Kids in Johannesburg

Johannesburg may fall far from the top of the list of most exciting destinations for expat kids, but all it takes is a little creativity to make the city and surrounds an enjoyable experience.

Tease them with promises of a trip to Gold Reef City, the area's largest theme park, or thrill them with the possibility of a weekend away at Sun City, where the sun is always shining and kids can splash in the wave pools and enjoy the endless activities on offer.

Expat children will also enjoy a visit to Johannesburg Zoo to meet their favourite animals, or a day out at Unicorn Wish, complete with pony rides, a gnome and fairy garden and even candle making. A new attraction in Fourways is the Montecasino Bird Gardens where kids can walk around inside a giant aviary.

For younger kids it is always fun to feed the ducks and geese at Zoo Lake, Emmarentia Dam and Gillooly's Farm.

Local kids find much of their entertainment at the many cinemas and arcades inside the city's shopping malls.

Other popular options for families with younger children are the many mega-nurseries which have playparks and rides to entertain children while parents shop for plants or have coffee.

Expat families with free-standing houses and gardens in some of the city's plusher suburbs will enjoy the space and freedom of their own patch of lawn - a luxury that expats moving from small New York or London apartments really appreciate.

A little further afield (6 hours drive) is the Kruger National Park where lion and leopard hunt springboks and wildebeest. A guaranteed good time for children of all ages!