Cheap and free things to do in Johannesburg for students

Students on a tight budget needn’t stay in. Johannesburg has a long list of affordable and free options for museums, parks, food and simple days out. Below are wallet-friendly ideas and practical details drawn from a local guide by What’s On In Joburg.

Immersive and indoor low-cost options

Wits Anglo Digital Dome at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a 360° immersive experience and works as a teaching and research venue. According to What’s On In Joburg, tickets cost R45pp for kids, students and pensioners and R75pp for adults. The dome is on East Campus, Yale Rd, Braamfontein.

Ster Kinekor Throwback Cinema brings classic films back to the big screen for an affordable night out. What’s On In Joburg lists the price as R50pp; screenings are at several Ster Kinekor venues in and around Johannesburg.

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is a science and education centre with interactive displays and programmes. What’s On In Joburg lists entry at R60pp for adults, R40pp for children 3–16 years, and free for children under 3. The centre is at the corner of Miriam Makeba and President streets.

Wildlife and wildlife-adjacent attractions

Johannesburg Zoo is described by What’s On In Joburg as a long-established attraction: it was established in 1904, spans 55 hectares and is home to over 320 species. The guide lists admission as R132pp for adults and R78pp for kids; the zoo is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm with last entry at 4:00pm.

Montecasino Bird Gardens is recommended for a quieter wildlife visit, with a walk-through aviary and regular bird demonstrations. What’s On In Joburg lists admission prices as R130pp for adults, R85pp for pensioners and children 2–12yrs, and R60pp for hotel guests. The gardens are at the corner of William Nicol Drive and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.

Active, playful and outdoors

RollEgoli Roller Rink in Bryanston offers skating plus outdoor playground features; What’s On In Joburg lists an entry fee of R110pp and skate rental at R50. The venue is at 296 Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton.

Adventure Golf is presented as a putt-putt option with multiple venues; What’s On In Joburg lists rates at R150pp for adults, R120pp for students and kids, and R80pp for under 7s and pensioners.

Air360 Rooftop Skate Park operates on the rooftop at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bedfordview and offers a range of skate and ride activities. What’s On In Joburg lists day passes at from R100pp and gives the venue address as 43 Bradford Rd, Eastgate, Bedfordview.

Bounce INC is listed as an indoor trampoline venue with concessions for students and children; What’s On In Joburg lists a starting price of from R120 per adult and gives locations for the brand, including Fourways Mall and other venues named in the guide.

Markets, food and affordable treats

Local markets are highlighted as great, low-cost social outings where students can try street food, listen to music and browse local makers. What’s On In Joburg curates a weekend market guide and recommends checking local listings for times and locations.

Crispy Waffles in Randburg is singled out for cheap waffles, with the guide noting that waffle bases start from R30. The cafe is at Greenroots, 1159 John Vorster Rd, Randpark Ridge.

Fresh Earth Cafe serves a daily harvest table and the guide lists the buffet price at R149pp; the Fresh Earth Food Store address is 74 Hillcrest Ave, Blairgowrie, Randburg.

Eighteen13 Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Fourways runs wine tastings that must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. What’s On In Joburg lists tasting prices starting at R100pp for a standard tasting and R150pp for a cheese-and-wine tasting.

Guided walks, cinema and quirky local venues

Friends of Kloofendal guided nature walks run regularly at Kloofendal Nature Reserve; What’s On In Joburg lists walk prices as starting from R90pp and notes bookings via Quicket. The reserve is on Galena Ave, Kloofendal.

The Bioscope independent cinema at 44 Stanley shows curated films and hosts live events; What’s On In Joburg lists a ticket price of R100pp.

The Fun Company is a family entertainment chain the guide lists as operating at multiple Gauteng venues; What’s On In Joburg lists prices from R20pp and gives venue locations in Fourways, Rosebank, Greenstone and other centres.

Plan a cheap day out

What’s On In Joburg recommends simple, low-cost days like a picnic in one of Johannesburg’s parks or gardens and points readers to full guides on hiking trails, fruit picking and local green spaces. For many of the attractions listed above, the guide provides addresses, opening times and contact details so students can plan trips that fit their budgets.

Quick planning tips

• Check specific venue hours and booking requirements some attractions list online booking or gate-only ticketing in the guide.
• Look for student pricing where noted (for example at the Wits Digital Dome and Adventure Golf).
• Markets and public parks are low-cost ways to spend an afternoon without an entry fee.

These suggestions are drawn from What’s On In Joburg and reflect the attractions, prices and practical details listed in their “20 Things to Do Under R150 in Johannesburg” guide.