If you’re searching for a way to keep the kids active, entertained and away from screens this winter, Fourways Mall may have just delivered the ultimate answer.
From 26 June to 9 July 2026, South Africa’s largest inflatable obstacle course, The Gauntlet, will transform the centre court of Fourways Mall into a giant playground packed with climbing, crawling, bouncing, sliding and racing challenges.
And this isn’t just another holiday attraction.
At more than 650 square metres in size, The Gauntlet is being introduced as the first indoor activation of its kind in South Africa, bringing together adrenaline, fun and friendly competition in one enormous inflatable experience.
For families looking to make the most of the winter school holidays, it could be the biggest attraction in Johannesburg this season.
The Ultimate Indoor Challenge
Imagine stepping onto a giant inflatable arena where every turn presents a new obstacle.
One moment you’re climbing over towering barriers. The next you’re squeezing through tunnels, bouncing across inflatable platforms or racing friends and family to the finish line.
That is exactly what visitors can expect from The Gauntlet.
Designed for active play, the course encourages participants to test their speed, agility and determination while having fun along the way.
Whether it’s siblings challenging each other, friends competing for bragging rights or parents deciding to prove they’ve still got it, the experience is built around movement, laughter and memorable moments.
Perhaps one of its biggest advantages is that it is completely indoors.
No worrying about winter weather. No cancelled plans because of rain. Just uninterrupted fun from morning to evening.
The attraction will operate daily between 9am and 6pm throughout the school holiday period.
With limited daily capacity available, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Tickets start from R100 per person and are available through Howler.
More Than Just The Gauntlet
While The Gauntlet may be the headline attraction, Fourways Mall is offering families far more than a single activity.
Visitors can easily turn a quick visit into a full day of entertainment.
Adventure Golf remains one of Johannesburg’s favourite family attractions, featuring three themed nine-hole courses surrounded by waterfalls, caves, streams and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Those looking for even more action can head to BOUNCE INC, where freestyle trampolining, dodgeball, slam dunk zones, obstacle courses, Clip ‘n Climb walls and miniBOUNCE experiences for younger children create hours of excitement.
For visitors who enjoy a blend of gaming and physical movement, Total Ninja Interactive combines digital projections and sensor technology with active play.
Meanwhile, Bloc 11 offers indoor climbing and bouldering experiences for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Entertainment for Every Age
The holiday fun extends well beyond physical activities.
Movie lovers can enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of Ster-Kinekor’s dedicated Kids Cinema, where films including Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5 will be screening during the holiday period.
The Fun Company continues to be a popular destination with its mix of arcade games, redemption machines and ten-pin bowling.
Shooters offers a social gaming environment suitable for families until 6pm, while Xtreme Go Karting brings high-speed indoor racing excitement to visitors looking for an extra adrenaline rush.
Urban Playground rounds out the entertainment offering with a combination of indoor soccer, e-gaming, skate facilities and recreational activities designed to appeal to both children and teenagers.
One Destination, Endless Possibilities
What makes Fourways Mall particularly appealing during the holidays is the ability to combine multiple experiences into one outing.
Families can spend the morning tackling The Gauntlet, enjoy lunch, catch a movie, challenge each other at bowling, race go-karts and still find time for arcade games before heading home.
Family-friendly dining options such as Spur and Panarottis make it easy to refuel between activities, with both restaurants offering dedicated play areas for younger visitors.
The convenience extends even further with extended trading hours. Most stores operate from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Visitors can also take advantage of free parking after 5pm daily.
A Winter Holiday Destination Worth Visiting
As temperatures drop across Johannesburg, many families face the annual challenge of finding activities that keep children entertained, active and engaged.
This year, Fourways Mall is answering that challenge with one of the biggest indoor attractions the city has seen.
By bringing South Africa’s largest inflatable obstacle course indoors and combining it with a wide range of entertainment, dining and family experiences, the mall has created a school holiday destination designed to appeal to every age group.
For children, it is an adventure.
For parents, it is convenience.
And for families looking to create unforgettable holiday memories, The Gauntlet could be the biggest challenge worth accepting this winter.
