Inclusive Playgrounds for Kids with Down Syndrome in Centurion
- joyc856
- Jul 3
- 12 min read
As a mother to a child with Down syndrome, autism, and sensory processing disorder, it is hard for me to find a place for my son to play and get out of the house, sometimes. It’s something many special needs parents face. We want our kids to get out and experience the world, yet some environments are too challenging for them to tolerate. We live in Centurion, and finding an inclusive playground here comes with a lot of considerations.
What types of adaptations will your child need? Can they handle the noise of other children and adults around them? Do they elope? Can they sit up by themselves? Is wheelchair access required? Do they need access to food that is gluten free and dairy free? Are their immune systems vulnerable?
Inclusive playgrounds are not a given in our society, unfortunately, and places you might expect to have a playground do not. If you search online for a play place that is Down syndrome friendly, it might tell you to visit the Down syndrome association of Tshwane or the SOWLE centre. But if you visit, you will realise there is no playground on the property. These centres do not have playground facilities.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve done the hard yards. Our son Brave has lived quite a medically complex life, needing lots of accommodations. So these are the things that we specifically look for when considering play places. We will also list some places you can explore rated based on our own experience.
What to Look for When Considering Visiting an Inclusive Playground
Boundaries, fences, and walls.
Children with Down syndrome elope. If your child has a tendency to run off, finding a play place where they can’t easily run into traffic or disappear around a corner is very important. We look for fencing and gates that click shut. Indoor places are better at this. Alternatively, places that are wheelchair friendly work.
Hazards and dangers.
Many children with Down syndrome only learn to recognise things that are inherently unsafe much later than their peers. A child aged 3 - 6 may still gladly grab onto an electric wire, run into a pool they can’t swim in, or lick dirt that is on the floor. Whenever we consider a play place, we ask ourselves whether the hazards we see are manageable. Because one of us will be holding Brave back from licking the pavement inevitably.
Usability of equipment.
For many years, Brave could not climb a jungle gym himself or keep himself safe when exploring a play area. Low muscle tone, joint laxity, and other developmental limitations meant that we had to consider whether he could enjoy the available amenities. If he can’t get up the play gym because there aren’t stairs, someone was going to have to lift him up to the slide. If the play gym did not have railings, he was at greater risk for falling.
Sensory environment.
Children with SPD or autism are often sensitive to sensory environments. One of the biggest challenges that sensory sensitive children face in a public environment is overlapping noises that overwhelm their nervous system. It can be hard for parents that don’t have the same problem to recognise an environment that overstimulates their child.
A busy, confined space with lots of screaming children will do it. A full restaurant with blaring music and televisions will do it. We avoid indoor playgrounds over weekends where there are many children, because Brave cannot enjoy the space even though he really wants to. Some children will tolerate noise cancelling headphones that can help them around this hurdle. But many children with Down syndrome do not tolerate headphones or spaces that are too stimulating.
Water safety.
If there is an open body of water, we know someone will need to be keeping a hawk eye on Brave every second. Water is a quick, silent killer, and for a non-verbal child, it is a very serious danger. If we go anywhere where there is a pool, lake, river, or pond, we consider carefully whether we are willing to get wet, if we need to take along puffy wings and towels, and how stimulating the environment will be. Sometimes it’s so exciting that it becomes a negative for Brave, since just the excitement can overstimulate him and send him spiralling into a meltdown.
Health and hygiene.
Since Brave grew up immunocompromised, we learned long ago to find places with fresh air, no crowding, and low chances of getting in contact with pathogens. Public bathrooms can be a hazard, and a room full of coughing strangers can be such a peril. Before we take Brave out, we assess his condition. Is he healthy and in a good condition to tolerate the environment we are walking into? Will he need wipes, gloves, masks, or other equipment while we are there?
Accessibility & family facilities.
A playground is only enjoyable if your family can actually use it comfortably. We think about where you will park, how far you will need to walk, and whether paths are suitable for wheelchairs or adaptive strollers. YOu can also check whether there are accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, shaded seating, and somewhere to feed or administer medication if needed. If your child has dietary restrictions like Brave does (a gluten-free, dairy-free diet) you may want to think about whether you will need to bring your own food or whether the venue offers suitable options. A few practical conveniences can make the difference between a stressful outing and a relaxing one.
