria Botanical Gardens, or Moreleta Kloof.
10. How do I keep up with all these events?
Bookmark pretoria.co.za for the latest updates and weekly event guides.