10 Water Parks In Pretoria Where All the Fun Happens

Since the introduction of water parks in the late 40s, they have grown in popularity as one of the ways families enjoy a much-needed time out during the holidays when children do not have school stuff to keep them busy. There are no specifics as to when the first water parks in Pretoria and South Africa a whole came to be, but we know that some of them date as far back as the early 80s and have only gotten more popular and common over time. Even more interesting is that these facilities keep growing in popularity even though a recorded 4200 suffer water-related accidents annually and end up in the ER.

To counter these depressing statistics, water sports facilities in Pretoria have taken to going above and beyond to ensure the safety of visitors by installing professionally trained lifeguards all-around any facility where people have contact with water. You will also find first aid kits at your disposal. Many mishaps have been averted to their credit, and people still have all the fun they care for at water parks.

Standard Features of Water Parks 

Water parks are all about water fun and activities that can safely be carried out in the water for relaxation or sports. At a typical water park, you should find all or some of the following:

Swimming Pools 

• Wave Pool
• Zero depth entry pool
• Lazy River
• Adult activity pool
• Child play feature pool
• Toddler play feature pool

Conventional Water Slides

• Inner Tube Rides
• Drop Slides
• Speed Slides
• Water spray ground

Ground Equipment

• Sand playground
• Sand sports courts
• Lifeguards
• Accessible First-Aid Stations
• Relaxation Shades
• Water gears and accessories

Fun Water Parks In Pretoria

1. Harties Watersports Centre

• Location: Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort Dam, North West Province
• Owner: Harties Boat Company
• Opening Time: 8 am – 4 pm
• Entrance Fee: R150
• Highlight: Parasailing, Bumper Boats, Water Toys – Tube Riding, Flow Rider, Speed Boat Rides, Jet Ski, etc

Harties Watersports Centre is at the top of the list for the best and priciest water parks in Pretoria, mainly because there is something to keep everyone busy. Unlike other parks that give a discount for children and pensioners, Harties runs on a flat rate entrance fee of R150. Being a watersport center, it is authentic in many ways; it features an actual water body with intriguing packages designed around it. You will find a trampoline, a jumping castle all fit in a natural camping site for kids.

For adults, the options are a lot more robust; packages like boat rides, parasailing, pleasure cruises, wake snake tubes, private cruises are some of the preferred options. It has a family-friendly setting and is usually busy and quite crowded, especially during the holidays. It is located inside the Hartbeespoort dam snake and Animal Park.

To their credit, Harties Waterpark has one of the best-equipped change rooms where you will find wetsuits, towels, hot showers, and efficient staff at the beck and call of its visitors. You will also find tuck shops all around the park where you can purchase an assortment of dishes, drinks, and other essentials you need.

Rules to Note: 

• Only a maximum of 100 people are allowed on the Hartbees 1 Pleasure Boat ride, which lasts for only 25 minutes and costs R60 for adults and R30 for children.
• The high-speed boat cruise costs R120 per person, and it lasts approximately 10 – 15 minutes. For a private cruise, the speed boat can be rented at R1800 per hour. It comfortably seats nine people.
• The Rubber Duck for tube & wake snakes rides cost R120 per person, and each ride lasts 15 minutes max. The Rubber Duck is also available for private rental at R1800 per hour.
• The Jetski costs R200 per person for 10 – 15 minutes on the water.
• Events like Wedding ceremonies, receptions, birthday parties, and other corporate events or functions can hold on the Cruise boat, taking a maximum of 70 Passengers and 8 Crew members.
• All boat ride tickets should be purchased at the boat office.
• All bookings can be made via call or by sending an email to [email protected].

2. Wonderboom Nature Reserve 

• Location: Wonderboom, Pretoria North, 0182, South Africa
• Size: 1 km² (200 hectares)
• Owner: City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
• Opening Time: 7 am – 7 pm
• Entrance Fee: R37 for Adults, R23 for Children and Pensioners
• Highlight: Wonderboom

Wonderboom Nature Reserve is a water destination that naturally and strategically positioned itself by the lake-stroke dam. The 200-hectare reserve is popularly known for its thousand-year-old fig tree, nicknamed ‘Wonderboom.’ This location is open to all persons irrespective of their ages. It boasts of open grasslands, scenic rocky slopes, and broad leaves woodlands, all blending to create an exciting view for relaxation. 

