Head to the farms and countryside for a great day out.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip from the city or a family-friendly holiday destination, the countryside around Cape Town ticks all the boxes. Offering a change of scenery, fresh air and warm hospitality, Stellenbosch and the Winelands are also an exciting playground for children.
While the adults relish the food and wine delights, the kids will be amused by fun activities, cool (and educational) experiences, amazing animal encounters and plenty of space to play in. Here is our list of winning attractions.
For more fun activities for children, see our 40 Best Things To Do with Kids in Cape Town.
Be enchanted at Wonderdal
This one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art edutainment centre blends creative design, award-winning educational resources and world-class technology in a 1 000-square-metre interactive space. Children aged 5 to 13 years learn through play as they journey through the worlds of science, nutrition and nature in seven zones. It’s an exercise in immersive fantasy, designed to make children feel part of a story – as they explore, they will be accompanied by the Amuki, the virtual inhabitants of Wonderdal. They can only be seen and interacted with if you’re wearing a special magical bracelet – and they love to pop up unexpectedly from their secret corners.
Good to know Each session lasts one or two hours, so parents are free to go and enjoy Hazendal Wine Estate’s other attractions while the kids play.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm (Monday in school holidays)
Cost One hour: R85 (weekdays); R140 (Friday – Sunday + holidays)
Two hours: R125 (weekdays); R190 (Friday – Sunday + holidays)
R40 (compulsory safety socks, reusable for future visits)
Contact 021 205 5624, bookings@wonderdal.co.za
Where to find it Hazendal Wine Estate, 60 Bottelary Road (M23), Stellenbosch
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Free-wheelin’ at Polkadraai
Polkadraai Farm is famous for its strawberries, but it also has another attraction: a family-friendly bike park with a picnic area and food court run by Burger Brothers (where you’ll also find waffles, milkshakes and good coffee). There are trails for all levels of rider, including a pump track for younger bikers, a kiddies track (under 8 years) and beginner’s skills trail. There is also access to the 130km of Bottelary Hills trails. Come here to ride through pristine fynbos, vineyards and countryside, then relax with a meal and explore the rest of the farm’s attractions.
Good to know Catch the Polkadraai Express tractor-train for a ride around the strawberry fields, have a game of mini-golf, jump on the pedal-karts or enjoy a pony ride. Strawberry picking is September – January.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 4pm
Cost R70 (day pass)
R100 (bike park + Bottelary Hills)
Contact 021 881 3303, bikepark@polkadraaifarm.co.za
Where to find it Polkadraai Road (M12), Stellenbosch
Be creative at the Tree House at Boschenda
The Tree House playground at Boschendal is probably the best and biggest “jungle gym” in the Cape, with acorn hideouts, slides, walkways, platforms, mushroom pods and pyramids. A daily edutainment programme for kids (aged 3 – 12) lets them get their hands dirty and have good old-fashioned fun in a nurturing environment while you enjoy the rest of what the farm has to offer. The programme includes animal hour, garden hour, arts & crafts, music and movement, as well as play sessions where they’re free to explore the various interactive elements designed to spark their curiosity and creativity. Lunch hour sees them become mini chefs and make their own pizzas or burgers to eat (there’s dessert as well). Book them in for just an hour, or for longer sessions (up to 7 hours).
Good to know Look out for the special Tree House Holiday Programme over school holidays. Activities include pony rides, nature crafts, drumming and slip ’n slide sessions. Booking is essential with only 20 slots available per day.
There’s also a MTB pump track next to the Tree House playground in the main werf area that is open to all visitors (BYO bike).
Opening times Tree House Programme: Daily, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost One hour: R90; lunch hour: R190; full day: R710 (includes lunch)
Tree House Holiday Programme: from R330 for a three-hour afternoon programme to R800 for a full day.
Contact 021 870 4273, reservations@boschendal.co.za
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, R310/Pniel Road, Franschhoek
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Whiz through a wine farm with Scootours
Hop on a stable, nonmotorised Monster Mountain scooter and experience the Winelands differently – downhill, with the wind in your hair. The eco-friendly, nonmotorised scooters are a unique way of traversing the dirt paths, vineyards and slopes of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The scooters are easy to control, and your children will be handling them under the watch of professional guides. Head to Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek or Banhoek Chilli Oil Company on the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch for tons of freewheeling fun.
