The Cape Winelands draws visitors from across the world with its rich, diverse beauty, preserved Cape Dutch architecture, incredible restaurants, hotels and experiences – and most of all, the amazing wine produced and savored in this unique region.
But another wonderful aspect about the Cape Winelands (and its incredible wine routes) is how family-friendly it is, with a host of great activities, fare and fun for all ages.
In this post, we look at the top ten things to do with kids in the Cape Winelands.
Best things to do with kids in the Cape Winelands
Enjoy a Pod Picnic at Warwick Wine Estate
Found along the R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, Warwick Wine Estate is one of the prettiest Stellenbosch wine estates around… It also happens to be one of the most family-friendly!
While adults sample some of the excellent estate wines by the bottle or as a lovely pairing option (the charcuterie platter is a winner!), kiddies can enjoy a great picnic offering with the whole family.
Warwick is known and loved for its famous picnic pods, set amidst the garden and overlooking the lawns. They offer shade and shelter, even on the hottest day and ensure a lovely picnic experience from start to finish.
Warwick offers a choice between gourmet-, vegetarian-, vegan- and kiddies-picnic options.
When you are done feasting, enjoy a stroll through the garden and let the kids run rampant on the excellent, dedicated play facilities (some of the best around) or splash in the water fountain and stream during summer.
Or, simply relax together on the lawns and admire the estate’s serene beauty…
Contact Warwick Wine Estate
Activity prices: Warwick picnics are priced as follows:
- Gourmet-, Vegetarian- or Vegan- Picnic Option: R550 for two sharing or R300 for one.
- Kiddies’ Picnic Option: R150 per child. Each kiddies’ picnic serves one child.
- There is a separate drinks menu with wine and other beverages available.
- Picnic bookings are essential.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 884 4410
Email: info@warwickwine.com
Web: warwickwine.com
Kid-friendly Pairing at Middelvlei Estate
Middelvlei is another wonderful Stellenbosch wine estate for the whole family to enjoy.
Known and loved for their mouthwatering boerebraai (farmers’ braai), fun wine blending and excellent wine pairing options, this award-winning farm offers plenty for visitors to enjoy.
Enjoy a relaxed feast at the Boerebraai Restaurant or savour a wine pairing, while the kiddies get to enjoy their own juice tasting.
Children can also play in the sandpit, feed the farm animals, braai yummy marshmallows or snack on one of two available lunch options.
This ensures that the whole family leaves Middelvlei with a happy heart – and a full, contented tummy!
Contact Middelvlei Estate
Activity prices: For a breakdown of the different food and wine pairings and prices, please see here.
Advanced booking is recommended.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 883 2565
Email: info@middelvlei.co.za
Web: middelvlei.co.za
See the Runner Ducks at Vergenoegd Löw
Arguably one of the cutest Stellenbosch winelands offerings, Vergenoegd Löw’s beloved runner duck experience is sure to win the hearts of parents and children alike.
It’s a sweet spectacle watching the Indian Runner ducks pass by – especially knowing they play an environmentally friendly role!
Afterward, why not savor a picnic on the lawns? Happily, there is a Duckling picnic option for kids so the whole family is catered for.
Contact Vergenoegd Löw Estate
Activity prices: Vergenoegd picnic options are as follows:
- Gourmet Duck Picnic: R550 for two sharing.
- Vegetarian Duck Picnic: R550 for two sharing.
- Duckling Picnic: R150 per child. Each picnic basket serves one child.
Advanced booking must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 843 3248
Email: picnics@vergenoegd.co.za
Web: vergenoegd.co.za
Contact Vergenoegd Löw Estate
Activity prices: Vergenoegd picnic options are as follows:
- Gourmet Duck Picnic: R550 for two sharing.
- Vegetarian Duck Picnic: R550 for two sharing.
- Duckling Picnic: R150 per child. Each picnic basket serves one child.
Advanced booking must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 843 3248
Email: picnics@vergenoegd.co.za
Web: vergenoegd.co.za
Visit the Goats at Fairview
Fairview is famous for three main things: great wine, tasty cheese and its popular resident goats.
This Paarl estate is one of the best for families to visit, as parents and children alike love seeing the adorable goats (who lord over the estate from their Goat Tower and bridge); exploring the beautiful gardens; and enjoying a family-friendly meal at The Goatshed. (The restaurant is also child-friendly.)
While you are there, enjoy a tasting, stock up on some Fairview cheese and wine or pop by the deli for some essentials.
Contact Fairview Wine and Cheese
Tel: +27 (0) 21 863 2450
Email: info@fairview.co.za
Web: fairview.co.za
Explore the Gardens at Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren in fair Franschhoek is one of the most popular estates around. It is loved by everyone from tourists to families with young kids.
This beautiful working farm and wine estate offers the best mix of luxury-meets-laidback farm vibes and has everything from restaurants to an enviable hotel and spa to enjoy.
