5 fun destinations for you and the kids this festive season

December is here and the festive season will soon be in full swing. Tired of having to mull over how to reconnect and keep the kids entertained in the holidays?

Our guide to the best entertainment options in and around Cape Town is here to help. Soon you’ll be out and about, exploring and creating holiday memories together.

1. Enjoy a picnic in the Norval Foundation sculpture gardens

Kids on The Oversized Upside-Down Giant by artist Angus Taylor at Norval Foundation in Cape Town | Image: Supplied

Why it’s fun: Just a quick 20-minute drive out of Cape Town, you can plan your picnic outing in the lush sculpture gardens next to Norval Foundation and the price of the picnic includes admission to the museum’s gallery spaces.

With striking mountain and vineyard vistas, the gardens are contained, safe for kids and home to impressive sculptures, some of which kids can actually climb around on – like The Oversized Upside-Down Giant by artist Angus Taylor.

Norval Foundation also offers a range of crafty children’s workshops which could coincide perfectly with your picnic.

Expect to find baskets brimming with fresh local and seasonal produce in keeping with the Skotnes’ philosophy of supporting local small-batch food suppliers. Baskets also include a range of desserts made by the in-house pastry chef.

Good to know: Norval Foundation only takes five picnic bookings a day, so expect lots of privacy, no crowds and a tastefully curated offering prepared by the chefs at the Skotnes restaurant.

There are also special picnic bags at R95 that are packed especially for children, so everyone gets their own picnic basket. Picnics start at R295 per adult. Pre-ordering is essential on the website or email bookings@theskotnes.com

2. Festive cheer at the Moët & Chandon Golden Tree at The Silo District, V&A Waterfront

Why it’s fun: The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree is a true symbol of celebration. Every single bottle of Moët & Chandon used to build this magnificent Tree represents a #moetmoment that was shared and celebrated in South Africa.

Built with over 2,000 recycled champagne bottles collected from all over the country, the Golden Tree represents memorable moments between friends and families; the opening of the festive season; and the start of what we hope will be an incredible new decade.

The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree at The Silo District in Cape Town | Image: Supplied

The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree is a sight to behold, wrapped in a shimmering gold ribbon and created using over 2,000 discs.

Good to know: The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree is located in front of Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront Silo District until January 6, so you have plenty of time to visit.

3. Hop onto a Kaskazi Kayaks in Mouille Point

Why it’s fun: Sea kayaking is an exciting adventure activity that allows you to see dolphins, sunfish, whales, seals, and penguins at close range. The view of Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles is unforgettable.

Uninterrupted views of the spectacular mountain range and the sea breeze will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Both you and the kids are guaranteed to love this journey.

Good to know: Because everyone wears a buoyancy aid and there are two people per kayak, you can pair a child with an adult. Children from around the age of six years can kayak with Kaskazi. Depending on the child, and on special request, younger children can also participate.

4. All aboard the Atlantic Rail Steam Train at Cape Town station

Why it’s fun: If you want to add that extra element of adventure to your next day out, you can do a lot worse than the Atlantic Rail Steam Train. This vintage steam locomotive offers day trips from Cape Town to Simon’s Town on most Sundays, with trips to Spier and Vredenheim in the Stellenbosch Winelands also available depending on demand.

Hop on this old iron horse at 10.30am in Cape Town, take the slow scenic route along the Peninsula and then spend the day meandering through Simon’s Town.

The Atlantic Rail Steam Train at Cape Town station | Image: Supplied

The train departs Simon’s Town for Cape Town at 3.15pm. Passengers can also disembark at Kalk Bay. Booking is essential.

Stellenbosch Option: (Includes only your return steam train journey to Stellenbosch) – R300 for adults and R200 for kids.

Spier wine Farm Option: (Includes your return steam train journey to Spier Wine Farm, as well as wine tasting (grape juice for children), animal experience at Eagle Encounters and lunch at Eight Restaurant (Three meals to choose from, beverages not included) – R500 for adults and R400 for kids. Book at info@atlanticrail.co.za Visit: www.atlanticrail.co.za

5. Branch out at Acrobranch in Constantia

Why it’s fun: Acrobranching gives you and the kids the chance to safely climb and swing through the treetops. This is another fantastic holiday activity if the weather decides to play along.

Good to know: The Acrobranch park in Constantia consists of three courses, each one equipped with zip lines, swing bridges, and Tarzan swings. The courses are family-friendly and safe for children as young as three years of age.

The “Yellow Course” is for children ages three and up while the “Green Course” is for children seven years and older.

The “Blue Course” includes the other two courses and is for older acrobranchers. The cost is R100 to R180 per person depending on the course. To book, contact 021 201 1121 or visit acrobranch.co.za

(Compiled by Kaunda Selisho)

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.