The best braai spots for a family day near Joburg

Lapas, picnic grids and riverside fires where you can braai while the kids tire themselves out.

Half the point of a day out is the fire. These spots have proper braai facilities — lapas, grids or riverside picnic sites — paired with something for the kids.

From swimming at Bass Lake to a self-drive at Dinokeng, you can get the coals going while they swim, cycle or explore. Bring your own gear unless the venue says otherwise.

12 spots below — tap any for details, hours and directions.

4×4 & off-road — Syringa Park (4x4 + trout + karting)
4×4 & off-road
4.7 (392)

Syringa Park (4x4 + trout + karting)

Muldersdrift
4×4 & off-roadEat & playAdrenaline
Catch‑&‑braai trout · food vendors · karting
 Details →
Swim & splash — Hennops Hiking Trail
Swim & splash
4.6 (5.2k)

Hennops Hiking Trail

R511
Swim & splashTrails & hikesBraai & picnicDog-friendly
Braai · picnic · pool · cable car · no pets
 Details →
Trails & hikes — Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Trails & hikes
4.6 (3.1k)

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

S Jhb
Trails & hikesWild & reservesBraai & picnic
Braai (entrance only) · free · trails
FreeDetails →
4×4 & off-road — Hennops Offroad Trail
4×4 & off-road
4.6 (311)

Hennops Offroad Trail

R511
4×4 & off-roadSwim & splashAdrenalineDog-friendly
Braai · river picnic · MTB · no recovery
R250/vehDetails →
4×4 & off-road — 4WD Club of SA — Base 4
4×4 & off-road
4.6 (98)

4WD Club of SA — Base 4

near Hennops
4×4 & off-roadEat & playBraai & picnic
Lapa/braai · kids' play · camping · membership
membershipDetails →
Eat & play — Syringa Trout Farm
Eat & play
4.5 (602)

Syringa Trout Farm

Muldersdrift
Eat & playOn the waterFarms & animals
Catch‑&‑braai trout · licensed bar
R120/R70 + rod R50 · Wed–SunDetails →
Swim & splash — Eagle Cove / Hamerkop Kloof
Swim & splash
4.7 (20)

Eagle Cove / Hamerkop Kloof

Kumbagana, Magaliesburg
Swim & splashTrails & hikesBraai & picnic
Braai · picnic · gorge pools
 Details →
Wild & reserves — Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Wild & reserves
4.4 (3.7k)

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

S of Pretoria
Wild & reservesBraai & picnic
Braai/picnic (Marais Dam) · bird hides · no pets
 Details →
Trails & hikes — Modderfontein Nature Reserve
Trails & hikes
4.4 (1.7k)

Modderfontein Nature Reserve

Modderfontein
Trails & hikesWild & reservesMarketsDog-friendly
Picnic/braai · bird hides · cycling · market
 Details →
Swim & splash — Mountain Sanctuary Park
Swim & splash
4.4 (876)

Mountain Sanctuary Park

Magaliesburg
Swim & splashTrails & hikesBraai & picnic
Braai · pools · picnic · toilets · capped 180/day
 Details →
4×4 & off-road — Hobby Park
4×4 & off-road
4.4 (601)

Hobby Park

Krugersdorp
4×4 & off-roadAdrenalineEat & play
Braai · canteen · fishing · paintball · MTB
R250/vehDetails →
Wild & reserves — Dinokeng Game Reserve
Wild & reserves
4.3 (7.2k)

Dinokeng Game Reserve

Hammanskraal
Wild & reservesBraai & picnic
3 braai/picnic sites · self‑drive · book
R100/R50 +R250/veh · bookDetails →

Common questions

Where can I braai near Joburg with the family?

Bass Lake lapas, Hennops, Suikerbosrand's Holhoek site, Dinokeng's picnic sites, Roodeplaat Dam, Ezemvelo and Hobby Park all have proper braai facilities paired with something for the kids.

Do I need to bring my own braai gear?

Usually yes — most sites provide the grid or fireplace but you bring wood, firelighters and tongs. A few sell wood at the gate. Always check before you go.

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