Winter holiday outings for your kids
The winter rains in South Africa are sporadic. Some days start off with thunder and lightening and end with sunshine or vice versa. Each province has a different rhythm and some can be quite extreme (Johannesburg) while others are mild (Cape Town). Winter in South Africa has a lot to offer and some of the coldest nights can give way to beautiful, bright and cool mornings.
With the schools breaking up for around three weeks in the winter season, school-going children need to find ways to keep themselves busy
While that sounds like a challenge there are lots of things to do. And, don’t discount the odd adventure in the cold outdoors to climb jungle gyms, ride a bike or build a treehouse. A pair of good boots and a raincoat means that your kids can easily head outdoors when the rain has subsided.
If you want to embrace the cold completely then have a look at neighbouring towns where there might be snowfall
Because South Africa isn’t known for having snow this is quite a novelty and especially to youngsters who haven’t travelled to snowy destinations overseas. For instance, in the Western Cape you can travel to Ceres or Matroosfontein where snowfall is reported every year. If you keep abreast of the weather reports then you’ll be able to plan a little day trip out to find the snow and you are likely to find many other families out and about doing the same.
Going to the movies is an obvious, fun family activity and some theatres now offer a fancy movie outing
The most luxurious cinema experience is now possible with Cine Prestige. Going to the movies can now be a lavish affair where you curl up into the most comfortable couches with a snack platter that offers treats aplenty. This is the home away from home experience but with all the bells and whistles of the cinema. This is the perfect type of winter outing especially if you happen to have pre-teens to entertain.
Education can be entertaining too especially if you head to museums and the like
All across South Africa you can find museums, art galleries, aquariums, planetariums and heritage spots that are well worth a visit. You’d be surprised at how intrigued and interested your kids might be in learning and seeing the history of the world, civilisation and our country. Younger kids will be suitably enthralled by the aquarium and planetarium while older kids will enjoy a visit to the museum and even art galleries. And, the whole family is bound to enjoy a trip to Cango Caves, up Table Mountain or to spot the Big Five in the Kruger Park.