The Zone @ Rosebank is known for its concentration of great restaurants and wide variety of retail outlets. It's also a perfect lifestyle and entertainment destination, with activities for all ages. Want to bowl with a drink in hand? Cracker Zac's is right up your alley. For kids and those young at heart, arcade games, bumper cars, and an XD cinema at The Fun Company are calling. The Museum of Illusions is a mind-bending wonderland that everyone needs to experience, or keep it classic with a trip to the movies at Ster-Kinekor. Hop on the Hamleys train and explore a magical toy kingdom. If a longer ride is what you're after, the City Sightseeing Red Bus has a ticketing office at The Zone and runs highly recommended, regular tours around Joburg.
Cracker Zac's
At Cracker Zac's, the famous question is: "Are you game?" If your answer is a resounding yes, this is the place to be. Unlike the rest of the attractions on this list, Cracker Zac's is only for those who are 21 and older, but once you get inside, you'll understand why – it's a games arcade, bar, and restaurant all wrapped up in one.
The retro arcade has all the joysticks, buttons, and pixelated graphics you could ask for, while the boutique Hyper Bowling option merges traditional bowling with cutting-edge video game technology, and darts get an augmented reality makeover. They also have drool-worthy pizza and signature cocktails (try the smoked cinnamon old-fashioned) to help you relax and unwind. Its upper-floor location gives Cracker Zac's a great view of The Zone's piazza, making it a super spot to book for parties and events.
FESTIVE TRADING HOURS
Open Mon, Dec 16 – Tue, Dec 24 from 12:00 – 23:00
Closed Wed, Dec 25
Open Thu, Dec 26 – Mon, Dec 30 from 12:00 – 23:00
Closed Tue, Dec 31
Closed Wed, Jan 1, 2025
The Fun Company
If you're looking for a one-stop-shop for kids' entertainment or have a feel for a nostalgic games day out yourself, head to The Fun Company. From tenpin bowling to an XD theatre that uses cutting-edge technology to bring you an unforgettable cinematic experience, there's no end to the fun you can have at this aptly named destination. Also on offer are (super safe) Spin Zone Bumper Cars that, unlike traditional bumper cars, can twist, turn, and spin your opponents 360 degrees with a single bump. On top of all this, there's a games arcade with all the racing, shooting, hitting, jumping, and throwing your heart desires.
To sweeten the deal, The Fun Company issues e-tickets with which you can accumulate points to redeem for bigger prizes – say goodbye to toffees and erasers. Thanks to recent expansions and upgrades, The Fun Company has grown and now has two entrances on the upper level of The Zone.
Festive trading hours may vary. Call ahead: +27 87 164 9459.
Hamleys
Dubbed "the finest toy shop in the world", Hamleys' other claim to fame (according to Guinness World Records) is that it's the oldest toy store in the world. Despite having been around since 1760, it's a haven for modern-day toys. Stocked here are things that whizz, squeak, bleep, and chime – though noise-averse parents need not worry, there are quiet toys at Hamleys too.
On your visit, look out for Hamleys' famous, colourful train and hop aboard to keep the kids entertained and give your own feet a rest. Train tickets can be purchased for R25 per person and are available in the store. For the most loyal customers, Hamleys' member club gives you access to rewards, including free popcorn and a slushy every month. Sign up here or in store.
Festive trading hours may vary. Call ahead: +27 11 327 6249.
Museum of Illusions
Utterly out of this world, Museum of Illusions offers a unique and interactive experience that will challenge your perception, inspire creativity, and provide a joyous (and educational, for the more curious-minded) experience for visitors of all ages. You'll find all kinds of head-spinning fun in this wonderland, including illusion rooms, interactive installations, holograms, mind-bending images, puzzles, a vortex tunnel, and games – watch out for the deceptively difficult "lord of the rings". It's also a perfect place to take all manner of weird and wacky photos to commemorate the event and make yourself the envy of friends on social media.
Museum of Illusions may be all about smoke and mirrors, but that doesn't mean a visit isn't absolutely worth it. Note that booking is essential, and that Museum of Illusions is a cashless environment. A visit takes about 60 minutes. Book your tickets here.
Festive trading hours may vary. Call ahead: +27 10 541 0314.
Ster-Kinekor
Ditch the laptop screen for popcorn, a slushy, and the big screen at Ster-Kinekor at The Zone. This cinema stalwart has all the major blockbusters on rotation, as well as special programming that changes seasonally.
Premiering on Fri, Dec 20 is the much-awaited Mufasa: The Lion King, which is a prequel to the original The Lion King movie. Feel the roar and relive your childhood, or introduce your children to one of Disney's bravest and most iconic characters (we can't promise that this won't be another tear-jerker, so we recommend you bring a few tissues with you just in case). On Fri, Dec 27, the premier of the adventure film Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is bound to leave movie-goers on the edge of their seats. Laugh, worry, and enjoy the action as the fastest hedgehog in the world once again battles villains, explores new worlds, and saves the day. To escape the world for a few hours and embark on a cinematic adventure, book your tickets here.
Festive trading hours may vary. Call ahead: +27 86 166 8437.
Bonus: Hop on the City Sightseeing Red Bus from The Zone for a dazzling sunset and Christmas lights tour
In their double-decker, roofless Red Bus, City Sightseeing offers a special edition, three-hour tour to celebrate the season. The sunset and Christmas lights tour begins at the City Sightseeing ticket office at The Zone @ Rosebank and ends at Melrose Arch, where you can marvel at the precinct's annual lights display and enjoy all that Destination Christmas has to offer. Also included is a stop (and fabulous photo op) at Munro Drive to enjoy the stunning view of the city while the sun sets. Book tickets for this festive adventure here.
While you're at it, check out our vistor's guide to The Zone @ Rosebank for more of our favourite food stops, shops, and attractions.
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