Winter is here and with the seasonal change, a range of new ways to enjoy time with family these school holidays. With all of the busyness and overwhelm that takes place during the course of the year, holidays should be about rest, recuperation and quality time with those dearest to us. Affordability is key, too, so having fun these winter holidays shouldn’t break the bank.
Here are five affordable ways to spoil yourself and your family these school holidays:
Into nature:
Fetch your winter boots and water pails. South Africa has 19 national parks scattered across the country. In winter, the parks light up with beautiful seasonal vegetation like the pale yellow Freesia. The Freesia and other forms of indigenous fauna and flora are preserved and cared for in these conservation sites. Winter waterfalls scattered across our national parks make for great rainbow spotting sites on days where the sun shines in just the right way. For those keen to brave the cold outdoors and head into nature, SANParks offers greatly discounted rates for South African and African citizens and even greater discounts for kids.
Also read: Indoor activities that feel like outdoor ones in Cape Town
Soulful sojourns:
We all remember our first hotel buffet, where mum or dad taught us how to order eggs sunny side up or scrambled, and our eyes immediately ate more than our stomachs could. Enjoying a little bit of time away from home and its responsibilities means that parents have the time to reconnect and focus on soulful centering. Having fun with the kids and reconnecting with ourselves might have to include letting someone else take care of the cooking and cleaning for you for a few days. Radisson hotels across the country have discounted winter deals with up to 25% off stays and meals. These types of deals are available all across the country so shop around for one that suits your location and travel plans. And look out for winter menu specials, too. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, for example, is gearing up to launch a delectable food and wine pairing for these colder days.
Also read: 3 courses and a roaring fire: Tryn Restaurant in the winter
Adventure:
Acrobranch invites kids of all ages to overcome fears while darting through the air with a unique treetop obstacle adventure in a beautiful forest. There are five branches of Acrobranch in the country. You’ll find the Cape Town wing in the lush, green Constantia Nek Forest. There are multiple, expert-guised courses that cost between R150 and R190.
Also read: BRANCH OUT THIS SUMMER WITH ACROBRANCH
Educational fun:
One way to explore the ocean without getting wet is with a visit to the acclaimed Two Oceans Aquarium. Here you can get a glimpse of life under Cape Town’s oceans and an introduction to the fascinating creatures that live in it. You can meet giant sea turtles, a Nemo display of clownfish, and waddling penguins to name a few.
Visit the Touch Pool to get up close and personal with creatures and plants from the deep. This all-weather venue is an ideal destination for families to enjoy, and young and old will have the opportunity to explore below the waterline and discover an intriguing world usually hidden from sight. Children under three get in free!
Also read: Free activities in Cape Town that will have your wallet jumping for joy
Enjoy your own backyard:
If you have outdoor space in the form of a backyard, you can make the most of these school holidays. Get the children to make bird feeders and to top these up when they get low. This not only gets children outside, but also excited about doing their part for nature.
If your yard isn’t too child-friendly at the moment and in need of some TLC and a clean-up, you can enlist the help of SweepSouth’s outdoor services. With the help of SweepSouth and by using the gardening services booked through the app, you can have your yard ready for child-like adventures in no time. Alen Ribic, co-founder of SweepSouth, and dad of three, notes that even if your yard is small, you can make it a fun and enjoyable space for the whole family if you have the right type of help.
You could give your child vegetables and plants to start an outdoor garden and teach them how to tend to it over the holidays.
Also read: 5 indoor markets in Cape Town to visit this winter
Whether your kids are after a little adventure, learning or fun make sure to treat them to something that will make memories for years to come this winter.
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