Jozi Journeys

Melrose Arch Turns into a Winter Wonderland for Kids This July

Published

2 months ago

July 7, 2025

Chiraag

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Obstacle courses, a sparkling ice rink, and surprise guests are taking over Melrose Arch for the 2025 school holidays. Here’s why parents are calling it Joburg’s coolest winter event.

By now, you’ve probably seen the colourful posts lighting up Instagram. Melrose Arch’s Piazza has transformed into a whimsical, winter-themed playground that’s already stealing the spotlight this school break. Running every Thursday to Sunday from 27 June to 20 July, the Melrose Arch Winter Playground 2025 is a dedicated escape for children aged 13 and under, and it’s a serious upgrade from your usual holiday outing.

If you’re a Joburg parent looking for something fresh (and not freezing), this one’s worth the trip.

Also read: Secret Sunrise Is Bringing a Winter Dance Party to Jozi and It’s Exactly What We Need

A Playground Built for Winter Magic

From the moment you step onto the Piazza, you’re greeted by the buzz of kids bouncing from one activity to the next. The setup blends festive charm with full-throttle fun: there’s a massive obstacle course, a jumping castle that’s impossible to miss, a face painting station, and a dedicated toddler zone for the littlest explorers.

But the star of the show? The Glistening Ice Rink. It’s been the highlight on every parent WhatsApp group since opening weekend. No matter how brave (or wobbly) your little one is on skates, the joy is contagious and the photos are pure gold.

Sunday Favourites and Special Guests

Weekends come with a little extra sparkle. Jog the Frog, Clamber Club’s lovable mascot, makes an appearance every Sunday at 2 PM, while storytime with the talking Caterpillar unfolds in the Exclusive Books reading corner from 12 PM to 3 PM.

If you’re popping in early in the run, catch the Clamber Club entertainers on 28 and 29 June at 2 PM. Their music and movement shows are a big hit with the under-7 crowd and offer a great excuse for parents to sit down for five minutes with a coffee.

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Image 1: Spice4Life

Parents, Here’s What You Need to Know

The entrance fee is R70 per hour or R140 for unlimited play, which many families are choosing, given how long kids want to stay. The activities run from 9 AM to 4 PM, and there are plenty of nearby food options if you’re planning to spend the day. Plus, it’s all happening outdoors at Melrose Arch Piazza, so dress warm and maybe pack extra socks.

The event is being praised on social media for its safety, spaciousness, and variety, and it’s clearly designed with kids’ energy in mind. There’s something comforting about an event that doesn’t try to entertain adults too; it just lets kids be kids.

A Winter Holiday Tradition in the Making

Melrose Arch has always been Joburg’s go-to for style and atmosphere, but this playground has turned it into something else: a full-on family destination. The Winter Playground is more than just a few pop-up tents. It’s immersive, joyful, and refreshingly well-planned. And let’s be honest, with school holidays in full swing, anything that burns off energy is a win.

Bundle them up, grab the pram, and make a day of it. With events like this, Joburg’s winters are starting to look a whole lot brighter.