Things to Do with Kids

Just the other day I heard one of the local DJs on a radio station, whilst in my car in the middle of Claremont, talking about the 'secret season' in Cape Town. The Mother City's winters might have a scheduled wet season, but they are, arguably, an even more beautiful time to visit the city.

Incredibly, whilst the worst can happen – it does sometimes rain for days on end, which is why accommodation in Cape Town with a fireplace is nigh on essential — it invariably doesn't. And those days when the sun shines, the leaves are orange and red on the trees (or not at all) and the city green and glistening, are when Capetonians really come out to play. For without the summer wind or scorching sun, Cape Town turns into a welcoming playground, with plenty to do.

1. Use the Red Bus to see CT

The hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus (the red city tour and the blue mini peninsular tour) has a winter special offer: 2 kids under the age of 18 can travel free with every 1 full paying adult. The special runs from 1 May – 31 October 2011. It is also valid on weekends, public holidays and schools holidays. If you buy your adult day ticket online at www.citysightseeing.co.za you can save a further R30. What's more, the group have also fitted roofs to the front half of their busses and switched the heaters on, so no having to worry about not being able to sit on the top deck without freezing.

2. See the Table Top by Cable Car (and the kids go free)

Red Bus Tours

Winter time can be fantastic for getting up to the Table Top, minus the wind. And this season is Kidz Season, which not only means that if you have children they can go free (for every full-paying adult, 2 children under 18 ride for free) but they also get given a treasure hunt map and a Kidz Season armband on arrival, which, depending on the age of you children, is or isn't an incentive to go up Table mountain. The special offer also runs from 1 May – 30 October 2011. On clear days, visibility in winter is good and the crisp air only adds to the experience. Remember to bundle up, as the top gets cold (we're talking beanies, scarves and gloves as a matter of course).

3. Watch the whales

July to November is the time of the whales. And you don't have to leave Cape Town to see them, there are plenty of places along the False Bay coastline to spot them, without the crowds that you will find in Hermanus and Gansbaai. Grab a pair of binoculars and head to the following hot spots: Boyes Drive, which winds up above Muizenberg and Kalk Bay; Fish Hoek – a great place to spot the whales along Jager's Walk; Chapman's Peak Drive is worth driving without the promise of whales, but there is a good chance that you will spot them above Hout Bay; drive the coastal road from Fish Hoek to Simon's Town and beyond, in particular look out between Boulders and Smitswinkelbaai. Even between Scarborough and Kommetjie you're likely to spot them.

4. Tour the wine estates

Things to Do with Kids

The great thing about Cape Town is that wine estates lie right on your doorstep. Whether it's the Constantia Wine Route, Cape Point Wine Route, or the Durbanville wine estates you're after, there is a lot to sample really close at hand. Even the wine farms of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Darling are but an hour's drive away. Many of the estates have restaurants, and play areas or grassy nooks for children. The Constantia Wine Route alone has eight producers, all within the valley just outside the city bowl. You can join this route on the M41 to Hout Bay or from Steenberg Road, at the bottom of Ou Kaapse Weg. Durbanville Wine Route, only 20 kilometres north of Cape Town, has 22 estates from which to choose. One doesn't have to leave Cape Town to sample wine. More on the respective wine routes here Western Cape Wine Routes. Phone ahead for child-friendly venues.

5. Eat out at a child-friendly restaurant (some with a fireplace)

Winter evenings, and even lunches, can be chilly in Cape Town. Most important is that there is somewhere for the kids to play. The following is a list of mostly child-friendly venues, some with fireplaces, and one or two just with fireplaces, not necessarily child-friendly:

• The restaurant at Rhodes Memorial has a fireplace
• Primi Piatti at Constantia Village (no fireplace, but child-friendly with large gas heaters)
• Millstone Farm Stall and Café (great for children on a warm day) in Pinelands
• Noordhoek Farm Village (great play area, not sure about a fireplace)
• Two Oceans Aquarium (busy, but great for the kids)
• Polana in Kalk Bay (fireplace, not necessarily child-friendly)
• Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia (fireplaces and child-friendly)
• Pescado in Simon's Town (not sure about a fireplace, but child-friendly)
• Blue Water Café in Kommetjie (great for kids)
• Deer Park Café in Vredehoek, also great for kids (park complete with jungle gyms etc.)
• Café Roux (fireplace)
• La Mouette in Sea Point (fireplace)

6. Visit the Two oceans Aquarium

Things to Do with Kids

A great rainy day venue. And there is much to do, from feeding the African penguins to the Kelp Forest Exhibit feeding, to shark feeding, all of which you will have to time properly as they each happen at various times during the week or day. For instance the ragged-tooth sharks are fed only on Sundays at 15h00. You will need at least a couple of hours if you want to see everything at Two Oceans Aquarium and the kids will love the giant spider crabs, the cuttlefish, the seahorses (the male of which gives birth), the predator exhibit, octopuses, penguins and more.

7. Visit the theatre

(just a few for the kids and the young at heart)

• The Nutcracker Suite is on at Artscape Theatre only between July 14–16
• Danscape 2011 is on July 7–10
• Swan Lake is on Aug 19–26
• Shakespeare's R&J on at the Fugard Theatre July 25 – Aug 20
• Noddy in the foyer of Artscape – 25 June – 9 July at 10.30

8. Fish 'n Chips at Hout Bay harbour

Mariner's Wharf is the ubiquitous place to eat fish n' chips. It's cheap, cheerful and extremely tasty, you get to share your food with the gulls, there are usually seals in the harbour to visit afterwards, and you get to watch people from below deck under the more expensive sit-and-eat part of the restaurant upstairs. Or head further down Harbour road to Fish on the Rocks or Snoekies, both of which are inexpensive, tasty fishy alternatives.

9. Visit Boulders Beach

Things to Do with Kids

A wonderful space to sit and watch penguins (and sometimes whales) at a time of year when it is less overcrowded than it gets in summer. Boulders Beach is really worth a visit, but try and make it on a clear day when children can still splash a bit in the calm bay or build sand castles whilst you read a book. It's a good 'down time' outing for all of you. There is a restaurant at Boulders Beach but a good idea to pack your own picnic.

10. Visit the Planetarium

Another great rainy day alternative, the Iziko Planetarium is just off Long Street in the centre of Cape Town in a beautiful old building that holds a children's show (featuring Davy Dragon). Essentially the planetarium recreates the night sky, irrespective of the weather outside. It is set in a domed auditorium and takes one through a journey across the sky – real armchair entertainment and one that the kids (and their parents) thoroughly enjoy. Check the website for opening and show times: http://www.iziko.org.za/planetarium/index.html

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Stanford Valley

Stanford as far as the crow flies is not far from Cape Town. But there can be the odd occasion when, by the time you reach there, after having battled the numerous sets of lights through Somerset West, you feel slightly as though you've been through a mangler. Which is even more reason why, in the shadow of the Akkedisberg Mountains in a valley through which the Klein River flows, a stay in Stanford Valley can feel a little like coming home.

The Overberg is quite the most beautiful part of the Western Cape. With its rolling wheat fields, sheep and beef farms, gorgeous mountains, seaside and riverside villages, and swathes of sumptuous scenery, one is easily enraptured. Stanford Valley, despite sounding like a valley in which the town of Stanford lies, is infact a beautiful organic farm, which also offers a guest farm and retreat centre, roughly 10 kilometres outside of Stanford on the R320. It's position is breathtaking and the mostly restored buildings and outbuildings incredibly pretty.

Loaded awkwardly with some of our baggage (why, oh why do we always pack as though venturing forth for a month when only away for 10 days!) I stumble over a little piece of fluff that I just manage to see out of the corner of my eye. Apple, one of two resident husky puppies (the other is aptly named 'Tiser as in appletiser – get it?), just misses feeling the edge of my boot on his paw as I make my way to our cottage.

Our cottage is small, but homely and thoughtfully decorated, complete with stoep and gardens, although the scorching summer sun and lack of water in the area has put paid to any of the grass that was here, and even some of the fynbos appears to have suffered. Certainly the Cape gooseberry bush just outside our door has seen better days.

Whilst we offload, a series of piglets and their positively bossy mothers come snorting by, although they give us a wide berth. And on the other side of the barn we spy an entire coup of bustling hens, where the farm manager's son, Sebastian, goes on daily forays for eggs, which you can buy along with raw honey from the Manor House.

There's a batchelor party on the go on the farm as well that night, but apart from watching them pretend to play some sort of ball game, after a fair number of drinks judging from the upended beer bottles in the bin outside the conference centre where they've based themselves for meals, we hardly hear them – the space is big enough not to fall over one another. And our hosts have placed us far enough away from them not to be affected, which is something of a relief as I hate having to gear myself up for a whinge session.

Stanford Valley has an interesting history. The 440 hectare farm was originally founded by 9 members, but soon increased to a group of 46 friends who have invested in the farm – it was something of a dream for the like-minded group to form a sustainable and environmentally friendly space where other like-minded people could come and stay. Out of this came the 'future thinking and sustainability festival' known as Freewheeling, which is due to celebrate it's fourth year in October this year.

I've missed the festival three years in a row now. But it sounds incredibly exciting. It's something of a meeting place (you can stay in the cottages or camp in a site just across the river on the farm – complete with eco showers and compost loos, if that's your kind of thing) to explore post-carbon and green issues, renewables, land and agriculture, education economics, wellness and personal developments, arts and culture and community development.

All round, it's one of few places to meet fellow greenies, economists, artists and thinkers and find out what's happening and what could still happen in South Africa, and infact the world.

The farm grows wheat, oats and barley organically, which it sells to farmers in Caledon chiefly for feed (good to know that somewhere there are cows and sheep munching on organically grown products!). They're also experimenting with organic rose geranium and lavender for essential oils, and their cattle, a friendly lot who maintain their distance with the aid of a couple of strategically placed fences, help restore the soil.

The next morning is Easter Sunday and we're up early to see what the Easter bunny has hidden for our son (one of us slips outside whilst we distract him with eggs inside). As usual it's an overabundance of eggs and bunnies (that's the last time I invite granny for Easter!), and I'm forced to relocate some of them before my son begins displaying his newly acquired mathematical dexterity and counts them. Once that's done, he'll keep tabs on just what has moved from his basket, and by Christmas he won't have any teeth left.

But early mornings are for exploring and the farm has a number of dams along the dirt road above our cottage. Whilst one of them is dry, the other has a breathtaking beauty in the early light of a new day. There is a simplicity at Stanford Valley that is hard to emulate. The mountains are virtually close enough to touch, the trees along the banks of the now dry river rustle gently in the wind, a constant reassuring voice, and there are the call of birds I've never heard.

Water on the farm comes from a mountain spring at the back of the farm that feeds the dams, and which does not need the assistance of chemicals, thankfully, for use on the farm or for drinking.

Whilst there we have a look around the conference area. It's been given four stars by the Tourism Grading Council and is quite an impressive space with a main conference room that can divide into two, and the usual required paraphenalia (TV etc.). And the catering section too is wonderfully decorated and able to take large groups at a time. And all of this in a thatched roofed, white walled historical building. I can see the attraction.

Nick, his partner Juanita and his mother Cathy now manage the farm and the guest farm. They're still finding their feet but they chat to me about the upgrade they intend making after Easter, to spruce things up a bit in the cottages. Whilst we chat, 'Tiser continues to nip Apple's ears until I'm tempted to pick up the smaller of the two to defend her from his antics. They barrel over the vegetable garden, which remains remarkably unscathed, considering.

Our three days pass too quickly. But not before we've sampled the eggs and bought some raw honey – as scarce as hen's teeth back in Cape Town.

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The certification acknowledges that Pezula is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages, including infants and toddlers, pre-schoolers, school-age children, pre-teens and teens. The luxury resort, with its 83 sumptuous suites, has connecting suites for families, and can provide cribs or cots, high chairs, bottle warmers, rollaway beds and car seats. In addition, Pezula offers babysitting services, a puppy club in season, a supervised children’s playroom and plenty of activities including Nintendo and Wii, DVDs, games and books.

Outdoor activities for kids are encouraged whenever the weather permits and children can swim in the heated pool, play supervised ball games and complete a sports based obstacle course at the Field of Dreams, or visit the Barnyard & Stables to see and pet the horses and farm animals.

Families can also enjoy a number of outdoor activities together, without having to leave the 612 ha property, including cycling, hiking and canoeing, tennis, archery and pétanque. Noetzie Beach, bordering the resort, has been voted one of the top three beaches in South Africa. Build sand castles, paddle in the river mouth or collect shells along this pristine sandy shore.

Pezula’s award winning Spa also offers a special kiddies menu, one of the few spas in the country to do so.

When it comes to dining, children have their own menus, as well as an in-suite dining menu. Dining room hours at Zachary’s Restaurant can be extended for families wishing to eat before the other guests.

The nearby town of Knysna offers many things to do including family activities such as lagoon cruises, dolphin and whale excursions, swimming beaches, shopping malls, art galleries and museums. The area is well known for its animal sanctuaries, including the Elephant Park, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Radical Raptors and Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre.

Knysna Links:
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Garden Route Accommodation

Great for Families

Waiting for holidays to simply 'happen' when you have children is tantamount to expecting your fairy godmother to make an appearance, wings and wand intact. The chances are that the holiday, unless other children and a ream of activities are 'on tap', could go horribly pear-shaped and find you in the starring role of circus ringmaster responsible for a list of children's entertainment.  If you want 'down time' then a little planning doesn't go amiss.

There are several child-friendly venues in South Africa that cater for exactly this. Whilst not everyone's idea of a holiday is getting cozy with a host of other couples with whom you have only  children in common, gone are the days of 'holiday camp' style venues. These days some venues manage to create a wonderful balance between keeping your child out of sight and barely in mind, and laying on a number of activities that children and parents can do together ...

Not all of our choices follow the formula of hands-on entertainment for your children, many of them simply bear children in mind and provide play areas, farm animals and local activities that make a stay that much more pleasant because you have these facilities to hand.

