Getting kids away from their tablets and reconnected with nature is the latest thing to do. Here are 4 things you can do with your kids that gets them back into nature.
The 90s are back in fashion. But it must be hard for teenagers now to imagine a time in the age of dial-up internet when the only screens people stared at outside of the home were those of a Tamagotchi or beeper. (If those words seem foreign to you, Google them – the truth is out there!).
Now, with technology enabling a host of on-the-go entertainment and activities, it’s more often than not that you’ll find teens looking down instead of around them. And that’s not because they’re sulking.
We are fortunate in Cape Town to have a playground right on our doorsteps. With a wide variety of tourist attractions that double up as ideal family day trips, you’re spoiled for choice for weekend and school holiday activities.
If you want to get your kids away from cell phone, computer, television and console screens, here’s how you can get the most out of Cape Town’s major tourist attractions.
Boulders Beach
Simon’s Town has much to offer on a day trip, from the statue and story of Just Nuisance and the South African Naval Museum to indulging in fish and chips or ice-cream cones (or both!) and watching out for whales and other wildlife.
But it’s the seaside village’s most famous residents that are the star attraction. Simon’s Town is, of course, home to a colony of African Penguins. These permanently-tuxedoed seabirds can be spotted from the viewing platform at Boulders Beach, where you can also learn more about them at the visitor’s centre.
Alternatively, you can spot them at neighbouring beaches where you might be lucky enough to have a swim or paddle in the water with them. But be warned, they are wild animals so no petting!
Cape Point
Just a little further on from Simon’s Town is the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Enjoy both the Reserve and Boulder Beach with an overnight stay along the peninsula over a weekend. It would make for a lovely seaside break for the whole family.
Cape Point, famously known as the Tip of Africa, boasts a wide variety of walking trails (for spotting shipwrecks, wildlife, spectacular fynbos, and more), beaches and tidal pools, and braai and picnic facilities – all with a backdrop of breath-taking views.
For a fun family activity, take a trip on the Flying Dutchman Funicular to visit the lighthouses of Cape Point. The ride alone is worth the trip there! If you’d like to turn the day into a learning experience, be sure to download the free audio guide before you visit.
Table Mountain
There’s a reason Table Mountain is one of the official “New7Wonders of Nature”. If your kids haven’t been, and you haven’t been since you were a kid, now is the time to take a trip on the new and improved Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
And no one will be tempted to spend the time looking at a screen – the views from up there are so wonderful that it’s hard to look away. When you can pull yourself away from the panoramic views, there’s more on offer including searching for dassies on the walking trails, purchasing fun souvenirs, or grabbing a bite to eat at the Table Mountain Café in the sky. You can also take a free guided tour to learn more about Table Mountain and the cableway.
Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium offers countless hours of entertainment and learning experiences for children and adults alike. Visit the Predator Exhibit to see sharks up close, take a walk through the 10-metre long tunnel to view a variety of subtropical species including rays, turtles and much more, or get up close and personal with rockhopper penguins. There are also interactive exhibits including the touch pool where you can pick up and feel different types of sea plants and animals.
If you’d like to go as many times as you like throughout the year, including any and all long weekends and school holidays, you can purchase memberships at significantly reduced rates (R310 for children age 14 to 17, R195 for children age 4 to 13, and free for children under four years old).
So, get your family out into the wonderful world of nature in and around Cape Town. You’ll have a great time!
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