Gauteng is one of South Africa’s nine provinces. Despite its small landmass which is about 1.5% of the country’s land area, it is one of South Africa’s most populous cities. As of 2011, it had a population of about 12.27 million. The province is heavily populated because there is a lot to see and do there, from mining to showbiz, hospitality, and street life – the list never ends. Gauteng is also an industrial hub with large gold deposits and a host of other mineral resources. The area is also home to numerous mines that attract workers at different levels.
When it comes to the hospitality industry, Gauteng has a wide range of facilities and activities to offer. Notable among these are the exotic family-themed water parks in the province. Family-themed water parks are ideal for family outings and relaxation where the entire family can cool off on hot summer days for a picnic or just for fun relaxing exercises. There is no limit to what a family can do in a water park, especially one that caters to the needs of the whole family. Check out this list of select 20 family-themed water parks in Gauteng.
Family Themed Water Parks to Visit in Gauteng
1. Cedar Junction Family Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: 8.5 hectares grassland area
- Location: Plot 404, Graham Rd (Lynnwood Rd Ext), Zwavelpoort Lynnwood Pretoria East Pretoria / Tshwane
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Train Rides. 2 mini trains for a 12km trip around the Lake starting at Gum Tree Station and takes about 7 minutes
– 4 sets of Swimming pools
– 16 Water Slides
– Jungle Gyms
– Trampolines
– Sandpit
– Volleyball Court (bring your own ball)
– Flying Swings
– Cup and Saucer Ride
– Tuck Shop
– Horse Carousel and lots more - Entrance Fee: R120 per adult, R100 per pensioner, and R100 per child (ages 2-12)
Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, Cedar Junction Family Resort is a go-to destination for water lovers. It has a beehive of fun activities for the entire family. From train rides to water slides, swimming pools, jungle gyms to volleyball courts, Cedar Junction Family Resort has activities to make your visit memorable. The resort never runs out of visitors and safety measures are put in place so you need not worry. The resort is designed to cater to people of all ages and needs.
There are also party venues for children and adults. The site is beautiful with well-kept grasslands, water features, train tracks, and private areas. It is also ideal for outdoor sports such as volley and a gym to help you keep fit while enjoying the great outdoors. For bookings, you will have to contact the resort. However, the cost of their Lapas ranges from R300 to R800, depending on the size and location within the park. The venue is open for operation Monday-Friday 10 am until 5 pm and Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9 am until 5 pm.
2. Pines Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 2 Ivan Smuts Ave, Silverfields, Krugersdorp, 1739, South Africa
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Water Slides
– Catering Services
– Rope Adventure Park, Chimp & Zee
– Swimming Pools
– Toilets and Change Rooms
– Jungle Gyms
– Braai Stands
– Picnic Areas
– Shaded Umbrellas
– Lapas - Entrance Fee: Adults and children 8 years and above R140
– Children 3 to 7 years R80
– Children 1 to 2 years R40
– Children 0 to 1 year free
– Seniors ( Pensioners) R80
– Combo tickets R270
Pines Resort is yet another wonderful destination for lovers of water and the great outdoors. The resort is amazing and accommodates the whole family. Its Krugersdorp location makes it irresistible for an adventurous experience. The park has mind-blowing water features and fun activities for families to enjoy. Catering services are available if you find cooking stressful. The site is safe and attracts visitors all year round.
3. Kids World & Waterpark
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 1 Rifle Range Road Cnr Nasrec Road, Nasrec Johannesburg South Johannesburg
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Kids Party Package for Ten Kids (R1150). This package comes with a party arrangement for 10 kids at the cost of R1150. Its offer includes:
– A Private sit-down area
– Birthday Cake
– Carousel Rides
– Gladiator Pit
– Jungle Gyms
– Rocket Rides
– Carousel Swings
– Jumping Castles
– Slides
– Live performances by jugglers and popular dressed up cartoon characters
– Swimming Pools
– Water Slides
– Super Slides
– Foam Pits
– Boat Rides
– Playgyms for Toddlers
– Swings
– Mini Carousels and more. - Entrance Fee: Children R90 and Adults R60
Kids World & Water Park is right in the heart of Johannesburg. It is a haven for quality family time. Here, there is that perfect activity for everyone to enjoy and the water features are awesome. The park is located in a serene environment and has private spaces available so that you and your family can have a truly private family outing. What’s more, your little ones can have their birthday party at the venue and get special treats as well. There is no end to the fun activities at Joburg’s Kids World & Waterpark.
