The icy winter nights call for a bottle of red wine and thick fluffy blankets, but the mild afternoons, bathed in winter sunlight, provide the perfect opportunity to get out there and explore Joburg.

The city of lights is always buzzing, not even winter can change that. We've compiled a list of family (and not-so-family) orientated adventures that'll show you Joburg at its best.

Cultural tour

Begin your cultural tour at the...well…beginning. Situated roughly 40 kilometres northwest of Joburg is the place where it all began — the Cradle of Humankind (www.cradleofhumankind.co.za), nominated as a World Heritage for its rich and diverse collection of fossils. The most famous of which is Mrs (now thought to be mister) Ples, estimated to be between 2.6 and 2.8 million years old.

The Sterkfontein (011 956 6342) and Wonder Caves (011 957 0106) are open to the public and you can go on a guided tour for R40 (adults) or R20 (children). The Wonder Caves are the third largest caves in the country and are estimated to be about 1.5 million years old.

Travel through time a couple million years and you'll find yourself at the Lesedi Cultural Village (www.lesedi.com/). This multi-cultural village, set amongst untouched bushveld, is less than an hour’s drive from Joburg. Experience the vibrant cultures of the Basotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Xhosa and Zulu people in a relaxed and friendly environment. Browse through the colourful craft market or get stuck into a delicious pan-African feast at the Nyama Choma restaurant. It's a great opportunity to experience some pap 'n fleis.

From there, immerse yourself in the history of twentieth century South Africa — volatile, oppressive and, finally, inspiring. Take a trip to the Apartheid Museum (www.apartheimuseum.org/). Opened in 2001, this is the most extensive museum in the country dealing with twentieth century South Africa. Through a collection of photographs, film footage, texts panels and artefacts, it illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. The 22 individual exhibitions areas take you through an emotionally taxing, but rewarding, journey. The museum is not open on Mondays. Admission: adults R25, children R12.

The Hector Pieterson Museum, located two blocks away from where Hector Pieterson was killed, was the first museum in Soweto when it opened on 16 June 2002. It provides information on the events leading up to and during the Soweto Uprising.

Finish your tour at Constitution Hill (www.constitutionhill.org.za/), known as the 'Robben Island of Joburg'. The R492-million development was built on the site of the city’s most notorious prison — Old Fort. Graced by the likes of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Ghandi, the Old Fort was a place more representative of South Africa's diverse communities, which were incarcerated for fighting for freedom, than any other prison in the country.

Home of the new Constitutional Court, Constitutional Hill is also a place of hope — a testament to resilience, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Family fun

Combat your kids' cabin fever this winter with a trip to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve (www.rhinolion.co.za). This privately owned reserve, situated in the Cradle of Humankind, provides an opportunity to see these magnificent beasts up close in their natural environment. The reserve also has braai areas and a croc enclosure, so make a day of it. Admission: adults R70, children R50.

For a wildlife experience in the city, head down to the Joburg Zoo (www.jhbzoo.org.za) in central Parktown. This sprawling 54 hectare zoo is home to lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas and even polar bears. With over 365 species, your kids are bound to be entertained for hours. There is a program called Zoo-mazing, which runs from 7 to 11 July and 25 to 29 August, and is exclusively for the kids. Admission is R55.

When you tire of all those animals, head over to the Sci-Bono Centre (www.sci-bono.co.za) in Newtown. This is the largest scientific exhibition centre in Africa, where your kids can participate in exciting, hands-on activities based in mathematics, science and technology. Admission: adults R20, children R10.

Finer things in life

Take some time out from the kids and indulge in the finer things in life. Visit the Johannesburg Art Gallery (011 725 3130), the biggest gallery in the sub-continent, situated in Joubert Park. Housed in a three-storey national monument, the gallery boasts a number of pre-eminent artists in its permanent collection: Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. The South African collection includes the likes of Gerard Sekoto and Sydney Kumalo.

Balance out all that beauty appreciation with some beauty creation. Mangwanani Private African Day Spa (www.mangwanani.co.za) has won 'best spa' awards for four years in a row (2003 - 2007). Renowned for its professional pampering service, it will take your mind off global warming, kids and that midlife crisis. The winter special Maroccan Spicy Winter Warmer Night Spa will fire up your winter for R1399.

A somewhat novel concept in Johannesburg, Cellar d’Or (www.cellardor.co.za) offers wine blending courses, where you can learn about different cultivars and techniques of blending before attempting to make your own blend. Enjoy tasting your own wine and comparing it to that of your friends.

Then grab a couple of bottles, pack a picnic and head for the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (previously the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden), where you can sit back and relax, against the backdrop of the Witpoortjie waterfall. Or take a walk through the serene water garden and along the boardwalk through the wetland. Admission: adults R18, scholars R5.

Joburg awaits — take some time off to experience the city.