Planning a family day out can get expensive quickly, especially once you add up four entry tickets before anyone has even bought an ice cream. And depending on where you’re going, the difference can be significant.
With school holidays, weekends and warmer weather making days out more appealing, South Africa has plenty of zoos, aquariums and family attractions to choose from. But before you load everyone into the car, it’s worth knowing what those tickets could set you back.
For a family of four, standard admission ranges from R370 at Pretoria Zoo to R966 at two Durban attractions. That’s a R596 difference before you factor in food, transport, parking or any extras once you’re inside. The biggest jump in the ranking comes between Johannesburg Zoo and Two Oceans Aquarium, where the family ticket total increases by R388.
And while ticket prices aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing a day out, they can make a noticeable difference to the overall cost, particularly for families trying to keep holiday spending in check.
Here’s what a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay at five popular attractions, based on their standard published admission prices according to data specialists at playcasino.com
1. Pretoria Zoo, Pretoria — R370
Pretoria Zoo comes in as the most affordable option on the list. Two adult tickets cost R110 each, while child tickets are R75 each, bringing the total to R370. The 2026 tariff applies to children aged two to 17, while children under two enter free.
2. Johannesburg Zoo, Johannesburg — R432
A family of four will pay R432 at Johannesburg Zoo, based on two adult tickets at R135 each and two child tickets at R81 each. These rates are listed as effective from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
3. Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town — R820
The price jumps considerably in Cape Town. Two standard adult tickets at R280 each and two child tickets at R130 each bring the total to R820. The aquarium has different pricing for older children aged 14 to 17, so the total could be higher depending on your children's ages.
4. uShaka Sea World, Durban — R966
A family visit to uShaka Sea World comes to R966 at the published September 2026 rates, with adult tickets priced at R267 and child tickets at R216. Children under three enter free, although that exemption isn't included in this like-for-like comparison.
5. uShaka Wet N Wild, Durban — R966
Wet N Wild comes in at the same total as Sea World, with September 2026 rates of R267 per adult and R216 per child. The two attractions therefore tie as the most expensive options in this comparison.
The price can change depending on your children’s ages
The numbers are useful for comparison, but they aren't necessarily what every family will pay. Children's ticket prices often depend on age, and the cut-off points aren't the same across attractions.
Two Oceans Aquarium, for example, has a separate standard price for children aged 14 to 17, while Pretoria Zoo's child rate covers ages two to 17. Younger children may also enter free at some attractions.
There are also ways to bring the cost down. Pretoria Zoo lists lower online rates than its standard admission prices, while Two Oceans Aquarium offers an After 3 discount during school terms. Temporary promotions, memberships and special offers aren't included in this comparison.
So while the headline admission price is a useful starting point, it's worth checking the latest ticket information before you go.
