The Cape Winelands is one of South Africa's best family destinations and happily, even during wintertime, there is plenty to do indoors (and outdoors) here. From a new mom to other mommies out there, here's my guide to the best winelands winter activities to enjoy with your boisterous toddler!
Plan a visit to Soetmelksvlei
This working farm, which falls under Babylonstoren's impressive fold, is one of the newer, more exciting attractions to hit the Winelands scene. The best part though? It’s an ideal family experience – yes, even for busy toddlers!
This late 19th century farmyard experience takes you back in time to savour everything from cream separation processes to carpentry and blacksmithing demonstrations and even ox wagon rides.
Beyond this, Soetmelksvlei offers a fun kids’ outdoor play area, tasty meals at the Old Stables Restaurant, farm animals to see at The Kraal and a life-sized kiddies’ Cape Dutch playhouse, which can be found within the Old Cellar precinct.
With fresh air, animals, play areas, outdoor spaces and of course, educational experiences, it’s the ideal toddler-friendly activity!
Please note:
- You need at least 3-4 hours for a visit.
- Prams will manage in certain areas but not all.
- Comfy shoes and a sunhat or rain gear is advised (weather dependent).
- Shuttles depart every 15 min. from Babylonstoren; it’s a 25-minute journey to Soetmelksvlei.
- Keep a close eye on little ones as Soetmelksvlei is a working farm with machinery, animals and bodies of water.
- Where: Soetmelksvlei, Franschhoek
- Booking and pricing info: Please book directly with Babylonstoren or via their website.
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 09h00 - 17h00. Last shuttle returns at 17h00.
- Contact: 021 863 3852 | enquiries@babylonstoren.com
See the Indian Runner ducks at Vergenoegd Löw
These long-necked, feathered friends have been a core part of Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate since the previous owner, John Faure, introduced them in 1989. They play a vital part in pest management and are integral to Vergenoegd Löw’s back-to-nature regenerative plan.
Young and old love seeing the ducks waddle across the lawn on their way to work, which happens every morning at 09h00 and again at 12h00.
Before or after you see the ducks, why not explore this beautiful estate together as a family? The lawns are especially great for burning baby energy!
- Where: Vergenoegd Löw, Stellenbosch
- Booking and pricing info: The duck experience is free and doesn’t require booking.
- Opening times: The estate is open daily, 08h00 - 17h00, but the runner duck experience takes place at 09h00 and 12h00.
- Contact: 021 843 3248 | info@vergenoegd.co.za
Enjoy a winter picnic and pony ride at Boschendal
Boschendal is one of the few winelands farms that offers winter picnics and because there’s so much to do at this beautiful Franschhoek estate, it’s the perfect family outing, come rain or shine.
The estate has great outdoor attractions for little ones including a fun playground, supervised holiday programmes, MTB and hiking trails, horse rides (ideal for more experienced young riders) and an epic pump track, which is designed for little folk.
The picnics cater wonderfully to kiddies through a kids’ picnic basket (choose from a standard or vegetarian option). After a relaxing lunch, little ones can enjoy fun, safe pony rides at the picnic area or on the estate.
- Where: Boschendal, Franschhoek
- Booking and pricing info: R80 per person for 15-minute pony rides. For picnic pricing and other estate activities, please see their website.
- Opening times: Boschendal is open daily, 09h00 - 20h00 | Pony rides are available on Sat, Sun and public holidays at 13h00 - 15h00 (these are not bookable). Or on Wed and Thu at 09h00 - 10h00, 11h00 - 12h00, 13h00 - 14h00, and 15h00 - 16h00.
- Contact: 021 870 4273 | reservations@boschendal.co.za
Explore a bicycle pump track at Leopard's Leap
Leopard's Leap is already a hugely popular family estate with its excellent Rotisserie-lunches (available exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays now) but, with a scenic, new bicycle pump track, they just ramped their child-friendliness factor up a notch!
This dirt track, well-situated next to the outdoor restaurant seating, is designed to keep kids (yes, even toddlers) entertained for hours in the fresh Franschhoek air and it definitely does!
They have a strict no helmet, no ride policy and you can bring your own bicycle. However, you can also rent bicycles and helmets at R50 per hour. Otherwise, the track is free to use but participation is strictly at own risk.
Beyond this, the estate also has a tranquil play area, expansive lawn (where little ones can toddle about) and a lovely kiddies’ menu.
For parents, there’s of course great food and wine and stunning views to enjoy!
- Where: Leopard's Leap, Franschhoek
- Booking and pricing info: R50 per hour for helmet and bicycle rentals.
- Opening times: Leopard's Leap is open daily, 09h00 - 17h00 | The bicycle pump track is open Wed to Sun, 09h00 - 17h00 | The restaurant's rotisserie-style lunch is served on Sat and Sun only, from 11h00 - 16h00.
- Contact details: 021 876 8002 | reservations@leopardsleap.co.za
Dabble in messy play at Sensory Seekers
Sensory Seekers, based at the rustic Anna Beulah Farm in the Durbanville Winelands, is one of the newest, most toddler-friendly, winelands-based experiences around.
They have a wonderful kiddies’ playhouse where you can book hourly play sessions, host private sensory play-themed birthday parties or even join in special family events, like seasonal Easter egg hunts, Mother’s Day events and so much more.
The sensory play includes everything from magic potion-making stands to colourful rice and pasta-filled pits (perfect for digging and scooping).
They focus on ages 1-4, but we’ve seen much older kids having a blast here too. In fact, honest confession: we’ve taken our own busy bee a few times now and it’s hard to tell who had more fun – our toddler or us!
What's more, Fran and her team are so hands-on and great with parents and little ones that you feel calm and welcome the entire time.
Sensory- and messy-play is so important for little ones and it’s wonderful to have this offered in a safe, secure space.
They have an indoor and outdoor section, as well as a lovely playground on-site, and there’s also a deli and restaurant, as well as farm animals, to enjoy at Anna Beulah.
As a bonus, Sensory Seekers sell a range of locally produced items (from their own sensory play kits (which we love) to beautiful wooden toys, cheerful dungarees and epic playdough pods), all of which are proudly sourced from female-owned small businesses.
- Where: Sensory Seekers, Anna Beulah Farm, Durbanville
- Booking and pricing info: Please contact them directly for pricing on play sessions and custom parties.
- Opening times: During the winter months (May to August), they are open as follows:
- Wed to Fri, 09h00 - 15h00 (pre-booking, at least two hours before, required)
- Sat and Sun, 09h00 - 16h00 (walk-ins and bookings welcome)
- They are sometimes closed for private parties so please check their weekly schedules
- Contact details: 083 241 6043 | sensoryseekers.ct@gmail.com
Photos: All photos were taken by Tamlyn Ryan, except the ones of Boschendal horse riding, Leopard's Leap's pump track, Soetmelksvlei, and Vergenoegd Löw.