Easter long weekend budget-friendly activities
Simangele Legodi
3 April 2026 | 6:55Here are a few budget-friendly activities across South Africa that families and kids can enjoy, no matter where you are.
As the Easter weekend is upon us, many families are looking forward to a well-earned break, but for parents, the long holiday often brings a different kind of pressure: finding ways to keep children entertained, engaged and happy without breaking the bank.
Here are a few budget-friendly activities across South Africa that families and kids can enjoy, no matter where you are.
Gauteng
Sandton City – Easter Chocolate Café: Sweet Edition
Dates: Now open until 6 April 2026, daily from 9am – 6pm
Sandton City welcomes the Easter season with a delectably curated experience, the Chocolate Café: Sweet Edition, now open in the centre court. Interactive activities include Find Your Fortune, Spin the Wheel, and What Candy Are You? They offer light-hearted fun throughout the visit.
For younger guests, the Build-A-Bear station provides a hands-on creative experience, encouraging children to design their own creations in an imaginative space.
Cost: Entry is free, with sweets and treats available for purchase in a variety of sizes.
Eastgate – The Scoop Shop with Woolworths
Dates: 1 – 6 April 2026
Following its sweet debut last year, The Scoop Shop returns to Strelitzia Court, inviting families into a whimsical, ice-cream-inspired world filled with treats and playful Easter activities. The activation runs daily from 10am to 6pm.
A creative crafts corner will keep little hands busy, while a Bounce-inspired hopscotch zone adds extra fun. There’s also an egg catch challenge that’s sure to get pulses racing.
Cost: R50 per person, which includes one scoop of ice cream with toppings and access to all activities. Adult supervision is required for children.
Bedford Centre – Birthday Café (Celebrating Bedfordview’s 100th Birthday)
Dates: Saturday, 28 March to Saturday, 4 April 2026, daily from 10am – 5pm
Bedford Centre in Johannesburg marks a special milestone this Easter, celebrating 100 years since Bedfordview was officially named. Families are invited to enjoy thoughtful, community-focused festivities rooted in shared history.
The celebrations begin with the Cupcake Club, where young visitors can decorate their own cupcakes alongside members of the South African Cake Decorators Guild (Alberton).
Cost: R20 per child (includes pizza-making and egg decorating). Proceeds support Better Bedfordview and its community initiatives.
Western Cape
Cavendish Square – Garden Party
Dates: Thursday, 2 April to Sunday, 5 April 2026
Cavendish Square welcomes the holiday with a lush Garden Party experience, a playful, colourful space filled with creativity and a few sweet surprises.
Children can personalise doughnuts, paint ceramics, or decorate pot plants. These workshops form the heart of the experience, giving kids the chance to create something unique while having fun.
Cost: R50 per person via Quicket. Includes one activity, optional face painting, an ice cream stick, and a packet of sweets.
Note: Pre-booking is recommended as walk-in slots are limited.
Liberty Promenade – Easter WonderMaze
Dates: 27 March to 6 April 2026, daily from 12pm – 5pm
Step into a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired world at Liberty Promenade. The centre’s Food District Main Court has been transformed into the Easter WonderMaze.
Visitors can enjoy a fun-filled hunt for hidden QR codes throughout themed zones. By scanning the codes, participants collect virtual Easter eggs as they progress through the maze.
Cost: R20 per person. Children must be supervised.
More info: www.libertypromenade.co.za or @libertypromenademall_za
KwaZulu-Natal
Gateway – Have a Ball Fun & Fitness Club
Dates: Monday, 30 March to Sunday, 12 April 2026 | 13:00 – 14:00
The Have a Ball Fun & Fitness Club is designed to get kids moving, playing, and socialising. Taking place near Sportsmans Warehouse (Entrance 8, ground floor), daily sessions are led by instructors from Virgin Active.
Cost: R20 per child for a 45-minute session. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Eastern Cape
East London – Vincent Park Family Market
Dates: Wednesday, 1 April & Thursday, 2 April 2026 | 11am – 5pm
Vincent Park welcomes families for a vibrant Easter celebration with the return of its popular market, now reimagined as the Vincent Park Family Market.
Hosted in the food court, the market features a curated mix of craft and design stalls alongside interactive experiences. Activities include pottery painting (Hey Clay), canvas and tote bag painting, and face painting for younger visitors. A live Easter Bunny show adds an extra dose of festive cheer.
Cost: Free entry (booking required).
Cost: R50 per person via Quicket. Includes one activity, optional face painting, an ice cream stick, and a packet of sweets.
Note: Pre-booking is recommended as walk-in slots are limited.
Liberty Promenade – Easter WonderMaze
Dates: 27 March to 6 April 2026, daily from 12pm – 5pm
Step into a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired world at Liberty Promenade. The centre’s Food District Main Court has been transformed into the Easter WonderMaze.
Visitors can enjoy a fun-filled hunt for hidden QR codes throughout themed zones. By scanning the codes, participants collect virtual Easter eggs as they progress through the maze.
Cost: R20 per person. Children must be supervised.
Eastern Cape
East London – Vincent Park Family Market
Dates: Wednesday, 1 April & Thursday, 2 April 2026 | 11am – 5pm
Vincent Park welcomes families for a vibrant Easter celebration with the return of its popular market, now reimagined as the Vincent Park Family Market.
Hosted in the food court, the market features a curated mix of craft and design stalls alongside interactive experiences. Activities include pottery painting (Hey Clay), canvas and tote bag painting, and face painting for younger visitors. A live Easter Bunny show adds an extra dose of festive cheer.
Cost: Free entry (booking required).