While its large water hole does not offer wild rides and massive adventure, it is idyllic for just unwinding, laying around, and just enjoying the natural wilderness around at a very affordable price. You can equally get a guided day hike or hire a Lapa for a party-type relaxation for a little extra fee.

Rules to Note:

• Annual tickets can be gotten at R700 for adults to cover a maximum of 18 visits.
• Annual tickets for children cost R370 for 15 visits.
• Bookings for Lapas or a hike must be made two weeks ahead.
• All hikes are guided.
• Booking a Lapa requires a damage deposit of R1,100.

3. Cedar Junction Family Resort

• Size: 8.5 hectare
• Location: Lynnwood Road, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East
• Opening Time: Weekdays: 10 am – 5 pm Weekends: 9 am – 5 pm
• Entrance Fee: Summer Fee – R120 for Adults R100 for Children and Pensioners; Winter Fee – R100 for adults, R80 for Children and Pensioners
• Highlight: Waterslides, Tornado, mini trains, AquaLoop, etc

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The Cedar Junction Family Resort is an all-encompassing resort that caters to every type of fun a family might want to have on time out or a vacation. Among its many intriguing features, it has a waterpark that rivals some of the best in South Africa. There are four sets of swimming pools to choose from and sixteen water slides for both children and adults. There are trampolines, sandpits, fun swing sets for children of all ages to keep everyone entertained.

To further enjoy Cedar Junction to the fullest, try the 1.2km train ride for a good view of the landscape around the resort. The tour follows a path made through bridges and tunnels that goes all around the park. The Park is covered with well-trimmed grass that is perfect for a picnic, which adds to the private kids’ party venues, sheds, and Lapas planners can choose from. Being one of the medium-priced water parks in Pretoria, you won’t have it overcrowded, as is often the case in lower-priced parks.

Rules to Note: 

• Due to recent Covid restrictions, the number of people allowed per time will be restricted, so make proper inquiries before visiting.
• Masks are a compulsory requirement for entering the resort grounds.
• Social distancing must be maintained at all times, even in the pool.
• To use the Lapa in the daytime, you have to call and book ahead.
• Only a maximum of 30 people is allowed in a Lapa per time.
• Alcohol is allowed.
• Glass items are not allowed on resort grounds, only plastic or cans.
• Visitors with children must keep an eye on their movements around the water park at all times.

4. Pines Resort

• Location: Krugersdorp, 1739, South Africa
• Opening Days: Saturdays and Sundays 9 am – 5 pm
• Entrance Fee: R120 for Adults, R80 for Children and Pensioners
• Highlight: Splash pad, Waterslides for all Ages, Swimming pools, Toddler Pools, shade umbrellas, Braai facilities, etc

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Pines Resort is designed explicitly for cooling-off on hot summer days and all water-related hangouts. There are waterslides suitable for persons of all ages, swimming pools, a splash pad, and a toddler’s pool. They recently announced a new tube ride that will cater to even more diverse categories of people and attract even more customers.

For activities that require more energy and enthusiasm than swimming and sliding, Pines Resort offers an adventure park equipped with Ziplines and climbing obstacles, which one can enjoy in addition. When visitors cannot come with their foods and edibles, the resort has well-equipped tuck shops that sell all varieties of dishes, snacks, and drinks. Visitors are guaranteed to find things they have not tried before. Moreover, the grounds serve as a fantastic picnic spot with tree covers and large umbrellas that give cool shades for relaxation and braai facilities.  

Rules to Note: 

• The Resort is open only on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Entrance tickets are purchased online at any Pick n Pay outlet.
• A supervising adult must accompany children at all times.
• Pools and slides are open in all weather conditions, except when there is lightning and thunderstorms.
• The resort closes strictly at 5 pm, so visitors must leave the water slides and Swimming Pools at 4:30 pm.
• Picnic space is booked on the day of the event.
• Children below the age of 7 must use the kiddies’ water slides only.

