Top 22 water parks in Gauteng with the most thrilling experiences
Gauteng is the smallest of the nine provinces in South Africa. It is situated on the Highveld and is home to more than a quarter of South Africa's population. The province is highly urbanized and is made up of Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Vanderbijlpark, and the country's administrative capital, Pretoria. Besides the dense population, the province also boasts some of the best amusement venues in the country. What are the best water parks in Gauteng, and what do they have to offer?
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Top 22 best water parks in Gauteng
- Best water parks in Gauteng with the most thrilling experiences
- 22. Dungeons and Dinos
- 21. Saddle Creek Adventures
- 20. GOG Kids Harties,
- 19. Valley of Waves
- 18. Wild Waters
- 17. Cedar Junction Family Resort
- 16. Mzansi Theme Park
- 15. Harties Watersports Center
- 14. Crystal Sun Water Park
- 13. Zoo Lake
- 12. Funtown WaterPark
- 11. Pines Resort
- 10. ZambiBush Resort
- 9. Gold Reef City
- 8. Cubana Water Park
- 7. Grizzlies Water Park
- 6. Kids World & Waterpark
- 5. Hennops Waterpark
- 4. StokeCity WakePark
- 3. Zita Park
- 2. Buksies Resort
- 1. Aquadome Water Park
- Can you bring gazebos and umbrellas to a water park?
- Can you bring food or drinks into the park?
- What forms of payment are available at the entrance?
- Which places provide the best water and amusement parks in Gauteng for adrenaline seekers?
- Which are the best water parks in Gauteng for children and families?
- How much is a water park ticket in Johannesburg?
- How much does it cost to go to Happy Island Pretoria?
- What is the most popular water park?
- What is the name of the theme park in Gauteng?
- What are the prices of water parks in Gauteng?
- What are the resorts with water parks in Gauteng?
- Which are the available indoor water parks in Gauteng?
Water parks typically have water play areas such as wet playgrounds, splash pads, pools, water slides, lazy rivers, and numerous other swimming, bathing, and floating features.
Top 22 best water parks in Gauteng
| No | Park | Location | Opening hours |
| 1 | Aquadome Water Park | Vanderbijlpark | 10 am to 6 pm |
| 2 | Buksies Resort | Johannesburg South | 8 am to 5 pm |
| 3 | Zita Park | Pretoria | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 4 | StokeCity WakePark | Pretoria | 12 pm to 6 pm |
| 5 | Hennops Waterpark | Pretoria Rural | 9 am to 6 pm |
| 6 | Kids World & Waterpark | Johannesburg South | 9 am to 6 pm |
| 7 | Grizzlies Water Park, Pretoria | Pretoria | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 8 | Cubana Water Park | Verena | 9 am to 6 pm |
| 9 | Gold Reef City | Johannesburg | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 10 | ZambiBush Resort | Pretoria | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 11 | Pines Resort | Krugersdorp | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 12 | Funtown WaterPark | Heidelberg | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 13 | Zoo Lake | Johannesburg | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 14 | Crystal Sun Water Park | Pretoria | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 15 | Harties Watersports Center | Hartbeespoort | 8 am to 4 pm |
| 16 | Mzansi Theme Park | Krugersdorp | 9 am to 5 pm |
| 17 | Cedar Junction Family Resort | Pretoria East | 10 am to 5 pm |
| 18 | Wild Waters, Boksburg | Boksburg | 10 am to 5 pm |
| 19 | Valley of Waves | Sandton | 10 am to 5 pm |
| 20 | GOG Kids Harties | Hartbeespoort | 10 am to 5 pm |
| 21 | Saddle Creek Adventures | Hekpoort | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| 22 | Dungeons and Dinos | Henley on Klip | 10 am to 2 pm |
Best water parks in Gauteng with the most thrilling experiences
Here is a look at 22 water parks in South Africa's smallest province that will fascinate thrill-seekers.
