School holidays are upon us and we know that parents around the country are looking for ways to keep the little ones occupied, while still keeping their own sanity. Never fear, we have you covered in the Western Cape, with tons of activities to keep your youngsters – and yourselves – fully entertained.
Cape Town Walking Trails
What to expect: Cape Town comes alive in winter and it’s the perfect time to get the kids outdoors – it really is the best time of year to explore the Mother City with the flowers at their eye-popping best and the crisp air only adding to the occasion. Depending on how far you want to go, your level of fitness, and the age of your kids, Lion’s Head, Cecilia Waterfall, Chapman’s Peak, the Sea Point Promenade, and Silvermine are five great options to explore. For more on these walks, check out the latest issue of https://thingstodowithkids.co.za/magazine/
Kidz Season at Table Mountain Cableway
What to expect: From June until October, for every adult return ticket bought at the Table Mountain Cableway, two kids travel FREE. The kids also score some free treats and a treasure hunt, making it the perfect outing for families during the school holidays this winter.
Website:http://www.tablemountain.net/content/page/rates
The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
What to expect: Since it first opened in the 1950’s, the Planetarium in Cape Town has been a favourite for families and the addition of the new Digital Dome – launched in May this year – is only going to make it more so. The new “world-class digital fulldome theatre” allows for multimedia image projection and data visualisation on a scale not previously seen on the continent and brings audiences closer to space than ever before. Take a virtual tour of our solar system and beyond – the whole family will love it.
Website: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium
Art4Kids at Spice Route
What to expect: Explore all the Spice Route has to offer, while your kids find their inner-Picasso at the Barn Artist’s Studio Gallery. Fern Mocke offers fun and creative art classes for kids aged seven and older during the three-week winter holidays - perfect for those rainy day blues.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ART-4-KIDS-at-SPICE-ROUTE-770519873003225/
Scootours in Knysna
What to expect: A unique and true forest experience. Enjoy an exhilarating downhill on the Monster Mountain Scooter, descent through indigenous forest, sweepy bends and single track. A scenic minibus ride takes you into the heart of the forest to the best hills to start your descent in the Garden Route National Park. All of this while on the lookout for the tour local wild life, the majestic Knysna loerie, the shy bushbuck and wild boar.
Website:www.scootours.co.za
Garden Route Trail Park
What to expect: The Garden Route Trail Park is nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and the Karatara River Gorge, about halfway between Knysna and George. The park’s carefully designed trails have been designed with the all experience levels in mind, meaning it is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. With over 20km of hand-built singletrack, all the riders in the family will be in seventh heaven.
Website: https://www.gardenroutetrailpark.com/
Knysna Oyster Festival
What to expect: Running for over a week in July, the Knysna Oyster Festival is jam-packed with activities sure to appeal to just about everybody. From oysters and wine to live entertainment and sports, the festival is one of the most popular events in the country and a staple for locals. What makes it so special is the incredible diversity of events on offer – from the annual bicycle race and Forest Marathon to kid-friendly activities and live music – everybody is catered for at the festival. Race in the morning and relax in the evening, then repeat!
Website:www.oysterfestival.co.za
Franschhoek Bastille Festival
What to expect: The Franschhoek Valley is easily one of the most anticipated events on the Western Cape calendar. A celebration of wine, food and the town French-infused history, the Bastille Festival is one you do not want to miss! Enjoy gourmet food from some of the town’s award-winning eateries, sample world class wines, stroll around the farmer’s market and enjoy the live entertainment on offer – you will not be bored when Bastille rolls into Franschhoek. The event is also family friendly, with children well catered for with a dedicated kid’s corner, while those looking to get an adrenaline fix can enter the annual trail run and new MTB race.
Website:https://www.franschhoekbastille.co.za/
Ceres Zipslide Adventure
What to expect: Made up of eight slides, with slides ranging from 100m to 290m, and running a combined 1.4km in length, the Ceres Zipslide Adventure is perfect for a family outing. Running through the Schurweberg Mountains and below the Koekedouw Dam in Ceres, this eco-adventure is safe, fast and long. The perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of the Western Cape.
Website:http://ceresadventures.co.za/
Winter Wonderland Gordons Bay
What to expect: Every winter over early July, the quaint seaside town of Gordon’s Bay transforms itself into a Winter Wonderland. The Carnival Weekends – from 30 June to 2 July and 7 to 9 July – are highlights of the festival with parades, food and craft markets, a gigantic amusement park and live music to keep you and the kids entertained. Gordon’s Bay is just a 40-minute drive from Cape Town, but if you’re keen to get the most out of the Winter Wonderland, make a weekend of it and stay over.
Website:http://winterwonderland.co.za/
For more kid-friendly ideas this winter, check out: https://thingstodowithkids.co.za/magazine/
