5 OF THE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY WINTER ACTIVITIES IN STELLENBOSCH

It’s nearing toward the end of the school winter holidays, and to avoid those agonising ‘I’m bored’ utterings from the kids, we have come up with 5 of the best family-friendly activities to keep them (and you)  entertained for hours on end in the lovely town of Stellenbosch.

TOY AND MINIATURE MUSEUM

Toys and miniature knickknackery are bound to enchant your kids, and at the Toy and Miniature Museum you can walk through rooms filled to the brim with antique dolls, dinky cars, cuddly toys and so much more. Afterwards head to the information bureau next door and even join a walking tour of the town.

OF NOTE
Where Toy Museum, Market Street, Stellenbosch
When Monday to Friday 9 am – 4 : 30 pm; Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm
Cost
Contact +27 21 882 8861, [email protected], stelmus.co.za

SCHOON DE COMPANJE

Show your kids that tasty food doesn’t have to come in the form of fizzy cool drinks and Simba chips by providing them with some fresh treats prepared by a host of local artisans. From baked goods and artisanal ice cream to fresh fruit juice, wine and cold beers for the adults – Schoon De Companje is a nice day out with the family and bound to sate both young and matured taste buds!

OF NOTE
Where Schoon De Companje, Cnr of Bird and Church Street, Stellenbosch
When Tuesdays to Fridays 7 am – 6pm, Saturdays 8 am – 6 pm, Sundays 8 am – 1 : 30 pm
Cost Varies
Contact +27 21 883 2187,[email protected],decompanje.co.za

LANZERAC WINE ESTATE

Head to stately Lanzerac for a wine tasting next to a roaring fire. The kids will enjoy the chocolate and grape juice tasting while adults can pair chocolate with the extensive and excellent Lanzerac wines. Afterwards head next door the the Deli for a scrumptious sandwich and heavenly bakes.

OF NOTE
Where Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
When Daily 11 am – 5 : 30 pm
Cost Varies
Contact +27 21 886 5641, lanzerac.co.za

EAGLE ENCOUNTERS AT SPIER 

Teaching your kids to nurture all types (not just the cuddly ones) of animals is an important life lesson. Eagle Encounters is a non-profit wildlife centre whose aim it is to educate the public on matters of rehabilitation, release and conservation of birds of prey as well as other kinds of injured, captured animals. They can interact with owls, eagles and even a rescued porcupine.

OF NOTE
Where Eagle Encounters, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
When See website for schedule
Cost R60 – R70 pp
Contact + 27 21 858 1826, eagleencounters.co.za

BISTRO 13

A seat by the fire is just the ticket on a winter’s night. While a sunny day is ideal to be on the verandah with kids playing on the jungle gym and enjoying the expansive lawns. Little ones can enjoy the munchkin menu with homemade delights such as fish and chips or pasta bolognaise, adults relish chef Nic van Wyk’s fare of seasonal, local ingredients expertly turned into stellar dishes. His risottos are creamy and delicious, on the night we visited it was pumpkin and sage, while chicken pie with truffle jus or steak fit the bill perfectly.

OF NOTE
Where Bistro 13, Welmoed Estate, Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
When Wednesday – Saturday 6 :30 pm – 10 pm
Cost See menu 
Contact  +27 21 881 3044,[email protected], bistro13.co.za  

Photography Lisa van Aswegen