When the outside temperature drops, it’s very tempting to stay indoors and watch endless re-runs of Sing 2. But actually, the fun doesn’t need to stop during winter because, let’s face it, our little darlings need to burn energy all year round!
These adventures and activities are guaranteed to make good memories for the whole family! There is absolutely no reason that grown-ups can’t have a little fun of our own while the kids play…
The Outdoor Experience at Boschendal
It’s unadulterated free-range fun for children (5 to 14 years), with activities such as foraging, scavenger hunts, spoor-tracking, fire-making, survival skills, and more. Not only do kids learn a lot from these nature- and eco-based activities, they’ll get their hands dirty and have old-fashioned fun. An added (free) attraction at Boschendal is the big Tree House play area (with pump track) – probably the best and biggest “jungle gym” in the Cape.
While the kids play The Werf lawns are right next to the Tree House, so parents can chill with a bottle of wine and a picnic hamper while keeping an eye on the kids. If the littlies are taking part in the outdoor experience (booking essential), settle in at the Werf Restaurant for wine-tastings and a delectable sharing-plate or à la carte menu. There are also garden tours, a farm shop, an art gallery in the Manor House, hiking and mountain-biking trails, and horse-riding.
Each session caters for 10 kids and lasts two hours. The Winter Programme runs from 27 June to 7 July, with four different programmes of 4 hours each (10am – 2pm).
Bosjes gardens
While adults will be impressed by the designer gardens at Bosjes in Ceres, children will appreciate them on a different level – as an adventure of discovery akin to the storybook Secret Garden. It’s a series of spaces, with hidden nooks, water sculptures, and an elevated canopy walk with ziplines and slides. In the midst of this stands the fantastical Bosjes Chapel with its magically floating roof and spine-tingling acoustics.
The award-winning Chapel is a modern marvel and a serene space to grab a little “quiet” time. Then head to one of the two lovely restaurants. Kombuis has a more refined menu and feel. If you have smaller kids in tow, Spens has casual café-style food, farm picnic platters, milkshakes, spacious lawns and a wonderful playground alongside it.
Beyond the gardens there’s a working farm to discover, and wilder spaces on hiking trails where your family might encounter a giraffe or springbok.
The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig
Your little daredevils will adore biking over bridges and ramps, through tunnels and rock gardens and along dirt paths at this expansive bike park on Constantia Uitsig. It’s like playing a video game… in real life! It’s also a chance for children to explore the great outdoors (and their limits) while honing their cycling skills. The park has various pump tracks, some geared towards beginners and children (as young as three) and others offering exhilarating drop-offs for more experienced bikers.
While the kids play If you’re not keen on cycling, being at Constantia Uitsig has other perks: wine-tasting, of course, as well as a variety of food offerings along the Heritage Market strip, such as Italian at La Grotto, sushi at SushiBox, grills (Blockhouse Kitchen), fish and chips, breakfast (Four & Twenty), light lunches, and more.
Helderberg Plaas
This rustic farm, famous for its deliciously sweet strawberries (in season), offers lots of open space for young and old to burn off energy. Helderberg Plaas is a popular spot for mountain-biking and hiking, and youngsters can bring their scooters, push bikes and balls to take full advantage of the lawns. For the less sporty – and specifically for families – there are 4×4 and viewpoint routes, a play park for toddlers, and paintball and Laser Quest for older kids (booking essential). And did we mention there are bunnies, goats and ducks to be fed?
While the kids play, there’s a tea garden and a kiosk for barista-crafted coffee, and in winter Die Stal offers indoor seating with a cosy fireplace. Or make a day of it, pack some braai stuff and head into Granny’s Forest, a magical spot for chilling and grilling (booking essential).
Dogs are welcome (on a leash); register for a permit when you arrive.
Wonderdal at Hazendal
At Wonderdal at Hazendal Wine Estate, children (aged 5 to 13 years) are led through a fantasy land by Amuki (the virtual inhabitants of this awesome world), who are only visible if you’re wearing a special bracelet. As they explore, the quirky creatures will give them tips on how to complete activities, which include science, nature and life skills. This one-of-a-kind edutainment centre blends creative design, education and world-class tech in an interactive indoor and outdoor space.
When they’re finished at Wonderdal (it’s a one- or two-hour experience), they’re welcome to head to the 27-hole putt-putt course (it has a playground, jungle gym and giant chess, too), or enjoy a Hazendal Tea Ceremony.
Wonderdal is access-controlled and supervised, so grown-ups can enjoy the many other attractions on offer at this estate: wine-tasting, a walk around the Marvol Art Gallery ot the owner’s classic car collection, a game of golf on the 18-hole par-3 golf course, or dining at The Glasshouse or Babushka Deli (with a toddlers’ playground alongside).
Elgin steam train
Is there anything more evocative than a vintage steam-train ride? Ceres Rail’s three-hour trip to Elgin departs early morning on weekends from the Foreshore and puffs up and over Sir Lowry’s Pass, past beautiful Overberg landscapes and farmlands. The best seating for small groups is in a private coupe or family compartment, both of which offer great views and a variety of snacks and drinks.
Once the train arrives at the Art Deco steampunk-themed Elgin Railway Market, your kids can let off a little steam of their own in the playground. While the kids play, browse the craft stalls, then sit back and enjoy the live music, tasty street food, and a range of wines, ciders, beers and gin from the valley.
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