Free Things to Do
Free fitness and outdoor activities to enjoy in Joburg this weekend
Johannesburg has a way of surprising you when money is tight and cabin fever hits. While the city is often framed around malls and traffic, weekends like this remind locals why Joburg is still one of the easiest places to get moving without spending a cent.
From leafy nature reserves to community runs that feel more like social gatherings than workouts, there is no shortage of free ways to stretch your legs, clear your head, and soak up the city’s outdoor energy between January 24 and 26.
Nature escapes hiding in plain sight
If you want a break from pavements and parking lots, Joburg’s green spaces deliver in unexpected ways.
The Wilds Nature Reserve remains one of the city’s most underrated spots. Tucked into Houghton, it offers winding paths, small waterfalls, and indigenous gardens with sweeping city views. It is ideal for a slow morning walk or a quiet picnic, and many visitors say it still feels like a secret even after all these years.
Delta Park is the opposite experience in the best way. This vast green lung in Randburg attracts joggers, dog walkers, and families all day long. With open grassland, shaded paths, and a bird sanctuary, it is easy to spend hours here without realising how close you are to the city’s busiest roads.
For something a little wilder, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve offers beginner-friendly hiking trails ranging from gentle walks to longer routes. Locals love it for its sense of escape and the chance to spot wildlife like zebra and wildebeest without leaving Johannesburg.
Where Joburg runs together
Few things capture the city’s community spirit like a Saturday morning run.
Parkrun continues to be one of Joburg’s most accessible fitness rituals. These free, timed 5km events welcome runners, walkers, parents with prams, and complete beginners. This weekend, popular options include Rietvlei and Voortrekker Monument on Saturday, with Zoo Lake and The Campus hosting on Sunday. The atmosphere is supportive rather than competitive, which is why many first-timers keep coming back.
Along similar lines, myrun offers relaxed 2.5km and 5km routes on Sunday mornings. Events usually start between 7 and 8am, making them ideal if you want movement without the pressure of a stopwatch.
The Braamfontein Spruit also remains a favourite for runners and cyclists who prefer to set their own pace. Stretching through several suburbs, it is one of the city’s most scenic free routes.
A wellness weekend without the price tag
This weekend also leans into the growing trend of outdoor wellness. Community-led sessions like yoga, breathwork, and group runs are popping up in parks across Joburg, often shared through local social media pages and WhatsApp groups. The appeal is clear. People are craving connection, movement, and recovery without the pressure of gym contracts or boutique studio fees.
Many Joburgers online have pointed out that these gatherings feel less about fitness goals and more about showing up. It is movement as a community rather than performance.
Culture breaks between workouts
If you want to mix movement with a slower cultural pause, head towards the city. Wits Art Museum is offering free entry this weekend, including a Saturday walkabout that pairs well with a morning run or park stroll. It is an easy reminder that free weekends do not have to mean choosing between body and mind.
Neighbourhoods like Maboneng Precinct and Victoria Yards are also ideal for relaxed wandering. While some activities cost money, simply exploring the streets, studios, and gardens is free and always inspiring.
A few tips before you head out
Check start times for parkrun and myrun, as these can change seasonally. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks if you plan to spend the morning outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather, as light rain is possible, but most parks remain open and enjoyable.
Most importantly, go early. Joburg’s free outdoor spaces are busiest in the morning, and that buzz is part of the charm.
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Featured Image: Strong4Life