5. Stoke City Water Park

• Location: Glen Austin, Midrand
• Opening Days: Tuesday – Friday 12p m – 6 pm, Weekends 10 am – 6 pm
• Entrance Fee: R40 for adults
• Highlight: Cable Park, Skateboarding, Water sports Wakeboarding, Swimming Lessons, Rentals, etc

Stoke City is one of the more affordable water parks in Pretoria, with a capacity for close to 4000 guests. Being the only available cable park around, you can guess that it will often be crowded. Besides the Cable Park, there is a floating obstacle course, a boatless wakeboarding, water-skiing, open-water swimming course, beach volleyball, table tennis and soccer courts, jungle gym frames for children, and a host of other activities for all members of the family.

For people looking to be educated about water sports and swimming in general, Stoke City Water Park also offers lessons in all watercourses. Lessons come complete with gears you can buy for all water activities from the Pro-shop. The shop is also open to all visitors who need swimming trunks or other accessories. For those who probably just forgot their gears at home and would rather not buy a new set, all gears are equally available for rent at the shop. The park also has sports cafes that serve light refreshments, assorted dishes, and drinks. They are also available in bulk for those who want to cater to any occasion.

Rules to Note:

• Swimming lessons must be booked ahead of time.
• A supervising adult must accompany children at all times.
• To use the Lapa in the daytime, you have to call and book ahead.
• Only a maximum number of 30 people are allowed in a Lapa per time.
• Alcohol is allowed.
• Glass items are not allowed on resort grounds, only plastic or cans.
• Visitors with children must keep an eye on their movements around the water park at all times.
• Pools and slides are open in all weather conditions, except when there is lightning and thunderstorms.

6. Zambibush Resort

• Location: 37 Cecil Ave, Sinoville, Pretoria
• Opening Time: 9 am – 5 pm
• Entrance Fee: R120 for adults and R100 for children and pensioners
• Highlight: Local Dam, Mini Petting Zoo, Braai facility, etc

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Zambibush Resort is a family-oriented place with one of the more popular water parks in Pretoria today. The park comprises different pools and waterslides for both adults and children, a spacious playground, and a petting zoo for animal lovers. The park was well fit around a local dam and has a farmyard that grows animals, which visitors can interact with. Zambibush is also a perfect location for a kid’s party or a Picnic since it boasts lush gardens and lawns overlooking the water.

It also offers venues and Lapas for small gatherings around the pool with braai services and optional catering and party organization services.

Rules to Note:

• Cash payment is not accepted.
• The Water slides and pool area is open to visitors between 10 am and 5 pm, at which time all visitors are requested to leave the premises.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children’s welfare and must keep an eye on them at all times.
• If a child cannot swim, the parent/guardian must ensure that such child is not let into the pool alone.
• Running and Diving are not allowed; you do it at your own risk.
• Staff and management of Zambibush reserve the right to remove any visitor who causes a nuisance or is a danger to themselves and other visitors.
• Visitors are liable for any loss or destruction of property.

7. Wild Water Parks

• Year It Opened: 1984
• Location: 1 Margaret Ave, Bardene, Boksburg, 1459, South Africa
• Opening Time: 10 am – 5 pm
• Entrance Fee: R150 for Adults and R95 for Children
• Highlight: Kamikaze ride, Lazy River, Old Mill, Beach Sports, etc

Wild Water Parks opened its doors to visitors way back in 1984, and since then, it has maintained its choice position as one of the best water parks in Pretoria for families. As one of the older operating parks, it has evolved in the services it renders over time. Its entrance fees are one of the highest for water parks in Pretoria. Although it is not as affordable as places like Zita or Cedars Junction, it takes only one visit to see that Wild Waters offers more advanced facilities for water sports. Note that the admission price covers eight adventure-filled endeavors, among so much more.

The park offers nine kinds of invigorating spins designed to entertain all age range. Visitors can enjoy making adventurous memories on the super tube/speed hump slides, kamikaze ride, raging rapids tube ride, etc. Other lazy and slow activities include floating, swimming in the wave pool, paddling, playing putt-putt, building sandcastles, or just playing volleyball in the sandpit. While children are in the water, parents can unwind in the shady picnic areas or the Lapas and braai.