22. Dungeons and Dinos
- Phone: +27 61 055 2049
- Email address: dungeons.dinos@gmail.com
- Offers: Jurassic walk, Jungle Gyms and Zip lines and medieval maze of
- Location: 44 Gordon Rd, Henley on Klip, Meyerton, 1962, South Africa
- Operating hours: 10 am to 2 pm
The Dungeons and Dinos is a family-friendly park designed to entertain adventurers. It allows your kids to engage with them rather than take them on a stroll through a prehistoric garden filled with dinosaurs.
They have the haunted catacombs and Dungeons of Slangfontein for the older kids. This space will have your teens thrilled and Instagramming for hours.
21. Saddle Creek Adventures
- Phone: +27 79 467 9906
- Email address: info@saddlecreekadventures.co.za
- Offers: Archery, Hot air balloon safari, Kiddies activities, Quad biking and co-karting
- Location: Farm HH24 Hartebeesfontein Road, Hekpoort, 1791, South Africa
- Operating hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
The Saddle Creek Adventures is an outdoor adventure destination offering a variety of activities and experiences. It is located in the Hekpoort Valley at the foot of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains, 45 45-minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Saddle Creek Adventures offers discounted combos, picnic packages, group functions & team builds.
20. GOG Kids Harties,
- Phone: (+27) 71 386 0334
- Email address: goggardens@gog.co.za
- Offers: Giant inflatables, Abseiling, Zipline, Bumper cars, Kids’ party venue
- Location: Chameleon Village R104 Old Rustenburg rd, Damdoryn, Hartbeespoort, 0216, South Africa
- Operating hours: 10 am to 5 pm
The GOG Kids Harties is, without a doubt, one of the best water parks in Johannesburg. Whether you are looking to unwind after a busy week, looking for some outdoor fun, or are an adrenaline junkie, the destination has something for everyone.
The spray parks at GOG Kids Harties have areas that allow children and their parents to enjoy soft splashes safely.
The park also has a slip-and-slide area featuring one of the fastest and highest giant slides. At 30 meters long and 15 meters high, the inflatable slide offers an amazing experience and is made from durable PVC.
19. Valley of Waves
- Phone: (+27) 11 780 7855
- Email address: crobook@suninternational.com
- Offers: Spider web sway bridge, Hidden cave waterfalls, Water slides
- Location: 6 Sandown Valley Crescent, Sandton Gauteng, South Africa
- Operating hours: 10 am to 5 pm
The Valley of Waves at Sandton is renowned for the unforgettable roaring lagoon at its end. Every 90 seconds, two-meter bender waves rise into the air, creating an ocean-like experience for thrill-seekers.
One can also choose to relax beneath a wind-swept palm tree or move to the beach bar for a combination of cocktails and swimming sessions. Children have a designated area with numerous fun activities.
18. Wild Waters
- Phone: (+27) 64 969 2381
- Email address: info@wildwatersboksburg.co.za
- Offers: Waterslides, Wave pools, Picnic areas
- Location: 1 Margaret Ave, Bardene, Boksburg, 1459, South Africa
- Operating hours: 10 am to 5 pm
The Wild Waters Park in Boksburg was built in 1984 and has been a preferred family-oriented amusement park since then. The destination provides a fun and safe environment with numerous activities. Its one of the best water parks in Gauteng for adults and kids.
17. Cedar Junction Family Resort
- Phone: (+27) 82 766 2748/(+27) 65 826 8384
- Email address: info@cedarjunction.co.za
- Offers: Speed slides, Baby swimming pool, Lazy river
- Location: Plot. 404 Graham road Zwavelpoort Street Extension Pretoria East, Lynnwood, 0036, South Africa
- Operating hours: 10 am to 5 pm
The Cedar Junction is one of the best water theme parks in Gauteng. It features picturesque sights and a wide variety of fun activities to choose from. The park has 16 slides and four sets of swimming pools. Keep in mind that the different slides have varying weight and age restrictions.
