Rynfield Bunny Park review - Benoni (JHB)

If you are headed out to the east of Johannesburg, or the "East Rand", as it is fondly known among locals, why not stop in at the Bunny Park in Rynfield, Benoni.

The Bunny Park is a large farmyard where you can see a variety of animals, feed them by hand, and let the kids spend a good amount of time and energy on the playground equipment there.

Date last visited

May 2011

Location and Setting

The Bunny Park is situated on Pretoria Road, Rynfield, Benoni in Johannesburg.

Approaching on the N12 highway from JHB, take the Snake Road offramp (M44), turn left and continue on Pretoria Road for approximately 2.4km.

Look out for the Bunny Park on your left.

You can find a map here.

For the kids...

The name kinda gives it away - bunnies are just the cutest, fluffiest little creatures and kids love nothing less than to feed them carrots, or chase them about (not advised though - we don't want to traumatize the little guys now!).

At the park you will also see ducks, geese, chickens, sheep, goats, peacocks, pigs, donkeys and maybe a few others that I have forgotten about :)

All in all, kids love it when they get to see animals up close, and the Bunny Park delivers big time on this front.

You can buy a bag of carrots or bird seeds from the kiosk near the entrance to feed the animals by hand, or you can bring your own food to do the same. 

When the kids tire of all the animals, it is time to head over to the playground, where you will find swings, slides, an old tractor and a whole lot of other rides for the little ones to try their hand at.

For the adults...

A morning out to the Bunny Park is a great way to let the kids run around in a lovely park setting. Townhouse and complex living often mean that gardens are scarce, so this is a great alternative if you have kids who need something to do outdoors.

Now I can't speak for everybody, but personally I enjoy any opportunity to see animals, and the Bunny Park is a great way to do this.
I listed the variety of animals above, so you won't be stuck for choice here.

Onto the really important stuff - food :)
The Bunny Park is really more of a picnic venue, than somewhere that you can kick back with a cappuccino in your hand.
There is a tuck shop / kiosk near the entrance where you can buy snacks and drinks such as chips, chocolates and cold-drinks.
There is also a hot dog stand nearby, but that's about where it ends.

Not that I want to take business away from the kiosk, but it probably makes more sense to pack a decent picnic basket for the family, find a shady spot under a tree and enjoy your lunch that way.
Just watch out for the geese... they might just want a taste of your lunch as well :)

Anything else?

Entry is free - I have no idea how they keep it free, when the place is so clean and well maintained.

There are also pony rides near the entrance, a small train for the kids, and a mini fairground where they can get their adrenaline pumping :) (for a fee, per ride).
The toilets were fairly clean for a public place, but as always, bring along those wetwipes just in case!

Final words

For something cheap and fun to do on a sunny day, the Rynfield Bunny Park makes a great destination for the family.
The kids will love it, and there are plenty of great photo opportunities to be had when the bunnies start creeping up on them for carrots!

Getting in touch

The Bunny Park operates from 08:00 - 16:00, 7 days a week.
If you want to visit on a Public Holiday though, it might be a good idea to call first and confirm.

Telephone:
(+27) 11 422 3651

or contact Gideon on:
(+27) 83 391 8184

Read more...

Pet Masters review, Boksburg (JHB East)

Date last visited

February 2012

Location and Setting

Pet Masters is situated at 7 North Rand Road, Boksburg (next door to Flora Farm).

It is fairly central for those who are on the East Rand of Johannesburg, while also being close to OR Tambo International Airport and East Rand Mall.
You can view a map here.

For the kids...

The selection of pets and animals on offer here is really amazing - starting inside the pet shop itself, there are dogs, gerbils, parrots, fish of all sorts, different kinds of doves... the list just goes on.
There are also snakes and spiders... cool!
These are of course, all for sale.

Step outside though, and you are greeted by a lovely bird park. Here you can see ostriches, emus, owls, flamingoes, ducks, geese, black and white swans... even vultures!

Animals never fail to amuse and entertain those little folk among us - the looks of sheer delight are evident on all the kiddies faces.

After a lesson in bird spotting, what better way to spend all that excess child-energy, than on a jungle-gym or 2...

There are several cool jungle-gyms, slides and other kids rides on the premises that will keep the kids busy for a while, while the adults attempt to find ways to refuel... roll on the next section!

For the adults...

Sure, bird life is a treat for any visitor to Pet Masters, but many ostriches and emus later, after controlling the ankle biters and keeping them in check, the appetite beckons and a sit-down and refuel is much-needed.

Pet Masters boasts its own tea garden - aptly named the Blue Crane Tea Garden.

The setting is pretty, the layout is clever with both inside and outside areas (the play area is close by so you can keep the young ones in sight), and the service is generally swift, friendly and good.

The menu is also fairly comprehensive, offering all the usual beverages, toasted sandwiches, scones, pancakes, breakfasts, burgers and more - you can view it here.
Our culinary experience last time though was rather average, although this might just have been a once-off occurrence.
We have not yet tried their food again, but as soon as we do, we will update this post :)

Anything else?

You won't only find animals inside the pet section... Need a gift for an animal-loving friend?
Then you are at the right place - you will find all of the usual pet accessories here, as well as a great selection of gifts for pet-lovers and their assortment of pets :)
Cages, baskets, chew toys, leashes, feeders, fish tanks and lots more are on offer here.

Let's also not forget that this is a pet shop, so you may end up taking an animal home as a new member of your family :)

Final words

If your kids want to see birds, and the East Rand is convenient for you, then Pet Masters is a great place to visit.
You can easily spend a morning here enjoying the great variety of pets and birds, and letting the little ones expend those boundless energy stores on the jungle-gyms and slides.

Getting in touch

Telephone:
+27 (0)11 894 2359

+27 (0)11 918 3144

Fax:
+ 27 (0)11 918 3145

Email:
info@petmasters.co.za

Website:
www.petmasters.co.za

Read more...