4. ZambiBush Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 37 Cecil Ave, Sinoville, Pretoria, 0182
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Swimming pools
– Water Slides
– Petting Zoo
– Kids Playgrounds
– Kids Party Planning and Packages
– Shop with Refreshments and Take-aways
– Special Rates and Food Combos for School Trips - Entrance Fee: Adults R120, Children (2-12) R100, Pensioners R100
ZambiBush Resort is a good choice for family outings. Dubbed Gauteng’s largest waterpark, the scenery around the resort is superb with lush green gardens and well-looked-after lawns. The resort also opens onto a local dam which helps to create an all-around fun and adventure for water lovers.
They are specialists in family events such as kids’ birthday parties and picnics. The resort has private areas and playgrounds, as well as Lapas. Swimming pools and waterslides abound here and they cater to the needs of the whole family. The resort opens everyday from 9 am to 5 pm while the pools open from 9 am to 4.30 pm.
5. Happy Island Waterworld
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 106 Lake View Dr, Muldersdrift, Krugersdorp, 2000.
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Massage Pools
– Lazy River
– Wave Pool: 20,000m², with ocean-like waves at regular intervals.
– Gravity Loop
– High-Speed Slides
– Behemoth Bowl
– Master Blaster Super Tubes
– Typhon
– Rainbow Slide
– Pirate Boat Slide
– Amazon Rainforest
– 50% Discount for Pensioners
– Free entry for children under 2 years - Entrance Fee: Adults – R199
– Children below 1.3 meters – R99
– Pensioners – Free
– Disabled – Free
– Children under 2 – Free
Happy Island Waterworld provides an excellent opportunity for families to get together outdoors and enjoy the beauties of Muldersdrift. Muldersdrift is famous for hospitality and Happy Island does not disappoint. The park has all it takes to give the entire family a water-themed fun experience like no other. The venue has a wide range of activities for everyone to relax and indulge in. It is safe and attracts lots of visitors all year round.
6. Crystal Sun Vacations
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 120 Longmore Road. The Orchards, Hartbeesthoek, Akasia, Pretoria
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Water Slides for Kids and Adults
– Swimming Pools for Adults and Splash Pools for Kids
– Shop, Take-away & Bottle Store
– Thatched Lapas with Braai Facilities for Hire
– Picnic Areas with Communal Braai Facilities
– Jumping Castles
– School Outings
– Playground with Various Equipment - Entrance Fee: Adults (13 years and older) – R100
– Children (3 to 12 years) – R80
– Children under 3 years – Free
– Pensioners (60 years and older) – R80
Tucked in the Northern suburbs of Pretoria, Crystal Sun Vacations is an ideal family getaway destination. It has exquisite scenic views and water features. You can bask in the sun after enjoying the waters as the resort is spacious and has picnic areas within. There is no end to the list of activities designed to keep the whole family busy and entertained. If you love nature then you will surely love their spacious gardens. It also permits school outings among other things.
7. Aquadome at Emerald Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Emerald Resort & Casino 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa.
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: – Climate-controlled Aquadome
– Lazy River
– Swimming Pools
– Waterslides
– Shipwreck Lifeguards – to ensure your safety - Entrance Fee: Mon-Fri: R60 for adults and children over three years – Sat & Sun. School & Public holidays – Free
Aquadome at Emerald Resort is in a class of its own. The water park is located in a resort that has a lot to offer. Should you get tired of the waters, you can venture into other land-based activities within the resort. There are indoor and outdoor water activities and the setting is breathtaking.
8. Wild Waters Fun Park, Boksburg
- Year It Opened: 1984
- Size: N/A
- Location: 1 Margaret Avenue, Bardene Boksburg 1459 South Africa.
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: 500-meter Super Tube
– Speed Hump Slide
– Kamikaze Boardslide
– Raging Rapids Tube Ride
– Sand Pit
– Volleyball Net
– Braai Facilities - Entrance Fee: 2-7 Years – R90
– 8+ Years up to Adults – R170
– Pensioners (with Pensioner/SASSA card) – R110
Just as its name suggests, Wild Waters Fun Park, Boksburg is a fun-filled place for quality family time out. It is unique in its own way and packed with adventurous activities. If you are an adrenalin junkie then this place will help you born your energy. It has activities for the little ones to enjoy too. Their water facilities are superb and the site is both beautiful and well-kept. You are assured of an ultimate fun experience in a safe environment here. The park opens from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
9. Splash Waterworld
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Kings Beach, Parking Area, Humewood Extension, Port Elizabeth, 6013, South Africa.