It is especially great for families as children love exploring the many different garden sections, playing in the water canals and seeing the sweet donkeys.
There is so much for families to enjoy here. Babylonstoren is one of the best bets for a special outing in the Cape Winelands.
Contact Babylonstoren
Activity rates: While the gardens themselves are free to explore, a small visitor fee is charged.
Weekends and public holidays: R20 per adult, R10 per child.
Weekdays: R10 for all.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 863 3852
Email: enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Web: babylonstoren.com
Pick Fresh Strawberries at Polkadraai Farm
Polkadraai Farm near Stellenbosch is loved for its seasonal strawberry picking fun.
Every year, young and old have a blast harvesting their own take-home strawberries.
This is not only a fun experience – but it is also an educational outing for children in particular.
Other fun farm activities include tractor rides, mini golf, pony rides and face painting for kiddies.
There is also a great food court and outdoor playground on-site.
Contact Polkadraai Farm
Activity rates: Rates vary – but the strawberry picking ranges from R40 – R190.
Strawberry picking can be enjoyed seasonally from January to September, between 09:00 – 16:00, weather permitting.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 881 3303
Email: info@polkadraaifarm.co.za
Web: polkadraaifarm.co.za
Visit Gerry at Giraffe House
Another hugely popular winelands attraction among families is Giraffe House.
This wilderness awareness centre is home to the famous Gerry the giraffe, as well as a host of other animals, like creepy crawlies, birds, ostriches, buck and more.
Here, children can learn about the important work being done to save, help and protect these creatures.
There are also three jungle gyms and a refreshments kiosk on-site and families can bring their own picnic basket. However, no alcohol is permitted.
Contact Giraffe House
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00. Closed on Christmas Day.
Activity rates:
R60 per adult.
R45 per senior.
R40 per child, for children ages 2-15.
No card facilities are available here; cash only.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 884 4506
Email: giraffehouse@gmail.com
Web: giraffehouse.co.za
Fun Rides in the Cape Winelands with Horse About
Another great activity for families to enjoy is a fun pony or horse ride in the Cape Winelands.
There are many different places and even wine estates that offer pony and horse rides for all ages and experience levels.
But one of the best is Horse About. Operating from a farm, situated between Wolseley and beautiful Tulbagh, an outride with them allows you to explore the Witzenberg Valley and soak up the local beauty all at once.
There are a variety of trail options, with experienced instructors there to ensure safety and fun.
For novice riders, the 1.5-hour-long Scenic Meander seems a good bet.
Contact Horse About
Opening hours: Rides are usually offered twice daily.
Times may vary according to weather conditions and are confirmed when booking.
Winter: 10:00 and 15:00
Summer: 09:00 and 17:00
Activity rates: Please confirm these and other requirements with Horse About directly.
Tel: +27 (0) 82 884 9881
Email: info@horseabout.co.za
Web: horseabout.co.za
Visit Winelands Light Railway
At Winelands Light Railway, found along the R304, Koelenhof, families can enjoy great theme-park-style fun.
With cool train rides and general park facilities, you can enjoy a stunning day out in the sunshine.
While families are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets to enjoy (with the exception of braais and alcohol), there are food vendors available at the venue too.
Make a day of it and create special memories with those you love at this awesome place.
Contact Winelands Light Railway
Opening hours:
Every weekend (Friday – Sunday), long weekends and public holidays: 09:00 – 17:00
Open daily during the school holidays: 09:00 – 17:00
Winelands Light Railway is weather dependent.
Activity rates:
R50 per person: For one train ride and access to the park and all the facilities.
R100 per person: For unlimited train rides and access to the park and all the facilities.
Pensioners can enjoy a 20% discount; a valid ID card must be presented upon entry.
Tel: +27 (0) 60 586 5490
Email: info@winelandsrail.co.za
Web: winelandsrail.co.za
Enjoy a Delicious Hot Chocolate Tasting at Nederburg
The esteemed Nederburg Estate is one of the Cape’s oldest and most time-honored estates and it is here that guests, young and old, can now enjoy a decadent hot chocolate tasting, perfect for winter.
Aside from the estate’s other delights, including its award-winning wines and the Manor Restaurant, this hot chocolate tasting is sure to tempt everyone to its doors.
A mini selection of different hot chocolate versions is offered as part of the tasting. Each comes with a perfectly paired freshly baked treat.
Young and old will surely love this decadent tasting, as well as exploring the estate’s gorgeous garden and lawn space.
Contact Nederburg
Opening hours: This hot chocolate tasting is offered daily between 11:00 – 15:00.
Activity rates: R95 per person.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 862 3104
Email: info@nederburg.com
Web: nederburg.com
These are just ten of the best things to do with kids in the Cape Winelands.
Do you have any other great recommendations?
