The Mother City plays host to a variety of fun and entertainment venues and activities for kids of all ages. Whether you are looking for a lighthearted morning to calm the little ones, or an adrenaline-fueled thrill to entertain the teens, Leora Hart have the perfect list of ideas for you.
WINELANDS LIGHT RAILWAY
If you’re looking for a unique day experience that is outdoors as well as family-friendly, then the Winelands Light Railway is the ideal place to visit. Located in the Koelenhof area in Stellenbosch, this amusement park offers you the option of experiencing miniature train rides that will create unique and lasting memories.
You also have the option to pack a basket and have a picnic on the grounds, or give your palate a treat with the delicious food on offer from Aniseed vendors. There is also a kiosk for sweet treats or even party packs for the kids (or adults) as well as coffee, milkshakes and slushies. Please note that no braais available on-site and or alcohol served the steam train does not run during school holidays (Monday to Friday).
For sun-kissed serenity with beautiful views that is a stone’s throw from Stellenbosch, then Winelands Light Railway is a fantastic choice to make. Tickets are available at the gate and the venue is open for the duration of the school holidays. R50 gets you entry to the park and one complimentary train ride and R100 gets you entrance to the park and unlimited train rides throughout the day.
Where: R304 Koelenhof, Stellenbosch (diagonally across from Koelenhof Wine Cellar)
Website: winelandsrail.co.za | Email: info@winelandsrail.co.za | Tel: 060 586 5490
Facebook: @Winerail | Instagram: @winelandsrail
SPIER ELEMENTAL GARDEN
The Spier Elemental Garden is just a stone’s throw from Spier Farm Café and Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery – both much-loved by families. It was conceptualised by landscape architect Ed Brookes and local landscape architect Danielle Croly, using mostly indigenous plants.
The garden is divided into four quadrants, representing the elements of Earth, Air, Water and Fire.
Intersecting all four is a spiralling waterway that represents the Fibonacci Sequence – a set of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. Many patterns in nature follow this rule – such as the spiral shape of a seashell, the arrangement of leaves on a branch, or the petals of some flowers (such as daisies and sunflowers)
Features of the garden include a slide that is landscaped into earth mounds, a tunnel to crawl through, a Charl Conradie wind sculpture and a swing bridge. The water in the Water quadrant has been treated and is safe to splash about in – perfect for hot summer days.
There is a Grape Juice Tasting available at the Spier tasting room, especially for children. For R40 (pp) your child/ren will experience a tasting with two different grape juices – produced at Spier – as well as an educational activity sheet highlighting the role that insects play in the vineyards.
The Elemental Garden is open daily until sunset and entry is complimentary.
Where: R310, Stellenbosch
Website: www.spier.co.za | Email: info@spier.co.za | Tel: 021 809 1100
Facebook: @spierwinefarm | Instagram: @spierwinefarm
FREEDOM ADVENTURE PARK
Freedom Adventure Park is a family-friendly venue dedicated to kids 12 and under where one can enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Freedom offers scrumptious, hand-made thin-base pizza options cooked just right in their authentic wood-burning oven.
Freedom offers amazing fully-themed birthday parties, four private work pods where you can attend to that last urgent email whilst your children are well taken care of and can experience the true essence of the park-FREEDOM.
Freedom also offers a 50m long adrenaline-pumping Hi-Line Indoor Ropes course, multiple climbing walls, a customised trampoline and Dodgeball arena that is specially designed for kids, a first-for-South-Africa Dodge Attack activity, a Hi-Dive Leap of Faith, and a Foam Pit.
You could also be one to explore their first one of a kind Custom Built Play Pods that have architectural design elements added to create an environment that is fun, cool and contemporary.
Where: Unit 3A, 333 Main Rd, Retreat, Tokai, Western Cape, South Africa (Located in the South Palms Shopping Center)
Website: freedomadventurepark.co.za | Email: info@freedomadventurepark.co.za| Tel: 083 279 4453
Facebook: @freedomadventureparkza | Instagram: @freedomadventureparkza
BATTLEFIELD LIVE
Battlefield Live in Durbanville is Cape Town’s premier venue for team building events, kids’ parties, year-end events, bachelor parties and family or friend gatherings. Comprised of 2 venues, this establishment also offers laser-tag events – another unique idea to keep mind and body stimulated.
There is no pain associated with the game as their weapons shoot infrared bullets and are thus safer and more environmentally friendly compared to a game of say, paintball.
Activities usually consist of a 2-hour long simulation which is a dream come true for any child who enjoys games like Call of Duty, Halo or Fortnite Battle Royale. This simulation gives participants the opportunity to step into a live version of their favourite Xbox challenge.
Kids are kept enthralled as instructors run them through various action-packed scenarios like ‘Capture The Flag’, ‘VIP Escort’, ‘Base Domination’ and ‘Sniper’ which require little ones to work together as a team to reach specific goals. These activities are open to children aged 6 and above.
Bookings are all subject to availability and can be made directly on the website.
Where: Wynberg Park – Cape Town and Altydgedacht Wine Estate, Durbanville
Website: battlefieldlive.co.za | Email: renar@battlefieldlive.co.za | Tel: 084 364 9979
Facebook: @battlefieldlivesa | Instagram: @battlefieldlivesa_
IPIC PLAY
Aiming to take family fun to a whole new level, Ipic Play is a large premium indoor playpark offering family fun and entertainment to children of all ages. Enjoy running, jumping, and climbing with old and new friends, all whilst developing and enhancing motor skills.
Each activity in the Ipic Play Park is designed to stimulate and challenge, from toddlers to adults. Ipic Play also offers themed birthday parties, and takes care of all the details involved so parents are able to enjoy the celebrations with their kids. The onsite Knead Bakery offers fresh food and delicious beverages from breakfast through to dinner.
Tired of jumping? The Ipic Play Building Club is packed with an abundance of Lego sets that are fit for all ages. Studies have shown that looking at a screen releases Dopamine into the brain, which can negatively affect impulse control. Playing is a natural and positive stimulation for children. Ipic Play encourages fun, free play reducing screen time for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Parents can take advantage of the supervised play park and relax in the Ipic Play Lounge which is also available for over 18s to enjoy sporting events and cold alcoholic beverages.
Ipic Play has so much on offer – go and see for yourself!
Operating hours are Monday – Saturdays from 8am to 6pm and Sundays from 8am until 5pm.
Where: Cnr Aurora and Burton St, Aurora, Durbanville
Website: ipicplay.co.za | Email: info@ipicplay.co.za | Tel: 021 205 3844
Facebook: @ipicplay | Instagram: @ipic_play