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Barista coffee, Credence coffee
– Lazy River
– Kiddie Stuka
– Kiddie Speed Slide
– Super Tube
– Take Away Meals - Entrance Fee: Adults and Children over 1.2 meters tall – R100 to R140
– Pensioners and Kids not up to 1.2 meters tall – R80 to R100
This place is ideal for mind-blowing splashing fun. It is gorgeous and has splendid water facilities. The park is equally a great choice for a family get-together. It is located in a grassy area by king’s beach and has takeaway meals and coffee in case you get hungry from having too much fun. The park allows visits from schools and church groups. You can also host a family event at the venue. The park opens from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
10. Zita Park Paddling Pool
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Len Brown Street, Garsfontein Pretoria East Pretoria/Tshwane
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Swimming pools
– Slides
– Play Park
– Ablution Facilities
– Tuck Shop
– Paddling Pool
– Picnic Area - Entrance Fee: Available on Request
Zitapark Paddling Pool is located in the middle of Johannesburg and has a limitless range of activities for everyone. It is in a safe and serene environment and is designed to meet the needs of the whole family regardless of age. The kids will love it here because there are activities tailor-made for them.
11. The Ski Deck
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 74 Bond Street (Cnr Elgin Rd), Ferndale, Randburg, Johannesburg
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Kids Parties: Weekdays and Saturdays for up to 2 hours (20 kids)
– Bumboarding & Pool Party
– Slope Surfing and Sliding (20m for younger kids and 40m for older kids)
– Private Party Area
– Zips
– Trampolines
– Lush Green Garden
– Jungle Gym
– Swimming
– Bumboarding
– Snowboarding
– Ski and Snowboard Shop
– Snowboarding and Skiing lessons - Entrance Fee: Available on Request
– Ski Course Fees: R490 per lesson; R2,450 (Full Course – six lessons)
The Ski Deck is a choice destination for people who want to have fun while keeping fit. It is a sort of Lifestyle Park but with plenty of fun for the family. Here, you can learn skiing and snowboarding or simply watch others participate in the sports. If you are already a professional then you can just enjoy your special sporty fun outing.
12. Thulani Fishing and Leisure Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Cnr. Linvelt and Lavender Roads, Wonderboom Pretoria, North Pretoria/Tshwane
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Dam and River Fishing (catch and release)
– Water Slides
– Picnics & Braai
– Swimming pools
– Volleyball Court
– Jungle Gym
– Self-catering services allowed
– Wedding & Function venue hire and planning - Entrance Fee: Adults – R100 per person
– Children (3-12 years) – R50 per person
– Children under 3 years – Free
– Pensioners – R50
If you are lucky you might catch some fish here while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime family fun time out. The venue comes in handy for intimate family events, as well as corporate and team-building events. The resort provides a true outdoor water experience and its surrounding is picturesque with shady trees and birds singing sweet melodies.
One other attractive feature is its closeness to the Apies River in Pretoria. The resort also accommodates weddings and has a mesmerizing chapel for that. The resort opens daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
13. Chameleon Village
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: About 10 hectares
- Location: R104 Old Rustenburg Rd. Damdoryn, Hartbeespoort South Africa.
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Kids Playground
– Arts and Craft Market
– Live Snake Demonstrations (11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm)
– Live Reptile Shows
– Crocodile and Tortoise Feeding
– Educational and Eco Talks
– Jungle Gym
– Sand Pits
– Game Arcade - Entrance Fee: Available on Request
This is a leading tourist destination. Just like the name suggests, it gives its visitors a true home away from home experience in a communal setting. There are an array of activities for everyone to choose from. A trip to the village will be great fun for the family. The venue is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
14. Derdepoort Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: 89 hectares
- Location: Derdepoort Resort, Baviaanspoort Road. Derdepoort Pretoria / Tshwane.
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Swimming Pool with Super Tube
– Youth Camp
– Caravan Park
– Braai Area
– Play Area
– Animal Farm
– Conference Room
– Three Lapas/Shelters
– Three PowerPoints - Entrance Fee: Adults (13 years or older) – R35
– Pensioners and Disabled People (60 years or older) – R22
– School Children (7–12 years) – R22
– Pre-school Children (0–6 years) – R14
– Per Minibus – R428
– Per Coaster – R834
Derdepoort Resort has a rich history behind it. The venue was home to the first house of assembly established on May 22, 1849. It is also located within the third gateway in Magaliesberg. The farm was originally owned by late Hans Wolmarans. The venue is a great choice for people who love life in the countryside, especially farm life. There are a lot of activities to enjoy here. The venue opens daily from 7 am to 7 pm, including public holidays.
