Cape Town is amazing during the summer months as the city becomes alive with the unmistakable energy of happiness. There are so many cultures and languages, people of different backgrounds to mingle with, so many fun and exciting activities to take part in and the weather is simply glorious! If you are lucky enough to be in this wondrous part of the world this summer, here is a list of things to do with to make your family time, fun time!
Musical Inspiration for the Soul
If you love watching live renditions of your favourite South African musicians, then head on over to the most beautiful gardens in Africa for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, held every Sunday evening. Pack a blanket and a picnic basket (or order one from one of the restaurants) and relax to the awe-inspiring sounds of Lira, Johnny Clegg, Slow Jack, Beatenberg, The Opposite Other, Matthew Mole, Jesse Clegg, The Parlotones, Christmas Carols and many more.
The Vergenoegd Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is hosting their Live@Vergenoegd Summer Concerts to be held on the first Sunday of the month, featuring the musical talents of Monark, Ard Mathews, GoodLuck, Jimmy Nevis and Arno Carstens. The estate has established a dedicated kids’ area and a variety wine, food and drinks will be on sale on the day.
Learn about the Stars
For a romantic excursion with breath-taking sunset views over the Paarl Valley, join the Afrikaanse Taalmonument for one of their Stargazing Picnics. These evenings, to be held monthly, include a guided tour of the monument as well as an astronomy themed talk. Pre-packed picnic baskets can be ordered from the Volksmond Coffee Shop or visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets.
Picnic & Movie Nights
The Galileo season is back! And this summer, they are hosting Family Sundays featuring Frozen, The Jungle Book (2016), Toy Story, The Lego Movie, Ice Age and The NeverEnding Story at Kelvin Grove Country Club. Expect an open-air cinema on sprawling lawns, a variety of food vendors to take care of all your food, refreshments and movie snack treats and a variety of picnic seating options. A great family activity!
Get Active
The third event of the ever-popular The Grind, a fun obstacle course created for everyone (there is even a course specifically developed for children), will be held at Zone 7, Africa’s biggest and best Motocross and Enduro track, on the 03rd December 2016. After completing this adventurous course, expect various entertainment activities as well as live music.
Zone 7 is open 7 days a week, including Public Holidays, and is the ideal venue for a family outing or a party for off-road bike and quad bike enthusiasts.
For an exhilarating afternoon of indoor kart racing, visit Kenilworth Karting, South Africa’s best indoor karting venue according to a Diners Club Magazine survey.
South Africa’s first ever Night Nation Run © will be held on the 21st January 2017. If you love electronic dance music, do not miss out on this 5km ‘musical voyage’ run!
Wine & Dine
For a selection of two family friendly Christmas lunch options, including a bountiful harvest table at Eight, and a three-course New Year’s Eve feast, visit Spier Wine Farm.
Bertha’s Restaurant, situated in the heart of Simon’s Town with beautiful sea views, boasts a delicious menu, an extensive cocktail menu as well as a kids play area.
In Milnerton, Lisa’s Restaurant offers a homely and comfortable atmosphere perfect for lively family lunches.
For a morning of cycling followed by a relaxing family picnic or an a-la-carte lunch and wine tasting, visit Bon Amis at Bloemendal, situated on the Durbanville Wine Route.
Situated in Philadelphia, Mariella’s, with its awesome views of the Swartland hills, is the perfect escape into the countryside. Be sure to stop in for a wine tasting at the Capaia Wine Estate while there.
For a family day excursion filled with activities everyone will enjoy, visit Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie. This family restaurant (with a large garden) is situated on the scenic Cape Point route, right next door to the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard and Mazeworld.
Lourensford Wine Estate offers juice tastings (paired with biscuits) for the kids while the adults get to relax during a wine tasting on this beautiful venue.
Play
Cape Town offers a plethora of kids play venues offering fun for adults too.
Clay Cafe – offers adults and children alike the chance to explore their creative sides: choose from a range of ceramics and decorate these.
For indoor play areas and venues, visit Fun Depot, Playzone Durbanville, Art Jamming and the Iziko Planetarium.
Make your children’s dreams of seeing life-like dinosaurs come true at CapeGate’s Dinos Alive show (18 November 2016 – 08. January 2017). The exhibition will include a fun and interactive dinosaur themed environment, dinosaur rides, face painting, a drawing table, a jumping castle, play station games, a dino movie room, fossil display site and a Dino Cafe.
Two Oceans Aquarium offers a cool respite from the heat of summer into the fascinating world of ‘under-the-sea’. Expect a day of wonder and beauty.
Rotary Blue Train Park situated on the Atlantic seaboard, offers a mini blue train ride through the rainbow tunnel as well as an outdoor ice skating rink, jungle gyms, a ‘foofie slide’, a dirt bike track, an obstacle course and much more.
Remember to pack in a hat and sunscreen and simply enjoy the special, festive time with your family and friends.
For more family-friendly activities, coupons and competitions, read the Things to do with Kids magazine here.
Photo credits: www.thingstodowithkids.co.za.
By Alexa Gerrard
Alexa is an adventurous mommy blogger blogging about family related activities at www.thingstodowithkids.co.za. Their website, app, magazine and blog aims to make family time fun time.