Teniqua Treetops, Sedgefield, Garden Route

The big bonus about this particular choice is the tree houses. You and your family will truly sleep in the trees, surrounded by lovely woodland trails and a forest where you'll find fairies, literally. It is probably not a good venue for very little ones, but for bigger kids this is veritable paradise. The uniqueness of being in a wooden treehouse/tent, the safety of the surrounds that allows them to explore the forest on their own, the swimming pool and games room with outside braais, and the sheer beauty of the surrounds make this venue a holiday to remember. There is also the bonus of being right on the Garden Route and just outside Sedgefield should you want to wander further afield, where the local markets and beaches mean that you can venture forth. But the towering milkwoods, yellowwoods, candlewoods and accompanying bird life and sense of adventure, should keep you and your children going for days.

See: Teniqua Treetops / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Teniqua Treetops, Sedgefield, Garden Route

Cathedral Peak Hotel, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

This venue is a no-brainer. A friend of mine has two small boys and she's returned twice, which should give you an indication of how they get the balance just right (my friend is difficult to please at the best of times). Family friendliness aside, it is also set in the Drakensberg, which has to be one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa and a World Heritage Site. The expansiveness of it all never ceases to overwhelm. Whilst I feel it only fair to warn you that the venue is big (104 bedrooms) which means it can get a little impersonal, the million and one activities for children (with or without you) more than make up for it. Every day there are planned activities during peak holiday season, and there is a separate children's dining room and babysitters on tap. Five course meals for the adults are the stuff of legends. And the frenzy of so many people easily dissipates into the beauty of the surrounds. Enjoy the gorgeous walks, the views, the amphitheatre and time out.

See: Cathedral Peak Hotel / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Cathedral Peak Hotel, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal

Sparkling Waters Hotel, Rustenburg, North West Province

Sparkling Waters is a 3 star and AA Highly Recommeded graded Hotel & Spa situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Range, 1.5 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. With more than 16 on site sport, recreation and outdoor  activities including tennis, volleyball, mini golf, mountain bikes, hiking trails, outdoor action cricket, paintball war games, very well equipped games room, play park, heated splash pool, cold pool, the spectacular Magaliesberg Canopy tours, Sparkling Health Spa and more, this is great for the whole family. On selected weekends and during school holidays we offer separate kids dining (they are spoil with the things kids really enjoy) on the veranda with big screen movies and pop corn. The Health Spa also recently introduced kids treatments in their own salon when numbers allow and the parents and kids are raving about it.

See:  Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa, Rustenburg, North West Province

101 Oudtshoorn Holiday Accommodation, Oudtshoorn, Karoo

Miranda and Bart will greet you personally to make you feel welcome and give you an unforgettable stay in Oudtshoorn. As they have children themselves, your kids are more than welcome to enjoy the space of the garden, the play-things and all facilities.  Whilst your kids enjoy the swimming pool, large garden, the special kids playground there are several cosy places that give you adequate privacy when you want to relax in peace. Venture out during the day and explore the surrounding attractions that will appeal to all members of the family including Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Range, Ostrich show farms, hot air balloon trips, camel rides and the Magic Meerkatman! For the older members in the family there is golf to be played, hiking trails to explore and the all the other attractions the Karoo has to offer.

See: 101 Oudtshoorn Holiday Accommodation / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: 101 Oudtshoorn Holiday Accommodation, Oudtshoorn

Koppisol Klub Holiday Resort, Vereeniging, Gauteng

Situated in a peaceful and tranquil setting, only a nugget's throw (35km) from Johannesburg, Koppisol Klub Holiday Resort in Vereeniging offers peace and quiet to the tired city dweller wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Koppisol offers a wide variety of entertainment for all the family. If you simply want to relish your freedom as the children enjoy themselves in the warm pool (heated over weekends and school holidays 1/9 to 31/5) or cold water pool, waterslide, foefie slide or trampolines. Add to this table tennis, volleyball, outdoor chess, childrens’ play park and baby pool and there’s bound to be something to do for everybody. The resort also offers organized entertainment during season. Koppisol Holiday Resort offers a variety of well-maintained, well-equipped self catering chalets. You can take your pick between the more luxury built chalets and the coach chalets or elect to spend your break in the tree-lined caravan park.

See Koppisol Klub Holiday Resort / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Koppisol Klub Holiday Resort, Vereeniging, Gauteng

Thabametsi Farm, Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Thabametsi Farm meaning ‘Mountain Water’ is a tranquil, rustic self-catering getaway in the heart of scenic Magaliesburg. Situated on a 132Ha farm, Thabametsi is nestled between two koppies overlooking the valley to the Witwatersrand Mountains. This malaria-free location assures guests of beautiful sunsets and great hospitality. It is not far from the Cradle of Humankind or Sun City. There are many activities in the area to satisfy all interests. Thabamesti Farm offers family orientated accommodation therefore children are welcome. Ducks, chickens and turkeys and even a pot-bellied pig, give the children a sense of real farm life. A jungle gym and pony rides as well as a children’s pool are also available. Indoor fireplaces and heaters cater for cosy winter nights whilst summer evenings are braai-time in the lovely bomas under the stars.

See Thabametsi Farm / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Thabametsi Farm, Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Salt Rock Hotel, Salt Rock, KwaZulu Natal

Nestled amongst tropical palms on the golden shores of the warm Indian Ocean, the tranquil Salt Rock Hotel and beach resort is a mere half an hour's drive north of Durban. The quiet and relaxed "island style" resort of Salt Rock on the KwaZulu Natal coast is renowned for it's year round sun-shine, secluded beaches and exciting nightlife in sidewalk cafe's, restaurants and pubs ... the best of both worlds! Just perfect for couples or families, the Salt Rock Hotel's superb facilities include the 25 metre swimming pool, children's playground, two restaurants and Salty's bar. All accommodation boasts spectacular sea views (with regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins] and range from double rooms or family suites to semi and full catering units. Tenting and caravan sites are also on offer. The hotel offers a child friendly and safe environment for kids including a children's games room.

See Salt Rock Hotel / Rates & Booking

Photographs: Salt Rock Hotel, Salt Rock, KwaZulu Natal

Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia, Garden Route

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to the Garden Route Coast. Only 3½ hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life including the Big 5. The children's program at the Garden Route Game Lodge has been designed to stimulate interaction between children and nature. Children are taught to be aware of our environment and the many lessons nature can teach us while having fun at the same time. Children of all ages are welcome at the Garden Route Game Lodge and are specially catered for. Our program operates over weekends and during school holidays. There are a variety of programs on offer to cater for all children including bush survival skills, children's game drives and guided bush and insect walks, all overseen by our professional caring staff.

See: Garden Route Game Lodge / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertinia, Garden Route

Allandale Holiday Cottages, Tokai, Cape Town

A country retreat in the heart of Cape Town, Allandale is nestled against Constantiaberg Mountain, between Steenberg Golf & Wine Estate and the Tokai Forest. The cottages are situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in a sheltered position on the slopes of the Constantiaberg. The grounds are spacious and children are well catered for with paddling pool and playground with swings, see-saw, jungle gym and sandpit under shady trees and we have horses and ducks which the kids love! Allandale is situated in the Constantia Wine Route and is approximately 20km from the centre of Cape Town (and the V&A Waterfront) and 20km from Simonstown. The closest beach is Muizenberg which is about 7kms away, a great family-friendly beach and they are central to all the activities of the False Bay Coast and of course, Cape Town.

See: Allandale Holiday Cottages / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Allandale Holiday Cottages, Tokai, Cape Town

Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge, Louis Trichardt, Limpopo

Madi a Thavha, meaning "water from the mountains", is set in a beautiful and quiet valley of the Soutpansberg mountains, Limpopo, only 10 km drive from the centre of Louis Trichardt (Makhado). Enjoying the stylish and bright accommodations, excellent food, the warm hospitality and supportive attitude of the Madi a Thavha staff will make your stay a remindable experience. Madi a Thavha offers opportunities for children and their parents to experience a special and exciting holiday. While playing and enjoying the activities, children learn about African culture and daily life of people living in the rural villages. Toys and games are available. Children who like making crafts can join the Madi a Thavha Design team. Children can play traditional music instruments and there is a box with African fabrics and clothes for doing performances. There is a swimming pool at Madi a Thavha and water games are available. The Elim art and crafts tour would be a nice activity for young children. During the tour children can play traditional music and decorate a small clay pot. For families with teenagers the 4 x 4 adventure tour to the north of Limpopo would be an exciting experience. During the tour they will prepare lunch on a fire and it is possible to swim in a small mountain lake.

See: Madi a Thava Mountain Lodge / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge, Louis Trichardt, Limpopo

!Xaus Lodge, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape

Whilst you have to travel far to reach here, the remoteness and the incredible access to game that includes the kalahari lion (those with a black mane) is more than worth it. Whilst this holiday will not be about kids activities whilst you recline on a lounger it will be about memories of camel thorn trees against a sky that goes on forever and which, at night, becomes a landscape of diamond studded stars. The park is 3.6 million hectares of conservation where red sand dunes and little to no vegetation reflect the state of the two dry riverbeds – the Nossob and Auob. This is really for children over five, particularly for those who love the idea of living in the wilderness and tracking game (and which eight year old boy doesn't hanker after just that). You will accompany legendary 'hunter gatherers' of old as they track the spoor of different animals through the desert, identifying local plants, trees and birds. The lodge includes 24 beds overlooking an enormous salt pan where animals come to drink. This is a real experience.

See: !Xaus Lodge / Rates & Bookings

Photographs: !Xaus Lodge, Kgalagadi, Northern Cape

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Article compiled by our Cape Town & South Africa Editors.

Blue Water Cafe

The social calendar of the average pre-schooler without doubt challenges the 'coming out' — a custom for girls in those days to enter into society by attending a variety of balls and dances in search of a husband — of the average Jane Austin heroine. At least the outcome for the Emmas of this world is a wedding; ours is an over-sugared five year old. This is our umpteenth birthday party this year. And as each outdoes the other in terms of child entertainment, the search for available and easy to use venues increases.

On this particular Saturday, we find ourselves at Imhoff Farm's Blue Water Café, just outside Kommetjie. It isn't our first visit to the restaurant, although for a lot of the parents it is. We've been here before, although admittedly not for a children's party ...

The setting of the restaurant is sublime. With incredible sweeping views over Long Beach, the restaurant rests in a garden where a huge tree plays host to swings and slides for little ones, and strategically placed (and newly painted) tables and umbrellas sit waiting for patrons and exhausted parents right before a paddock filled with horses and peacocks. The latter are in full swing, both verbally and featheredly. By this I mean that they are not shy about strutting around with their feathers theatrically on end.

The staff are friendly and really on the ball, if balancing a decaf latté whilst making one's way through a sea of children and managing to find the precise parent who placed the order, is anything to go by. And this accompanied by a gracious smile. I'm even allowed to charge my camera battery (as usual we've left home with our only means of capturing the important moment seriously hampered by lack of vooma). It rests alongside the wood fired clay pizza oven on the opposite side of the restaurant to the kitchen and one of the waitresses takes personal responsibility for looking after it, without being asked.

The restaurant and animal feeding and petting area is a gift to some parents. As it was a gift to begin with too. A baron, by the name of Baron Gustav Wilhelm van Imhoff originally gave this piece of land (together with a lot more of it) to Christina Rousseau, a widow who grew vegetables for the fleets of ships that docked in the harbour of Simon's Town. Back then the area, which included much of today's Kommetjie and Ocean View, was known as Imhoff's Gift.

The point of this narrative is that the restaurant now serves from the original old Cape Dutch homestead. The other shops at Imhoff Farm are in the former stables, silo, smithy, slave quarters and milking sheds. There is a great deal of history here, which you can enjoy both inside the restaurant, outside on the grapevine enshrouded verandah, or in the garden under a brolly. Imagine the views from here when there was no development to speak of?

The party package appears to include a number of plates of eats, and there are pizza slices and wholewheat scones with grated cheese, as well as juices for the children. I gratefully note that the only sugar is in the cupcakes that form a huge 5, for Matilda to blow out her candles. And each child receives a sticker to enter the animal feeding pen, known as Higgledy Piggledy, something we do later (although the attendants in the area are so strict about letting people in that the parents hastily avail themselves of stickers too).

I sneak a peek at the menu. Were we not catered for, we could have partaken of a breakfast that is served right up until 12 noon and includes items such as a Sunrise Sundae – fruit, crunchy granola, yoghurt and berry coulis; a Farmers Breakfast – great to see that this comes with free range eggs (probably from the local hens strutting their stuff around us), farm bacon, sausage, grilled mushrooms and grilled tomato, an All-day Breakfast Tartine, which is a ciabatta version of the farmers breakfast with rocket; and items like omelettes, croissants, French toast and scones.

Lunch is as generous. You can enjoy toasted ciabatta or farm bread with things like organic chicken breast, marinated smoked salmon, grilled Mediterranean vegetables or Karoo roast lamb.

There are a selection of salads that look as interesting and main courses that include line fish of the day, the Blue Water beef burger, Cape Malay chicken curry, a farmhouse platter and a seafood pan. And of course, their bevy of wood fired pizzas, and desserts.

Indoors is particularly pretty, and there are roughly three breakaway rooms that could easily serve for private functions and parties. During winter one would at least have a fireplace. I particularly notice the floors – each of them is beautiful – parquet or black and white tiles.

The staff have a good thing going and there is a great deal of friendly banter. This bodes well for the atmosphere in the kitchen – warm hearted preparation means happily prepared food. Some restaurants have such a stressed atmosphere amongst the chef and his staff that I wonder the food goes down at all.

And once the party is over, there is the rest of the farm to appreciate – the Free Range Shop which is something of a deli as well as a restaurant, a chance to buy chocolate, a number of gift and arts and crafts shops, a wine tasting shop, and then any number of other children's activities like camel rides, the snake park, face painting and horse riding. And there is a nursery here for parents to pick up the odd plant or herb, with quite a selection of fruit trees.

Good party, happy parents, happy children and a day out. More you can't ask of a venue.

Contact Details etc:
Blue Water Café is open every Tuesday, from 9am until 5pm, and every Wednesday through to Sunday from 9am until late.
Telephone: +27 (0)21 783‑2007
Find them at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie.

