Keeping kids entertained is a difficult job, especially during the holidays. There are few things as wholesome as kids getting up close and personal with Mother Nature’s majestic, weird and hilarious creatures.
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Here are five picks for the best animal encounters for kids in Cape Town:
1. Imhoff Farm
There’s plenty for the kids to do, from camel or horse rides on the beach to visiting the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard, where they can feed rabbits, goats and ponies. After that, there’s the Imhoff Snake Park, a reptile sanctuary that’s a hit with the curious and courageous kids.
- Location: Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie
2. The Duck Parade at Vergenoegd Wine Estate
Have your kids ever seen over 1,000 ducks going for a morning jog? The Duck Parade takes place at Vergenoegd Wine Estate daily at 10.30am, 12.30am and 15.30am, so go for breakfast or lunch at one of the estate’s excellent restaurants and let your kids roam the rolling lawns.
- Location: 1 Faure Village Road, Stellenbosch Farms
3. World of Birds
Have a walk-through tour with kids, viewing over 400 different species such as squirrel monkeys, parrots, meerkats, baboons and some truly rare animals you may have never seen before. This is an experience that gives children the opportunity to get close with nature.
- Location: Valley Road, Hout Bay
4. Stodels Nursery
Although Stodels is actually a plant nursery, it offers far more. Children are able to view and feed the ponies, bearded goats, llamas, rabbits and marmosets. There is also a small duck pond with double gates, allowing visitors to go inside and visit the feathery friends.
After a visit to see the animals, children can play at the extensive kids’ playground equipped with a jungle gym, trampolines and jumping castles, while parents sip on a cup of coffee at the outside coffee shop.
- Location: Eversdal Road, Bellville
5. Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of Cape Town’s most popular attractions for kids. Featuring over 3,000 marine animals, the Aquarium offers edutainment at its finest, giving kids the opportunity to learn about the rich biodiversity in our oceans while having an absolute blast. The Nemo display is a particularly big hit.
- Location: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
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Picture: Imhoff Farm/Facebook
