Places To Touch Grass In Johannesburg
Sometimes all you need is an hour outside, comfortable shoes and your phone on Do Not Disturb.
Broke & About
June 20, 2026
The best thing you can do for yourself costs less than brunch.
Whether you need a quiet walk, a picnic, a reset after work or just somewhere to stare at trees instead of your screen, Johannesburg has more green spaces than people give it credit for. From inner-city escapes to sprawling reserves and sculpture parks, here are 12 places worth packing a blanket for.
1. The Wilds
Start with one of Joburg’s greatest comeback stories. The Wilds feels like finding a secret garden in the middle of the city. Set across rocky koppies with walking paths, indigenous gardens, waterfalls and some of the best skyline views in Johannesburg, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why Joburg is still called the urban forest.
Address: Houghton Drive, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Entry: Free
Go for: Golden hour walks, city views and solo resets.
2. Emmarentia Botanical Gardens
If your ideal afternoon involves a blanket, snacks and absolutely no notifications, Emmarentia delivers. Huge lawns, shaded trees and access to the adjacent dam make this one of the city’s easiest escape spots.
Address: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Randburg
Entry: Free
Go for: Picnics, reading dates and slow Sundays.
3. Modderfontein Nature Reserve
For people who want their grass-touching with a side of movement. Modderfontein gives you trail options for walking, running and cycling with open landscapes that feel surprisingly far from the city.
Address: Arden Road (off Ardeer Road), Modderfontein, Lethabong
Entry: Approximately R40–R60 depending on activity/day
Go for: Morning hikes and active weekends.
4. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Arguably one of the most beautiful green spaces in Gauteng. Think rolling lawns, picnic spots and a dramatic waterfall that attracts Verreaux’s eagles. It’s giving “leave your phone in your bag”.
Address: Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort
Entry: Adults approximately R100
Go for: Date days and scenic walks.
5. Syringa Park at Avianto Estate
If touching grass but make it aesthetic was a destination. Syringa blends open lawns, gardens and food options into an easy day out that feels slightly outside the city without actually being far.
Address: Portion 61, Driefontein Farm, Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift
Entry: Free entry (food and activities extra)
Go for: Family days and long lunches.
6. James & Ethel Gray Park
One of the most underrated city parks. Expect walking trails, wooden bridges and a peaceful atmosphere tucked between Melrose and Birdhaven.
Address: Edgewood Avenue & Melrose Street, Melrose, Johannesburg
Entry: Free
Go for: Sunset walks and quick escapes.
7. NIROX Sculpture Park
Art people, this one’s for you. NIROX combines sculpture installations with open landscapes and one of the most calming environments around Joburg. Every visit feels slightly different.
Address: R540 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
Entry: From approximately R150 (varies by programme and event)
Go for: Slow weekends and culture dates.
8. GROUND The Venue
Not exactly a park but absolutely counts. Landscaped gardens, open lawns and countryside energy make this feel like a mini escape from city life.
Address: Plot 19, Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift
Entry: Usually free for general access; events vary
Go for: Coffee dates, brunch and soft life afternoons.
9. Riversands Farm Village
If your version of touching grass includes food trucks and a market atmosphere, Riversands is your move. Big open spaces, local vendors and enough room to spend hours outside.
Address: Riversands Farm Village, Rose Road, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand
Entry: Free
Go for: Weekend hangs and casual group plans.
10. Delta Park
One of Joburg’s biggest urban parks and somehow still underrated. Wide open lawns, running routes and enough space to disappear for a few hours.
Address: 77 Craighall Road, Victory Park, Randburg
Entry: Free
Go for: Morning walks and dog dates.
11. Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
For when touching grass turns into touching actual nature. This reserve feels wild in the best way with hiking trails, wildlife sightings and incredible views.
Address: 129 Peggy Vera Road, Kibler Park, Johannesburg South
Entry: Free
Go for: Proper hiking.
12. Johannesburg Zoo Lake
Classic Joburg. Paddle boats, giant trees and enough space to do absolutely nothing — which honestly feels underrated lately.
Address: Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview
Entry: Free
Go for: Lazy afternoons and people watching.