Kommetjie Links:
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Child-friendly nurseries

If you haven't already taken up gardening since having a wee bairn, there is always time. Garden nurseries have undergone a metamophosis in the last generation as more and more of them cater for children and parents gasping for five minutes' down time in an environment that isn't a shopping mall. And, inbetween, you acquire a plant or two. It's a win-win situation.

My all time favourite nursery lies in the pretty southern suburbs. Ferndale is a classic for children, and doesn't suffer from the pretention or the 'nursery supermarket' syndrome that some of the larger, corporate nurseries (like Bugz in the northern suburbs) have succumbed to. It does sadly lack a coffee shop, however, the reason for which I have never been able to establish – it's not as if there isn't room for one, or absence of demand; the place, on the contrary, cries out for one ...

Ferndale Nurseries lies in the crook of Brommersvlei Road in the heart of Constantia. It's been around for 75 years and the nursery is crammed with a litany of plants, herbs and even vegetable seedlings. There are also ducks, fish, rabbits, an enviable aviary and a play area that includes a sand pit, swings, slides and a jungle gym – most of these you will find in the lower reaches of the nursery alongside a pond where a host of noisy ducks and geese hang out, waiting for feeding time. There's plenty of shade,  benches for moms and dads, and a pretty little lavender maze. There's just no tea room...

Child-friendly nurseries

Harry Goemans Garden Centre in Kommetjie Road, Sunnydale (which is more-or-less in Fish Hoek) is a treat. Not least because of the Easy Dig Café. It describes itself as a 'rustic and quaint spot' as indeed it is. This is a weekend haunt of note and extremely popular. The kiddies play area isn't huge, but it's got the functional jungle gym and swing area. It's the coffee shop that really draws the crowds – anywhere that serves all day breakfasts, to my mind, has a winning formula.

The café, which has seating both inside and out, serves a great mug of organic coffee, a series of homemade cakes, including wheat, gluten and dairy-free options, great lunches and is open seven days a week. It's also extremely pretty and ideal for kiddies' parties. Harry Goemans nursery, in the meantime, stocks quite a selection of indigenous plants, many of them grown on their farm in Houw Hoek, which makes it all seem that much cosier to my mind, that they grown themselves and don't just ship in as so many nurseries do these days. There is an element of care involved.

I'm cheating a little by adding the Kalk Bay Garden Shop, as it doesn't have a child's play area; not officially. But it is so pretty and the tea garden so great, and it is out of doors and children are treated with a huge dose of tolerance, so, in effect, it may as well have.

Child-friendly nurseries

Situated on what is known as the 'treasure mile' in Kalk Bay, you cannot miss the garden shop and tea room – its walls are bright pink and its picket fence yellow — and you can see the sea from the road over the low slung wall at the back of the nursery. It is also a treasure trove of plants, pots, statuettes, miniature bonsai, and bird cages filled with flowers, all arranged in a topsy turvy, crammed to the roof style that is at once engaging and overwhelming. One rarely comes away without having bought something.

The Plant nursery at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie is another that shouldn't officially be here. It doesn't have its own play area for children, or a tea garden. However, it does lie in amongst at least two restaurants and three play areas for children. And there is a deli, art studio, crafts shop or two, snake park and a couple of shops and stalls that make a visit here rather a long one. Actually, Imhoff Plants is in danger of becoming something of a 'wall flower' there is so much else to attract you to the village.

It lies to the right side of the parking lot, just outside the gateway into Imhoff village, its archway decorated by a beautiful flower mural and several colourful 'windmills' that turn vigorously in the wind. It specialises in herbs, a useful piece of information that isn't immediately obvious, and they also have a host of seedlings, indigenous plants and aloes, cacti and fruit trees. And the plethora of little gnomes and fairies makes it that much more attractive to children.

Child-friendly nurseries

On the other side of Cape Town entirely lies the Toos Van den Berg Garden Village, in Klein Joostenberg. This fits the bill completely – child play area and tea garden. On top of that, it's what they describe as a 'REAL' country-style garden centre. And I can vouch for that, as we've visited here and it is delightful.

The nursery is in a league of its own, in the sense that it is a hive of art, trees molded into the shape of creatures, furniture made from raw timber and the feeling that you are in the midst of a forest.

It was also one of the first to ascribe to this way of combining a nursery with the very best of nature and other art forms. There are waterfalls and fish ponds in amongst a myriad plants grouped together in the most unusual forms – no straight rows of plants here – and over 80% of the plants are indigenous, although Toos does have a love for the exotic too and grows orchids and trees from all over the world.

Back again to the peninsula and Red Hill, where you will find another gem of a nursery that caters both for children and for tea, and in a thoroughly original and beautiful way. The Good Hope Nursery is gorgeous (we wrote a blog about it here) and leads the way as far as indigenous plants go.

Child-friendly nurseries

It also has a recently added children's play area set in amongst the trees that keep little ones entertained for hours, and its very own fynbos walk in and around the tea garden, which is a series of private little tables and benches set in amongst the trees. We didn't get to sample the tea as the shop was closed for renovations and a re-think, but if their website is anything to go by, they are now open again and well worth a visit.

Other nurseries that have both a tea garden and children's play area include:

• Just Plants on the corner of Kruis and Bottelery Road in Brackenfell
• Mountain Streams Nursery on Sir Lowry Pass Road
• Steyn's Nursery at N1 City
• Stodel's Nursery in Bellville
• Super Plants in Bothasig
• Walladir Kwekery in Kuils River

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Cool Runnings

The concept of a Jamaican bob sled team is as about as far removed from Cape Town, South Africa as I thought it could get...or is it? On a wonderfully warm spring day, we headed out at 08h30 on a Saturday morning, accompanied by three eager seven-year-olds, to “Cool Runnings” in Belville, one of Cape Town’s northern suburbs. Now an early riser I am not (particularly on the weekends), neither am I an extreme sports person, but one will do anything (almost) for your first born’s birthday party!

Cool Runnings is a little like the super tube, ‘sans’ water, only here you are seated in a toboggan and hauled up a steep incline to begin the 821m downward  toboggan trail. Riding for seven-year-olds means flying duo with an adult, as only eight-year-olds and up may ride solo. But of course this provides an excuse for mum or dad to cuddle around little Johnnie or Susie, and ride the steel pipe adventure together!

I must confess when the last stage of the incline loomed ahead, I wondered whether the cable was strong enough to haul both my son and I up to reach the summit, but pull us it did! A vital feature for the downward run is the handbrake, although the more daring elect to barely use it! At this stage my calm reassurances and idle chit-chat to my son, were converted to, “wheees!” and “whoops!” as we began our descent. Fortunately my dare devil husband had elected to ride with the birthday boy, so I got to travel with my four-year-old,  at a slightly slower rate than the break neck speeds the seven-year olds demanded! I must confess that once our six minute ride was up, I was game for more and was secretly pleased that my youngest elected to ride with mum again.

Things can get very warm towards midday at Cool Runnings, and one starts to long for some of that toboganning snow! It is best to don hats and loads of sunscreen and go early. Cool Runnings has a small shop where refreshments can be bought, and for birthday parties you can bring in your own cake and take-away party packs.

Rides are not cheap, ranging from R13-R20 for a child’s ride and R15-R25 for an adult. The catch is that after one ride, you are certainly going to want for more!

They are open on both days of the weekend from 09h00-18h00 and limited hours during the week.

Contact Details:
Telephone: +27 (0)21 949‑4439
Address: Off Charl Cronje Drive, opposite Bellville Velodrome, Bellville, Tygervally.
Website at www.toboggan.co.za

Bellville Links:
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Learn to surf

The Western Cape province's beauty includes the wild Cape Agulhas coast, the Cape Winelands, windswept spaces of the Klein Karoo, Cape Town, and the constant reassuring presence of mountains. The Mother City alone holds a host of activities, like the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Peninsula National Park, the Planetarium, the MTN ScienCentre, and Ratanga Junction.

Abseil Table Mountain, ride horses at sunset on Noordhoek beach, learn to surf at Big Bay, Bloubergstrand, take a helicopter flip over the city, go ostrich riding in Oudtshoorn, mountain biking in Langebaan, paragliding in Porterville, and a wine cruise on the river in Robertson ... find Family Entertainment in the Western Cape / Things to Do in Western Cape

The Garden Route, sandwiched between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, draws visitors as a flame entices moths — its indigenous forests, freshwater lakes, wetlands, unknown coves and desolate sandy beaches a draw card for all ages. It's treated as a province in its own right there is so much to do.

Bloukrans Bungee

Bungy jump off Bloukrans bridge, the highest jump in the world, blackwater tube Storms River, quad bike through mountain terrain, paraglide in the wilderness, go caving in the Cango Caves, or get close to whales at Plettenberg Bay ... find Family Entertainment in the Garden Route / Things to Do in Garden Route

With its ideal mild climate, some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and any number of things to do with kids, the Eastern Cape is definitely one of the more favoured regions in South Africa in which to holiday. Combining a safari with self-driving along the coast, stopping at beaches in your own time, is a wonderful way to experience the province.

Ride an elephant through Addo Elephant National Park, find Kenton on Sea's Shelley Bay, hike the mountains of Hogsback and visit Tiffindell, South Africa's only ski resort. Skydive in Grahamstown, sandboard in Jeffreys Bay, walk the Woody Cape Hiking Trail, or kayak on the Kromme River ... find Family Entertainment in the Eastern Cape / Things to Do in Eastern Cape

Elephant-back safari

The Northern Cape is a collection of treasures. From the challenges of the outdoors with its 4x4 trails, safaris and wide open spaces to the Big Hole of Kimberley, the wonders of the Karoo and the harsh climate of the Namakwaland, this is a part of the world that draws families.

Visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, and the Richtersveld National Park. The astronomical observatory near Sutherland is a treat for children, or drive the Flower Route, the Orange River Wine Route and the Red Dune Route.

Ride the Orange River, do the Gariep 3-in-1 Adventure in the Augrabies, sandboard the roaring dunes of the Kalahari, or dive for crayfish at Port Nolloth ... find Family Entertainment in the Northern Cape / Things to Do in Northern Cape

Try sky-diving

Don’t let the fact that the Free State is completely landlocked and described with regularity as ‘flat’ deter you from seeking adventure in this hidden treasure. There are days of sunshine, flat wide grassy plains, and imposing mountains that dominate the horizon. But the little towns like Clarens, Fouriesburg, Ficksburg and Villiers are the real showstoppers, and together with locations like the Golden Gate National Park and Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, make a visit to the Free State with kids a real escape.

Skydive outside Bloemfontein, river raft the Orange River, mountain bike the Vredefort Dome, backpack the Rooihaas Trail and quad bike near Clarens ... find Family Entertainment in the Free State / Things to Do in Free State

From the towering mountains of the Drakensberg to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with no fewer than five Blue Flag beaches, KwaZulu Natal is a subtropical, densely vegetated land of hot, humid summers and enviable winters.

Try scuba diving

Pedal lagoon boats at Uvongo, water sports and camping at Midmar Dam, swimming with fish at uShaka Marine World, climbing the lighthouses at Port Shepstone, Cape Vidal, St Lucia and Umhlanga, and a boat tour of Durban’s harbour make holidaying with children an absolute pleasure. Do the Dlinza Forest aerial boardwalk, quad bike over Sani Pass, scuba dive at Sodwana Bay Nature Reserve, go surfing in Durban, and kayak at St Lucia ... find Family Entertainment in KwaZulu Natal / Things to Do in KwaZulu Natal

Gauteng revolves around its capital — Johannesburg. A concrete jungle it might be but it is also regarded as one of the greenest cities in Africa — a veritable urban forest with around 10 million trees and green spaces, the most popular of which is a real family gem – the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.

The Cradle of Humankind, the Magalies Meander, lion and nature reserves, beautiful gardens, Zoo Lake, Gillooly's Farm, Gold Reef City, an elephant sanctuary and two major cities make for a powerful collection of exciting alternatives. Bungee swing from the Orlando Towers in Soweto, bike ride through Soweto, sand board on Mount Mayhem, or abseil into the Wonder Cave ... find Family Entertainment in Gauteng / Things to Do in Gauteng

Soweto by Bike

The North West Province, known also as the ‘platinum province’ due the wealth of this underground metal, serves as a place to escape for Gauteng families in search of bushveld, tranquillity, sun and the outdoors. With the Kalahari Desert infringing on its west flank, and Botswana to the north, the country’s fourth smallest province is an oudoor adventure waiting to happen.

The stars of the province are the Magaliesberg and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. But there are also dams, rivers, cliff faces and plenty of sunshine awaiting discovery. Hot air balloon over the Magaliesberg, ride on the back of elephants in the Pilanesberg, take a tree-top canopy tour, horse ride at Sun City, and paraglide at Hartbeespoort Dam ... find Family Entertainment in the North West Province / Things to Do in North West Province

Mpumalanga is often referred to as the ‘adventure capital’ of South Africa. It is not hard to imagine that this paradise of lowveld, spectacular mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests that includes a portion of the Kruger National Park serves as a riveting outdoor activity experience

Go horse riding

From the CrocRiver Enviro Park on the outskirts of Nelspruit, to the Sudwala caves — the oldest known to mankind — there is something for everyone. Paraglide off the Blyde River Canyon’s cliffs, go caving in the Sudwala caves, go on a rhino walking safari, abseil or rock climb Elands River gorge at Waterval Boven, and river raft on the Sabie River ... find Family Entertainment in Mpumalanga / Things to Do in Mpumalanga

Think Limpopo and it brings to mind images of Africa’s true nature – out of reach of civilisation and largely unchanged by man and his needs. Limpopo is the land of baobabs, seething hot days, the mountains of the Waterberg, the Soutpansberg, and bushveld plains peppered with thorn trees. It boasts the less crowded and wilder part of the Kruger National Park, and the Olifants River.