Down Syndrome Inclusive Outings in Centurion
Venue | Cost | Safety | Sensory | Wandering Risk | Hygiene | Food | Parking | Best Time | Navigability & Mobility | Kid-Friendly Activities | Animals to See | Notes |
Big Red Barn | ⭐ Free (entry) ⭐⭐ Restaurant | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★☆☆☆ Easy Escape | ★★★☆☆ | Restaurant | ★★☆☆☆ | Weekdays. Avoid when busy. | ★★☆☆☆ Mainly gravel roads, trails and uneven terrain. Better suited to children who can walk. | Playground, cycling, walking trails, obstacle courses, restaurant | Horses, birds | Fantastic outdoor space. Watch out for cyclists and nearby river. Spaces are not enclosed to traffic. |
Burger Box Roadhouse | ⭐ Free (entry) ⭐⭐ Restaurant | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★☆☆☆ Easy Escape | ★★★☆☆ | Roadhouse menu | ★★★★☆ | Weekday lunches | ★★★★☆ stairs access from parking with very little walking. | Outdoor playground, climbing frames, slides, swings, ride-on toys | None | Great value. Playground is open to car area. Busy on Friday evenings and weekends. |
Cedar Junction | ⭐⭐ Medium | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★☆☆☆ | Restaurant | ★★★☆☆ | Weekdays and low season | ★★★★☆ Mostly level pathways with moderate walking | Miniature train rides, playground, pedal cars, picnic, restaurant | Ducks, geese, peacocks, rabbits, farm birds | Miniature train rides are a hit. |
Drouble (Centurion Mall) | ⭐⭐ Medium (pay per hour + socks) | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★★★ Fully Enclosed | ★★★★☆ | Cafe & snacks | ★★★★★ Disability bays | Weekday mornings. Avoid when busy. | ★★★★★ One of the easiest. Lift access, level floors, disability parking and smooth surfaces throughout. | Indoor play area: Indoor soft play, climbing frames, slides, ball pits, and more. | None | Great enclosed play area. Avoid afternoons, weekends and holidays. |
Harties Snake & Animal Park + Ferry | ⭐⭐ Medium (plan to pay for seal show and the ferry plus snacks) | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ Easy Escape | ★★★☆☆ | Snacks available | ★★☆☆☆ | Weekdays | ★★★☆☆ Most exhibits are accessible, but there are uneven sections. Boarding the ferry may require assistance depending on your child's mobility. | Seal Show, snake demonstrations, reptile exhibits, ferry ride, walk-through zoo | Snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards, monkeys, meerkats, birds, small mammals (varies) tigers, lions, sea lions, primates, and much more. | Ferry ride is wonderful but water requires constant supervision. Brave loved the Seal show and the big ccats. |
Hyto Tyto | ⭐⭐ Medium | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★★☆ Mostly Enclosed | ★★★★☆ | Restaurant & café | ★★★★★ | Weekday mornings | ★★★★★ Flat pathways and easy stroller/wheelchair access around the restaurant and playground. | Large adventure playground, climbing structures, swings, slides, sand play, water play (seasonal), bike track, open lawns | Ducks, geese and garden birds | One of the nicest play restaurants in the area. Playground is mostly enclosed but parents should still supervise younger children around entrances and busy times. |
Irene Dairy Farm | ⭐ Free (can't bring your own food) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ Sounds of nature and cars. | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★★★☆ | Restaurant & Shop | ★★★★★ Disability bays | Weekdays. Avoid when busy. | ★★★☆☆ Easy to walk, paths are a mix of paving, gravel and grass. Stroller or wheelchair accessible. | Playground, feed calves, old tractors, farm walk-around, fountain, play area, picnic, duck pond | Cows, calves, chickens, ducks, geese, monkeys (if you're lucky), donkeys, farm birds | Beautiful farm atmosphere. Watch the kids around the water features like streams and dams carefully. |
Jan Smuts House Museum | ⭐ Affordable (cafe is mid-quality) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★☆☆☆ | Tea garden | ★★☆☆☆ | Any Day | ★★★☆☆ Mostly grass and garden paths. Suitable for sturdy strollers, but pushing a wheelchair over lawns can become tiring. | Small playground, explore gardens, picnic, tea garden, historical buildings | Ducks, geese, guinea fowl, birds, squirrels | Lovely lawns, ducks and birds. Wear closed shoes because of thorns. Watch the pond. |
Lory Park Zoo | ⭐⭐ Medium | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ avoid when busy. | ★★★★☆ Mostly Enclosed | ★★★★☆ | Tea garden & snacks | ★★★★☆ | Weekday mornings | ★★★★☆ Mostly flat walkways with manageable distances. Suitable for sturdy strollers and most wheelchairs. | Animal encounters, playground, picnic area, braai facilities, educational talks, feeding experiences | Lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, servals, ocelots, monkeys, owls, parrots, flamingos, reptiles, crocodiles, and much more. | A compact zoo that's easier to explore than the Pretoria Zoo. Offers close-up animal encounters. Playground needs hands-on supervision. |
Ludwig's Roses | ⭐ Free (entry) ⭐⭐ Restaurant | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ Easy Escape | ★★★☆☆ | Restaurant | ★★☆☆☆ | Weekdays. Avoid when busy. | ★★★★☆ Good paved walkways through much of the gardens. | Small playground, exploring rose gardens, walking paths, restaurant | Ducks, koi fish, ponies at the fence | Quiet gardens and play area. Watch water features. |