Rules to Note: 

• The Park closes by 5 pm, so visitors are expected to leave the premises by 4 pm.
• The park remains open under most weather conditions; however, some attractions may close for the safety of visitors.
• Lifeguards will provide first aid, but the park will not be responsible for further medical services.
• Visitors are encouraged to get their food and drinks from Park tuck shops.
• Bottles are not allowed into the park.
• Pensioners must show ID cards to get the discount.

8. Splish Splash Kids Party Venue and Water Park

• Location: 172 Stephan Rd, Montana, Pretoria, 0182, South Africa
• Opening Days: Monday – Friday
• Entrance Fee: Adults R90, Children R70
• Highlight: Jumping Castle, AquaLoop, Catering Services, etc

While Splish Splash Kids Party Venue and Water Park have had somewhat troubled management, there is still no doubt that it is one of the best-equipped water parks in Pretoria. They do not entertain day visitors to the waterpark because the facility is carefully designed for hosting the most fun parties for children under the age of eight. So if you want to plan a birthday party for a child under eight, consider using this park.

At Splish Splash, you will find water park facilities like the lazy river, a jumping castle, an aqua loop, a large swimming pool with exciting styles of water slides, ziplines, and an old mill. More so, the facility has well-designed and thoughtful games to keep children interested and entertained while the party lasts. It also offers catering services with assorted children-friendly dishes to choose from, which reduces the burden of planning on parents.

Rules to Note: 

• Day visitors are not allowed.
• Interested party planners are welcome to view the facility on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays between 8 am and 12 pm.
• The facility is closed on public holidays and over festive periods.

9. Aqua Park

• Location: 323 Lucky Bean Cres, Moreleta Park, Pretoria
• Opening Time: 9 am – 5 pm
• Entrance Fee: R140 For Adults and R90 for Children
• Highlight: Tow Boat Ride, Bouncers, Floating Obstacle Course, etc

Aqua Park is the perfect destination for all water-related fun; it is serene, with green and lush gardens. It features a floating trampoline in a large lake, which is clean and safe for general swimming. If you are looking for uniqueness, Aqua water Park stands out as it consists of a floating obstacle course made up of inflatable slides, bouncers, and jumping pillows that are all connected.

Besides the water-related fun, it also has ground equipment like swings, ramps, wiggle bridges, trampolines, and ladders that facilitate other fun activities.

Rules To Note: 

• If a child cannot swim, the parent/guardian must ensure that such child is not let into the pool alone.
• Pools and slides are open in all weather conditions, except when there is lightning and thunderstorms.
• Visitors with children must keep an eye on their movements around the waterpark at all times.
• Visitors are liable for any loss or destruction of property.

10. Zita Park

• Location: Garsfontein, Pretoria, 0042, South Africa
• Opening Time: 8 am – 6 am Daily
• Entrance Fee: R9,00 for Adults, R6,00 for school children and pensioners
• Highlight: Splash pool, River Caves, Fairly steep water slide, Old Mill, etc

Zita Park is probably one of the cheapest water parks in Pretoria; it used to run a free entrance for all until some incidents back in 2006 eventually led to the implementation of entrance fees. That notwithstanding, the prices are affordable considering how well kept the facility is. One positive review you will hear from people who have visited Zita Park is that it is perfect for children right behind the commendations for how clean the pools and environment generally are. To keep kids entertained, the park is filled with fun water rides, slides, jungle gyms, and different sizes of swimming pools for toddlers, children, and adults. The safety of all visitors is ensured by the presence of lifeguards stationed all around the pools and slides. 

For picnics and small gatherings, the park’s grounds are well-tended with trees that provide appropriate shade and lush green grounds where you can sit and have your meals. Visitors can bring a blanket if they would rather not sit on the grass. Although there are tuck shops and braai facilities around the park where one can buy things to eat and drink, you can come with your drinks if you prefer. The park also features a tea garden, which visitors can have access to at no extra cost.

Rules to Note: 

• Alcohol is not allowed in the park.
• Visitors are urged to keep noise to a minimum.
• Parents must keep a close watch on their children’s activities as the park will not be liable for injuries sustained from dangerous sports or excessive diving.
• Only a maximum of 450 people is allowed into the park at any time, irrespective of the season.
• The park closes by 6 pm, so visitors are expected to leave the swimming areas by 5:30 pm.