16. Mzansi Theme Park
- Phone: (+27) 10 600 3333
- Offers: High-speed slide, Lazy river, Massage pools and regular pools, Master blaster super tubes, Super bowl, Typhoon
- Location: 106 Lake View Dr, Muldersdrift, Krugersdorp, 2000, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Mzansi Theme Park, previously known as Happy Island, is one of the most eye-catching water parks in Krugersdorp. The destination has everything a water lover would want, from swimming pools to slides and lazy rivers.
The Mzansi Theme Park has an 850-meter-long lazy river in which people of all ages can float gently downstream in a rubber tube. One can choose the single or double tube at the entry of the lazy river.
15. Harties Watersports Center
Source: UGC
- Phone: (+27) 12 253 2616
- Email address: bookings@hwsc.co.za
- Offers: Boat cruises, Speed boat cruises, Tube rides, Wake snake, Jetski
- Location: 1 Scott St, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort, 0216, South Africa
- Operating hours: 8 am to 4 pm
The Harties Watersports Center offers an enviable collection of activities such as tube rides, water parties, water slides, and parasailing. The park's design makes it ideal for families. Additionally, the Harties Watersports Center is among the most affordable family fun venues in Gauteng.
14. Crystal Sun Water Park
- Phone: (+27) 61 432 4710
- Email address: bookings@crystalsun.co.za
- Offers: Swimming pool, Jumping castles, Playground with various apparatus
- Location: 120 Longmore Rd, Pretoria, Akasia, 0010, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
The Crystal Sun in Akasia has lush gardens and gorgeous views to complement the numerous water activities at the park. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and light snacks at the park's restaurant.
If you are looking for the best water parks in Pretoria, this is the place to go. There is a designated kids' area with a wide range of activities. Guests can hire one of the thatched lapas around the massive swimming pool, which is fully equipped with picnic tables and braai facilities.
13. Zoo Lake
- Phone: (+27) 11 646 2000
- Offers: Boat rides, Canoeing
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Zoo Lake is home to jazz on the lake, one of Johannesburg's most popular annual events. The event is held in September as a celebration of the end of winter. The Zoo Lake park itself is designed around a manmade lake, located 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Joburg.
One can take a walk around the lake, and there are also small boats for rowing in the lake. On the first weekend of each month, there is an art market at the lake known as "artists under the sun", which draws quite a crowd.
12. Funtown WaterPark
- Phone: (+27) 66 489 3634
- Offers: Play areas, Swimming Pool, Water slides, Jungle gyms
- Location: Plot 18 Bothasgeluk, Balfour road, Heidelberg, 1438
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
The Funtown WaterPark stands out as one of the best family adventure destinations in South Africa, offering an array of entertainment options such as jungle gyms, jumping castles, trampolines, and swimming pools.
11. Pines Resort
- Phone: (+27) 11 955 3845
- Email address: info@pinesresort.co.za
- Offers: Water slides, Swimming pools, Rope adventure, Picnic and Braai areas
- Location: 2 Ivan Smuts Ave, Silverfields, Krugersdorp, 1739, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
This is among the best swimming resorts for waterslide lovers. The Pines Resort in Krugersdorp has numerous family-friendly activities but is particularly renowned for its epic waterslides. High-quality braai facilities complement the large swimming pools at the resort for an unforgettable experience.
10. ZambiBush Resort
- Phone: (+27) 84 504 3481
- Email address: zambibush@gmail.com
- Offers: Water slides, Swimming pools, Zoo
- Location: 37 Cecil Ave, Sinoville, Pretoria, 0182, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
The ZambiBush Resort specializes in kids' birthday parties and family celebrations. The resort's playgrounds, water slides, swimming pools, and zoo all make the outdoor experience all the more thrilling.
The resort is located in Kenly, on the northern side of Pretoria and overlooks a massive dam and busy farmyard for animal lovers.
