Eeeeeek ! It’s the first day of the Winter holidays here in South Africa. 3 whole weeks of school kids being at home and craving entertainment. As a parent I know one of my biggest questions is “what can I do with the kids”, “where can I take them”. If you are still looking for places around Johannesburg to take your kids you can see my favourites list here, or if your looking for child friendly restaurants have a look here .
These holidays I officially have one more place to add onto that list. Fourways Mall is the place to be these winter holidays, with a range of specially created and curated fun experiences adding to the centre’s already exciting mix of entertainment offerings for the whole family. Whilst it is under construction, with some even more exciting kid friendly additions (KidZania I am counting the days), the mall is still very much open!
Over and above the firm favourites such as BOUNCE, Adventure Golf and The Fun Company (including Tenpin Bowling and SpinZone Bumper Cars), the Mall has created 14 popup entertainment stations along the shopper’s journey, giving kids and adults alike the opportunity to take a breather whilst shopping.
The #FourwaysFun popup stations include activations such as ‘A Spot of Fun’, where kids (and maybe mums and dads!) are encouraged to stick coloured dots anywhere and everywhere, all over the walls and furniture too. For younger kids this is a chance to break all the rules and stick stickers where ever they want!
Instagrammable opportunities abound, from the Snow Globe selfie station to the Thought and Speech Bubbles corridor that adds a social twist to the passage to the bathrooms. Magnetic walls and colouring in opportunities create the Bucket List Wall outside Mr Price Home, along with a giant selfie frame to finish off that perfect shot.
Play-Doh has also jumped on board with an interactive Pop up “Play-Doh Town”. Journey through the interactive Play-Doh world and with a purchase from the stand and join the Play-Doh jamming section, where a modelling artist will be on hand to guide kids while they play, sculpt and mold their unique creations. On Friday June 22nd come and meet Childhood development expert and owner of the Pikanini Brand, Una van Staden. While the tots play, moms will get some great advice and tips on how to get the most out of playtime and inspiring imagination with Play-Doh.
The Mall will also be home to a baby grand piano – next to Foschini, seemingly held afloat by a cloud of balloons, and shoppers are invited to tickle the ivories for a touch of whimsy mid shopping journey. Get involved with creating art by trying your hand at the “Yarn bombing”, creating unique pieces of art with wool and pins.
The Emoji Mojo Corner offers a themed backdrop and endless emojis and other props to make the most of emoji moments, from ( 😀 ) to (hearteyes), (kiss), and of course (stareyes). This along with the Selfie Station filled with emoji balls may have just been the highlight for my boys.
For those that find shopping a little stressful, three pillars throughout the Mall are wrapped in bubble wrap, with shoppers invited to pop as many bubbles as they can. Can you say toddler heaven?
The Fun Factory offers Tenpin bowling, Spin Zone Bumper Cars, and a X-Rider 4 D Theatre, all in addition to its thrilling arcade games, making it the perfect destination to round off a busy day at the Mall. The beauty of this is that the bumper cars are “safer” for younger kids. I’ve taken my boys on some seriously rough bumper car rides before, where the impact was too rough for their little 4 year old bodies. This one however, with the boys safely on mom or dads lap was perfect for them.
What kid doesn’t love trampolines? BOUNCE is running a holiday programme in venue all day, every day of the school holidays and BOUNCE Epic Passes are available for anyone who wants all day access. For the more adventurous they also offer the first its kind wall climbing area called Clip ‘n Climb, as well as an adventure X-Park with an aerial runway.
Without a doubt my kids favourite stop at the Mall is Adventure Golf. Its Yusuf’s request every weekend to go and play a few rounds. At Fourways Mall the setting is so serene with waterfalls and tropical trees, it’s a treat for everyone!
While the 14 #FourwaysFun installations will only be in place from 22 June to 1 July 2018, they hint at the full “shoppertainment” offering that will be on offer once the Mall’s refurbishment is complete. New venues in the pipeline include KidZania, a massive children’s educational city, a Panarotti’s family restaurant on the lower food court level, and a new French Taco (Mezzanine Level) among others.
Fourways Mall has something for every member of the family, these holidays make a challenge out of it and see if you can spot all 14 of the #FourwaysFun installations. Its my number one family friendly mall!
