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Winter doesn't have to be gloomy and boring. There is lots to do! Here are a few idea of fun activities for the whole family that will get you out and about (and away from behind a screen).
1. Join a workshop
There are loads of different workshops for kids ranging from arts and crafts to educational and play workshops. Arty Tots Workshops are offered nationwide and encourage sensory play and fine motor activities - the workshops provide a variety of creative activities and help parents and children to have special bonding time with each other.
2. Indoor Play Centre
What child doesn't love a huge jungle gym? There are many different play centres around South Africa that cater for young children and toddlers. Most offer a café or coffee shop for mom and dad to enjoy a cuppa and chat while keeping an eye on the kids.
Jimmy Jungles has been around for ages and can be found in Cape Town, Greenstone and Umhlanaga. Yeesh! Fun For Kids is an upmarket indoor play centre located in Woodmead and was designed by Dr Sandy Gilchrist, a qualified child psychologist and mother of three. If you're in Cape Town you may also like to visit The Playshed which is located within the Oude Molen Eco Village and boasts a huge climbing gym and separate play area for toddlers.
3. Visit an INTERESTING museum
Museums don't have to be boring! There are plenty of fun and interactive museums for kids of all ages to enjoy. Shows at the Planetarium are a hit with both younger and older children, and they usually offer a variety of shows tailored to different ages . You'll find Planetariums in Joburg and Cape Town - both are situated in great venues and have great shows on offer. Other interesting museums include the Play Africa Children's Museum which is located in Parktown which is a place where children can come together to play, learn and dream. Every exhibit here is made for kids to explore, touch, move and manipulate. The South African Museum, set at the top of the Company's Gardens in Cape Town's city centre, houses over half a million specimens of scientific importance, which includes fossils that are almost 700 million years old. It is a place of wonder and exploration and the kids will absolutely love all the exhibits. Also in the Cape Town, the wonderfully interactive Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory provides hours of fun and learning.
4. Watch a live show or go to the theatre
The Barnyard Theatre is located nationwide and run many live musical shows, for kids as well as adults. If you're in Cape Town the Artscape and Baxter Theatres will without a doubt have something running for the kids that they'll thoroughly enjoy. Or, for something even 'cooler' why not take in one of the Disney on Ice extravaganzas, which you can see at the Grandwest Arena in Cape Town or at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg.
5. Play a few games at the arcade
Relive your childhood and have some fun at an arcade. The Magic Company offers arcade games, ten pin bowling, go-karts, kiddie's rides as well as a lazer zone and an awesome prize shop. Find them in casinos nationwide.
6. Have fun on the ice
You're already dressed all warm and snuggly, so why not go to the ice-rink and let the kids have a blast. Try the Ice Station at Grandwest if you're in Cape Town. In Gauteng you'll find ice-rinks in Northriding, Kempton Park and Montana Park. In KwaZulu-Natal you'll find an ice-rink in Amanzimtoti and North Beach in Durban.
7. Treat your daughter to a spa day
Many spas are now offering special treatments for kids and teens.
One of these are the Mangwanani Spa's, located nationwide, which offers an authentic and natural African experience. Spa Afrique which is located in Northcliff also offers kiddie/teen treatments. In Cape Town visit the Gingko Spa at Steenberg Hotel in Constantia and Winchester Mansions in Sea Point for special teen treatments.
8. Let the kids cook
Take up fun cooking classes with the Little Cooks Club, Tots n Pots or D'Vine Food and Dine Cooking.
9. Experience snow
Visit the Avalanche Indoor Ski Slopes in Johannesburg, or the Afri Ski Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, and if the weather is right take a drive to one of these spots: Long Tom Pass in Mpumalanga, Tiffindell in the Eastern Cape, Golden Gate Highland National Park in the Freestate, Cathedral Peak in the Drakensberg and Matroosberg in the Western Cape. Just remember to be prepared!
10. Take a train ride
Get a glimpse of a bygone era of a train trip. Enjoy a day trip on the Magaliesberg Express or join Friends of The Rail on a trip from Pretoria to Cullinan. Atlantic Rail offers lovely day trips around the Cape Peninsula on board their steam train. In KwaZulu-Natal, the Umgeni Steam Railway operates between Kloof and Inchanga. Or stay on the luxurious Blue Train which operates between Pretoria and Cape Town as well as Pretoria and Durban.
11. Volunteer
We live in a country where so many people are in desperate need, especially during the cold winter months. What better way to teach your kids to give back to their community than to actually physically get involved alongside them. Join a charity programme for a few days, or weeks, or volunteer at a local soup kitchen, shelter or animal centre.
