Few things capture a child’s imagination quite like dinosaurs – those enormous, mysterious creatures that once roamed the Earth. Now, families can get ready for a ‘roarsome’ adventure when Cradlestone Mall opens its doors to a prehistoric takeover by the Dino World Family Festival this festive season.
From 27 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, prepare to step into a world where mighty dinosaurs rule. Cradlestone Mall is bringing 15 life-sized dinosaurs and many other interactive experiences and family entertainment across 3,500 m² in the mall on three interconnected levels – with the biggest giants and funfair rides located on the upper parking – level.
With Cradlestone’s commitment to delivering entertainment and fun that brings the family together, this whole gigantic dinosaur experience is offered free of charge, with a small R8 fee that goes to the booking platform. Just book your tickets online, round up your favourite people and get ready for a holiday outing that’s pure excitement for everyone.
Experience the roar of a dino!
At the Woolworths entrance, the dinosaur experience will introduce visitors to a collection of medium-sized animatronic and static dinosaurs. With sound and movement bringing the animatronic displays to life, the exhibition offers an engaging encounter and the chance to discover what makes dinosaurs so fascinating.
Head to the Jurassic giants on the Upper Parking Level, where the adventure takes a seriously big turn. Visitors will step through the gigantic mouth of a T. rex and enter a world of prehistoric showstoppers, including a jaw-dropping 12-metre-long Tyrannosaurus rex and a colossal 20-metre-long Australotitan cooperensis (often simply known as Cooper)!
And there’s a whole lot more fun to be had! Admission includes fossil excavation, inflatable jumping castles, live music and DJs, interactive dinosaur puppets, the Dino Giant Egg Photo Booth, the Dino Photo Booth and photo opportunities throughout the exhibition.
For those who fancy adding more to the adventure, optional paid rides and activities priced per ride or activity include dinosaur rides, a dinosaur nest playground, Jurassic cars, princess cars, an electric train, a pirate ship, a cup and saucer ride, a live reptile show, face painting and balloon artist activities.
From little explorers to captivated grown-ups, there’s plenty to see, do and photograph. Bring your curiosity, unleash your inner adventurer and prepare for a roaring family outing!
Mikaela Potgieter, Marketing Manager at Cradlestone Mall, says that this whole exciting experience is designed with children and the young at heart in mind. “Dinosaurs have such a strong appeal to children because they are unlike anything alive today – they are enormous and extraordinary! Some were bigger than houses, some had fearsome teeth and others had spectacular horns, plates or tails. Dinosaurs naturally introduce children to science, fossils, evolution, habitats and extinction – and this fascination becomes even more riveting when they can see a life-sized model, hear a roar or watch a dinosaur move rather than simply read about one. Cradlestone Mall is proud to share this magical world with those who love it most!”
Here’s all you need to know to go prehistoric:
What: Dino World Family Festival
Where: Cradlestone Mall, extending through interconnected areas of the Blue Level, Orange Level and Medical Centre and up to the Upper Parking Level
When: 27 November 2026 to 10 January 2027
Time: 9am to 5pm daily
Admission: Free, with an R8 ticketing service fee per ticket for online bookings
Bookings: registration.dinoworldmzansi.com
Online booking is required and visitors must present a valid admission ticket to enter. Tickets are limited, so book ahead to secure your visit. Optional rides and activities are charged separately, at R30 to R50 per person, per ride or activity.