9. Gold Reef City
Source: UGC
- Phone: (+27) 11 248 5000
- Offers: Water rides, Movies, Theme parks
- Location: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Johannesburg, 2159, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
The multi-award-winning spot Gold Reef City is, without a doubt, one of the best water parks in Gauteng, South Africa. The park is home to 23 dedicated kids' water rides, 18 thrilling theme park rides, and 13 other interactive attractions.
There is also an unforgettable 4D theatre experience and a full-on trampoline area. This is one of the best water parks in Gauteng with accommodation facilities.
8. Cubana Water Park
- Phone: (+27) 76 948 3084
- Email address: bookings@kgariwaterpark.co.za
- Offers: Water park, Water slides, Swimming pools
- Location: Verena Mpumalanga, at 2422 Verena-C
- Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm
The Cubana Water Park has several swimming pools, fancy restaurants, waterslides, sings, braais, and numerous other family fun activities.
7. Grizzlies Water Park
- Phone: (+27) 83 483 1002
- Email address: info@grizzlies.co.za
- Offers: Swimming pools, Water slides, Lazy river
- Location: Ds Krige Ave, Daspoort, Pretoria, 0082, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
The Grizzlies Water Park is an amusement venue that features play areas such as swimming pools, water slides, a kids' water playground and a lazy river. This park is great for friends and families looking to have some outdoor fun.
6. Kids World & Waterpark
- Phone: +27 66 053 5425
- Email address: info@jozikids.co.za
- Offers: Water slides, Rocket rides, Carousel swings, Play gyms, Jungle gyms, Braai facilities
- Location: 1 rifle range road, Nasrec Rd, Cnr, Johannesburg South, 2013, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm
The Kids World & Waterpark is located in Johannesburg and is home to a wide range of water-related fun activities. It's a fun and exciting destination for families and individuals looking to beat the heat and enjoy a day of water-based entertainment in Johannesburg.
5. Hennops Waterpark
- Phone: (+27) 83 288 9915
- Email address: admin@hennopspride.co.za
- Offers: Swimming pools, Water slides, Huge shady picnic spots, Off-road scenic trail, Volleyball, Jumping pillow, Train rides, Jungle gyms, Hiking trails in caves
- Location: Farm 48 R511 Hartebeespoort Rd Hennops RiverHennops River, Pretoria Rural, Centurion, 0157, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm
The Hennops Waterpark is situated right next to the Hennops River, giving it a feel of the open country. The resort has a 5-kilometre hiking trail, massive picnic spots, 20 water slides, and nine swimming pools.
The numerous activities and wide-open spaces make the resort ideal for families and corporate outings. The resort also has a private wing, complete with tapas, water slides, and swimming pools.
4. StokeCity WakePark
Source: UGC
- Phone: +27 (11) 314 3589
- Email address: info@stokecity.co.za
- Offers: Cable wakeboard, Cable ski, Kids' parties
- Location: Cnr R562 & Olifantsfontein Road Olifantsfontein, Midrand 1685 South Africa
- Operating hours: 12 pm to 6 pm
The StokeCity Wakepark is quite unique and was designed for waterskiing, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and wakeboarding. The park is in Glen Austin, Midrand, halfway between Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Wakeboarding is a watersport in which participants ride a board known as a wakeboard while being pulled by a speedboat via a cable system. On the other hand, kneeboarding involves a similar concept, but with the participants sitting on the board instead of standing.
3. Zita Park
- Address: Zita St, Garsfontein, Pretoria, 0042, South Africa
- Offers: Water slides, Playgrounds, Hiking trails, Braai facilities, Sports fields
- Location: Zita St, Garsfontein, Pretoria, 0042, South Africa
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Visitors visit the site for its paddling pool, which attracts both children and adults alike for a good day off. Visiting Zita Park in Pretoria is definitely worth considering, especially for a casual family day out.
2. Buksies Resort
- Phone: (+27) 82 324 2566
- Offers: Swimming pool, Hiking, Fishing, Camping, Swings, Water slides
- Location: 155 Kliprivier Rd, Eikenhof, Johannesburg South, 2091, South Africa
- Operating hours: 8 am to 5 pm
The water park at Buksies Resort offers waterslides, swimming pools, and fishing excursions. There are also other non-water activities in the resort. These include pony rides, cartoon character painting, and braai facilities.
