Johannesburg
Sandton City (Sandton)
What’s happening: LEGO® F1®: Build The Thrill
Dates: 5 July – 6 August 2025
Time: Centre trading hours
Sandton City is shifting into high gear this Winter holiday with the LEGO® F1®: Build The Thrill activation in centre court. Kids can immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 with interactive LEGO® building zones, races, friendly competitions, and chances to win prizes. From building custom cars to racing on track challenges, this free experience promises fast-paced fun for all ages.
Cost to attend: Free
For more information: www.sandtoncity.com / @sandtoncitymall
Melrose Arch (Melrose)
What’s happening: Melrose Arch Winter Playground
Dates: 27 June – 20 July 2025
Time: Thursday to Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM
Melrose Arch’s Winter Playground is back, transforming the piazza into a magical, winter-themed play zone for children aged 1–10. Activities include an obstacle course, toddler zone, ice rink, face painting, sing-alongs, and weekend entertainment by Clamber Club. Additionally, Exclsuive Books, Swirl (Smashed & Rolled Ice Cream) and Gelato La Cremosa and others at Melrose Arch are running family-friendly specials.
Cost to attend: R70/hour or R140 for unlimited play, includes complimentary popcorn
For more information: www.melrosearch.co.za / @MelroseArch
Mall of Africa (Midrand)
What’s happening: Playtime at Le Petit Playhouse
Dates: 9 – 21 July 2025
Time: Sessions daily: 9–11 AM, 12–2 PM, 3–5 PM, 6–8 PM
Purposeful play takes centre stage at Mall of Africa this mid-year school holiday as Playtime at Le Petit Playhouse welcomes children aged 2 to 7 for a hands-on, imagination-fuelled experience. Taking place in the Nando’s Court, the pop-up playhouse is designed to inspire creativity, social learning and imaginative exploration through engaging role-play zones. These include a fire station, vet, café, police station and more, all styled with dress-up props and interactive elements. Plus, a puppet shows will take place during each play session.
Cost to attend: R190 per child, includes 2 hours of play, a holiday Build-a-Bear workshop, a Krispy Kreme DIY kit, a puppet show, colouring-in and fun with playdough
Bookings: Email popup@lepetitplayhouse.co.za or call 082 499 8834
For more information: mallofafrica.co.za / @_themallofafrica
Pretoria
The Grove Mall (Lynnwood Ridge)
What’s happening: Smurfs Village & Character Visit
Dates: 20 June – 27 July 2025
Time: Smurfs Village: Centre hours. Character Visit: Saturday 12 July, 9 AM – 5 PM
Step into the enchanting world of the Smurfs at the Smurf Village at The Grove Mall these holidays, which has been set up in celebration of the much-anticipated SMURFS movie, hitting cinemas nationwide on Friday 11 July 2025. Children can explore the walk-through Smurfs House, splash about in the themed waterplay area, or ride the colourful Smurf-themed train (R30 per child). On Saturday 12 July, Smurfette and No Name will make a special appearance from 9 AM to 5 PM. On this day, children can meet, greet, take photos and dance with their favourite blue friends in a lively character visit experience.
Cost to attend: Free entry to village and meet & greet; R30 per train ride
For more information: www.thegrovemall.co.za / @thegrovemallsa
Western Cape
Liberty Promenade Mall (Mitchell’s Plain)
What’s happening: Glow Walls Studio
Dates: 7 – 20 July 2025
Time: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM
If the kids are feeling the chill this winter, here’s a warm and glowing indoor adventure to keep them entertained. Promenade Mall has set up an exciting, glow-in-the-dark art studio where kids can let their imaginations run wild and paint neon designs on the walls using vibrant colours in a darkened space. Each ticket supports an NPO with art supply donations. Plus, families can enter to win gift cards by posting photos using #LPGlowKids.
Cost to attend: R20 per child
Bookings: On-site only
For more information: www.libertypromenade.co.za / @libertypromenademall_za
KwaZulu-Natal
Liberty Midlands Mall (Pietermaritzburg)
What’s happening: ARTopia Public Art Exhibition
Dates: 1 – 14 July 2025
Time: Centre trading hours
Liberty Midlands Mall proudly presents over 300 artworks created by children from Pietermaritzburg schools as part of the ARTopia School Arts Project. This vibrant public exhibition is a celebration of creativity and environmental awareness, with artworks exploring themes like climate change, conservation and recycling. Visitors are invited to vote for their favourites in Centre Court and stand a chance to win a R2 000 Gift Card by entering their till slips into the competition box.
Cost to attend: Free
For more information: www.midlandsmall.co.za / @libertymidlandsmall
Cornubia Mall (Umhlanga)
What’s happening: Autostyle Motor Expo 2025
Dates: Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July 2025
Time: Saturday 9 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM
Cornubia Mall will be hosting the high-energy Autostyle Motor Expo 2025, in collaboration with Autostyle Motorsport. Over two action-packed days, the event will feature Show & Shine competitions, SPL & SQL Sound-Off, high-performance rides, custom builds, product launches, exhibitions and more in in the undercover parking. Showcasing car culture, entertainment and sound, this one is sure to delight petrolheads of all ages.
Cost to attend: R100 per person. Kids under 12 enter free
Tickets available via: www.autostylemotorshow.co.za
For more information: www.cornubiamall.co.za / @cornubiamall
Other
Bluey meet & greets in August
This school holiday, families can look forward to a special meet and greet with Bluey — the perfect chance for little fans to say hello and snap a photo with their favourite pup. Bluey is the adorable Blue Heeler from the hit animated series that has captured the hearts of children and parents around the world. Known for her playful imagination, big heart and boundless energy, Bluey turns everyday moments into fun-filled adventures with her family and friends.
Sat 9 August – Newcastle Mall (New castle)
Sat 16 Aug – Dihlaneng Mall (Bethlehem, Free State)
Sun 17 Aug – Fleurdal centre (Bloemfontein)
Sat 23 Aug – Design Quarter (Johannesburg)
Sun 24 Aug – Balfour Mall (Johannesburg)
Sat 30 Aug – Zevenwacht mall (Kuils River, Western Cape)
These Bluey meet & greets are free, with limited places available, and children must be accompanied by parents / guardians. Consult each mall’s social media feeds for more information.