Kids-friendly entertainment in the Cape Winelands

Wondering what to do with your kids over weekends, school holidays or even public holidays? Well, get into your car, hit the N1 and head towards Paarl and Wellington in the Drakenstein Valley – an area which is quickly becoming a kids’ paradise with loads of activities tailored specifically to entertain the young ones.

The Le Bonheur Crocodile farm in Simondium is a must stop. Kids can learn more about these ancient reptiles through an educational guided tour of the croc pond, where a 1000 of these animals live. You can actually get up close and personal by holding and touching one of the smaller crocs. For the really brave-hearted, Le Bonheur has recently introduced a croc cage dive – but only when you’re older than 9. The family-owned farm has been in existence for over five decades and is ideal for a day outing or even a kiddies party. Except for the crocodiles, there are also emus and potbelly pigs, a dam for catch and release fishing and a cozy pizzeria.

For another animal encounter of a cuddlier kind, meet some South American alpacas at either The Alpaca Loom in Paarl or the Alpaca Farm in Wellington. Reminiscent of your favourite soft toy, kids can cuddle up to them in the petting zoo and even help feeding them. There is a jungle gym and coffee shop at The Alpaca Loom and visitors can see how the alpaca fibres are woven on a loom and transformed into scarves, shawls and blankets. The farm is open daily from 10h00 to 18h00 with special barn tours at 15h00 from Fridays to Sundays.

Looking for a kids-friendly lunch setting is just as easy with Rhebokskloof Wine Estate just around the corner. With acres of lawns and a jungle gym and jumping castle, this is the perfect lunch spot. On special days, events and festivals such as Ommiberg and for specially arranged kiddies parties, Romping Rascals transforms the whole area with toys, an obstacle course, pushbikes, tractor trikes and a trampoline – with adult supervision. A special kids menu is available for the youngsters, while adults can enjoy delectable dishes from the restaurant’s a la carte menu with award-winning Rhebokskloof Wines. On Sundays, there are special pony rides and plans are being made to develop a special MTB kids track. The newly opened Vivi Day Spa will even cater for special pamper parties for girls.

The historic Nederburg Wine Estate provides the absolutely perfect grand finale for a day trip that the kids will remember for years to come. The staff has developed an inventive and entertaining kids tasting featuring a mystery box that absolutely appeals to their inquisitive nature. The pairing of hot chocolate and strawberry milkshake with marshmallows and cookies is an absolute hit – and the envy of many adults. With bubbles, crayons and pictures also provided, it will keep the kids busy, while adults can enjoy a selection of wine pairings. Kids tastings are R40 per child, while adult tastings are between R25 – R60 (depending on the wines). Bookings are advisable for larger groups.

Other kids-friendly venues in the area that can be added to your itinerary includes the Language Monument, Kikka coffee shops with special kiddies sections, Under Oaks, Windmeul Cellar, the goat shed at Fairview and Laborie.

If you are in Wellington, Dunstone Wines offer the perfect lunch venue with a fantastic play area, and Val du Charon offers spectacular views and a place for the kids to run around, in summer they can even catch a dip in the swimming pool – ideally suited to toddlers. A game drive at Bontebok Ridge Game Reserve is another outing that will get the kids closer to nature. Enjoy a guided game safari through the indigenous Cape fynbos and try to spot the multitude of buck species, zebra and a variety of birds. Bookings are advisable and special rates apply for children under 12.

For more information about incredible winter offers and promotions, contact Paarl Tourism on 021 872 4842 or visit the website on www.paarlonline.co.za. For Wellington enquiries, contact the information office on 021-864 1378 or www.wellington.co.za.

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