Nelson Mandela Square: A bevy of restaurants line this "town square" which is one of the few safe, child-friendly public spaces in Joburg. Sit at a trattoria or stroll around crowd-watching with a delicious ice-cream from Baglios.
Linksfield Nursery: Enjoy a light lunch on the green lawns attached to the nursery. It is a safe, enclosed space with child-friendly equipment, and an array of animals to delight the little ones.
The peacock struts his stuff, the goat rests his foot on the oblivious tortoise's back and the ducks just swim about.
This can be combined with a gentle stroll through the beautiful nursery. It is situated in Club Street, Linksfield (past Sandringham High School) and can be contacted on 011-882-9981.
Croc City Crocodile Farm: This is the only crocodile farm in Gauteng open to the public. Here you can see - and even hold - a crocodile. There is also a tea room, guided tours (on request) and a kids' play area.
The main feeding sessions are on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. The farm is open every day except Sunday from 9am to 4.30pm. Admission is R40 for adults and R20 for pensioners and kids.
To get there, travel north on William Nicol Drive and turn left onto Witkoppen Road.
Turn right into Cedar Road, go straight until you get to a T-junction, turn left. It's 300m down on the right-hand side. 011-4600413
Gold Reef City: This is a perfect outing if the children are a little older and can enjoy the adrenaline rush of the theme park's rides. There is now also a 4D theatre (the Odin), as well as the usual historical attractions such as the mineshaft visit and a first-hand look at life in the old mining town of Johannesburg.
It is open every day except Mondays.
The entrance fee is R90 and children under 1,2m tall get in free. The fee includes all the rides.
It's on the corner of Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde - 011-48-6800.
Johannesburg Zoo: This upgraded facility is still a real winner for children of all ages. Stroll down the pathways looking at the more than 3 000 species of animals, have a picnic on the grass or book for a night tour.
A tractor-tram does circuits of the zoo for those who don't fancy walking.
It is on Jan Smuts Avenue, with the main public entrance on Upper Park Drive, Parkview.
It opens at 8.30am and closes at 5.30pm. Until December 24, it will also be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights until 9pm.
The museum is open from 9am to 4.30pm.
Admission is R34 for adults and R20 for children aged 3-12 but group deals are available.
The phone number is 011-646-2000 or visit their website at www.jhbzoo.org.za
Jane Bull's outstanding books The Sunny Day Book and The Rainy Book provide colourful pictures and clear instructions on many fun things you can make from kites to blue hands of ice.
All the ideas are highly original and include materials you'd probably have lying around the house. Available in bookstores or on www.kalahari.net