You can horse ride, hot air balloon, mountain and quad bike and paraglide. Walk at least one of the incredible forest trails of the Soutpansberg, go kloofing in George’s Valley gorge, raft the Blyde River Canyon, and drive the 4×4 African Ivory Route trails ... find Family Entertainment in Limpopo / Things to Do in Limpopo

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Build a snow man

Heavy snowfalls over parts of South Africa overnight have given many families the chance to enjoy fun in the white stuff. Here are some simple but creative ways to enjoy snow that you may not have thought of before:

First things first!
Wrap everyone up warmly — I know it sounds obvious, but children are not penguins and aren’t automatically enthusiastic about venturing out into freezing conditions! To persuade them to have fun in the cold outside they will need to feel very warm and toasty on the inside!

Snowmen with a difference
Start your snowman by rolling 3 large balls of snow. A good tip is to try and plan your rolling so that the giant snowballs end up near each other as they are surprisingly heavy to lift and carry! Use two of the balls for the torso, filling in any gaps between the balls; the remaining snowball makes the head. Once the basic shape is in place, pat down all over (with bare hands if you dare) to create an icy seal. This will make your snowman last longer.

Try snow-boarding

The traditional means of decoration is a hat, scarf, carrot for the nose and pieces of coal for the eyes and buttons, but with a bit of imagination you can come up with something much more unique. Curly pasta makes groovy hair and mustard/ketchup can be used as face paints. Food colouring mixed with very cold water in a spray bottle can be used to create a multi-coloured snowman that truly befits the Rainbow Nation!

Snowball Shy
Bowling snowballs at each other’s faces starts off fun, but invariably ends in tears. A safer variation is to set up a pyramid of old tin cans to use as shooting practice. Score points for each can knocked down.

Snow sculptures
Why stop at making snowmen when you could create a whole village. Use loaf pans and Pringle tubes to make castles, and mould hills from cereal bowls. Small low animals, such as tortoises are easy to sculpt as are flowers. Creating a mini snow family from lots of small sculptures is more fun and less hard work to make than one big snowman, especially for smaller children.

Take lots of photos

Snow slide
Prop up a plastic table or sheet of wood to make a small slide for the kids to enjoy

For the grown-ups
Find a clean patch of snow and use it to mix with your whisky! Then have an OBS to warm up!

Close up fun
Catch falling snowflakes and let your kids examine them under a magnifying glass. Let them see how each flake has a different shape.

Paper snowflakes
When you get back in the warm you can practice making your own snowflake to keep. Take a circular piece of paper (coffee filters work really well), fold in half and then into triangular thirds. Snip away at the edges, including the curves outer edge and unfurl to see the results of your beautiful snowflake.

Keep warm!

Tug of War
The slippery conditions add a whole new level of difficulty to a game of tug of war. Draw a line in the snow and the team that pulls the other across is the winner.

Freezing fun
Ice blocks can be made by filling plastic tubs and popping them in the freezer, or leaving outside if it is really cold. Use the bricks to create castles, or sculpt into shapes. Smaller ice cubes can be used for finishing touches. You can also make decorative blocks by mixing the water with objects such as pine cones. Or mix the water with seed and enjoy watching the birds feeding as your ice block melts.

Take lots of photos
You will want to capture those special pictures of your children playing in the white stuff, but snow isn’t always easy to photograph. Many point and shoot cameras have a snow setting to assist you, otherwise you will need to overexpose to get good results.

Have fun!

Try to use a strong focal point, such as a tree building or person and if possible incorporate something brightly coloured into the shot. Reds and blues work very well. Remember that batteries don’t last as long in the cold, so take spares and keep them warm in your pocket.

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Kids Winter holidays

What were they thinking when they designated five whole weeks to the June / July holidays this year? This is the time of year when it rains and children end up on the couch in front of television or before the computer screen, rather than out of doors where they would rather be. And parents end up tearing their hair, and each others', out.

My sister always has a back-up plan. A list the length of her arm of options she can do with her kids at the drop of a hat. I confess, I tend to leave a lot of this up to inspiration. And on the desired afternoon, a I've-been-infront-of-the-computer-working all morning stupor usually prevents my addled brain from coming anywhere close to creative, and my attempt at competence falls flat on its face...

Not to be out done, this year I'm planning ahead (just!) and thought I'd share the list with other soon-to-be-inundated moms. So, here it is so that you can get an overview — most of them indoors but not indoor playgrounds (I have an aversion to noise) and most have winter programmes to choose from too.

To visit this winter:

1. Two Oceans Aquarium
2. Planetarium
3. MTN Science Centre
4. Eagle Encounter & Cheetah Outreach at Spier
5. Indoor go-karting (for older kids)
6. Scratch Patch
7. Clay Café workshops
8. City Rock – indoor climbing gym
9. Kirstenbosch
10. Artjamming

1  Two Oceans Aquarium

Plenty to do here, and with the winter holiday family special – two adults and two children for R200 – worth a repeat visit or two (valid until end October 2010).  Otherwise, become a member http://www.aquarium.co.za/members/ (adults R210 and children R100) and come and go as you please.

Daily programmes:

• Afrisam puppet shows – 10h30, 13h30, 16h00
• Rockhopper penguins fed daily at 11h30
• African penguins fed daily at 11h45 and 14h30
• Rays and turtles fed in the I&J Predator Exhibit on Mon, Wed and Fri at 15h00
• General fish feed in the I&J Predator Exhibit on Tues, Thurs and Sat at 15h00
• Kelp Forest feed on Wed and Sat at 12h00
• Sharks in I&J Predator Exhibit on Sundays at 15h00

Holiday programmes:

Sink or Swim
Exciting Life Science Winter School
From 21 to 25 June    08h30 to 16h00 daily.
Space is limited! First 50 students will be accepted.
Closing date: 15 June 2010.
Cost: R1 000 for the course (30 hours of quality enrichment).
Contact education@aquarium.co.za or call 021 418 3823.

Junior Biologists (Grades 5 – 7)
An exciting new Junior Biologist Course
From 21 to 23 and 28 to 30 June, 09h00 to 15h00 daily.
Space is limited! First 50 will be accepted.
Closing date:  9 June 2010
Cost: R300 for all three days.
Special offer: R420 including Shoreline Café meals.
Contact education@aquarium.co.za or call 021 418 3823.

Where: V&A Waterfront

2  Planetarium

This is always a 'sure thing' for rainy days. The recreation of the night sky and the appearance of Davy Dragon makes space exploration effortless. Although if it's Davy you're after, then best get there before 6 June, whereafter you can see Silly Solly and the Shooting Stars (probably because most children in Cape Town have already made more than a passing acquaintance with Davy).

Holiday workshop: 5, 22 June, 1, 8 July — for six to ten year olds, involving making your very own star viewer http://www.iziko.org.za/iziko/whatson.html#davy_dragon

Where: South African Museum building

3  MTN Sciencentre

Packed with over 300 interactive displays, the Sciencentre at Canal Walk is great place for hands-on learning, and you don't have to keep saying, 'don't touch' as everything is there for that very purpose. It's aimed at children of all ages and there is a winter holiday programme (download pdf here) that includes daily workshops, activities, a hike through Intaka Island, lunch (if you want it) and a daily dose of hot chocolate.

Holiday programme: Gadget Week from 3 – 11 July,  Youth Day Extravaganza from 13 – 16 June, and a daily sizzling science show. What more could you want?

Where: entrance 5, 407 Canal Walk, Century City

4  Eagle Encounter & Cheetah Outreach at Spier

Not indoors, I know, but there will be days when the sun shines. And meeting cheetahs and eagles face-to-face is an experience for any child of any age. And the two encounters are right next door to one another, which means that visiting both in a day trip is definitely on the cards.

Spier has given a home to a group of hand-reared cheetahs and kids get to encounter them first-hand. The meet-a-cheetah facility is incredibly popular though, you might have to queue for as long as 20 minutes to get to meet them, but worth it.

Eagle Encounters is not as crowded but is just as interesting. Time it for 2pm, and you might get a raptor to hop on your gloved hand as it feeds.

Where: Spier Wine Estate

5  Indoor go-karting

This is for older kids, and the circuit is apparently a little difficult to find behind Access Park, but there is no better adrenaline rush than doing a circuit or two. The track is a small, twisty track and you're probably better off sending the kids with dad, unless you have nerves of steel.

Where: corner of Warrington and Myhof Roads, Kenilworth (behind Access Park)

6  Scratch Patch

The magic of little gemstones! Deposit your child in amongst the amazing variety of this mineral world – there are so many that is like being at the beach, but with pebbly stones instead – and you won't hear from them for the better part of an hour (or more) – promise! Simply buy a bag or container (price ranges from R14 – R85 depending on the size) and your children can choose from any of the stones to fill it to the brim. Best of all, this is a calming activity and fun for small groups of children.

Where: V&A Waterfront Dock Road, near the Aquarium or Simon's Town, Dido Valley Road

7  Clay Café

This actually ends up being as much fun for you as for your kids. Get the creative juices flowing at the same time as sipping tea, coffee or nibbling on a piece of cake. Grab an unpainted clay bowl, plate, mug or ready-made sculpture and get going with your own paint designs. Once you're done hand in your masterpiece for firing. There is a studio fee that includes painting, glazing and firing, and you can pick up a professionally designed and painted ceramic if yours doesn't turn out quite the way you were hoping!

Holiday programme: 09h30 on 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 June and 1, 5, 8 July 2010.

Where: Hout Bay

8  City Rock – indoor climbing gym

Best way for you to get them to climb the walls, rather than you. This is the first indoor climbing gym in the city and the largest in South Africa, with 24 different top ropes, 400m² of wall climbing space and a beginners' and kids' wall (just in case you were already thinking that this all sounds a little too dangerous!). It's aimed at six year olds and older and they can do a test-drive package on arrival to learn the ins and outs. The bouldering includes a soft foam ground cover in case they fall.

Where: Corner of Collingwood and Anson Roads, Observatory

9  Kirstenbosch

Winter picnics at Kirstenbosch when the sun shines are one of Cape Town's best kept secrets. Not only do the kids get in free of charge but the silver Tree Restaurant's Winter Wonders programme (download pdf here) is again available between 9 June – 7 July for the little ones. The programme includes balloon modelling, a magic show, a puppet show, Rubik the clown, and face painting.

Where: Rhodes Drive, Newlands

10  Artjamming

Walk in, grab a paint brush and let your imagination run riot. And best of all, you need absolutely no drawing or painting skills at all! To a chill outt beat, you get to pump creativity, imagination and colour onto a canvas, armed with acrylic paints on tap – hey, sounds close to heaven to me.

Holiday programme: 10h00 – 12h00 daily during June/July – children will get a canvas, snack pack, arts and crafts tools etc.

Where: Shop 10, Wembley Square, Solan Road, Gardens or Shop 014, Cape Quarter, Somerset Road, Green Point

Theatre in Cape Town during winter:

• Rainbow Puppet Theatre (Constantia) – Snow White & Rumpelstiltskin
• Fugard Theatre – Aesop's Fables
• Artscape – Noddy
• Baxter – Pinocchio
• Grand West – Just So Stories
• Canal Walk – Jungle Book

Enjoy!!

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Old Mac Daddy

Daddy’s World (who brought you Daddy Long Legs Hotel and the Grand Daddy Hotel and Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park in Cape Town’s Long Street, is bringing some oomph to Elgin in the form of the Old Mac Daddy Luxury Trailer Park (due to open July 2010).

Positioned on a pine-slope in the famous fruit-growing Elgin valley, the site consists of twelve vintage Airstream suites and a luxury cottage, Daddy’s Villa, with a central communal facility for meals, meetings, events and leisure activities – as well as lots of fresh air, outdoor spaces, a pool, dams and a kid’s play area..., and its all just one hour from Cape Town.

Each individual Airstream will be creatively decorated by a team of artists who are currently revamping their trailers into a series of originally conceived artworks. Two of the en-suite trailers will be perched on the dam’s edge, whilst the rest of the suites will be dotted around the camp’s hillside with a network of timber walkways. The hillside trailers will also enjoy en-suite bathrooms, as well as enclosed lounges and outdoor sundecks.

Heaven for kids, the trailer suite lounges can be converted into kid’s rooms and all children under eight will enjoy free meals, as well as the use of a dedicated, brightly themed play space indoors and out.

All of Old Mac Daddy’s generous country-style daily meals will make use of the fresh, healthy produce the Elgin region has to offer. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy organised picnics, braais and potjies as well as a wide variety of outdoor activities that the area affords. Adventure tours, workshops and holistic activities will be the focus of week-time workshops and it is an ideal venue for intimate weddings — catering for up to 40 guests.

The Daddy’s World is committed to interacting with local businesses and the Elgin community through employment opportunities, sport and leisure activity partnerships.

For more info or to book:
Contact: Bryony Shultz, Tel: +27 (0)21 424‑7247
View: Old Mac Daddy

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Elgin Accommodation

Holiday Fun

If you are a parent with a child at school you will be well aware of the long school holiday that has been set during June and July. You may be panicking slightly about how you will keep your kids entertained, because inevitably you will hear the words “I’m bored” during this time.

If the World Cup is not your child’s thing and you would like a safe and fun environment for them, then Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng has come up with a few options. They have a super childcare facility, Jupiter’s, which is both run and managed by qualified and experienced childminders. They provide a safe, fun and stimulating environment for young children. Your child can be creative in the art room or get the creative juices flowing in the play room or discover new things in the edutainment room. Teens are not forgotten at Emperors Palace and they can play arcade games at the Magic Company with some of the latest video and arcade games. Perhaps they can even challenge Mom and Dad to a round or two?

African Footprints

One of the largest cinema complexes is housed at Emperors Palace with seating for over 500 people. With six movie theatres at Nu Metro, including a 3D cinema and two modern digital cinemas you can take the family to watch the latest movies and enjoy the experience as a family. And you can grab a bite to eat afterwards at one of the many food outlets and restaurants.

If you feel like relaxing for a few hours and watching a really fantastic show then the internationally acclaimed, local production of African Footprint fits the bill. The Theatre of Marcellus comes alive from 27 May to 20 June and as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the production you can be assured a rip roaring show. With song and dance telling the story of South Africa through Kwela, tap, contemporary ballet, African, gumboot, hip hop and Pantsula dance this is a show for the whole family.

