FREE & AFFORDABLE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES TO CHECK OUT THIS JANUARY

The kids go back to school soon, and we’re guessing they’re not too pleased about it. Why not treat them to one last holiday adventure or temper their back-to-school angst with a weekend excursion or two. And yes, money’s tight at this time of the year. But that’s why we’ve selected a bunch of kids’ activities offered around Cape Town to put smiles on your youngsters’ faces while keeping you solvent until the next payday.

1 Pumptrack, V&A Waterfront

Kids and their wheels, right? The Waterfront’s Pumptrack presents a unique experience for children who love to ride bicycles, BMX bikes, mountain bikes, scooters and skateboards. Riders use an up-and-down ‘pumping’ motion to propel their ride of choice along a 50-meter-long track. This activity is not only loads of fun but helps children improve their balance and confidence, and learn riding skills.

OF NOTE
When Thursday 5 January – Tuesday 10 January 2017 at 10:30 am – 5 pm 
Where Clock Tower Square, V&A Waterfront
Cost R30
Contact +27 21 408 7600, [email protected], waterfront.co.za

2 Ice Adventure, Canal Walk

It might be summer, but the kids can still experience the chill of the festive season thanks to Canal Walk’s Ice Adventure. Created in association with Baskin-Robbins, the exhibition will take you back several aeons to a time when mammoths and sabre-tooth tigers roamed the earth. It features life-sized replicas of these creatures, ice-slides, a snow-zone for building snowmen and igloos, and a Sub-Zero Ice Chamber housing a frozen waterfall.

OF NOTE
When Thursday 5 January – Sunday 8 January 2017 at 10 am – 9 pm
Where Centre Court, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City
Cost R20–R80 at Computicket
Contact +27 21 529 9699, canalwalk.co.za

3 Toy Story at the Galileo Open Air Cinema, Newlands

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is one of the highlights of the summer season –where else can you watch your favourite films beneath the stars? And they haven’t left the kids off their line-up either. This January, head to the Kelvin Grove screening space for a children’s classic: Toy Story. Introduce the kiddies to (or re-acquaint them with) Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Mr Potato Head and other famous characters. There’ll also be a play area, face painters and jumping castles to make the occasion even more fun.

OF NOTE
When Sunday 8 January 2017 at 4 pm
Where Kelvin Grove, 144 Campground Road, Newlands
Cost R79–R100 at Webtickets
Contact +27 21 447 1641 (weekdays until 5pm)/+27 71 471 8728 (until 8pm on show days), [email protected], thegalileo.co.za

4 Open Streets Day, CBD

Cape Town’s various Open Streets Days are not just for the young’uns – you’ll get a kick out of the fun activities, delicious food and cute wares on offer too. The initiative is advantageous for numerous reasons, not least of which is its emphasis on recreation and socialising. Children can take part in sports and other activities, browse interesting books, indulge in some creativity, explore the city and maybe even makea few new friends.

OF NOTE
When Sunday 15 January 2017 at 10 am – 3 pm
Where CBD
Cost Free
Contact +27 72 214 6736, [email protected], openstreets.org.za

5 The Giraffe House, Muldersvlei

There are plenty of opportunities for interacting with animals in and around Cape Town. But at The Giraffe House Wildlife Centre, your kids won’t only get to come face to face with the world’s tallest mammal. They’ll be able to meet an abundance of other animals too, including various types of antelope, wild cats, foxes and jackals, tortoises, snakes, crocodiles and numerous bird species.

OF NOTE
When Daily at 9 am – 5 pm
Where Corner of Old Paarl Road and R304 (towards Stellenbosch), Muldersvlei 
Cost R30 for children between 2 and 15 years old
Contact +27 21 884 4506, [email protected], giraffehouse.co.za

Photography V & A Waterfront, Archives, Lucia Petschnig