Zoo Lake Park, Sports Club and Bowling Club, Parkwood
Zoo Lake has always been the natural outdoor setting to which the Jozi urbanites escape. Big shady trees and plenty of space is enjoyed by families with small children, joggers, dog walkers and people meeting up with their friends.
The lake itself is home to a flock of roosting egrets, ducks and geese, all a big attraction for the kids who love to feed them. Remember the bird food!
Adults and kids all enjoy a leisurely row around the lake, keeping clear of the Coronation fountain, unless you don’t mind taking a shower. Boat are for hire. Tuesday to Sunday 09h30 to 17h00 (Closed on Mondays).
If you have kids with you, roll out your blanket, get them an ice-cream, and then enjoy some pages of your book. Once everyone’s energy levels start to build again, try out some soccer or cricket in the spacious grounds. If you would just enjoy a laid back stroll, bank on one to two hours to complete the circular route.
If you did not bring your picnic or braai, and the smells of cooking wafting across your way are making your stomach ride a switchback, then the African styled Moyo Restaurant in the park, will calm your innards in a most satisfying fashion. It serves sumptuous African cuisine from Oxtail Amos to Moyo Fillet Medallions – something on the menu for everyone. Tel: +27 (0)11 646 0058
In September, the well -known Jazz by the Lake concert, draws very large crowds. The equally popular Artist Under the Sun exhibition takes place monthly over Saturday and Sunday, usually the first weekend of the month. From humble beginnings, Artists Under the Sun has grown into the largest out-door fine art exhibition in Southern Africa!
The Carols by Candlelight celebration is also a crowd pleaser, radiating a wonderful spirit of goodwill toward man. It usually takes place in late November or early December.
The Zoo Lake Sports Club is another favourite with residents, offering a variety of sports amenities, including tennis, a restaurant and pub. Swimming pool: Hours: 10h00 to 18h00 daily.
The Zoo Lake Bowling Club is a very relaxed venue, not only for a game of bowls, but for cheap food and drinks. You can eat good pub food for a fraction of the price that most places in Jozi charge. Patrons range from families with small children on a Saturday afternoon to 18 year old party animals on a Friday night. It’s also a cool spot to stop in at for lunch during the week. Some people claim it’s cheaper to eat at the bowling club than at home! Tel: +27 (0)11 486 0843.
All of this makes the Zoo Lake a fun place to be for families who need to let their children run around and play in a safe environment and for visitors of all ages.
There are no entrance fees and you can expect it to be very busy at weekends.
Zoo Lake is directly opposite the famous Johannesburg Zoo on Lower Park Drive in Parkwood.
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