School’s out, however briefly, and you’ve probably just hit that point when the novelty is wearing off and little voices are whining, ‘Mom, I’m bo-o-red.’ Before anyone starts climbing the walls, get out of the house and hit one of these fun activities.
Ratanga Junction
Our wildly fun theme park is open until Sunday, so grab the kids, some sunblock and the anti-nausea medication, and hit the rides. The park caters to kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens (and their parents). Play it safe with teacups and bumper cars or take the plunge on thrilling roller coasters, including The Slingshot and Monkey Falls. There’s also mini golf, a petting zoo and a snake park. Tickets are R172 for riders over 1.3m and R85 for riders under 1.3m.
Contact +27 21 550 8504, www.ratanga.co.za
African Penguin Awareness Day Waddle with Two Oceans Aquarium
It’s International African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday 11 October. Celebrate with the Two Oceans Aquarium by joining their Waterfront Waddle, a 5 km fun walk to the Mouille Point lighthouse and back. Wear your best black and white, grab the sunblock and a hat, and arrive at the aquarium at 8 am for face-painting and refreshments. The Waddle is from 9 to 10:30 am and is free.
Contact +27 21 814 4532, [email protected]
Artjamming
Encouraging your little ones’ creativity doesn’t have to mean scrubbing crayon off the walls later. Enter Artjamming. Kids are supplied with a canvas, paint and all the brushes and tools they could want, then get busy for an afternoon of good, messy, arty fun. For the month of October, all Artjamming centres are offering A4 canvasses at a special discount price of R130 (save R25) and A3s for R150 (save R35).
Contact +27 21 425 5050, www.artjamming.co.za
Global Cardboard Challenge at Cape Town Science Centre
Taking place on Saturday 11 October, this global event sees children in over 50 countries participating in creative play. Bring cardboard, stationery and your imagination, then build anything you please to tie in with the centre’s holiday space theme – a rocket, an alien, a planet, the solar system… Projects can be started at home and finished on the day.
Contact +27 21 300 3200, www.ctsc.org.za
World of Magic at V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre
If your little ones are delighted by bunnies being pulled out of hats and caped magicians appearing in a puff of smoke, then take them to the World of Magic shows taking place at 2 pm daily at the Waterfront this week (until Friday). A cast of fantastical characters and programme of theatrical wonder is on offer. Prepare to be amazed…
Contact [email protected]