Good to know Children 10 years and older can drive their own scooter; younger children (from 4 years old) can ride as a passenger with an adult.
Opening times Chamonix: Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 2.30pm
Banhoek: Monday – Saturday, 8am – 3.30pm
Cost Chamonix: R820 (adult); R385 (child) Book Now
Banhoek: R640 (adult); R250 (child) Book Now
Where to find it Chamonix: 40 Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
Banhoek Chilli Oil Company: Swart Street, off R310, Kylemore, Stellenbosch
Enter a magical garden at Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren’s magnificent food garden is world-famous and the sophisticated farm offerings are a drawcard, but it offers endless fun for children too. A gigantic garden to explore and a working farmyard with roaming turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens and tortoises, and donkeys they can feed, plus riverside walks, giant bird’s nests to crawl in to, a greenhouse that serves tasty scones, an ice-lolly van, a sweets and treats shop (plus gelato) and Old Bullfrog, a water feature with a splash spiral and water spouts.
Good to know The new Soetmelksvlei section of the farm (visited on a prebooked tour) offers a fascinating peek at life in the late 19th century, with craftspeople going about their chores (milling, milking, carpentry, metal forging etc). There’s also an indoor playhouse in the old cellar, lots of farm animals, ox-wagon rides and a restaurant.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Soetmelksvlei: Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm (shuttles leave every half hour, from 8.30am – 1pm)
Cost R150 (adult); children under 18 free.
Soetmelksvlei: R350 (adult); R100 (child 4 – 17 years)
Contact 021 863 3852, enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Where to find it Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Simondium, near Paarl
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Energetic play at Bosjes
While adults will be impressed by the floating chapel and designer gardens, children will appreciate them on a different level. Three play areas offer a series of spaces, specially designed for different age groups. Sand and waterplay will interest the little ones, while the Boombrug with its elevated canopy walk with ziplines, climbing nets and slides is suitable for the more energetic. Beyond the gardens there’s a working farm to explore, and wilder spaces on hiking trails where your family might encounter a giraffe or springbok. There are two restaurants, too – with kids in tow, the Spens (“pantry”) has casual café-style country food, farm picnic platters, milkshakes, lawns and a playground right beside it.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Cost Free entry
Contact 023 004 0496, hello@bosjes.co.za
Where to find it Off the R43, between Worcester and Breerivier
Chill out at the Blaauwklippen Family Market
This historic Stellenbosch wine farm’s weekend market is a must-visit. Kids (and adults) can be introduced to a world of interesting flavours – from Dutch kroketten and Asian dumplings to Greek gyros and bratwurst – plus there are ice creams and pastries. Pedal-karts, a jumping castle, pony rides, farm animals (goats, alpacas etc) and a jungle-gym playground will keep kids entertained while you browse the clothing, accessory and artisanal produce stalls.
Good to know The Specialized Experience Centre for mountain-biking is based at Blaauwklippen; it has a fantastic children’s play area with a pump track, bikes to rent and a massive jungle gym. Skateboarders are also welcome.
Opening times Market: Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Bike Park + Play Park: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Cost Free entry
Bike Park: R85 (weekends + holidays); free weekdays
Contact 021 880 0133, info@blaauwklippen.com
Where to find it Strand Road (R44), Stellenbosch
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Catch the steam train to Elgin
Few things are more evocative than a steam-train ride… Ceres Rail’s grand old locomotives make a full-day round trip to Elgin in the Overberg on weekends, departing from the city and travelling up and over Sir Lowry’s Pass (one of the steepest rail lines in South Africa). Enjoy breathtaking mountain and ocean scenery, and views of fynbos-covered hills, farmlands and orchards. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board. The destination is the steampunk-style Elgin Railway Market, where live music and street-food stalls create a fun day out, and kids can let off a little steam of their own in the play area.
Good to know There are two bar areas serving cocktails, beer, bubbly and wine; the Bar Lounge car is for adults only.
