The Activities Directory
Fun, Low-Cost, Family Outing ideas...
I think that we can all agree that money feels incredibly tight right now! I have friends that stretch almost the entire spectrum of career and family life, and while all starkly different in their life circumstances, one theme weaves through us all: we are feeling the pinch of the economy and disposable income has become almost nonexistent. Whether they have families of their own, or are fully active and engaged aunts and uncles, the need to find budget friendly weekend activities has risen. Resultantly, I felt I should put together a small directly of (Joburg-based) activities that encompass fun for the entire family, young and old. As time goes, I will add to this directory and post a link of the amended list to the usual recommendations roster that completes each newsletter, to function as a form of ‘live’ document. In the interim, here are a few ideas…
Go ‘Hiking’
At this point, I think my love for The Wilds is well documented. This nature reserve is simply fantastic for a family outing. For a fun and free family event; grab some sun hats, get dressed in workout or walking gear, apply that sunscreen, pack a backpack or two of water and go for a scenic walk along one of the several walkways that The Wilds Nature Reserve has to offer. The Reserve’s walkways are well labelled, clear, and paved to direct you to various elevations where you can view iconic landmarks of Joburg such as the Houghton Jumu'ah Mosque on West Street amongst many others. It’s sure to be a lovely, active and low-cost morning.
Feed The Ducks at Zoo Lake or Emmarentia
A great midday activity to keep the kids occupied is to dice or crumble up a few slices of brown bread (or any other bird-friendly food) and take a drive to the ever-scenic Zoo Lake or Emmarentia Dam. What you may think is a simple activity keeps young kids excited and busy for hours as they try to feed as many of the ducks as they can, while also marvelling at the other creatures that can be found in the waters. When we went to Zoo Lake a week ago to do same, I found myself excited at the sight of catfish! I think this is just the purest of activities that you can do with your family because whilst the kids enjoy the task at hand, it’s surprisingly therapeutic for us adults and actually reminds us of what’s really important.
Visit CrazyKidz Farmyard
For just under R100, why not do a Day Visit to CrazyKidz Farmyard in Randburg, which is sure to keep the kids (and you!) entertained for a couple of hours interacting with farm animals within the city. The day visit is for an unlimited amount of hours (!), while the entrance fee includes a feeding packet. Moreso, they are open Mondays to Sundays, perfect for keeping the kids busy during those odd Midterm breaks too!
Book a Show at The National Children’s Theatre in Parktown
This is an activity I am yet to do myself but absolutely will make a plan to soon! We absolutely must support and attend the art and cultural activities of our city - outside of gold mining and industry, Joburg was built off the back of the arts and we owe it to this lovely city to keep the culture alive. For a family activity, check out the website of the National Children’s Theatre and keep your eyes peeled for any shows that your family will enjoy. I’ll be making a booking too, one of these days, and I will most certainly share the experience with you.
Lion and Cheetah Sanctuary (Pretoria)
Okay, I’ll admit that this activity is a bit out of the way, and you’ll essentially pay in the form of the fuel it takes to get there, but I have heard wonderful reviews of the Lion & Cheetah Sanctuary in Cullinan just outside of Pretoria and we are scheduled to take a trip there during the August (school) holidays. I cannot wait. A day visit is under R200 (for approx. 3 hours) and is inclusive of access to the pool and playground available for the kids should you arrive earlier than your scheduled time.
Visit a Second-Hand Bookstore / or a Library
Does this even need an explanation? Grab a coffee for you and a hot chocolate for the kids and trawl a secondhand bookstore (or a Library). Great for the entire family.
And now some budget-friendly home-based ideas
…For when leaving the house isn’t necessarily an option:
Purchase a few packets of sweets, wrap them in some newspaper or colourful paper and ribbon and place around the garden or house. Invite a friend or two over and have a Treasure Hunt for the kids. Place clues to keep things fun and interactive.
Print some templates via Twinkl (or any other online resource really), get some affordable water colour paints and paintbrushes and have a Paint Day. Bonus fun guaranteed if you invite some friends or cousins over.
Have a movie night. All it takes is a large bowl of popcorn and some sweets sprinkled amongst the popcorn and an evening of snuggling. This idea never fails!
Tie a feeding tray to a tree, get some bird food, pour into the tray and wait and see what bird life visits your yard that day.
Have a picnic. Who says picnics must be held in a park? A home-based picnic on your patio or garden is just as much of a winner!
Have a pizza day. You can either buy ready-made oven pizzas from Checkers/Woolies etc OR you can challenge yourself to making some from scratch. A serious fun and budget friendly idea. I plan to have one too in the next few weeks, I’ll be sure to take pics.
Have a Paint (or Craft) Day. 
Windmills placed around the yard to act as clues for treasure hunts.
I hope the above was useful and that you’ll be giving these ideas a try. It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to create lifelong family memories.
Have fun!
Here are this week’s recommendations
A timeline of the Best Met Gala Looks…I think they left a few memorable looks out, though.
Got a Le Creuset stove top kettle recently, and now seriously (still) coveting the coffee press to match.
We went for date night at Pink Mama’s just two weeks after its official opening. The decor is exquisite and we enjoyed the ambience. I feel they still need to refine their wine list (by the glass) a lot better, as well as the dessert menu. Overall, a pleasant experience and I will certainly be going back, albeit with a friend. Bookings can be made via Dine Plan.
I recently posted that I like Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm, to which I received one or two DMs expressing their disdain towards her husband. I didn’t necessarily have the bandwidth to respond, but this is the most exceptionally written article I have since sent to them ‘in response’. (I learned a lot from reading some of the comments, too).
The article above led me to learning of this Book of essays by Toni Morrison, which I am now currently coveting.
Love
Masa