National Zoological Garden (Pretoria Zoo) | ⭐⭐ Medium (if you get a golf cart, it gets expensive). | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★☆☆☆ Easy Escape | ★★☆☆☆ | Picnic or cafés | ★★★☆☆ | Early Mornings | ★★★☆☆ Large distances and some steep hills make walking tiring. Golf carts are available to hire. excellent outing for children who can sit upright safely. | Zoo exhibits, aquarium, reptile park, cable car (when operating), playgrounds, picnic areas | Elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, penguins, reptiles, fish, birds, hippos, rhinos and many more. | Excellent full-day outing. Lots of walking, so consider paying for an electric golf cart to navigate the park. Bring sunscreen and hats. |
Pioneer Museum | ⭐ Affordable | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★★☆☆ | Picnic | ★★★★☆ | Weekdays | ★★★★☆ Mostly level pathways with moderate walking | Playground, exploring historic buildings, picnic, wagon displays | Oxen, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, horses (varies), farm birds | Historic farm, animals and lots of space to run. Very peaceful. |
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve | ⭐⭐⭐ Expensive | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★★★☆ | Restaurant | ★★★★☆ | Any Day | ★★★★★ Most of the outing is enjoyed from your own vehicle. Only short walks are needed to restaurants, playgrounds or selected animal areas. | Game drives, predator camp, playground, animal feeding (selected times), restaurant | Rhinos, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, birds, reptiles | Excellent animal viewing from the car. Great for children who tire easily. |
Rietvlei Nature Reserve | ⭐ Affordable (low cost per person in the vehicle and you can bring your own food) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ Fully Enclosed | ★★★★☆ | Coffee shop | ★★★★★ It's a Game Drive | Any Day | ★★★★★ One of the best choices for children with mobility challenges. Most of the reserve is explored by car, with only brief transfers to the café or bathrooms. | Self-drive game viewing, bird watching, picnic, fishing (designated areas), coffee shop | Rhino, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, ostrich, jackal, many bird species | One of the easiest outings. Mostly viewed from your vehicle. |
Rooihuiskraal Terrein | ⭐ Affordable (low cost and you can bring your own food) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★★☆☆ | Picnic areas | ★★★☆☆ | Weekdays and mornings | ★★★★☆ Mostly level pathways with moderate walking | small zoo, feed the animals, pony rides (sometimes), picnic areas, and playground. | Free-roaming buck (antelope), Horses, Rabbits, Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Ostriches, and other birds, Tortoises, Snakes, Crocodiles, and more. | |
Safari Garden Centre | ⭐ Free (entry) ⭐⭐ Restaurant | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★★★☆ | Restaurant & tea garden | ★★★★★ | Weekday mornings | ★★★★☆ Mostly paved pathways with gentle gradients. Easy for strollers and manageable for wheelchairs, although some garden paths are uneven. | Playground, petting farm, explore waterfalls and gardens, feed fish, walking paths, picnic, browse the nursery | Goats, sheep, rabbits, ducks, geese, koi fish, peacocks, guinea fowl and other water birds | Peaceful family outing. The natural surroundings are excellent for sensory-sensitive children. Watch children closely around the waterfalls and streams, as the grounds are open and not fully enclosed. |
The Baron (Irene Link) | ⭐⭐ Medium Cost. Play is free but you need to buy their food. | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★★★ Fully Enclosed | ★★★★☆ | Full restaurant | ★★★★★ Disability bays right in front of the restaurant | Weekdays (in outside space) | ★★★★★ One of the easiest venues to navigate. Just walk straight to the outdoor enclosed play area. It is small and safe. | Small enclosed outdoor play gym, colouring, family dining. Here you can relax, just make sure to close the gate. | None | Excellent option if you want a relaxed meal while the children play and you can keep a direct eye on them without getting up. Playground is visible from tables inside the enclosed play area. |
The Fun Room | ⭐⭐ Medium | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★★★ Fully Enclosed | ★★★★☆ | Café & light meals | ★★★★☆ | Weekday mornings | ★★★★★ Level floors and easy access for wheelchairs and strollers via lift. Children requiring mobility support can move around the venue easily, assistance is needed on the play equipment. | Large indoor soft play, climbing structures, slides, ball pit, toddler area, pretend play, party rooms | none | Secure indoor venue with good visibility. Can become noisy and overstimulating during birthday parties, weekends and school holidays, so quieter weekday mornings are recommended for children with sensory sensitivities. |
The Play Date | ⭐⭐ Medium (you can play for hours and buy affordable food) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★★★ Fully Enclosed | ★★★☆☆ | Restaurant | ★★★★☆ | Weekday mornings. Avoid when too busy. | ★★★★☆ Fairly easy to navigate with wide pathways and mostly level surfaces. Children who cannot walk independently will still need assistance on the play equipment. | Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, climbing equipment, slides, water play, sensory play, cafe/restaurant | None | Walled play area. Still requires supervision. |