1. Aquadome Water Park
- Phone: (+27) 16 982 8000
- Email address: info@emeraldcasino.co.za
- Offers: Game drives, Wall climb, River cruise, River fishing
- Location: Emerald Resort and Casino, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa
- Operating hours: 10 am to 6 pm
The Aquadome Water Park is part of the hugely popular Emerald Resort in Vanderbijlpark. The resort has pools with ambient temperature controls, making them suitable for use all year round. There are also waterslides and a nice-looking shipwreck to add to the picturesque environment.
Can you bring gazebos and umbrellas to a water park?
Source: UGC
While this may vary from one water park to another, most allow guests to bring sunshades, gazebos, and umbrellas. Still, most of these parks have their shaded spots though their availability often depends on the number of guests at the facility.
Can you bring food or drinks into the park?
This may vary slightly from one park to another. However, most water parks do not allow guests to bring food and drinks. This is because, in most cases, there are restaurants and bars inside the amusement parks.
What forms of payment are available at the entrance?
Most parks accept major debit and credit cards, while a select few also accept cash payments in South African Rand.
Which places provide the best water and amusement parks in Gauteng for adrenaline seekers?
Some of the best water parks for adrenaline junkies include Gold Reef City, GoG Lifestyle Park, and the Valley of Waves.
Which are the best water parks in Gauteng for children and families?
The best family-oriented water parks in Gauteng include Wild Waters, GOG Kids Harties, Johannesburg, and Cubana Water Park.
How much is a water park ticket in Johannesburg?
Water park ticket prices vary depending on the park you visit. For instance if you visit Aquadome Water Park, adults pay R60 each, kids under 12 pay R50 each, chalet residents pay R50 each and pensioners pay R40 each.
How much does it cost to go to Happy Island Pretoria?
Happy Island currently known as Mzansi Theme Park offer various activities for both adults and children. Their prices are as follows:
| Category | Price | Age |
| Child | R200 | 3 years old – 10 years old |
| General admission | R250 | 11 – 64 years old |
| Special guest | R200 | + 65 years old |
What is the most popular water park?
The most popular water park in South Africa is uShaka Marine World, located in Durban. This expansive park includes both a marine theme park and a water park.
What is the name of the theme park in Gauteng?
The most popular theme park in Gauteng is Gold Reef City. It offers a variety of fun activities including thrill rides, family rides, kiddie rides, an underground mine tour, shows, restaurants, and shopping.
What are the prices of water parks in Gauteng?
Prices for water parks in Gauteng vary depending on the park and the age of the visitor. Generally, entry fees range from R200 to R250. Some parks charge separately for different attractions or games. For children, the prices are often lower, and there are special rates for seniors and very young children.
What are the resorts with water parks in Gauteng?
Gauteng boasts several resorts with water parks, including Mzansi Theme Park, Hennopspride Lifestyle Resort and Thulani Leisure Resort & Waterpark in Wonderboom, Pretoria.
Which are the available indoor water parks in Gauteng?
The primary indoor water park in Gauteng is the Aquadome at Emerald Resort & Casino in Vanderbijlpark. This facility features several pools, including heated ones, water slides, a lazy river, and a shipwreck.
The numerous water parks in Gauteng make it easy for residents and visitors to quickly and easily find a spot to enjoy outdoor water activities. Most of these parks have sufficient activities for both kids and adults at varying fees.
Briefly.co.za recently published an article on Happy Island prices and attraction guide in SA. Happy Island is located at 187 Lake View Drive, Muldersdrift 2000, South Africa, in Gauteng province, north of Johannesburg.
It is one of the country's largest water amusement parks and is close to other lovely amusement parks. This Adventure Park has 15 epic slides, a colossal wave pool, and various pools.
Source: Briefly News
Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