Opening times Most Saturdays, selected Sundays + public holidays, 7.30am – 6.30pm
Cost R675 (adult); R540 (pensioner); R500 (child); kids under 3 free Book Now
R899 (lounge car seat) Book Now
R975 (observation car seat – selected dates only) Book Now
Family Coupé: R1 775 (two adults + 2 children) Book Now
Family Compartment: R3 350 (seats six adults maximum) Book Now
Where to find it AC Marriott Hotel platform, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town
Family fun at Spice Route Destination
Spice Route Destination’s delightful village setup is a wonderful daytrip for the whole family. Start with the “Spies Route” scavenger hunt clue-solving game that explores the whole property. Then youngsters can play in two big playgrounds, or access the Paarl Trails network (with plenty of accessible tracks for beginners) on their mountain bikes. Wilderer’s Kids Adventure includes paint-your-own cookies, colouring in, a juice tasting and pizza, while the grownups can enjoy various drinks pairings and tastings, and browse the artisanal shops. Come together again for lunch at La Grapperia or Pizza & Bistro – and don’t forget to pop in at The Chocolate Room by Beyers for treats and ice cream.
Good to know The Spies Route game takes 45 minutes, and is most suited to older kids (age 12 up) or with adult supervision for younger ones.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 4pm
Cost R80 (Spies Route game)
R200 (Wilderer Kids Adventure)
R80 – R100 (Paarl Trails permit)
Adult passport: R315 (five tastings)
Contact 021 863 5200, info@spiceroute.co.za
Where to find it Suid Agter Paarl Road, Paarl
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A hive of activity at Spier Wine Estate
With a peaceful river where ducks paddle, lush lawns and a wonderful Elemental Play Garden, this family-friendly wine farm has a host of activities that children will love (including their own grape-juice tasting). From a Mosaic Kraal, outdoor sculptures and craft market (with hour-long kids’ workshops) to a vineyard Segway tour (age 10 or older), it’s nonstop fun. Stop by the Picknickery for alfresco fare (if you want a ready prepared picnic basket order 24 hours in advance) or enjoy a hearty country lunch at Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Segway tours: Tuesday – Sunday + public holidays, 9am – 3.30pm
Cost Segway: R499 (one hour); R420 (early bird at 9am) Book Now
Kids grape-juice tasting: R50
Picnic baskets: R395 per person; R180 per child (under 12 years)
Contact 021 809 1100, info@spier.co.za
021 809 1157, spier@segwaytours.co.za
Where to find it Baden Powell Drive (R310), Stellenbosch
Meet wildlife at Giraffe House
No, they (thankfully) don’t live in a house. This wildlife awareness centre in Stellenbosch is a farm that’s home to magnificent giraffes as well as zebras, warthogs, jackals, bat-eared foxes, meerkats, ostriches and other birds, antelope and crocodiles (plus the usual gaggle of farmyard friends). The animals are kept in different camps, and visitors can follow the pathways between them to view the animals at their own pace. The on-site shop, Bananafontein, sells refreshments (and funky T-shirts). You are welcome to bring a picnic basket.
Good to know One-on-one giraffe interaction experiences must be pre-booked. Farmyard feeding sessions are available on weekends and in school holidays.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost R55 (children 2 – 15 years)
R85 (adults); R60 (pensioners)
Giraffe experience: R650 (5 – 17 years); R950 (adults)
Contact 073 609 2670, giraffehouse@gmail.com
Where to find it Corner of R101 and R304, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Walk on the wild side at Le Bonheur Reptiles & Adventures
This scenic farm offers the double attraction of reptiles and fishing. Informative tours of the Nile crocodile ponds run every 45 minutes (including an underwater viewing cabin). The snake exhibition is just as thrilling (plus you’ll also encounter chameleons, tortoises and more). Then spend the day angling for tilapia and bass (catch-and-release) – bring your own gear or rent it on site. There are also rowing boats to use on the dam (thankfully far removed from the croc ponds!), croquet lawns, braai and picnic areas and a pizza restaurant.
Good to know The Snake Show, where a handler supervises close-up encounters, is on Saturdays and Sundays at 12.10pm.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost Snake show only: R84 (adults); R74 (child under 18 years)
Croc pond + snake exhibit entry: R115 (adults); R75 (children)
Croc pond + snake show: R160 (adults); R120 (children)
Contact 021 863 1142, info@lebonheuradventures.co.za
Where to find it Babylonstoren Road, off the R45, Simondium, near Paarl
Quirky encounters at The Alpaca Loom
While they may look like a mix between a giraffe, goat and poodle, alpacas are actually South American relatives of camels. On this farm near Paarl, you can walk with alpacas on a halter, feed them, visit the barn where they sleep and tour the weaving studio that produces alpaca-wool products on hand-looms. In addition, there are also angora goats, donkeys, sheep, camels and even a llama. At the coffee shop, you’ll have a front-row seat of the whole herd and views of Table Mountain as you enjoy coffee or tea, cakes, pies or quiche.
