It may be renowned as a world-class wine destination, but the family activities in the Cape Winelands are also second to none. Capetonians-in-the-know have a list of firm favourites for weekend escapes and afternoon jaunts, all of which will keep the kids busy for a good few hours – and provide a glass (or two!) of vino for the parents! Here are some of our top picks, all approved by our youngest reviewer, four-year-old Noah!
1. Follow the ducks at Vergenoegd
Kids will be mesmerised by Vergenoegd’s daily duck parades starring 1,000 Runner Ducks, who march out to work every day in a blaze of dust. The waddling workforce is essential to the farm’s pest control, consuming a startling amount of snails and bugs on their patrols. Children will also love the wine farm’s other family activities, including scrumptious picnics and the weekly Saturday Market with a whole host of entertaining features. Whilst the kids are busy, Mum and Dad can have a go at blending their own wine, tea or coffee.
2. Tuck into a picnic at Warwick Wine Estate
Warwick Wine Estate is high up on the list of favourite family picnic spots amongst Capetonians. Retreat to one of several hidden away picnic pods, each with their own private garden, or recline on comfy cushions and blankets on the expansive lawns. Neither are far away from the kid’s jungle gym or the water fountain, which doubles up as a paddling pool and is a big hit with youngsters on hot summer days. All picnic areas are fully serviced, so all you have to do is lie back and relax leaving the kids to do all the hard work!
3. Take the kids “Wine” Tasting at Spier
Spier Wine Estate has long been renowned as a top Cape Winelands destination for family activities and for good reason. These include getting up close with South Africa’s biggest raptors at the Eagle Encounter centre, breezy Segway tours amongst the vines and sampling the child-friendly dishes at Eight Restaurant. And then the wine-tasting: whilst adults can sample Spier’s award-winning grapes, little oenologists will have their very own exclusive grape juice tasting. Not in the mood to drive home after an action-packed day? No problem – the Spier Hotel, which includes a supervised Kids’ Clubhouse, has you covered.
4. Visit the Goat Tower at Fairview
Fairview has a lot going for it family-wise. The main attraction for kids is the ‘Goat Tower’, which offers endless entertainment and even cuddle opportunities with the roaming goats. The Fairview Cheesery produces a range of over 50 artisanal cheeses, which adults get to try during a typical wine tasting, while little connoisseurs are sure to enjoy their special cheese and juice tasting.
5. Get lost in the magical garden at Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren’s 3.5-hectare garden is a dream for kids (and big kids!), who can spend hours roaming its many hidden treasures. From chickens and donkeys, to fruit trees, vegetable patches and giant weaver nests, the possibilities for exploration are endless. If you get hungry, head to the Greenhouse for a lunch made with farm-fresh ingredients straight from the garden. The pretty row of shops in the courtyard will make leaving without stocking up on artisanal breads, olive oil, cordial and a new scented candle practically impossible, and if you can’t tear yourself away at all, the farm also offers some very beautiful accommodation options.
6. Get on your horse and ride
Game viewing in Stellenbosch? On horseback? Yup, you heard that right! Join one of the trail rides at Pete’s Adventure Farm and you’ll encounter a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to zebra, springbok, eland, kudu, giraffe, wildebeest and plenty of other wildlife. Suitable for both experienced and novice riders aged eight and up, you can also add a vineyard ride and wine tasting to your itinerary, making this a superb Winelands family outing for both young and old.
7. Pick (and eat!) as many strawberries as possible
September to January is strawberry picking season at Polkadraai Farm in Stellenbosch, so purchase some buckets, and see who gets to pick (not eat!) the most strawberries in record time. Once your buckets (and bellies) are filled with the delicious red fruit, go on a tractor ride, play a round of mini golf, trot around on the resident ponies Ghandalf and Pinkie, and let the kids run wild on the playground. As far as family-friendly wineland spots go, this one is a real winner.
8. Relax at the Blaauwklippen Family Market
Sunday is family activities day in the Cape Winelands – and you could do a lot worse than spending it at Blaauwklippen Family Market in the heart of the Stellenbosch vineyards. Munch on delectable international fare from one of the many traders, then lounge on the lawns or in the shade of a wild fig tree to sip on wine and listen to live music. The children meanwhile will be kept busy with pony rides, jumping castles, pedal carts, a miniature train and goats. That sounds like a win-win all round…
9. Meet Gerry the Giraffe
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre is home to Gerry the hand-reared giraffe, who, along with several other animal friends, forms part of the centre’s wildlife education program. As well as interacting with Gerry, children are able to feed goats, chickens and cows and observe a wide range of other mammals, reptiles and birds. The daily interactive creepy crawly encounters are the perfect test for brave adventurers who aren’t scared to have a tarantula sitting on their hand. An educational day out, no doubt!
10. Accommodate your “Little Corkers” at Mont Rochelle
Wine isn’t the only thing on the menu at Mont Rochelle and “Little Corkers” can now look forward to a tailor-made children’s itinerary during their stay. Days will be filled with grape stomping, grape juice tastings, lawn games, scavenger hunts and cooking and baking lessons. Children lucky enough to stay in the Manor House with their parents also get to enjoy their own bunkroom, two private pools and a games room. The only problem will be trying to get them to leave…
