Spring is officially in the air – the sounds of birds tweeting, longer sun-filled days, flowers blossoming and a renewed energy creeping into our tired winter bones. This is definitely my favourite part of the year and I am super excited to share these fun and exciting things to do with kids in and around our beautiful country this spring, with you!
Cape Town and the Cape Winelands
This year the Cape Gate Charity Run is celebrating its 10th anniversary on the 01st October 2016, so get into your running shoes and join 3000 walkers and joggers for this fun event in aid of the Clicks Helping Hand Trust. Afterwards, enjoy the various food and beverage stalls, kids activities and live music on offer.
Lourensford Wine Estate offers kids a juice tasting paired with cookies and chocolate, while the adults can indulge in a wine tasting, soaking up the sun on this beautiful wine estate.
The hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing Bus is running their 3-for-1 kids special until the 09th October 2016 and they have a variety of fun routes to choose from, allowing you to explore the Mother City as a tourist.
For a family excursion filled with exciting activities, visit the Rotary Blue Train Park – they have an outdoor ice rink, putt-putt, as well as a mini blue train.
Two Oceans Aquarium is a firm favourite for kids and adults alike, so take a family outing to the V&A Waterfront, see the wonder in your children’s eyes as they explore the aquarium, and afterward see what other child-friendly activities the V&A Waterfront has on offer.
Other great child-friendly outings include a trip to Imhoff Farm, Mazeworld and the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard, as well as Bon Amis at Bloemendal, Bertha’s Restaurant in Simonstown, Eden on the Bay Mall and Clay Cafe in Hout Bay.
If you are in the mood for a weekend getaway to the Cape Winelands, be sure to visit Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm for an adventure filled day of crocodile interactions, fishing, picnics and pizza.
Another fun outing is a trip to Helderberg Farm. They offer gravel karts, paintball, laser tag, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, 4X4 trails (12km), hiking, bird watching, strawberry picking and more.
Garden Route
Take a break and enjoy spring surrounded by beauty on the Garden Route. Eight Bells Mountain Inn is situated on a 400-acre estate in the Ruiterbos Valley Region offering family friendly accommodation and a variety of outdoor activities, including horse riding.
Other great weekend getaway options include the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, offering horseback safaris, canoe adventures, game drives and guided walks, and Herolds Bay Accommodation, offering beach front properties, walking trials and more.
In the mood for some wine tasting, soaking up the mesmerising countryside while the kids play? Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar offers a child friendly restaurant, large open spaces and they have their own craft beer.
For the adventurous at heart, visit Paradise Adventures, Eden Adventures and Downhill Adventures for a variety of adrenaline infused activities, including mountain biking, surfing, sand boarding, canoeing, abseiling and much more.
Eastern Cape
If you are looking for an exciting and active day out, visit Xtreme Valley in East London. They have a 28-hole Xtreme golf course as well as an alien zone laser tag facility. A great party venue.
Also in East London, Bubble Jungle is a party venue offering an indoor play area. Parents can relax with a cup of coffee knowing their kids are well taken care of at the coffee shop on site.
Take the family on an outdoor adventure at Moses Mabhida Stadium: race each other during a segway tour, take a hike up the arch and take in the breathtaking Durban coastline from the viewing platform. Afterward, enjoy a guided tour of the stadium.
Let your kids play Godzilla in Mini Town Durban, while they explore the sights of this city. Afterward, have a family picnic at the Durban Botanic Gardens or Mitchell Park Zoo. The Umgeni River Bird Park is also a fun option for those of you wanting to learn more about birds.
Other outdoor activities include learning how to surf at the Wavehouse in Gateway and uShaka Marine World.
On a rainy day, take the kids ice skating at the Galleria Ice Rink in Amanzimtoti or teach them about natural history at the historic Durban Natural Science Museum. The Port Natal Maritime Museum offers kids and adults a voyage of discovery into seafaring history as well as three ships which can be played on and explored.
Gauteng
We are entering the last quarter of the year and most people are tired, eagerly awaiting December. Put your feet up, relax and enjoy some much deserved pampering at Mami Paradiso Spa in Johannesburg while their qualified childminders care for the kids.
Also in Johannesburg, Avalanche offers an indoor slope for skiing, bumboarding and snowboarding. The cafe on site offers beverages and light meals, ideal for a parent wanting to relax while the kids play or for a kids party.
Other play venues in Johannesburg include Quack & Moo Clubhouse offering over 200 square meters of play equipment and kids games as well as a cafe and TV for the parents to enjoy some sport, and Gheko Parties.
In Pretoria, be sure to visit Liberty Stables, a party venue offering pony parties, as well as Cedar Junction Theme Park, which is the biggest Train Theme Park in Pretoria. Cedar Junction also offers an animal touch farm, a swimming pool with a slide, jungle gyms, jumping castle, mini bike track, and a trampoline.
For child friendly restaurants, visit Col’Cacchio Pizzeria, Cafe du Soleil, Aroma Cafe, Smile Cafe and Papachinos.
Enjoy your special family time this spring!
By Alexa Gerrard (Things to do with Kids)
Alexa is an adventurous mommy blogger blogging about family related activities at www.thingstodowithtkids.co.za. Their website, app, magazine and blog aims to make family time fun time.
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