Good to know The alpaca walks are at 10am and 4pm, and alpaca barn tours every hour.
Opening times Daily, 9.30am – 5.30pm
Cost Petting zoo: R20; serving of feed: R30
Alpaca barn tour: R100 (adults), R70 (children, under 3 free)
Alpaca walk: R150 per person
Contact 084 793 3666, info@alpacas.co.za
Where to find it Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
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All aboard the Winelands Light Railway
Hop on board at Park Station, wait for the puffs of steam and whistles, then enjoy the seven-minute ride on a 760-metre stretch of track through a park that includes a bridge and a tunnel. The mini replica steam locomotives at Winelands Light Railway have all been lovingly hand-built by local enthusiasts, and truly are marvels to see up close. There’s also a playground, jungle gym, obstacle course and shady lawns (with balls and games supplied) in the seven-hectare park. Plus dogs are allowed, even on the train ride.
Good to know You can pack your own picnic (no alcohol or braais), or buy snacks and treats from the Tractor Shed. Train rides are weather dependent.
Opening times Saturday, Sunday + holidays: 9am – 4.30pm (last ride 4.15pm)
Note In the school holidays, electric trains run daily, with steam engines on weekends.
Cost R80 (one ride)
R130 (unlimited rides for the day)
Contact 060 586 5490, info@winelandsrail.co.za
Where to find it Winelands Light Railway Park, R304, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
Crazy creatures at Exotic Animal World
Exotic Animal World (previously Butterfly World) is a haven for beasties great and small, from lemurs, meerkats, ferrets, chinchillas and pygmy hedgehogs to spiders, snakes, iguanas and a porcupine, as well as colourful birds, a creepy crawly house and a freshwater aquarium that holds piranhas and more. All of the animals are former pets, donated or confiscated and handed over to the sanctuary’s care. The sanctuary is mostly an enclosed tropical garden, so it’s good for rainy days too.
Good to know There’s an on-site restaurant, Café Lemur, for refreshments and treats. Live animal demos are held on weekends and holidays at 11am and 2pm.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost R88 (adults)
R49 (children; free for under 3 years)
R79 (students + pensioners)
R225 (two adults + two children)
Contact 060 646 1048, info@exoticanimalworld.co.za
Where to find it R44, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
A country day out at Rhebokskloof
To explore the stunning scenery of the Winelands, head to Rheboksloof, on the northern slopes of Paarl Mountain. It has 5km or 10km walking/hiking trails suited to families (dogs on a leash are welcome) that lead to the best viewpoints on the farm. Arrive early and enjoy breakfast afterwards; stay for lunch at the relaxed restaurant-pizzeria or pick up a picnic basket – there’s lots of space for kids to play on the lawns, as well as a jungle gym and jumping castle.
Good to know There are also excellent mountain-biking trails, including a 3km route suitable for children (with bike rental available).
Opening times Daily, 8am – 5pm
Trails open from 7am
Cost Trail permit: R80 (child); R100 (adult)
Contact 021 869 8386, info@rhebokskloof.co.za
Trails: 076 022 5141
Where to find it Off Noord-Agter-Paarl Road, Windmeul, Paarl
Go on a game drive at Villiera
This Stellenbosch wine farm known for its bubbly is also home to a 230-hectare wildlife sanctuary (a project undertaken with two neighbouring farms). With more than 100 000 indigenous trees planted, 12 dams (so plenty of waterbirds) and animals such as wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and springbok, it’s a wonderful first taste of safari life for young nature-lovers. The game drives allow children (which is not always the case) and last about two hours.
Good to know For adults, the experience includes a complimentary tasting on the oak-shaded terrace at The Wine Sanctuary. Booking is essential.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday + public holidays, 9am – 3pm
Game drives: 10am + 2pm
Cost R370 (adult)
R180 (child under 15 years)
Contact 021 865 2002, wine@villiera.com
Where to find it Kraaifontein Road (R101), off the R304, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
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Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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