The school holidays are here once again and most families are getting ready to enjoy some much-needed quality time together, and for those who aren\u2019t planning to vacation outside Johannesburg this year, finding ways to keep their children entertained can become a little stressful.<\/p>\n
But who says you need to leave the comfort of your home city to enjoy a truly memorable, fun and relaxing family holiday?<\/p>
Here are a few great ways to spend the holidays on \u2018stay-cation\u2019 without ever having to leave Gauteng.<\/p>\n
1. See Johannesburg like a tourist:<\/strong><\/p> It\u2019s shocking how little of our beautiful city and its many incredible attractions most of us born-and-bred Joburgers have visited \u2013 from our world-famous museums and heritage sites to the resort and entertainment facilities that are right on our doorstep.<\/p>\n A great way to feel like you are on holiday without leaving the city is to go out and try to experience local attractions.<\/p>\n Make a list of the ones you\u2019d like to visit and aim to tick off at least three during the school holidays.<\/p>\n 2. Dinner and a show:<\/strong><\/p>\n Mom and dad need a little quality time of their own?<\/p>\n No problem. Call a babysitter and grab a pizza for your children and find something awesome to do with your evening, but try to avoid the same old date night spots you\u2019ve been going to for years and opt for something that you\u2019ve never done before.<\/p>\n For example, a scrumptious dinner followed by a fun and light-hearted show is the perfect way to spend an evening, just the two of you.<\/p>\n 3. Take day drives:<\/strong><\/p>\n With so many incredible day trip options available to residents of Johannesburg, there\u2019s simply no time for cabin fever to set in.<\/p>\n Wake up early, pack a picnic basket and your takkies and head out to one of the many small towns situated just a stone\u2019s throw from the city.<\/p>\n There are loads of activities for the whole family in places such as Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam and even Nelspruit, and plenty of sights to appreciate along the way.<\/p>\n 4. Get fit as a family:<\/strong><\/p>\n While it\u2019s tempting to spend most of your \u2018stay-cation\u2019 curled up on the couch, getting the whole family outdoors and into the fresh air is not only a healthier option, but is far more fun.<\/p>\n Pack some snacks, some sports equipment such as a cricket bat, soccer ball and frisbee, and head to the local park for a full day of family fun.<\/p>\n You can also sign up for a fun run event (keep an eye on your local community newspapers and social media feeds for links) or even turn your backyard into a serene outdoor yoga studio for the whole family.<\/p>\n 5. Treat your family to a night or two away from home:<\/strong><\/p>\n A fun and cost-effective way to add a touch of excitement to the school holidays is by treating the family to a night or two away from home.<\/p>\n You can book into a hotel that\u2019s not too far from home to recreate the fun of checking into a hotel for the holidays without the stress of having to travel too far.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO READ:\u00a0Show promises nostalgia and great music<\/a><\/h4>\n