Fairy Dust

A new show that will create magic for younger children is Fairy Dust performed by illusionist Vicus Cruywagen. Children with vivid imaginations will be transported into a world of mystery, magic and illusion – they will even be given the opportunity to participate in the show. The show runs from 11 June to 11 July on Wednesdays to Sundays at the 64 @ The Palace.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased from Computicket or directly from the Emperors Palace Box Office (telephone +27 (0)11 928‑1297). Come and find entertainment of a wide variety and a fun filled experience for the whole family. Don’t let these long holidays become a drag, who knows you might feel like you’re on school holiday too!

Useful Links:
Gauteng Attractions
Things to Do in Gauteng
Family Entertainment in Gauteng
Gauteng Hotels
Gauteng Accommodation

Bellevue Park

Ramsgate can be a very busy beach holiday spot during peak season. Personally it has never been one of my favourite beaches, often boasting very strong currents and rough conditions. On one of our recent trips to visit Granny however, we discovered a secluded little eco-park called Bellevue Park. And once you have had an overdose of sunny days, or should an untoward overcast sky descend, it is the perfect antidote.

Bellevue Park is a natural heritage site and has been rehabilitated to provide a wonderful environmental education locale.  Situated on the main road travelling towards Southbroom, it is easy to miss, but the adjacent Bellevue Guest Lodge is well signposted and provides a variety of self-catering accommodation.

Having paid a very reasonable entrance fee, our children were immediately engaged by the wonderful marble run – marbles that flow down plastic pipes, resulting in quite a melodic effect! It is at this point that the treasure hunt, or should I say environmental puzzle trail, begins. Parties are also  hosted at Bellevue Park and so the clues or educational signage, for what could be a treasure hunt, remain for visitors to follow. They point to all sorts of scientific and environmental facts, including the identification of alien plants, and are displayed throughout the park.

Bellevue Park

While we positioned our picnic blankets on the lush grass, the children discovered the scooters and go carts, which can be ridden along the track that meanders throughout the gardens. This makes access for prams and wheelchairs a feasible option.

The smaller children opted to play on the wooden swings , which are situated close to a display of mechanical models, ideal for a primary schooler’s education. This display details various mechanical inventions, and how for instance gears impact on other cogs and make them turn.  A sand pit and slide are also available, as is an obstacle course, using wooden beams and balances on which even we adults had a go!

There is an abundance of plant life, with 200 species of indigenous trees and a beautiful stream, home to frogs and crabs. On a quieter day we may have spotted some of the bountiful bird life, but our group was a little too raucous for that!

Bellevue Park

The entrance houses a small shop where local jams, biscuits and some inexpensive toys are on sale. And as you exit, a wonderful large water wheel bids you farewell from this wonderful eco-play zone. A lovely morning or afternoon out, so be sure to put it on your south coast itinerary!

Contact & Address:
Bellevue Eco-Park; Main Road, Ramsgate, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal
Telephone: +27 (0)39 316‑6097

Useful Links:
Ramsgate Attractions
Things to Do in Ramsgate
Ramsgate Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Table Mountain cablecar

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway’s annual family winter special starts on the 1^st May and is valid through to 31^st October 2010. Throughout this period, two children (under 18) will ride for free to the top of Table Mountain when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The special is valid over weekends and public holidays and every day of the school holidays from 10^th June 10 to 12^th July 12 and and in the September holidays.

A special holiday programme for kids will be running during the five-week long holiday which features a Winter Treasure Trail, spot prizes, magic shows, face painting and craft activities. Children will be entertained and taken on guided walks by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway characters — Ernie the Explorer, Dale the Dassie and the Yeti. Additional activities include story-telling of the Myths and Legends of Table Mountain.

The Table Mountain Café is offering a delicious kiddies wonderland menu for R30 each, plus a free cup of hot chocolate or fruit juice.

Kids also stand a chance of winning their own Table Mountain Aerial Cableway beanie and scarf every month until October 31. Entry forms are available on the back of the Winter Treasure Trail map, available at the ticket office.

The Cableway’s Family Winter Special ticket price is R160 per adult return and includes two children under 18 years travelling for free. This offer is valid on return fares only.

Contact:
Telephone: +27 (0)21 424 8181
For additional information visit www.tablemountain.net

Table Mountain Links:
Table Mountain Photographs
Table Mountain National Park
Cape Town Attractions
Cape Town Accommodation

Open-top bus

... things to Do with Kids in the Cape Town City Bowl
We start our fun outings in the Cape Town City Bowl where there are a number of activities to delight children of all ages. A fun activity is to catch the double decker open-top bus (#1) for a 2 hour guided trip around the Mother City. The tour includes the Waterfront and city centre, stops at Table Mountain and concludes with a coastal drive back through Camps Bay. It's a hop-on hop-off type tour so you can jump off anytime (plan ahead and park your car somewhere close by) or make like tourists and take the full two hour tour! It’s a great way to see our beautiful city.

An alternative is to “hop-off” at Table Mountain and take your kids up to the top of Table Mountain in the Cable Car (#2). Whilst kids may not appreciate the views quite as much as adults do, the floor of the cable-car rotates 360 degrees on the ascent and descent (which takes 5–10 minutes) and the experience of the ride is sure to impress. Afterwards, “Hop-on” the bus again and make your way back to the City via the coastal drive.

A is for Apple

'A is for Apple' (#3) is a super cool children's specific book store in Cape Town. Characters take on technology's influence in comfy creative corners where imaginations and vocabulary are encouraged by words and pictures.

Entertain young minds in the weekly story-time session and buy some edutainment for little travellers journeys. The vast selection of just-for-kids books is much more exciting than any airports' kiddies selection. 'A is for Apple' have branches in Tamboerskloof and Woodstock. Contact them on +27 (0)21 424‑5409. Open Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00; Saturday from 09h00 to 14h00.

Zip Zap Circus

Raising a kid who wants to run away and join the circus? Now is your chance to fulfil their dream without them having to leave home! At the Zip Zap Circus (#4), located at Founders Garden, Jan Smuts Street in Cape Town, workshops are available for kids and young adults, and parents are welcome to watch with suspended breath ... Young ones learn how to juggle, how to take a tumble professionally, how to dance, play drums, fly trapeze ... and lots more to keep them well entertained.

Still in the city bowl, the horse-drawn carriage tour (#5) is guided and your guide will provide an interesting talk about the history and occurrences that happened within Cape Town's wide and varied History. The Tour takes approximately 75 minutes (dependant on traffic) and the tour times are scheduled to allow visitors to the Castle to experience the free Cape Town Castle Tours (#6) around the Castle prior of after tours.

Carriage tour

Boys in particular may enjoy watching the firing of the Noon-day Gun (#7). Head up the hill and watch as a member of the South African Navy loads the canons with gunpowder which will be fired automatically by remote as prompted by the atomic clock from the South African Astronomical Observatory approximately 10km off site.

Take a leisurely stroll up Government Avenue (#8). This pedestrian road with beautiful trees and historical buildings is lined with majestic oak trees on either side and squirrels will vie for your attention if you had the foresight to bring along a bag of peanuts! In Government Avenue you are surrounded by many of the city’s most famous attractions including the South African Museum and the Planetarium. The domed auditorium of the Iziko Planetarium (#9) offers an extraordinary audio-visual experience for young and old — they offer a range of kids' shows that'll have them begging for their own telescope in no time!

Art Jamming

Another fun activity for kids (and moms) is Art Jamming (#10)! 'Artjammers' are not given instructions or classes, and no drawing or painting skills are needed. At the studio, kids are provided with canvases, acrylic paints on tap, and tools to freely express themselves. Let them fill the canvas with colours and inspiration!

In Vredehoek, the Deer Park Café (#11) is a great play area for children. There is ample shade, great grassy patches on which to sit, the park is fenced in, and there are various jungle gyms and swings to keep little ones amused (and a restaurant for parents).

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Useful City Bowl Links:
Cape Town City Bowl Attractions
Things to Do in City Bowl
City Bowl Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation

The Blue Train

... things to Do with Kids on the Atlantic Seaboard
Moving on to the Atlantic Seaboard, head to Mouille Point for a day of fun for the little ones and the 'big kids' too. Riding the Blue Train (#12) is a fun activity for children from one year old and up. Have a little trip on Cape Town's only miniature train with a view of the sea, passing ships and Robben Island.

You can also spend quality time in the safe park, playing on a jungle gym and other play items. The train operates every day from 9am until sunset, weather permitting. Afterwards head over to the Putt Putt Course (#13) for a round of miniature golf. You can choose between playing two different courses. Each course consists of 18 holes of varying difficulty. Each round of 18 holes takes about 30 — 45 minutes to complete depending on the amount of time you spend on each hole. Finish off the afternoon with a walk along the Beachfront Promenade (#14) from Mouille Point to Sea Point and back — the walk is refreshing and the views are great.

Farm animals

Apart from shopping for kids' gear at very trendy designer kids' shops, the V&A Waterfront has a range of activities geared for children and there is always extra entertainment laid on for children during school holidays (find out about these at the Visitors' Centre at the Waterfront). One of the entertainment options available year round is the Scratch Patch at the Waterfront (#15). Here your kids will have fun “scratching” for gemstones from thousands of polished stones that quite literally cover the floor.

The Aquarium

Kids simply love the Two Oceans Aquarium (#16)! This is without doubt one of the most exciting attractions in the city with a wonderful child play area in the basement set right up against the seal display where children and seals have fun alongside one another. Child-height window benches and a ‘touch pool’ where they can touch and feel kelp, shells and anemones add to the appeal.

If a meal is part of the days outing then consider lunch at the Santa Ana Spur (#17) — South Africa’s famously family-orientated restaurant, they have a fun-filled Play Canyon, complete with ultra-cool PlayStation consoles specially for the kids. For budding young mariners the South African Maritime Museum (#18) at the Waterfront showcases the maritime history of Table Bay and houses the largest collection of model ships in South Africa. For a very special treat, take the kids on a Harbour Seal Cruise (#19). Look out for Alfie the Seal on this scenic guided harbour cruise through the working Harbour — see seals, ships and much, much more. This is a 30 minute cruise that departs at 10h30 and then every hour until late in the afternoon.

Harbour Cruise

Still on the Atlantic Seaboard, a day (or two) spent in Hout Bay can be very entertaining for kids. Visit the ever-popular World of Birds (#20) — its the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3,000 birds and small animals are presented in over 100 landscaped, walk through aviaries. The kids will love the monkeys — take a stroll through the Monkey Jungle and make friends with the inquisitive little Squirrel Monkeys! Afterwards, spend a few hours exploring Mariners Wharf (#21) and the rest of the Hout Bay Harbour, which can be lots of fun. See the fishing boats, watch as the fishermen bring in their 'catch of the day' and watch the seals play!

Weather permitting, hang out at Hout Bay Beach (#22). Wading in waves and walking are popular activities; crunch sand between your toes or build a sandcastle and moat with the family. And when the kids get hungry, enjoy good old fashioned fish 'n chips on the rocks at the Hout Bay institution: Fish On The Rocks (#23). Cheap and cheerful, this café fries up fresh calamari, 'lekker' line fish and 'slap' chips! Yum ... and tick off another 'day of things to do with with kids in the holidays'!

Sandboarding

If the weather isn’t great, skip the beach and rather head to the Clay Café (#24) — here you get to sit with your children and paint bowls, cups, mugs, plates and sculptures. Once you’re satisfied with your design you leave it at the Clay Café to be glazed and fired – and a week later you get to collect your creation. Outside is a bouncing castle and jungle gym for the kids to play on once they're bored with painting.

Sandboarding on the Dunes (#25) in Hout Bay is great fun for slightly older kids (and their dads!) and for the little ones, Scarecrows (#26) is another fun outing. Jungle gyms, a sandpit, a large play area, tepee, log house, coin rides and more entertain the little ones. End off your day in Hout Bay at Dunes Restaurant (#27). Very popular with the locals, it's the only beach restaurant on the Atlantic Seaboard. Adjacent to the terrace is their popular children’s playground, so whilst the children enjoy themselves, you get to enjoy a well earned break in this fabulous setting.

Go musselling

How about spending a day at Scarborough Beach (#28)? It's a small(ish) beach that's not too busy and great for kids to play and run around on, without bothering other people. Bodyboarding, kite-surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and crayfishing are all highly rated here.

Another fun thing to do (not recommended for very little ones and only with adult supervision) is to let the kids collect their own dinner! Collecting mussels off the rocks (#29) at Scarborough is lots of fun for kids and dads! You will need to have a license (get it at your local post office), and its worthwhile taking some gardening gloves (to protect your hands) and a plastic bag or two in which to transport your dinner home.

Camel rides

In Kommetjie take the kids to Imhoff Farm. Open seven days a week and with something for everyone, the Imhoff Farm is a definite must-visit. And it’s kid-friendly too (see our Cape Town Editors recent review: The Imhoff Farm) with special mention for some of the best kids activities on offer. At Higgledy Piggeldy Farmyard (#30) the animals roam (almost) free — your kids can enter the larger enclosures and can pet the rescued pony, Piccadilly, or stroke some of his furry and feathered friends. Imhoff Farm is also the place to let the kids go on a Camel Ride (#31). Kids love riding these gentle giants, but don’t let that put you off joining in too!

Also in Kommetjie, let the bigger kids try Snorkelling with Seals (#32). Join Scuba Shack and swim with the seals and watch them dart around gracefully in the water below you. Interact with these curious animals and have an absolute unique experience. No experience required!

Horse riding

There is lots to keep the kids occupied in Noordhoek. Young riders can visit Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding School (#33). They offer pony rides (you need to book in advance) lasting 30 minutes each for ages 2–12 years age group, whilst the beach outrides are for kids 14 years and older. Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding School, established in 1975, is the oldest equestrian school in the Noordehoek Valley and comes recommended.

Noordhoek Farm Village (#34) is the upmarket shopping and entertainment destination centre of the area refreshing locals and visitors with 3 of South Africa's top restaurants and 2 country pubs. This indoor and outdoor courtyard style mall has a barnyard feel, welcoming to families and dogs. Children can play in the playground and run around happily with sandy feet. Face painting and puppet shows are often presented for kiddies amusement.

