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IF you re wondering what to do with the kids, give the theme parks a break and let them get up close with art.

There aren t many exhibitions you can attend with the family, especially children.

The thought of a delicate oil painting in the way of children s playfulness at full throttle is unbearable.

That would certainly get any artist s knickers tied up in a knot.

But an exhibition called has opened at the scenic Nirox Sculpture Park, west of Joburg.

Curated by Jayne Crawshay-Hall, Beathur Mgoza Baker, Isabel Mertz and Maaike Bakker, it seeks to explore the notion of play as an art form.

The exhibition investigates the frivolity of play in conjunction with the receptions of the mediums on exhibition.

Simply put, it encourages the enjoyment of play with the artwork, and, yes, this does mean you can touch the pieces on display. It s delightful and fun. The 38 artworks include pieces by Nigerian visual artist and photographer Chriss Aghana Nwobu and the video installation by Nelisiwe Xaba and Mocke J van Veuren.

You are eased into the exhibition with a dainty white sculpture that sits on the spacious white decorated patio overlooking the vast greenery.

The patio serves as a relaxation area, where a glass of chardonnay and eats can be enjoyed once you re done.

Thanks to a detailed map, navigating around the park is easy.

As you move deeper into the park there are more pieces to interact with, such as the giant sculpture by Angus Taylor and Johann Nortje called One can t help but want to touch the heavily textured piece.

Another artwork proving popular with kids and adults alike is Jean Paul Lemmer s

You sit on a bicycle-like structure. Bicycle wheels are attached around the mechanism, giving a whistling sound as you cycle.

Another personal favourite Rivon Daniel s frosted glass a throwback to childhood memories, with quirky designs and fun, encouraging messages on their sides.

The exhibition is the perfect way to enjoy the the wonderful outdoors and take in great art. It runs until December 30. Other things to enjoy with the family:

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Joey the war horse is a fascinating creation by the Handspring Puppet Company, founded by Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones in the 1980s. This lifesize artwork is part of the theatre production which is now on at Montecasino and will travel to Cape Town in December. Joey is an intricately detailed puppet operated by at least three puppeteers at a time to get the horse s movements. The World War I drama tells the tale of Joey, who is sold to the British army and shipped off to France. His young master, Albert Narracott, goes out of his way to find him.

runs until November 30 in Joburg. The Dino Expo It s with a twist, and comes alive from next month at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia.

Featuring life-size dinosaur replicas, the exhibition showcases the untold story of the African dinosaur mystery

On display will be Tyrannosaurus rex, several Pteranodons, plus dinosaurs said to have been discovered in South Africa, such as Massospondylus, Dracovenator, Iguanodon and Nqwebasaurus.

Other activities include fossil digging, face painting and a film and theatre production.

The Dino Expo runs from November 1 until December 9. guilty and Quinton makes an unexpected gesture that will change his life. Fezile believes he knows who might be behind the recent tragedy. Melusi is involved in an accident.

Mpiyakhe defends Mehlemamba, then Samson switches sides.

Phumelele is angry when she hears the truth and things are edgy between Mpiyakhe and the wives.

Bhekifa forgives Goliath and draws him closer as part of the big plan.

A stranger shows up with a business proposition for Mpiyakhe and he meets Sthembiso.

Lerato and Mehlemamba reunite. Sihle seeks help from Mandla.