STELLENBOSCH FOR KIDS

A leisurely getaway in the Cape Winelands may sound more suited to those who don’t have toddlers in tow, but Stellenbosch is carving out a name for itself as a family-friendly destination too. And we’re not just talking about a lawn or two for the kids to run around on while you linger over lunch. Read on for plenty of fun activities in Stellenbosch for kids.

Just like mom and dad

If you’re in charge of a handful of old souls who like to emulate their parents, head to Spier for a cute grape juice tasting or try Middelvlei‘s non-alcoholic tasting that will test their senses by having them identify different flavours, textures and tastes.

Furry friends

Spier is also home to the ever-popular Eagle Encounters, a bird of prey rehabilitation centre that runs four interactive flaconry shows daily. Kids have the opportunity to get up close to these majestic birds, including interacting with African wood owls, spotted eagle owls, barn owls, Bengal eagle owls, as well as other creatures like porcupines, snakes, bearded dragons, tortoises, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Have you ever been treated to the adorable spectacle that is a duck parade? We thought not. Jon Faure, the owner and winemaker at Vergenoegd, is so enthusiastic about these feathered creatures, he’s incorporated them into his farming practices. You can watch his flock of Indian runner ducks march out to the vineyards to forage for snail and insects. Missed the parade? You can still visit the duck pens to get a taste of the farm life.

You can’t while away an afternoon over a tasting at The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre, but you can stop here en route. This wildlife education centre runs daily interactive encounters (at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm) with its residents, including giraffe, warthogs, antelope, jackals, foxes, snakes and the blue crane, SA’s national bird.

Fancy saddling up? Adventure Shop at the Black Horse Centre offers guided biking, hiking and horse riding tours, as well as paintball and even a fun treasure hunt through the oak-lined streets of this historical university town.

A bit of history

… but not the ‘I’m bored, Mom’ kind. The Stellenbosch Toy & Miniature Museum has an extensive collection of miniature houses, antique dolls, cars and cuddly toys. You can even see a detailed, working miniature of our famous Blue Train, watching it chug its way from Stellies to the Karoo.

Strawberry fields forever

Another adventure for young and old is picking strawberries on Polkadraai Farm. Precious strawberry-smeared faces and a day in the sunshine? We think it’ll be good for mom, dad and littles ones. Read Sarah Woods’ experience of this fun activity here.

For more info on any of these activities, contact Stellenbosch 360 on +27 21 883 3584 and stop by their office at 36 Market Street.