Things To Do With Your Kids These School Holidays
The school holidays are here and while the kids may be excited, parents often scramble to keep them entertained. Fortunately, South Africa has plenty of family-friendly activities, both indoors and outdoors. So, to help you make the most of this school holiday, here are some top picks that will keep the kids busy and the parents happy.
1. Explore Nature at the Botanical Gardens
First, why not take your kids to one of South Africa’s beautiful botanical gardens? Head to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Johannesburg or the Durban Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you could explore another scenic spot nearby. Let the kids run free through the lush landscapes while you relax in nature’s beauty. With picnic areas for family lunches and backdrops often featuring mountains or waterfalls, it’s the perfect way to spend the school holidays outdoors. Plus, your children will have a chance to learn about South Africa’s diverse plant life.
2. Get Creative and Paint Pottery
If you’re looking for a more creative way to spend the school holidays, try pottery painting. Take your kids to the Clay Café in Cape Town, Color Café in Johannesburg, Create Wolwespruit in Pretoria or The Pottery with branches in different parts of the country. Here, they can choose a pottery piece and spend hours painting it with their favourite designs. Additionally, this hands-on activity lets them play with different colours and patterns, offering a calming way to express their artistic side. Furthermore, after firing, they can proudly take home their unique creations.
3. Bounce Off the Walls at a Trampoline Park
Meanwhile, if your kids have energy to burn, trampoline parks are a fantastic school holiday option. Visit Bounce Inc, Rush, Jump Street or Gravity for a day filled with fun. Your kids will love jumping, flipping and soaring across wall-to-wall trampolines. These parks are scattered across South Africa, making them convenient for everyone. They’re an ideal way for children to get active while having a blast.
4. Visit the Animals at a Game Park or Nature Reserve
For a truly adventurous school holiday, take your kids to one of South Africa’s game parks or nature reserves. Visit Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve near Johannesburg, where you can spot rhinos and lions. Alternatively, explore Cape Point Nature Reserve for a mix of wildlife and ocean views. Many of these reserves offer guided tours, picnic spots and kid-friendly activities, ensuring the entire family stays entertained. It’s also a great chance for your children to connect with nature and learn about conservation.
5. Sneak in an Educational but Fun Experience
Lastly, combine fun with learning this school holiday by visiting a science centre or museum. Take your kids to the Cape Town Science Centre for interactive exhibits like robot-building and physics experiments. Or, visit the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg for hands-on learning in math and space exploration. The kids will also have a blast at the Museum of Illusions Johannesburg, an edutainment space of note. If your kids enjoy history, consider taking them to a local museum where they can explore stories of the past. This mix of education and entertainment will keep their minds engaged throughout the holidays.
Ultimately, South Africa offers endless possibilities for keeping your kids entertained during the school holidays. Whether you’re exploring nature, diving into creative projects or bouncing off trampolines, there’s something for everyone. These activities will ensure your children have a fun-filled school holiday while creating lasting family memories.
