5 PLACES YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE IN PAARL

You love heading to the Winelands, but you don’t want to be a burden to the babysitter. You wish your child could get out and experience new things along with the whole family, but you’re not sure if the place is kid-friendly.

People associate the Cape Winelands with wine tasting and couple getaways. Well, this isn’t the case anymore. Paarl is transforming into a kid-friendly, family-approved area for you and your little ones to enjoy. Forget wine estates that aren’t child-friendly – tell them you’ve found a new hang-out spot!

LE BONHEUR CROCODILE FARM, PAARL

Does your child love animals? The Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm offers an educational guided tour of the crocodile pond – which is home to more than 1 000 reptiles – so that your kids can learn more about these scaly creatures. Give your child a realistic, close-up experience with a baby crocodile (cute or not?).

Children older than the age of nine can participate in crocodile cage-dives. If they’re too nervous, they can always opt to play with the pot belly pigs or take a trip to the dam for catch-and-release fishing.

OF NOTE
Where Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, Babylonstoren Road, R45, Paarl
Contact +21 863 1142, [email protected], www.lebonheurcrocfarm.co.za

THE ALPACA LOOM, PAARL 

If your kids are fans of animals that are a bit more cuddly, they’ll love the South American alpacas at the The Alpaca Loom in Paarl. The experience is interactive, as kids can pet and help feed the animals. The trip could even be expanded into an educational one, where you can see how alpaca fibres are transformed into scarves and blankets.

OF NOTE
Where The Alpaca Loom, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
Contact+27 84 793 366, [email protected], www.alpacas.co.za

RHEBOKSKLOOF WINE ESTATE, PAARL 

Looking for a kid-friendly lunch spot with a great view? Rhebokskloof Wine Estate caters for your child’s fun-time needs with acres of lawns, a jungle gym and jumping castle. Kids parties can be arranged, and will be decorated with fun activities such as obstacle courses and trampolines.

Lunch options include a à la carte menu with award-winning Rhebokskloof Wines. On Sundays, there are pony rides for kids to enjoy. The Vivi Day Spa caters for pamper parties for girls.

OF NOTE
Where Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Wine Route Number 8, Paarl
Contact +21 869 8386, [email protected], www.rhebokskloof.co.za

NEDERBURG WINE ESTATE, PAARL 

The Nederburg staff have made it their mission to entertain kids with a special mystery box. There is also a kids tasting menu that pairs hot chocolate and strawberry milkshakes with marshmallows and cookies. The adults can enjoy a selection of wine pairings, while the kids enjoy their sweet pairings and keep busy with drawing and blowing bubbles.

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Where Nederberg Wine Estate, Sonstraal Road, Paarl
Contact +27 21 862 3104, [email protected], www.nederburg.com

DUNSTONE COUNTRY ESTATE, WELLINGTON 

Dunstone Country Estate is nestled in Wellington’s exquisite valley and boasts a family-style bistro with delicious homemade meals, perfect for lunch time. Dishes on the menu include homemade pies and quiches, curries, filled baguettes, and fresh platters.

Dunstone Country Estate also offers kiddies snacks and has a great play area to keep kids entertained.

OF NOTE
Where Dunstone Country Estate, Bovlei Road, Wellington
Contact +21 864 1504, [email protected], www.dunstone.co.za

Photography courtesy