Long Beach (#35) is ideal for a day with kids. Its a really "long beach", so children can do cartwheels and fight imaginary pirates loudly without disturbing those sun-tanning. Due to its magnitude, Long Beach is always peaceful but can feel isolated so enjoy it with friends and swim in their view. This splendid coastline is also popular with horses, walkers, joggers and dogs who all take delight ankle deep in the foam of the Atlantic Ocean ...

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Atlantic Seaboard Links
Atlantic Seaboard Attractions
Things to Do in Atlantic Seaboard
Atlantic Seaboard Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation

Penguins at Boulders

... things to Do with Kids on the False Bay Coast
On the other side of the Cape Peninsula, the False Bay coast offers some favourite activities of Cape Town's kids. All the moms we asked recommended spending time at Boulers Beach in Simons Town. We've published lots of articles about the Boulders Beach Penguins (#36) so check out "To Boldly Go ... why swimming with Penguins at Boulders is so great" for a first hand report if you haven't tried this yet!

Take a dip in the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean and find yourself swimming with the Penguins — its great for kids of all ages, you will enjoy it too! At the Simons Town Scratch Patch (#37), started in 1970, you and the kids can have lots of fun “scratching” for your favourite tumble-polished gemstones from thousands of polished stones that cover the floor.

Fly a kite

Try a Boat Cruise off Simon's Bay (#38) aboard the Spirit of Just Nuisance. Take a slow cruise around Simon's Bay to enjoy all the historic sites — along the way you will encounter birdlife, seals and on occasions even whales! This is a real treat for kids of most ages. Pop in at The Warrior Toy Museum (#39) in St George's Steeet. About 4,000 model cars, 500 dolls and teddy bears, plus miniature dolls' houses, toy soldiers and two fully operating railroads should make it fascinating for kids. Finish the day with a walk around the town exploring Simons Town (#40). It's educational and there is lots to see.

How about flying a kite (#41) on one of our fabulous beaches? Resourceful moms can spend a day building a kite with the kids and then head off to fly your new creation on a beach nearby — Muizenberg Beach is great for flying kites. To build a kite you will need garden twine; sticky tape or glue, strong paper, straight wooden paint or crayons to decorate your kite (see this link on how to build a kite (#42) — it looks simple enough).

Learn to surf

Muizenberg Beach (#43) is well worth a visit, even if you've elected to bypass kite-building. There is plenty to do — build sandcastles on the beach, swim in the warmer waters this side of the mountain and the beach is kid friendly. This very long beach can get pretty busy during peak season but the waves are not too powerful — and there are other kid-friendly facilities here such as the Putt Putt Course (#44) and the Muizenberg Water Slide (#45).

For those who are ready and old enough, let them learn to Surf at Gary's Surf School (#46). Gary's Surf School is a well know and very popular – your kids will be in good hands! (Booking is essential). Very little ones will enjoy a visit to Planet Kids (#47), also in Muizenberg. A large indoor play and activity centre for all children, including children with disabilities, Planet Kids has custom made jumping castles with climbing walls and aliens and lots more.

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Useful False Bay Links
False Bay Attractions
Things to Do in False Bay
False Bay Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation

Climbing wall

... things to Do with Kids in the Southern Suburbs
Heading indland to the Southern Suburbs, an ever popular favourite with Capetonian moms is Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (#48), in the Newlands / Claremont area. All the moms we asked for help with this "list" had Kirstenbosch in their top 10 and agreed that it's a wonderful place for kids. There are plenty of spots ideal for family picnics and lots of exploring for little ones to do.

CityRock (#49) is Cape Town's centre for all things related to Rock Climbing. Their facility feature a large top rope and lead climbing area with Introductory lessons taught numerous times every week. They also offer a large bouldering cave. Children aged 5 and above love the fun and excitement of climbing. The sport of indoor climbing also makes for a great social event for kids and adults alike. CityRock is centrally located in Observatory on the corner of Collingwood & Anson. Contact them on 021–447 1326.

Action sports

In Claremont, the Liesbeek River Park (#50) is great with kids — entertain the kids with a spontaneous picnic lunch. Situated on the banks of the Liesbeek, the river is deep enough for children and dogs to have a paddle! For bigger kids, Action Sports (#51) at Stadium on Main in Claremont offers action cricket, action netball and action soccer for all ages and fitness levels. Might be fun for the bigger kids to get a group together to spend a few hours here. Also at Stadium on Main is a Ten Pin Bowling Alley. Besides bowling, the Lets Go Bowling (#52) centre also offer video games, pool table, lounges to create an all round entertainment experience.

More in the action games type genre, Laserquest (#53) is the world's most popular and exciting brand of Laser tag game. "Whether you're 7 or 77 you'll love the adrenaline-pumping exhilaration of stalking your opponents and unleashing a volley of laser fire in the battlezone of the 21st century". And whilst you and the bigger kids (7 and up) play Laserquest, take the little one to Jimmy Jungles (#54), an Indoor Adventure Playground that offers supervised, secure facilities for toddlers and children from 6 months up to a maximum height of 1.4m. They provide a safe and clean environment where children can learn and have fun at the same time.

Arderne Gardens

End off the day with a walk through Arderne Gardens (#55) which is open throughout the day. If you’ve tree-climbing children, then this is a veritable paradise and there are benches for Moms to rest. There’s a Japanese garden with curved bridges over the water which also provides a great adventure for children. (Entrance to the gardens is free).

For up and coming young rugby players, a visit the South African Rugby Museum (#56) in Newlands is a great way to inspire them to greatness. The museum is on the ground floor of the Sport Science Institute in Newlands, just a kick away from the Newlands stadium. The SA rugby museum is crammed full of activities, exhibitions and insights into the world of rugby. The museum features rotating exhibitions and special attractions, which will fascinate both kids and adults, whether they be players or supporters.

Puppet Theatre

In Rondebosch, the Rondebosch Common (#57) has logs to climb on or over, puddles to jump in, grass to hide in and if there is wind, it's a great place for flying a kite and Rhodes Memorial (#58) offers a few hours of diversion for kids and end your visit with some tea and scones from the Rhodes Memorial restaurant and maybe a milkshake for the kids. The Baxter Theatre (#59) usually offer some form of theatre suitable for kids during the school holidays so check the press for details. An outing to a theatre can be a great treat.

And then this is a real find ... Calling all aspiring composers, musicians, sound engineers, DJ's, mixers and maestros to The Sound House at the Baxter (#60). Would-be's, wanna-be's, kids and adults are invited to a multi-media sound experience for ages 6 and older. The educational value is as rewarding as the fun factor. Young children are introduced to the world of sound effects by adding special noises to stories. High school kids mix funky beats and adults finally become cool ...

Splash swimming

Splash Swimming (#61) in Wynberg, offers fun holiday activities for kids of various ages called "Wet Weeks" and "Beach holiday clubs" as well as a "Holiday safety and stroke clinic" designed to improve your childrens swimming abilities. In the fun courses, fairly competent swimmers aged from about 8 to 13 years have a fantastic time putting their swimming skills to use in a completely different and totally fun way. The programme incorporates every water-related sport and activity you can imagine, including boat rowing, board paddling, snorkeling, obstacle courses, treasure hunts, water-polo, life saving, and much more. For more info on the courses they offer see Splash Swimming Holiday Courses. Besides the holiday courses, throughout the year they offer their "Splash! Learn-to-Swim Programme", for children aged from about 3 to 12 years. There is a strong emphasis on fun and developing a love and respect for the water in all their swimmers.

Maynardville Park

Also in Wynberg, a visit to the Maynardville Park (#62) is a nice outing. According to our Cape Town Editor, "the reason the park is receiving added attention by my friends with children is that it is in the process of undergoing an R805 000 upgrade, which began in February this year, and includes a new timber play area as well as refurbished equipment from the old playground. The new playground is just the beginning ...".

Millstone Cafe at Oude Molen Eco Village (#63) in Pinelands is great with kids. These is an outdoor jungle gym and wendy house, horses and chickens to look at and pony rides are available at R10 for about 5 minutes. For the younger kids, there’s also the possibility of a wagon ride around the eco-village.

In Tokai in the Constantia Valley, Bizzy Bodies (#64) offers active playtime for children aged from one to 12 years in its large indoor play gym. The area is geared around getting the kids to run, climb, swing and slide on soft, padded obstacles — and the coffee corner gives parents a chance to watch their kids at play whilst having a well earned rest of a cuppa.

The Barnyard

The Barnyard (#65) is a country-style restaurant that is a constantly buzzing venue where your children can play in a huge, shady sandpit, sway on swings and jungle gyms, or feed any number of farm animals kept in pens on the periphery of the venue. Other attractions include animal petting, pony rides.

On a Saturday morning there’s a secret little world of fantasy and fairy tale, which unfolds in Constantia. If you haven't treated your children to a visit to the Rainbow Puppet Theatre (#66) at the Michael Oak Waldorf school, then you are missing out! The Puppet Theatre shows run every Saturday morning at 10h00 and 11h15. (Tea, coffee and eats available before and after the show).

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Southern Suburbs Links
Southern Suburbs Attractions
Things to Do in Southern Suburbs
Southern Suburbs Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Blouberg beaches

... things to Do with Kids in Blaauwberg
Continue the school holidays with a day in Blaauwberg and enjoy a very special experience — get a group of 8 (kids and parents) and take them for a "behind the scenes" tour at SANCCOB (#67). It's highly educational, interesting and very moving to see the work that is done here. It costs R45.00 per person (kids under 1 year go free) and lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.

After the tour at SANCCOB, take your beach buckets and spades to Bloubergstrand Beach (#68) for a day of fun and sun, and all of the usual beach activities so popular with kids. Or try Small Bay Beach — protected behind rocks, there is a play park halfway along the beach specially for the kids.

Place of Play

You can also spend a day or two entertaining the kids at Canal Walk in Century City. First of all there is the ever popular MTN Science Centre (#69). Aimed at children (of all ages!), the MTN ScienCentre is South Africa's first world-class interactive science centre, with over 280 displays as well as an auditorium, camera obscura, computer rooms, laboratories, and exhibition hall. Bring the whole family — entertainment is provided for kids of all ages.

Then Place of Play (#70) is a 2000m² indoor and outdoor playpark looking after kids and parents recreational needs in all weather conditions. The Popalicious restaurant serves healthy fresh kiddies and grown-up meals with WiFi for Mommy and Daddy's laptops. Internet stations in adult only zones means parents can work while kids workout!

SANCCOB Tour

Bugaloos Skatepark (#71) is situated on the outer roof of the Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and offers plenty of open space, ramps and rails for skaters to practise and perfect their grinds, flips and ollies. There are BMX-only sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Still in Century City is Ratanga Junction Theme Park (#72) More than 30 attractions including 24 rides ranging from Kids Rides to Family Rides and Thrill Rides for the more intrepid adventurers. Train Rides and Boat Rides add to the excitement and the snake and birds shows are guaranteed to enthral little audiences, adding spice and variety to the full day's entertainment.

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Useful Blaauwberg Links
Blaauwberg Attractions
Things to Do in Blaauwberg
Blaauwberg Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Cool Runnings

... things to Do with Kids in the Northern Suburbs
Heading to the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, the Play Park at Stodels (#73) in Bellville offers a delightful entertainment area, complete with trampolines, sandpits and an animal farm. Parents can keep a watchful eye from the outside decks of the restaurant while kids get to pet and feed the goats, bunnies, ducklings and piglets. Another kiddie's delight in Bellville, Jimmy Jungles (#74), is a premier Indoor Adventure Playground that offers supervised, secure facilities for toddlers and children from 6 months up to a maximum height of 1.4m. Jimmy Jungles provide a safe and clean environment where children can learn and have fun at the same time.

Ten-pin Bowling

At Cool Running Toboggan Track (#75), also in Bellville, kids of all ages are welcome (adults too) but under-eight-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are very reasonably priced — you can buy single, double, triple or twelve ride tickets which can be shared or buy a day pass for unlimited rides. This summer version of snow tobogganing delivers the ultimate in safe, thrilling speed, in a bobsled on wheels down a 1,25 km winding track.

Another option in the Northern Suburbs is Ice Skating at Grand West (#76)! The Grand West Family Entertainment Centre features an Olympic-size skating rink. With bright lights and contemporary music adding to a festive vibe, The Ice Station offers entertainment for kids, teenagers and adults alike. Or try Ten-pin bowling (#77) at the state-of-the-art ten-pin bowling alley — fantastic fun for the whole family. The Tygerberg Zoo (#78) is Cape Town's only "proper" zoo. It's very much on the rustic side, so don't expect a fancy game reserve experience, but what makes it worth visiting is that they have some of the lesser seen animals including llamas, potbellied pigs and armadillos.

Ice skating

Our next thing to do is a short drive from Durbanville, in Vanschoorsdrift Road, Philadelphia (off the N7). Fancy sitting on a bird that is on average 2m (6.5ft) tall and weighs up to 165kg (344lb) or have you ever wondered if you could stand on an egg and it wouldn’t break? Take the entire family to the West Coast Ostrich Show Ranch (#79) and find out. You can also fill your hands with mealie pips and hold them out for these birds nibble on.

There are guided tours every half an hour where you can find out anything and everything you wanted to know about the ostrich. After lunch your children can carry on playing in the children’s playground and you can grab a bite to eat at the Cape Dutch-style farm house, browse through the shop for an ostrich feather duster or leather purse or relax in the shade of the tearoom.

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Cape Town North Links:
Northern Suburbs Attractions
Things to Do in Northern Suburbs
Northern Suburbs Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Build a Bear

... things to Do with Kids in the Cape Helderberg Region
In Somerset West, kids (and grown-up kids) can create their very own, loveable teddy bear. At "Build a Bear" (#80) little 'bear builders' assist in building a 'beary' cute friend starting from the wide selection of a basic bear character; to choosing and insertion of its signature giggle, growl / personal message sound-chip, it's red satin heart placement, final sealing stitch and barcoding, to it's wardrobe selection and then it's international naming and all the way home!