15. Fountains Valley Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Cnr Christina Dewitt & Eeufees, Groenkloof Pretoria/Tshwane
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Resort with a large modern pool
– Kids’ Paddling Pool
– Braai Facilities
– Lapas for Hire
– Two Play Areas for Children
– Kiosk and Bar
– Caravan Park
– Picnic Area - Entrance Fee:
– for Children aged 0-6 years – R14
– for Children aged 7-12 years – R22
– for Pensioners – R22
– for Adults and Children aged 13 years and older – R35
Fountains Valley Resort is a popular choice for family recreation with a spacious modern pool, lapas, and endless fun activities for everyone to enjoy. It is a beautiful scenic spot located in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve. The resort opens Monday to Sunday: 7 am till midnight.
16. Little Falls Pleasure Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: 2 Falls street off Hendrik Potgieter. Little Falls Roodepoort West Rand
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Outdoor Public Swimming
– Kids’ Paddling Pool
– Showers
– Picnic Areas
– Tuck Shop
– Character Development Programme
– Nature/Conservation Education - Entrance Fee:
– Adults: R41
– Children (4-18 years): R23
Little Falls Pleasure Resort provides a pleasurable experience for its visitors to keep them coming back to have more fun. The site is stunning with natural features and fun activities ideal for families. The resort operates daily from 7 am to 5 pm.
17. Moretele Recreation Resort
- Year It Opened: 1986 by the then-mayor of Mamelodi, Mr. Bernad Ndlazi.
- Size: N/A
- Location: 608 Section L, Sibande Street, Mamelodi West, 0122
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Modern Swimming Pool with Kids’ Splash Pool
– Multi-purpose Hall for Private Functions
– Children’s Playground
– Picnic Area with Braai Facilities
– Overnight Facilities for Groups, with Hot Water and Toilets - Entrance Fee:
– Adults – R35
– Pensioners – R22
– Children (7 to 17 years) – R22
– Children (2 to 6 years) – R14
Moretele Recreation Resort has a rich national history and is ideal for a family getaway. Established in 1986, the resort is located in an area formerly known as Vlakfontein. It was used as a nursery by the Administration Board of the Central Transvaal for the trees presently planted in Mamelodi. It was then converted to a resort by Mr. Bernad Ndlazi – who was the then-mayor of Mamelodi.
18. Klip-Kruisfontein Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Soshanguve, north-west of Pretoria
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Swimming Pools
– Kids’ Swimming Pool
– Adult Swimming Pool with a Slide
– Braai Area
– Jungle Gym
– Free Wifi - Entrance Fee:
– Adults – R25
– Children – R18
– Pensioners – R18
Klip-Kruisfontein Resort is another water park with a stunning view in Gauteng. It is affordable and ideal for family time out. It is a world-class water park located in Mpumalanga Verena. The resort boasts of nice facilities for picnics with family and friends. It also hosts the annual Tshwane Festival and the Soshanguve Braai Fest – events that showcase good music and food. Visiting the resort during these events promises to be so much fun. There is also free Wifi at the resort to keep you connected and updated.
19. Cubana Water Park
- Year It Opened: 2020
- Size: N/A
- Location: 2422 Charles Kgari Street & R544 Verena Road, Verena 1086 South Africa
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Swimming Pools
– Waterslides
– Amusement Park
– Braais
– Themepark and Swings - Entrance Fee:
– Adults – R80 (Weekdays); R50 (Weekends)
– Children – R25 (Weekdays); R40 (Weekends)
The Cubana Water Park is a cool vacay spot in a serene environment. It is a world-class water park located in Mpumalanga, Verena, and it caters to all ages and needs. The resort is equipped with facilities such as swimming pools, a restaurant, event centers, waterslides – for both adults and children – braais, and an amusement park. It is the ideal place for a family outing.
20. Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort
- Year It Opened: N/A
- Size: N/A
- Location: Plot 48 R511 Hartbeespoort Road Centurion, 0182, South Africa
- Owner: N/A
- Highlight: Swimming Pools – up to nine of them
– Huge Shady Picnic Areas
– Water Slides – for both adults and children
– Train Rides
– Jungle Gyms
– Mountain Biking
– Hiking Trails
– Jumping Pillow
– Volley Ball
– Kiosks and Lapas - Entrance Fee: No cash payments
– Adults – R120
– Children (2-12 years) – R100
– Children (under 2 years) – Free
– Pensioners – R100
It may seem as though we saved the best for the last. If you are looking for a perfect family vacation or outing experience with memories to cherish, then you should be booking a spot at Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort. The resort is a natural space situated next to the Hennops River, which gives you a feeling of being out in the country. It is a good spot for nature lovers to explore while having quality family time in the great outdoors. It provides small camping and picnic areas for fun lovers. The resort offers its visitors the opportunity to relax, play volleyball, do some hiking or mountain riding.