Willow Feather Farm | ⭐⭐ Medium (plan to buy animal feed + snacks) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ Avoid when busy. | ★★★☆☆ Open Areas | ★★★☆☆ | Restaurant & snacks | ★★★★★ Disability bays | Weekdays. Avoid when busy. | ★★★☆☆ Mostly manageable, but grass, dirt and uneven paths can make wheelchairs and strollers harder to push. Expect mud after rain. | Large playgrounds, jumping pillows (seasonal), Indoor soft shape play space, sand play, lawn games, restaurant | Farm animals including llamas, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, bunnies, guinea pigs, peacocks, geese, cows, pigs, and more. | Outdoor fun. Expect mud and messy clothes. Either wear boots that can get dirty or leave your shoes in the car. |
Wolwespruit Bike Park | ⭐ Free play area ⭐⭐ Restaurant | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ Easy Escape | ★★★★☆ | Restaurant & coffee shop | ★★★★☆ | Any day. | ★★★★☆ Mostly paved pathways around the restaurant and play area. Strollers are easy to use, although some trails are uneven. | Large wooden playground, balance bikes, pump track (older kids), climbing, swings, walking trails, open lawns | Ducks, guinea fowl, birds, squirrels | Fantastic natural setting with a lovely restaurant. The stream and cycling trails mean children who wander need close supervision. |
Brave's Favourite Outings
When Brave was younger, we found it easy to take him to a Spur nearby or just about any restaurant with a play place, as long as it is not during the evening or on a weekend. As he has grown, we have too. And we learned that we were putting him into sensory environments that were not doing him well. So we look for places where he can run around on grass, see animals, climb things, and have a feeling of freedom, but with boundary walls.
We also look for places that won’t tank our budget. And that’s how we’ve ended up with these top three favourites: Irene Farm, The Baron in Irene Link, and The Rietvlei Nature Reserve. All three are very different experiences, but they work well for Brave.
Do you have places you like to take your special needs child that we didn’t mention? Please share it with us!
Places We Tend to Avoid
Trampoline Parks like Bounce
Trampolining is not a safe activity for kids with Down syndrome because of hypotonia, joint laxity and atlantoaxial instability. But our main reason is the sensory overload. The environment is way too and visually overwhelming for Brave. Trampolining carries a high injury risk for children with Down syndrome.
Acrobranch Centurion
The activity is very high strain physically, with kids up in the trees in harnesses. Many children with Down syndrome will be at greater risk for injury. We find it too dangerous and unsafe, and besides, Brave would not want to be trapped in a harness.
Ninja Warrior and Obstacle Courses
The activities require high levels of agility and upper body strength and coordination. They can be inaccessible or frustrating for our hids, and also more dangerous.
Indoor Activity Centres on Weekends
It feels like the whole Centurion is at the indoor playground on the weekend, and the overlapping voices overstimulate Brave. We also find it less safe when it comes to infection risk for an immune-compromised child.
Waterparks during Peak Season
Swimming parks sound like a biohazard to us when we consider the high levels of people in the water, on the toilets, and breathing on each other.
Malls and Shopping Centres
If you aren’t prepared to deal with sensory overload and managing your child in the space, it can be challenging to visit the mall. Malls are low on hygiene, high on noise, a risk for wandering and stranger danger, and can be overwhelming. We go if our kids are confined to a wagon, stroller, pram, or trolley.
Playgrounds with High & Unsafe Climbing Structures
Many play structures assume typical balance and coordination. Children with Down syndrome may need hands-on assistance and can be at greater risk of falls. We look for playgrounds with padded, enclosed structures, secure stairs, and wide easy to navigate spaces that allow an adult to come along and help their child.
Amusement Parks with Long Rows
Long waits, loud music and sensory overload can make outings like Gold Reef City exhausting. Many rides also have minimum height or health restrictions and can be dangerous for kids with Down syndrome.
Busy Family Festivals and Markets
Crowds, multiple exits, loud music and constant stimulation can increase the risk of wandering and sensory overload. It may be fun for you, but it can silently send your kid over the edge of stimulation and put them at risk for catching infections.
Go-Karting & High Speed Activities
These are often not suitable for our kids because of age, size and medical restrictions. Many children with Down syndrome simply won't enjoy the pace or noise either.
Loud Pubs and Restaurants
If a pub or bar or restaurant has a playground, this does not automatically mean we can take Brave there and enjoy it. If the venue is playing loud music all the time, has lots of laughing and talking patrons, and has a busy environment, we just know it won’t work for Brave.
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