The Two Oceans Aquarium This world class aquarium offers more than 3000 animals in 9 galleries, including a Kelp Forest Exhibition and a Shark Tank, both of which offer opportunities for qualified divers. There is also a Children’s Activity Centre for the younger ones, and occasionally the opportunity for a sleep over in front of the shark tank. See Main Events page for details. Venue: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront Time: Every day 9.30am - 6pm, Shark feeding at 3pm on Sundays, Predator feeding at 3pm Daily, Penguin feeding at 11.45am & 2.30pm Daily Cost: Adults R 94, children 14 - 17yrs R 73, children 4 - 13yrs R 45, U4's Free, annual membership: Adults R 210, Children 14 - 17yrs R 160, Children 4 - 13yrs R 100, U4's FreeTel: 021 418 3823www.aquarium.co.za
GRAND WEST ENTERTAINMENT WORLD Not just slot machines and black-jack and roulette tables, but also indoor mini-golf, outdoor go-carting, an ice-skating rink and cinemas. Venue: Grand West Entertainment World, 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood [see map] Time: 24 hours Cost: freeTel: 021 505 7777 http://www.suninternational.com/Destinations/Casinos/Grandwest/Pages/newDefault.aspx
Scratch Patch Mineral World South Africa is the gemstone capital of the world with almost half the world’s precious stones found here. At the Scratch Patch thousands of polished gemstones cover the floor and visitors are invited to sift through to find their favourites. The Simon’s Town branch houses one of the world’s largest gemstone factories where stones are tumble-polished and crafted into many varied products. Venue: Simon's Town (follow signs) or V&A Waterfront Time: Simon’s Town: Mon – Fri @ 8.30 – 4.45 pm, Sat, Sun & public holidays @ 9am – 5.30pm, V&A Waterfront: 9am - 6pm daily Cost: R 14 - R 85Tel: 021 786 2020 or 021 419 9429 www.scratchpatch.co.za
MTN Science Centre More than 300 interactive displays from puzzles to space suits to a Camera Obscura and Whispering dishes. Kids can be left while adults go shopping. There is also a good science-based shop next door. Venue: Sable Road, Canal Walk Time: Sun - Thurs @ 9am - 6pm, Fri & Sat @ 9am - 9pm Cost: R 22 - R 28 Tel: 021 529 8100www.mtnsciencentre.org.za
Butterfly World The largest free-flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa. An enclosed garden offers a spectacular array of colourful butterflies which flit around visitors. Refreshments and light meals are available from the Schmetterling restaurant. Venue: Route 44, Klapmuts (just off the N1 on the wine route between Paarl and Franschhoek) Time: 9am – 5pm daily (except Christmas Day) Cost: Adults, R39, Children R 22, Children U3's Free, Families R 100 (2 adults,2 children) Tel: 021 875 5628 www.butterflyworld.co.za
World of Birds The largest bird park in Africa with over 3000 birds including numerous birds of prey, as well as reptiles and monkeys. Walk-through aviaries offer the chance for close-up encounters with a variety of birds and animals. Venue: Valley Road, Hout Bay Time: Every Day 9am - 5pm Cost: Adults R 65, Children R 39, U3's FreeTel: 021 790 2730www.worldofbirds.org.za
Monkey Town A sanctuary for 25 exotic monkey species from all over the world. Guided tours, feeding-time talks, touch farm yard, play-park and restaurant. There is also interaction with tame monkeys under guided supervision. Venue: Mondeor Road, Somerset West (Turn off from N2) Time: Every Day 9am - 5pm Cost: Adults R 70, children 13 - 17yrs R 50, children 3 - 12yrs R 30, children U3 R 10Tel: 021 858 1060 www.monkeys.co.za
Imhoff's Farm A creative, bohemian farm with cafes, a restaurant with lawns overlooking the sea and mountains, craft shops and lots of animals and a snake park. Horse riding along Noordhoek beach is also based here, as well as the chance to ride camels! Offering a range of interests from horse riding and camel riding along the scenic Noordhoek beach. Venue: Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie Time: Every Day 9am - 5pm Cost: FreeTel: 021 783 5828 or 082 774 1191 www.imhofffarm.co.za
Seal Island A fun cruise from either Simon's Town or Hout Bay harbours to one of two seal colonies. As one of the main sources of food for Great White Sharks, there is also the opportunity of seeing Jaws! Venue: boats leave from Hout Bay and Simon's Town marinas Times: Regular trips every day Cost: Adults R 250, Children < 12 R 150Tel: 083 257 7760 (Simon's Town) or 082 658 7055 (Hout Bay)www.boatcompany.co.za (Simon's Town)
Cape Town Planetarium Housed in the SA Museum building, the Cape Town Planetarium transports the audience through the wonders of the universe. Inside the domed auditorium, the night sky is recreated, so whatever the weather outside, inside the sky is always clear. The audience is treated to an extraordinary audio-visual experience. Venue: South African Museum, top of Company's Gardens / 25 Queen Victoria St [see map] Times: Every day at various times Cost: Adults R 20, Children R 6Tel: 021 481 3900www.iziko.org.za/planetarium/index.html
