Top 5 local dams and lakes where you can picnic at for free with the kids!

Top 5 local dams and lakes where you can picnic at for free with the kids!

Mid-December already and the days ahead to mid-January aren't quite as kind to your bank balance...and you have kids to entertain. What to do?

Stornoway Lodge, Lanseria
tripadvisor.com

Already seeing the financial thickness that is going to be the next four weeks of 'holiday' ahead? 


Or opting rather to be proactively cost-savvy ahead of paying heavy January school fees? 


Here's a countdown of some of Gauteng's (and one from the North West) best dams and lakes you can have a day of picnicing at with the kids...for free!

tubing on Bronkhorstspruit Dam

About 100km from the Joburg city centre, 'Bronkies' also has a plenty of watersport activities, should you be feeling up to it.

Zoolake Sports Club
zoolakesportsclub.co.za

Image: zoolakesportsclub.co.za

Found across the iconic Johannesburg Zoo, Zoolake in addition to the free play facilities for the kids at the Zoolake Sports Club, also has restaurants overlooking the picturesque lake.

boat cruise on Hartbeespoort Dam
hartiesboating.co.za

Image: hartiesboating.co.za

A mere hour away from Pretoria and roughly an hour-and-a-half away from Joburg, there are watersports, boat rides and plenty of luscious grassy spots for enjoying picnics with a summer sunset. 

three lions at Rietvlei
outdoorphoto.co.za

Image: outdoorphoto.co.za

With it's location conveniently in Pretoria, this dam is often associated with the wildlife, lazily sauntering about in the nature reserve. 

paddle boarding on emmarentia dam
yogaworks.co.za

Image: yogaworks.co.za

Made up of several dams occurring within the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, the options for picnicking here are endless! A mere 8 minute drive away from Zoolake, there are also watersports on offer including paddleboarding.

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