Need some fun ideas on what to do during the school and Easter holidays? Quality time with the family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. No matter where you’re spending the holidays, every city has something fun, active and educational to offer.
We’ve got you covered Fish Lovers! Just browse through some of these budget-friendly activities below.
TOY CLEAN OUT
Take a day or two during the holidays to declutter and get organised. Collect all those unwanted toys, and those that your children have outgrown along the way, and donate them to a children’s home of your choice. Allow the kids to get involved and help you out. This will teach them the art of giving back and being generous, especially to those less fortunate.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Why not let the kids choose how they would like to give back to the community? Are they passionate about the environment? Arrange for a litter clean up on the beach or at your local park. Do they love animals? Get the older ones to volunteer at the local SPCA.
SCENIC HIKES
There are so many beautiful hiking routes to explore in your city with scenic views. Plus, they’re free! Grab some snacks and water and get moving!
MUSEUMS
Use this free time during the holidays to take the family to your local museum and learn about the Earth and its history. Entrance fees are generally low.
CITY TOURS
There’s no better way to get to know your country than to become a tourist in it! There are plenty of walking tours to choose from in your city with experienced guides. Find the one that’s most suitable for you and the family.
JOHANNESBURG
HONEYDEW MAZES
Who doesn’t love a good maze to get lost in? You and your team will have to make your way back to reality by answering a quiz. Have a picnic afterwards to celebrate… if you get out. There are also games and puzzles in the courtyard area if you’re not up for the maze. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and carry a hat for this one.
SCI-BONO DISCOVERY CENTRE
This is a must for science lovers! Situated in Newtown, it boasts 350 interactive maths, science and technology exhibits and is the largest and most visited science centre in Southern Africa. Visit their website to learn more about current activities and events that your kids will enjoy.
PEOPLE’S THEATRE
Introduce your family to the magical world of theatre at the People’s Theatre, situated in the Joburg Theatre Complex. Visit their website to view their productions. They currently have Disney’s classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’ running. Your family will really be inspired and enchanted by this gem!
BOUNCEINC
Get the family off the couch and visit this massive indoor trampoline park for some serious fun! A trip to Bounceinc makes for a full body workout. Choose from a variety of different activities and trampolines. There’s also a free-jump arena. Be sure to book your session on their website and get bouncing!
CROCODILE & REPTILE PARK
Enjoy guided tours featuring reptile interaction, venomous snake shows, crocodile feeding… or get up close and personal with a tarantula! Heard of the Croc City FlyOver? It’s a Zipline that’s five meters above the ground over the crocodiles! Something for only the brave at heart!
DURBAN
MINITOWN
A family trip to Minitown is a must. Situated right on the beach front, experience and appreciate all the detail that Minitown has to offer with its mini replica of beautiful Durban. There are mini trains, aeroplanes, and iconic landmarks of the city. Your little ones will be amazed!
BIKE & BEAN
Make the most of Durban’s beautiful weather by going on a scenic bike ride. Bike & Bean offers a range of bike hire for the whole family. After enjoying some exercise, you can chill for a nice cuppa and snack at their café, while taking in the stunning view. Or, relax and cool off at the beach with some ice cream.
SHARKS BOARD
Ever been to the Sharks Board in Umhlanga? Now’s the perfect time to take the family there. Enjoy a dynamic audiovisual presentation that the older kids will find insightful. It covers topics such as the sensory biology of sharks and their role as predators. There are also shark dissections for those that want to get up close and personal. Check out the show days and times on the Sharks Board website.
DURBAN BOTANIC GARDENS
Visit Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens in Musgrave. You will never get tired of the beautiful flora and fauna! It makes for a tranquil and scenic place for a family picnic. Remember to pack some of your family’s favourite finger foods to snack on, like Sea Harvest fish cakes, nuggets or fish fingers! Yummy! Get lost admiring the indigenous and exotic trees, not forgetting the variety of pretty flowers. You don’t want to forget your camera on this trip.
CAPE TOWN
THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE
This Cape Town landmark, the oldest surviving building in South Africa, was built between 1666 and 1679. Teens may enjoy a trip to this 17th-century castle. There are guided tours as well as an art and a military museum you can explore. You may even see a blacksmith in action, and a cannon firing display! Grab a map and get exploring.
IMHOFF FARM
There’s a wealth of activities your family will enjoy at the Imhoff Farm – like paintball, camel and horse rides, getting lost in the Milkwood Maze or visiting the Higgedly Piggedly Farmyard. Parents, you can also enjoy their 4×4 track! Don’t forget to visit the snake park and learn how to identify different snakes. There’s also a snake show every Sunday if you’re feeling brave!
THE CLAY CAFÉ
Let the kids get messy at The Clay Café in a stunning setting at Hout Bay. Choose from a variety of bisque items (already made pottery pieces), then choose your tools and colours and paint away. Have it fired and glazed, then take it home. How fun?
THE ICE STATION
Want a chilled day? How about some family ice skating at The Grand West Casino? The coolest place in town!
THE SCRATCH PATCH
“Scratch” for your favourite tumble-polished gemstones from thousands of polished stones at the Scratch Patch! There’s an outlet in Simon’s Town and at the V&A Waterfront. See a variety of gemstones such as Tiger’s Eye, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Jasper, Agates and Crystals. Feeling lucky? You may even discover an exotic stone! Whatever’s in your bag you can take home.
What are your plans for the holidays, Fish Lovers? Fill us in!