Ratanga Junction This theme park, only ten minutes out of the city centre, has plenty of rides from tea cups to rollercoasters. Venue: Sable Road, Century City Time: School holidays only, 10am - 5pm Cost: >1.3m tall R 132, <1.3m tall R 65 (once-off entry fee)Tel: 0861 200 300www.ratanga.co.za
Drakenstein Lion Park A rehabilitation and re-homing centre for lions which have been rescued from intolerable conditions.Venue: Old Paarl Road (R 101), Klapmuts Time: 9.30am – 5pm daily with feeding of the lions on Mon, Wed & Fri @ 4pm Cost: R 45 (adults), R 25 (children) Tel: 021 863 3290www.lionrescue.org.za
Tygerberg Zoo A home to lions, tigers, zebra, cheetah, chimpanzees and marmosets, this 24 hectare zoo features 61 mammal species, 160 bird species and 63 reptile species. There is a farmyard for younger children. Venue: Waarburgh Divisional Rd, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch Time: Mon - Sun, 9am - 7pm Cost: R 32 - R 48 Tel: 021 884 4494
Noordhoek Farm Village Craft tables, creative play and carnival games for children aged 3 – 7 alongside restaurants, shops and galleries. Venue: Noordhoek Farm Village, Cnr. Main Road & Village Lane, Noordhoek Time: Sats @ 10am - 12pm Cost: FreeTel: 021 789 2812noordhoekvillage.co.za
ARTJAMMING A hugely successful worldwide phenomenon, and an opportunity for kids (and parents too!) to express their creativity by creating a unique, full colour piece of art in a relaxed and creative environment. Artjammers (from age 5 +) are provided with a menu of canvasses, easels, non-toxic acrylic paints, brushes and tools. Venue: Wembley Square, Wembley St, Gardens Time: Thursday's @ 2.30pm - 4.30pm, Saturday's @ 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Cost: R 95 - R 500Tel: 021 462 1168 Email: info@artjamming.co.zawww.artjamming.co.za
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATURE RESERVE The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve forms part of the Cape Peninsula Park and is recognized globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora. Despite its harsh reputation among early navigators as the "Cape of Storms", the Cape of Good Hope is also a place of tranquility and alluring beauty, with lovely scenic and exploratory walks and pretty beaches. Time: Oct to March, 7am - 6pm, April to Sept, 7am - 5pm Cost: R 75, discount for children < 12Tel: 021 780 9207 Email: capepeninsula@parks-sa.co.zawww.cpnp.co.za
TEN PIN BOWLING A social game that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or skill. Video games and pool tables also available. Venue: Stadium on Main, Main Road, Claremont (Tel: 021 671 1893) N1 City, Goodwood (Tel: 021 595 2100) Tyger Valley Centre, Bellville (021 914 8217) Somerset Mall, Somerset West (Tel: 021 8508254) Time: Mon - Thurs @ 10am - midnight, Fri & Sat @ 9am - midnight, Sun @ 10am - 10pm Cost: R 40www.letsgobowling.co.za
Toddlers' Cooking Class A series of no stove classes for 2-6 year olds. Venue: On request Time: Mon: 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Tues & Sat @ 10am - 11am, Wed & Thurs @ 3pm - 4pm Cost: R 85 per lesson, Sat classes R 95 or 10 lessons for the term R 850. All payments must be made in advance.Tel: 083 659 5446 / 073 227 3404 Email: katherinem@littlecooksclub.co.za / lisab@littlecooksclub.co.zawww.littlecooksclub.co.za
THE BOOK LOUNGE Regularly voted one of the best book stores in the country, this unique corner shop with its down-to-earth staff and comfortable chairs encourages children to explore literature in a warm and fun environment. Saturday mornings feature readings from classic and contemporary favourites as well as themed events and activities. Venue: The Book Lounge, cnr Roeland & Buitenkant Sts Time: Mon - Fri @ 9am - 7.30pm, Sat @ 9.30am - 6.30pm, Sun @ 10am - 4pmTel: 021 462 2425 Email: booklounge@gmail.comwww.booklounge.co.za
THE RAINBOW PUPPET THEATRE The only permanent puppet theatre in South Africa hosts a permanent team of five puppeteers complemented by full stage lighting, live music and a collection of glove, rod and shadow puppets. Each month the threatre puts on a weekly performance of a well-known classic fairy tale. Venue: The Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia Time: Sats @ 10am & 11.15am Cost: R 20Tel: 021 783 2063
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL CIRCUS Trapeze acts, acrobatics, fire and contortion feats and more. Venue: South African National Circus School, 2 Willow Rd, Hartleyvale, Observatory Time: Fri @ 7pm, Sat @ 3pm & 7pm, Sun @ 11am Cost: R 40 - R 70Tel: 021 692 4287 / 073 2733538 Email: sacircus@mweb.co.za
