12 Fun Things To Do In Johannesburg This Summer

Whether you want a chilled afternoon on the water, a little friendly competition, an adrenaline rush or a day out in the countryside, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the warmer months.

We’ve rounded up 12 fun things to do in and around Johannesburg this summer. Grab your friends, your partner or the family and start planning.

1. Go Flower Picking

Swap the usual Saturday plans for a morning surrounded by flowers. Several flower farms in and around Joburg offer seasonal pick-your-own experiences, where you can wander through the fields, choose your favourite blooms and leave with your own bouquet.

It’s slow, pretty and makes for a great summer date or girls’ day out.

2. Go Paintballing

Get the group together and settle a few scores on the paintball field. Split into teams, come up with a strategy and see who can make it to the end without getting covered in paint.

It’s competitive, slightly chaotic and definitely more fun with a big group.

3. Ride a Row Boat at Zoo Lake

Sometimes you don't need to leave the city to have a proper summer day out. Head to Zoo Lake, hire a row boat and spend some time on the water.

Pack a picnic, grab something to eat nearby and make an afternoon of it.

4. Try Indoor Skydiving at The DROP

Ever wanted to know what freefall feels like without actually jumping out of a plane? The DROP lets you experience indoor skydiving in a controlled environment.

And if flying through the air isn't enough, you can also try their other activities, making it a good option for an afternoon with friends.

5. Go Berry Picking

There’s something very satisfying about picking your own fruit. Several farms around Gauteng offer seasonal berry-picking experiences, giving you the chance to spend a few hours outdoors filling your own basket.

Check what's in season before you go, then make a day of it with a picnic or farm lunch.

6. Race Your Friends at Epic Karting

Think you're the fastest in your friendship group? Time to prove it.

Epic Karting gives you the chance to get behind the wheel and race your friends around the track. Expect fast laps, questionable driving decisions and plenty of bragging rights for whoever finishes first.

7. Take On Acrobranch

If sitting still isn't really your thing, head into the trees.

Acrobranch has aerial obstacle courses, zip lines, bridges and other challenges that take you from tree to tree. There are different courses to suit different ages and confidence levels, so you don't have to be an experienced adventurer to give it a try.

8. Get Lost at Puzzle Park

Put your brain to work at Puzzle Park. It's the kind of outing where you can expect plenty of puzzles, challenges and games that will have you thinking, laughing and probably arguing with your friends over the answer.

Perfect for a group that wants something different from the usual dinner and drinks.

9. Spend the Day at Bass Lake

Bass Lake is one of those places where you can arrive in the morning and easily stay until sunset.

Depending on what you're in the mood for, you can spend the day swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking or trying some of the other activities available at the resort.

It's also an option for a proper weekend away if you don't want to rush home.

10. Go Quad Biking

Swap four wheels for four-wheel drive and explore the outdoors on a quad bike. There are several quad-biking experiences in and around Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng area, with options ranging from relaxed rides to more adventurous trails.

It's a good one for groups looking to get a little dirty.

11. Go Ziplining

For a summer activity with a little more adrenaline, go flying through the trees or across a dam on a zipline.

There are several ziplining experiences around Joburg and its surrounds, including the famous Soweto Towers zipline. It's a quick way to turn an ordinary weekend into something you'll actually remember.

12. Spend a Day at a Water Park

Summer and water just make sense. Grab your swimming gear and spend the day on slides, in pools and getting absolutely soaked.

Whether you're going with the family, your friends or a group of adults who still love a good water slide, it's an easy way to beat the Joburg heat.

Make This Your Summer To-Do List

You don't need to leave Johannesburg every weekend to make summer feel different.

Pick flowers. Race your friends. Get competitive over paintball. Spend a day on the water. Try something that scares you a little.

There’s plenty happening in and around the city. You just need to get out there.