Best picnic spots in Gauteng: Where to enjoy the winter sunshine on a budget

Wondering where to picnic and what to pack in the sunshine despite the cold for a family-friendly adventure? We’ve got you covered.

Winter in Gauteng doesn’t have to mean hibernating indoors, doom scrolling or binge watching “The Polygamist” because you finally made time to catch up.

With clear blue skies and sunshine even in July, it still actually counts as picnic season if you do it smart.

And with the economy being tight right now, a picnic is one of the cheapest ways to get the family out, make memories and still keep your budget intact.

Forget the pricey restaurants or expensive concert tickets! Everything you’ll need is most likely already in your wardrobe and food cabinet – don’t forget the good company and the good vibes energy.

Here’s how to do a family-friendly winter picnic in Gauteng without breaking the bank:

Where to go? Gauteng has a variety of parks that are winter-friendly. You want somewhere with sunshine, shelter from wind and some facilities. These spots tick all the boxes and won’t drain your wallet.

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort

This park is perfect for its waterfalls and plenty of trees to block the winter wind. The garden is also filled with lovely plants and is home to over 150 bird species. 

It’s also great for kids to run around safely and will only cost you R90.00 to enter as an adult, R30.00 for the little ones, if grandma decides to tag along then it will only cost her R20.00 as a pensioner. Toddlers under the age of 2 enter for free.

If you’re looking for a picnic spot that feels peaceful without having to drive hours out of the city, this is it.

The Pretoria National Botanical Garden has massive open spaces, beautiful shaded picnic areas and one of the most impressive cycad collections in the country.

Even in winter, the gardens still look beautiful and make for a great backdrop if you’re planning on taking a few family photos while you’re there.

Entry costs R80.00 for adults, R30.00 for children between six and 17 years old and R50.00 for pensioners and children under six enter for free. The prices vary depending on the time of the year.

If your schedule allows, visit during the week. It’s usually quieter, parking is easier and you’re less likely to be tempted by unnecessary spending when you pack your own snacks.

If you’re really trying to stretch your budget while still getting out of the house, Emmarentia remains one of Gauteng’s best picnic spots.

This is one of my personal favourites because you get spacious lawns, which gives you enough room to find the perfect shade with just the perfect amount of sunlight exposure.

The northern section offers spots for a pleasant stroll through a rose garden, an indigenous herb patch so after your picnic, you can take a walk around to make a full day out of it.

The gardens have terraced ponds and fountains and a Shakespearean garden, with herbs and roses. The huge open lawns mean you’ll never struggle to find a spot.

The best part? Entry is completely free, with parking costing around R10.00. This is the perfect excuse to bring out the flask.

Pack hot chocolate, tea or even coffee, and you’ve instantly elevated your picnic without spending restaurant prices.

For families who want a bit more of a nature experience without travelling too far, Kloofendal is a great option.

The reserve offers walking trails, picnic areas and a quieter atmosphere than some of the more popular botanical gardens.

According to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the reserve is open every day of the week, including public holidays, from 6am to 6pm.

It is fully fenced with security guards on duty every day. The park offers various activities, including organised walks and talks, mainly organised by Friends of Kloofendal, a voluntary organisation dedicated to its preservation. 

There aren’t places to buy food inside the reserve, which honestly works in your favour because it forces you to plan ahead by packing up snacks.

What to pack for a winter picnic

The goal here is to stay warm, stay comfortable. Layering is your best friend so use one waterproof blanket or picnic mat underneath and add a warm fleece blanket on top.

That old duvet in the cupboard will work just fine because chances are you already own everything you need.

Winter in Gauteng can be confusing. You’ll be sweating in the sun and freezing in the shade within minutes. Pack beanies, jackets and an extra jersey just in case.

A flask

This is what turns a regular picnic into a winter picnic. Whether it’s hot chocolate, tea, coffee or even soup, a warm drink makes all the difference and costs far less than buying beverages on site.

Food that won’t break the bank

Forget pre-packed picnic baskets and expensive platters. Homemade always wins.

• Sandwiches or wraps can feed a family of four.
• Soup in a thermos with fresh bread rolls is filling and perfect for winter weather.
• Seasonal fruits like apples and oranges travel well and don’t need refrigeration.
• Homemade muffins, biscuits or even popcorn make affordable treats.
• Bring refillable water bottles instead of buying drinks.

For extra cost touches that cost almost nothing

• Bring a portable speaker and make a playlist beforehand.
• Pack a book, card games or a board game.
• Don’t forget sunscreen because the winter sun is still surprisingly strong.