Still in Somerset West, Monkey Town (#81) is literally that, a space in which over 230 primates roam freely. Visitors get a first-hand view of the monkeys and apes within their sanctuary, all 27 different species, from an enclosed walkway which winds through the park. One of the most popular attractions at Monkey Town is the ‘close encounter of a monkey kind’ — the opportunity to get a hug from a monkey, in the sanctuary’s interaction area. There is also a "touch" farmyard, koi ponds and an array of birds and small antelope on the grounds.

Strawberry Safari

During the summer months, a "Strawberry Safari" (#82) at Mooiberge Farmstall (on the R44, between and Somerset West and Stellenbosch) is fun. Strawberry fields and scarecrows aplenty await enthusiastic pickers. Warm weather and leisurely fruit picking makes for a fun family outdoor activity. Pile up your baskets and only pay per kilogram for the strawberries you take home.

A visit to Butterfly World (#83) is a stop that takes little effort, and is invariably richly rewarded with sightings of butterflies from as far afield as Costa Rica, Malaysia, and China. It's a hive of activity over weekends as its designed with kids in mind. There is also an outdoor garden in which you will find a large aviary, a meerkat enclosure, and wandering ducks, chickens and goats eagerly awaiting the seed and fodder that children can buy from the gift shop in order to hand feed them. (Before heading out to Butterfly World, read our Cape Town Editor's review — Butterflies Anyone? — written after taking her son there recently.)

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Cape Helderberg Links
Cape Helderberg Attractions
Things to Do in Cape Helderberg
Cape Helderberg Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Bugz Play Park

... things to Do with Kids in the Cape Winelands
Head out to the Cape Winelands which offers an amazing array of activities for kids. In Paarl you can keep the kids entertained at Bugz Play Park (#84) for a few hours. Here you will find a colourful extravaganza of sandpits, pedal cars, jumping castles, rowing boats, jungle gyms and a choo choo train, and will tire out little ones in no time. Older and more adventurous little ones can giddy up and trot around on the resident horseys or tear up the surrounds on the selection of quad bikes. Open 7 days a week from 09h30 to 17h00, find them at 56 Tarentaal street, Joostenbergvlakte, Kraaifontein (near Paarl).

For budding young motor car enthusiasts (and for their Dads), the Franschhoek Motor Museum (#85) is an absolute treat! But don't attempt this with an unruly bunch of kids — you will want your offspring to be well behaved here. The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors a special opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia in the magnificent setting of L’Ormarins.

Auto Museum

For a more casual 'motor museum experience', drive to Stellenbosch to the Wijnland Auto Museum (#86), one of the most interesting places to visit that not only contains an unbelievable amount of history, but one of the most incredible collections of vintage cars you will ever see. Whilst this is a dream come true for automobile fanatics, it is also well worth a visit for those who are not. Cars spill out onto the lawn and under shade cloth, and the array of virtual rust buckets is incredibly endearing to those for whom a shiny restored rendition holds little or no appeal.

Still in Stellenbosch, make your way to the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden (#87) for a walk through the gardens. This mostly undiscovered gem in the historical centre of Stellenbosch, gives joy to all its visitors. The garden is small and compact, so not too long a walk for 'little legs', and you will be surprised by the atmosphere and the variety of plants and plant products found here. Fascinating for young and old is the display at the Stellenbosch Toy and Miniature Museum (#88). A highlight is a very detailed and life-like miniature of South Africa's famous Blue Train. The little train travels from a miniature version of Stellenbosch through the Cape Winelands and the mountains to the Karoo where it passes Matjiesfontein before it returns back to Stellenbosch.

Giraffe House

When they've had enough of looking at plants and flowers, take the kids to The Giraffe House (#89) at Koelenhof (Exit 39 off the N1 at the intersection of the R304). The centre houses a range of animals, birds and reptiles with every species serving an educational purpose in understanding the delicate balance of nature. The message of conservation is conveyed in a way that appeals to little ones (no boring talks). It's an unforgettable show with lots of fun, action and interaction. Open 7 days a week, bring your own picnic and make a day of it — there is also a small kiosk that provides a few snacks.

If wildlife keeps your kids enthralled then you might also want to take them to the Cheetah Outreach facility at Spier (#90) to experience the excitement of a possible personal encounter with hand raised ambassador cheetahs. Don't forget to take your camera! Learn more about these incredible cats from a distance, or get up close and personal. (Please note this is not suitable for very young children.)

Cheetah at Spier

Still on the topic of wildlife, visit Eagle Encounters (#91) also at Spier. It's a bird of prey rehabilitation, education, conservation and eco-tourism centre. Take a picnic basket to enjoy in this tranquil setting, while the children expend their energy in the Eagle Encounters playground equipped with jungle-gyms, swings, towers and bridges. Kids want to see more animals? Le Bonheur Croc Farm (#92) in Simondium has over one thousand crocodiles, over one hundred skins, over ten baby crocs and only one Albino named Snowy. There is also a safe kiddie’s playground and perfect picnic places.

The Drakenstein Lion Park (#93) is not your average lion reserve. The lions here are special in that they have been rescued from zoos and circuses where they have been mis-treated and are brought to Drakenstein to live out their lives in safety, free from abuse. One can stroll through the park and view the lions at eye level or get a bird's eye view from one of the raised viewing platforms.

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Cape Winelands Links
Cape Winelands Attractions
Things to Do in Cape Winelands
Cape Winelands Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Greyton cycling

... things to Do with Kids in the Cape Overberg
Take a drive out to Greyton and spend a fun day or two exploring this quaint town. Take in the beauty of Greyton at your own pace, enjoying the scenery around you — by bicycle! In this wonderfully scenic town, Greyton Bicycle Hire (#94) provides people of all ages the means with which to view Greyton and the surrounding areas by bicycle or simply to have fun by riding one of the ever increasing number of tracks. And for those of you with very 'little ones', Greyton Bicycle Hire even have baby carriers for their bicycles so the whole family can join in the fun of exploring the countryside.

Once you've finished your cycling expedition, there is plenty more to keep you all occupied in Greyton. Stop off at Abbey Rose (#95) for tea and scones and spend some time contemplating the next family activity whilst you enjoy the vibe! Still in the magical little town of Greyton, Diadème Equestrian Centre (#96) offer scenic trail rides for experienced riders as well as lessons and rides specially for children. Experience the fresh air and farm life: fun for the kids! They offer over 2000 hectares of the most beautiful valleys, mountains and forests to ride in, on beautiful well schooled horses and ponies. There is plenty more to keep the family entertained in Greyton so it may be worth making a weekend of it. (See Things to do in Greyton for more ideas.)

Whale watching

During the Whale watching season (June to December) take a drive out to Hermanus and spend a day exploring with your kids. Children of all ages will enjoy watching whales from the cliff path (#97) — take a picnic, there are lovely seating areas and its a lovely way to spend some time outdoors. Lookout for the Hermanus Whale Crier (#98) — there is a whole series of horn blows that the whale crier gives to indicate different points along the coastline and the number of whales spotted — and it'll be fun and educational for the kids to learn a bit about how to spot the different whales.

Afterwards, take them to the Whale Museum to see the Whale Show (#99). This is an audiovisual presentation by Noel Ashton, who, using his paintings and scientific illustrations, will take you below the surface and bring you face to face with these magnificent ocean travellers, telling the story of their fascinating underwater lives. The Whale Shows runs daily at 10h00, 12h00 and 15h00.

Funzone

If moms want to do a quick bit of shopping after all the whale-watching, drop the kids off at the Funzone Indoor Play Centre (#100) for an hour or two. Kids will enjoy the modular play system, giant jumping castle slide, climbing walls, arcade games and a whole lot more.

Klein River Cheese Farm (#101) in nearby Stanford (about 10 minutes drive from Hermanus), provides a lovely venue for the whole family. Whilst Mom and Dad browse the shop or do a cheese tasting, children can enjoy the petting farm and get to see chickens, ducks, foals and calves (and dogs of course), as well as play in the playground. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the banks of the tranquil Klein River or in the garden.

Your Feedback
This article is from the series, "101 things to do with kids in Cape Town", revisiting popular kid-friendly venues and including a few new finds to entertain children (and the young at heart). See the links below for "Things to Do with Kids" in the other regions of the Cape, and please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comment field below — we love hearing from you!

Useful Cape Overberg Links
Cape Overberg Attractions
Things to Do in Cape Overberg
Cape Overberg Accommodation
Western Cape Accommodation

Kids' Cape Town

It’s not always easy travelling with the kids  — they need almost constant entertaining, and woe betide the parent who takes their child on one too many ‘boring’ museum tours. Luckily, Cape Town has some really exciting things to do and places to see for intrepid little ones. Read on for kid-friendly holiday activities in the Cape ...

The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is a fun and interactive – not to mention educational – way to spend an afternoon. Kids can wander around the fascinating Two Oceans galleries, tremble at the I&J predator exhibit and have hands-on fun drawing and painting or watching a puppet show at the AfriSam Children’s Centre. Then head to the Shoreline Cafe for a nibble on the extensive kiddies’ menu ...

If your little ones prefer an even more hands-on experience, take them to the Scratch Patch (there’s one at the V&A Waterfront, quite close to the Aquarium if you want to make a day of it, but the original is in Simon’s Town). Select a bag or container on your way in (prices range, depending on size, from about R15 to R80) then get scratching! The floor is covered with literally thousands of semi-precious, tumble-polished gemstones. Kids can while away hours selecting their favourites from the tiger’s eye, rose quartz, amethyst, jasper, agates and crystals (and many more!), which are then theirs to take home.

Kids' Cape Town

If this little geological adventure is right up your child’s street, then a visit to the MTN ScienCentre at Canal Walk Shopping Centre is a must. With 300 fully interactive exhibits, it’s the perfect way for enquiringly minded little ones to spend an afternoon. They’ll be improving their science, technology and maths skills as they learn and play. Apart from the permanent exhibits, there are educational talks, expos and the Rossum Robotics Academy, which introduces school-age kids to the basics of mechanics, engineering and computer programming. Also watch this space for the upcoming ScienCentre Sleepovers.

And since you’re at Canal Walk already, pop into Place of Play, an indoor and outdoor play park with everything from a teddy bear stuffing station to a laser beam room to a huge (and they mean huge!) jungle gym. Parents are well catered for too with a restaurant, WiFi zone, nail bar and shiatsu parlour.

In a similarly scientific bent, the Planetarium at the South African National Museum in the Company’s Garden is another winner for kids. The night sky is recreated on the domed ceiling of this celestial theatre, providing the ultimate in armchair travel. Check out the website to see what special kids programmes are running. After a trip around the galaxy, explore the museum and then take a wander through the lush Garden – a picnic on its sprawling lawns is a great way to end an afternoon of fun and learning.

Kids' Cape Town

Getting out of the city, a stop at the Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie is always worthwhile. This is a popular spot for visitors and locals, not least because it’s on the way to Cape Point Nature Reserve and has a host of activities for the whole family. Parents can enjoy an alfresco lunch and some of the Cape’s finest wine at the Blue Water Café, or browse the Free Range Farm Shop, the cheese and chocolate shops or the nursery (not to mention a number of art, craft and decor stores). Meanwhile, kids will be torn between the Higgeldy Piggeldy petting zoo, horse and camel rides (yes, camel rides), a snake park, paintball and face painting (please note, parental supervision is obviously necessary for most of these activities, but parents will no doubt get as much enjoyment from them as the kids!).

For more fresh air and friends from the animal kingdom, no trip to Cape Town is complete without visiting Boulder’s Beach, close to Simon’s Town. Not only will kids love a day of sand and sun, and a swim in the warm(ish) sheltered waters of this cove, but the 3 000-strong colony of African jackass penguins is sure to please. You can spend the day sharing the beach and swimming with these tuxedoed birds at Boulder’s, or head to neighbouring Foxy Beach, where a newly constructed boardwalk allows you to view the colony in its entirety. Just remember, though they look cute, these are wild birds, and trying to cuddle them will result in bitten fingers. (see our previous article on the penguins at Boulders Beach).

Kids' Cape Town

Speaking of feathered friends, The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park in Hout Bay has over 3 000 birds for children to learn about while wandering through more 100 aviaries in this tropical landscaped paradise. And it’s not just birds you’ll see – let the kids make friends with the curious little squirrel monkeys in the monkey jungle, and then try to spot the other mammals the park provides a home for, including meerkats, pot-bellied pigs and porcupines. There’s also a reptile park for those who prefer scales and skin to fur and feathers.

For winged creatures of a different variety, there are few places more magical for little ones than Butterfly World in Stellenbosch. This 1 000 square metre greenhouse plays home to many hundreds of exotic butterflies, and walking through the enclosure surrounded by thousands of these delicate creatures is a truly beautiful experience. Challenge the kids to stay still (and quiet!) long enough for one of the pretty ladies to land on their head, then explore the many other activities on offer. The beautiful outdoor garden has an aviary and meerkat enclosure, as well as ducks and chickens that children can feed with bags of seed from the gift shop. An iguana cage teaches us more about these fascinating reptiles, or you could end with a visit to the Spider Room to make the acquaintance of some eight-legged friends and scorpions. (see our previous article about Butterfly World).

Kids' Cape Town

There really is so much for children to do in Cape Town over the holidays, whether it’s any of the above activities, or playing putt-putt in Muizenberg, going ice skating at Grandwest, learning to surf on our beaches, picnicking at Kirstenbosch doing a hiking trail up one of our magnificent mountains or enjoying some children’s theatre at the Baxter or Artscape. Most large hotels in Cape Town also provide a babysitting service and a summer programme of things to keep the kids entertained, which means that parents can enjoy the Cape Town nightlife à deux.

