While there are many, many ways of keeping children entertained at home, sometimes you just need a break from the routine of it all – and a chance to get out of the house, especially in winter. So for a list of fun activities your little one and you can do, check out the list below:

Cape Town

• My ultimate number one as a child was going to the Mineral World scratch-patch in Simon’s town. I don’t know if it was the excitement of being in a “decked out” cave, or the adventure of trying to find the perfect stone, but it kept me quite busy hunting around, and boy was I proud of my little jar of gems at the end of it all. It’s something mom can join in with as well, and that little stack of stones can easily be made into necklaces, earrings or even a small mosaic. For more information visit their website.

• If you’re still in the Simons Town area, another place to stop off, is the Warrior Toy museum. It’s a verified sanctum for toys across the ages, and the two model trains which run around the entire shop, are quite eye-catching. With a permanent display of 4 000 model cars and over 500 different dolls, teddy bears, and other displays like the lead soldiers, you can show your little one how toys have changed over the years. There is a Collectors Shop on-site, where you can purchase certain items, and it is open daily from 10:00 – 14:00. Find out more by calling 021-786-1395.

• In the picturesque Kommetjie area, you can’t miss seeing Imhoff’s Farm, which has almost everything necessary to keep children of all ages entertained. From the camels you spot at the entrance, to the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard (which has pigs, sheep, ducks, rabbits, goats and guinea pigs as well as a pony you can pet), to the snake park, paintball, face-painting and horse-riding available, a day spent here will most certainly tire out even the most energetic of children. They also have over a dozen different shops and three different restaurants.

• Feathered friends tend to always delight children, and a visit to the World of Birds is a trip the whole family will enjoy. It’s the largest Bird Park in Southern Africa, and has more than 400 different species, and over 3 000 different avians and small animals who call it home. Located in the picturesque suburb of Hout Bay, the landscaped paths through the various aviaries are framed beautifully by Table Mountain, Chapmans peak, Twelve Apostles and Constantiaberg. The lush garden setting also has a children’s playground, so you can rest up before resuming your explorations. For pricing and hours of operation, visit their website.

• Kirstenbosch gardens are an all-round winner on days without rain – making it a perfect spot to visit in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Pack a picnic lunch and bring the family, then meander through the grounds and find a spot on the soft grass beneath some shady trees. Once you’re finished with the food, take a walk through the 528 hectare gardens, stopping in at the scent garden. There’s so much to see and do, and the children will love exploring.

Durban

• Funland, situated right on the beachfront by Marine Parade, is an amusement park with the atmosphere of a much-loved carnival. It offers a sense of fun and fantasy that the whole family can enjoy and there is no admission fee, though the rides are charged for individually. With a short cable car ride you can get an aerial overview of the park, while the little ones can enjoy the carousel and the Elephant Ride. Adults and teens will love the Breakdance, Tilt-a-Whirl, Swingboat and Hully Gully, as they’re quite fast-paced. There are also several paddling pools nearby, and Noddy’s Snack bar is a great place to stop off and grab some food. They also cater for children’s birthday parties.

• Though it might not sound like a place children would enjoy, the Japanese Gardens are a great picnic and braai spot. As traditional Japanese gardens are a constant work in progress, this one follows that tradition and currently includes landscaped gardens, rustic bridges, wishing wells, and a playground that will keep the children entertained. There is also a cascading waterfall and a variety of Koi and fish in the scattered ponds and water gardens. Parents can breathe a sigh of relief as the many open spaces will allow you to keeping an eye on your brood, while laying out the lunch spread.

• Whatever the weather, the Durban Ice Rink is a wonderful spot, especially if you need to host a kid’s party. The lively music, great food at the Ice Cafe and fun environment ensures that the little ones will feel as if they’ve stepped into a winter wonderland. Teach them to skate and watch their faces fill with joy and amazement as they take their first few uncertain steps on the ice, and then as their confidence grows watch them glide off on their own. For times, pricing and upcoming events, visit their website.

• If you’ve ever wondered how Gulliver felt when he arrived in the land of the Liliputians, then MiniTown will certainly give you and your kid’s that experience, (minus the little people of course). Situated along the Durban beachfront, the complete miniature replicate of Durban city stands only at knee height, and is scaled to a 1:24 size. The miniature planes and trains move, and there’s even a miniaturised harbour with ships that move across the waters. MiniTown was completed in the 1970’s and it is now run by the Quadriplegic Association of KwaZulu-Natal.

• Mitchell Park Zoo is a much-loved spot for families with children. The beautifully landscaped gardens, the fun playground, and the bright, vibrant flower beds which are redesigned each season, offers something for everyone to enjoy. And lets not forget about the amazing mini zoo which is home to many different animal and reptile species, such as monkeys, ancient tortoises who’ve been around since 1915, small buck, raccoons, crocodiles and even a few very shy bush babies; as well as an aviary of birds.

Joburg

• Sun City  is one of the best hot-spots to go to if you need a day of stimulation for active children, and even those who normally prefer more creative playtime outlets, will benefit from a day spent playing here. The Valley of the Waves is a fun area with the water slide and ocean simulation, but there’s more than just water slides to be found here. Sun City also has an indoor arcade, quad biking opportunities, archery, horse-riding and even the chance to fly in a Tiger Moth, not to mention the the Kamp Kwena and Animal World for tiny tots. They also have a professional baby-sitting service on offer so mom and dad can play a round of golf or visit the casino.

• Drake’s Party Farmyard is an educational and fun spot where you can your little one(s) can enjoy the fresh outdoor air, while being around some of the cutest farmyard animals – only on the open days (Monday and Wednesday) as they are also a party venue – so book if you want the full experience. Being a touch farm, children can safely pet bunnies, sheep, cows and also enjoy a pony ride, while mom relaxes in the shade with a hot cup of tea or coffee – you can even bring a picnic basket to enjoy some home-made yummies in the beautiful setting.

• Gold Reef City is a wonderful theme park with over 31 rides, and some great children’s rides. They offer a funfair for those under the age of ten – which includes rides such as Cups & Saucers , Jungle Train and an indoor play area, as well as a mine tour for those aged six and older if they dare. Parents can also join in the fun and try some of the faster rides like the golden loop, the tower of terror, the raging river rapids and the anaconda, while the 4D Movie Theater is something the whole family can enjoy. Pricing varies, so check out their website for up-to-date information.

• Children should learn early on, that science isn’t only something you study in a stuffy classroom, and the Sci Bono Discovery Centre is the perfect place to learn that. Here, the kids (and adults) who visit, learn various scientific principles through interactive games, such as the science of soccer, the Murray & Roberts construction area (which looks like a construction yard play house), and other fun but educational displays like the LEGO soccer stadium. For times, pricing and available exhibits, visit their website.

• Though not in Johannesburg, Ludwig’s Rose Farm and Butterfly Garden is close enough for a fantastic family outing (located in Pretoria North). Even adults will be enchanted by the beautiful butterflies flitting about overhead, while Koi and Comet fish can be seen darting about in the ponds. The heady scents and bouquet of colours in the rose garden will stimulate your senses, while the beautifully landscaped areas will soothe your soul. They have an on-site tea garden where the whole family can relax and enjoy a meal, before heading out to the playground, complete with a dolls house, jungle gym, and merry-go-round. Please note that should the weather be overcast or rainy, it is unlikely that you will see the butterflies out and about.

So that’s our pick of the fifteen top child-friendly spots to visit around the country. If you feel we’ve missed out on your favorite place, let us know in the comments below, or on our facebook page – we’d love to add it to the list!

Main image credited to SeemaKK (Flickr)