Desirable Digits:
Two Oceans Aquarium: +27 (0)21 418‑3823
The Scratch Patch: +27 (0)21 419‑9429
MTN ScienCentre: +27 (0)21 529‑8100
Place of Play: +27 (0)21 555‑0303
Iziko Planetarium: +27 (0)21 481‑3900
Imhoff Farm: +27 (0)21 783‑4545
World of Birds: +27 (0)21 790‑2730
Butterfly World: +27 (0)21 875‑5628

Useful Links:
Cape Town Family-friendly accommodation
Things to Do in Cape Town
Cape Town Accommodation

On Holiday with Kids

It’s that time again ... school holidays ... which means it’s time to spend some quality time with your children, nieces, nephews, god-children or any other little ones in your life. But the big question that might be playing on your mind is what are we going to do?

School holidays are quite long over this period in South Africa and sometimes it’s not all that easy to keep kids entertained for long periods of time, it’s often on the go all the time. If you are running out of ideas or would like some fresh recommendations of things to do with them over this time, then we have a few suggestions for you ...

Cape Town and Western Cape with Kids:

• Cherry Picking in Ceres (from November to December annually)
• The Scratch Patch at Simons Town (or the Scratch Patch at the Waterfront)
• Take the kids for a ride on The Blue Train in Mouille Point
• Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding in Noordhoek (30 minute pony rides for 2–12 year olds)
• Rainbow Puttet Theatre in Constantia (Saturday Mornings)
• Noordhoek Farm Village is great for kids
• A is for Apple in Tamboerskloof and Woodstock
• Cool Runnings Toboggan Track in Bellville
• Art Jamming in Gardens
• Ice Skating at Grand West
• Iziko Planetarium Cape Town
• Millstone Eco-friendly Village
• MTN Science Centre at Century City
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in Western Cape
• See our most comprehensive list at 101 Things to Do with Kids in Cape Town

Johannesburg and Gauteng with Kids:

• Adventure Golf in Randburg
• Yoga for Kids in Sandton
• Yeesh! Fun for Kids
• Visit the Butterfly Garden in Pretoria
• Skate boarding at Boogaloos Skatepark
• Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
• Ten Pin Bowling at Galaxy World
• Visit Gold Reef City Theme Park
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in Gauteng

Durban and KwaZulu Natal with Kids:

• Children's Cooking Classes in La Lucia
• Fly a kite in Shelly Beach (or Amanzimtoti, or .... )
• Get Active at the Adventure Centre in Rosetta
• Old Mutual & MTN ScienceCentre
• Play Mini-Golf
• Take the kids 'Candle Dipping'
• Visit the Durban Natural Science Museum
• Spend a day at uShaka Marine World
• Visit Flag Farm Animal Farm
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in KwaZulu Natal

Port Elizabeth and Eastern Cape with Kids:

• Family Fun at Funtasia
• Sun and Fun at Hobie Beach
• Play Chess at Happy Valley
• McArthur Baths Swimming Pool Complex
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in Eastern Cape

Garden Route with Kids:

• Visit Monkeyland
• Strawberry Picking at Red Berry Farm
• Interact with Elephants
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in Garden Route

Mpumalanga with Kids:

• Visit the Dinosaur Park
• Pony Camp for Kids
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in Mpumalanga

Limpopo with Kids:

• Mangela Animal Touch Farm
• Tour of Geluksfontein Dairy Goat Farm
• MORE > Family Friendly Things to Do in Limpopo

For some more inspiration, take a look at our Things to Do in South Africa section on SA-Venues.com — there’s one for every province, so no matter where in the country you are, you'll be able to find some fun things to do to suit any budget. If you know of a great "Thing to Do with Kids" please post a message in the comments below to share with our readers!

Useful Links:
South Africa Family-friendly Accommodation
South Africa Attractions and Destinations

Two Oceans Aquarium

It's a pretty valid question when asked by a four-year old en route to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, but it had me stumbling for a moment as, with my indicator stuck, my head craned round to see oncoming traffic, and my other finger reaching for the air conditioning that needed a mighty overhaul if you consider the angst with which it was emitting tepid air, my brain and mouth couldn't get in synch to wrap around the rather meaty 'Indian and Atlantic, love'.

Just as well it isn't the Pacific Ocean that meets the Indian or the Atlantic, or my child would have spent at least ten minutes talking about specifics. The Two Oceans Aquarium based at the V&A Waterfront is probably the only major tourist attraction to which Capetonians actually go. Well okay, that and Table Mountain, Boulders beach and a couple of others. But what I'm actually trying to say in a roundabout way, is that it is a great place for locals with children, particularly given the current 'Take 4!' special, which allows two adults and two children to get in for R180.

Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans is beautifully laid out. There is an almost 'other worldly' atmosphere about it and one is immediately lost in amongst the aquarium exhibits. Every time I manage ten minutes infront of the kelp forest I make an undying promise to return on my own for contemplation to get the creative juices going. I have yet to do so, but I will!

Kelp forests, such as this one, are only displayed in two aquariums in the world — the other is Monterey Bay in America. This one in particular houses three types of giant kelp. I must say, if I were a fish, this is where I'd like to be...

On our last visit, my son had his back to the exhibit when the aquarium's CEO (or at least I think it was he) took that moment to make a dive in his scuba gear and reared up right behind my son, who jumped about ten feet in the air much to the hilarity of all at the exhibit at the time. And you don't have to be the CEO to dive in the kelp forest.

Two Oceans Aquarium

You'll need an advanced scuba qualification, but with it you can feed the hundreds of fishes contained in the 800 000 litre exhibit, or dive with the sharks in the I&J Predator Exhibit (for this you'll need an open water one or discover scuba qualificaton). See Diving at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

The Kelp Forest is by no means the only highlight at the aquarium. Exhibits are divided into an Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean gallery, each of which has an array of displays full of vibrant fish, crabs, eels and whatnots.

The Atlantic Ocean gallery is great for the older kids as its full of jelly fish, octopus, Knysna seahorses and giant spider crabs, whilst the Indian Ocean is full of darting, colourful fish typical of more tropical regions. So you'll see butterfly fish, damsels (not those in distress), surgeonfish and angelfish.

A quick tip: should you need a diversion, find Nemo and Dory in amongst the Indian Ocean gallery.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Frogs beyond the pond should work its magic too. It's a fairly new exhibit brought about by the International Year of the Frog (2008). There's a large touch screen to magnify the different frogs, many of whom are under threat, there's a frog puppet show, which outlines the journey of the Western lepard toad from a suburban garden to a wetland — it's a win of an exihibit for both big and small, especially when surrounded by giant arum lillies, mushrooms and clivias.

And just when things start to get tough — you'll have made your way through a whole floor of exhibits — you'll head down the ramp towards the Afrisam Children's Centre and get a few minutes respite, whilst you watch the seals continue their antics under the water. There is always a series of arts and crafts on the tables for children. It is a great space for them (and their parents) to relax and daily puppet shows  introduce them to the world of Peter the penguin, Nemo and a rather menacing shark.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Upstairs is the Sappi river meander you'll find a colony of African penguins and rockhopper penguins, African black oystercatchers and a series of river fish, although you might have to breathe in slightly shallow breaths as it can get a little smelly and a tad warm up here.

Somewhere in between, or after, make time for the I&J predator exhibit where rays, loggerhead turtles and ragged-tooth sharks swim peacefully side-by-side and then when you can no longer remain on your feet, head down to the Shoreline Café, which, thank goodness, stays open until about 6pm and does a few mean 'family-oriented' meals.

It's a good place to meet friends in the afternoon, followed by a meal if you intend missing the traffic out of town again. There is also a dedicated children's play area that gives you a well deserved cappuccino break! (The restaurant has just been renovated and transformed into a deli/self-service facility, due to open again in the second week of November).

Two Oceans Aquarium

There is always something new going on, and various other fun things — such as sleep overs, evening lectures, competitions and gala evenings. And children can have their birthday parties here too. So when you're next at your wits end for an outing – head off to the Two Ocean Aquarium.

Contact:
Address: Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A waterfront, Cape Town
Telephone: +27 (0)21 418‑3823
http://www.aquarium.co.za/

Useful Links:
Cape Town Attractions
Things to Do in Cape Town
Cape Town Hotels
Western Cape Accommodation

Entrance to the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront

Two Oceans Aquarium Photo Gallery — Click thumbnails to enlarge

Useful Links:
V&A Waterfront Attractions
Things to Do at the V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront Hotels
V&A Waterfront Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation

Lets go camping!

It's virtually that time of the year again, when a beach holiday for the family looms on the horizon and visions of just how one is going to wiggle one's way into one's swim attire with a fair amount of grace occupies one's thoughts, if only for a moment. The rest of the time is taken up with trying to find the right campsite whilst dithering about how best to fit the entire house and the kitchen sink into the boot of the car!

The KwaZulu-Natal coastline is the most obvious choice when it comes to endless summer and warm waters. Along this strip of coastline between Port Edward and Durban is an uninterrupted playground of golden beaches, rocky coves, lagoon mouths, grassy slopes and, of course, the warm Indian Ocean that invites hours of water play ...

The KwaZulu Natal South Coast conjures up a humid, perpetually warm landscape of rolling green hills swept with sugarcane, hibiscus, bougainvillea and the songs of birds. There is the inevitable highrise development to contend with too, but if you select your campsite carefully there is no reason why a complete escape cannot be secured and a break spent idly swimming, braaing, diving and rock pool rummaging cannot be yours for the taking.

Don't forget the fishing rods, mini golf sticks (the portion of the coast between Illovo and Port Edward is wall-to-wall golf courses), snorkels, boogy boards and goggles.

The following list attempts to veer away from the 'sardine tin' experience, although this is difficult to do with any assurance during peak holiday season:

Villa Spa, Illovo
This is one of few campsites that offers an intimate experience with a little bit of luxury thrown in (there's a heated pool in winter with a sauna and spa bath). The campsite is set in 10 acres of beautiful, shady garden just two minutes across the railway line from Illovo Beach. Large, lawned and shady sites are available for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tents. They also have log chalets set in amongst the trees for those who don't want to do the camping thing. Daily camping rates between R80 — R160 for adults, and children R50 — R120.
Contact: Gail & Anthony on telephone +27 (0)31 916‑4939

Ellingham Resorts

Ellingham Resorts – Rocky Bay, Park Rynie
The resort, just down the coast from the very popular Scottburgh, is a combination of rustic log cabins, a caravan park and conference centre in one of the most gorgeous locations along the coast. Here you are privy to some of the best sea views possible, all without any sign of development – things here are still virtually 'wild'. The park has over 160 bush enshrouded or beach facing sites to choose from, the ablutions are first rate and there are children's areas that include a playpark, splash pool and fresh water swimming pool. Booking is essential in high season. Daily camping rates between R85 – R127, children R42 – R70.
Contact: Ellingham Resorts on telephone +27 (0)39 976‑0336

MacNicol's Bazley Beach Resort
MacNicol's won countrywide winner in the camping and caravan resort category of the AA hospitality Awards 2008, and you can understand why. As you arrive you are met with a cup of tea, and you get help pitching the tent! Set right on the Ifafa lagoon, this sprawling campsite has a host of large, shady sites and feels almost like a nature reserve – there are over 140 bird species that you can spot here, including the fish eagle, and you're only 100 metres from the coastline where Bazley beach offers miles of unspoilt beach. You also have access to the private beach of Ndesingaan where the conditions are safe for swimming. The lagoon too provides hours of water fun, including canoeing, paddling and wind surfing. Daily camping rates between R90 – R180 and children R45 – R95.
Contact: June McNicol on telephone +27 039 977 8863

Marlon Holiday Resort

Marlon Holiday Resort, Sunwich Port
This is a great, shady campsite set in amongst the trees with good protection from the wind, between Hibberdene and Port Shepstone. Marlon Holiday Resort, which also offers cottages, log cabins and Plettenburg homes, lies in a sheltered valley on the banks of the Damba River, which flows into the sea on an exceptionally pretty beach, just 700 metres from the resort. Swimming in the tidal pool is safe, whilst there are also other recreational facilities that include a children's playground, swimming pool, trampoline etc. You're assured of peace, quiet and relaxation. Daily camping rates R250 – R450 per site per night for up to 4 people sharing.
Contact: Charmaine Duffield on telephone +27 (0)39 681‑3596
http://www.sa-venues.com/visit/marlonholidayresort/

Umtentweni Caravan Resort
If you're into small and intimate, then this is the resort in Umtentweni for you, particularly if you have younger children (the bigger resorts are great for teens). This quiet and pretty campsite has been chosen by a reader survey as one of the top resorts in the country for the past ten years and it's easy to see why. Rolling lawns wend their way right down to the Mtentweni lagoon, with modern ablution facilities and the usual jungle gym, trmpoline, swimming pool and boating on the river, it's fun for all.  Daily camping rates between R70 – R115 for adults, R40 – R75 for children.
Contact: Tobie and Anita Mayer on telephone +27 (0)39 695‑0531

Port o'Call

Port o' Call Caravan Park
A little piece of paradise. Port o' Call lies adjacent to the Trafalgar Marine Reserve spilling out onto five kilometres of goregeous 'wild' beach. Lying midway between Margate and Port Edward, not only is the beach a safe swimming beach but there is excellent snorkelling on a reef that boast 90-million-year-old fossil beds. Spend your days under milkwood, umdoni, wild fig, coral trees and ilala palms whilst listening to the crashing waves. Kids get a swimming and paddling pool, and there are spotless ablutions. If you're into secluded seaside holidays away from it all, this is it.  Daily camping rates between R100 – R180 for adults, RR50 – R90 for children.
Contact: Port o'Call Caravan Park on telephone +27 (0)39 313‑0511

Old Pont Holiday Resort
Another awesome setting on the banks of the Mtamvuna River, hence an ideal spot if you're into watersports. Not your spot if you're not into a bit of noise and a lot of fun, for it can get kind of vibey when it gets busy. 100 grassed, shady campsites are available, and whilst the beaches are only accessible by river, you can drive a short distance to the Port Edward main beach for safe swimming, super tube rides and a little more bustle. Take a boat and head upstream, you won't be sorry.  Daily camping rates R240 – R340 for 4 people.
Contact: Old Pont Holiday Resort on telephone +27 (0)39 311‑2211

Note about Rates:
Please note that rates were correct at time of publishing.
Please contact the resorts directly for up-to-date rates before booking.

Useful Links:
KwaZulu Natal Camping
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Attractions
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