The last thing you want to tackle (if you can help it) is Christmas shopping in an overcrowded mall with screaming children and a grumpy spouse.
Or maybe you’re tired of spending buckets of money on overpriced Christmas gifts or dull holiday activities.
Can we get an “Amen”?
Luckily there are some amazing family-friendly things to do in and around Cape Town that will keep the kids happy and leave you feeling like you’ve actually had a bit of a break.
Better yet, you can stock up on gifts at some great Christmas markets happening throughout December. We’re always fans of killing several birds with one stone.
So, without further ado, here are some fabulous things to do in and around Cape Town this Festive Season.
Fun for Kids
Child-friendly venues are so hard to come by in Cape Town. A day out with the kids isn’t always ideal unless there are cool activities to keep the kids occupied in a safe and supervised environment.
We found some gems in Cape Town that will allow your kids to run free and allow you to put your feet up.
1. Deer Park Café
This awesome restaurant is located on the slopes of Vredehoek, overlooking the City bowl. The perfect spot for a family breakfast or lunch, Deer Park Café is a popular destination for city dwellers who need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The café is right next to a lovely, well-maintained park area with lush lawns, swings and jungle gyms. This is a great facility for kids who like to run around to their heart’s content. Meanwhile, moms and dads can enjoy a well-deserved cup of coffee and a bite to eat in the restaurant or in the park. Deer Park Café is also the perfect venue for kids’ birthday parties and other casual events.
Check them out on Facebook or on their website.
2. Weltevreden Estate Kids Carnival
This stunning carnival-inspired kids’ play area, otherwise known as the “Kids Carnival”, is located on Weltevreden Estate in Stellenbosch. The venue boasts a fully stocked bar (for the grown-ups), a build-your-own-pizza area (for the kids), a sweet counter, plenty of shady trees, beautiful surroundings, two enclosed trampolines and two enormous jungle gyms.
The climbing facilities are top notch and extremely safe. Parents can enjoy oven-fired pizzas, with peace of mind that their little ones are having an absolute ball. Sundays are the best days to head down there for a quieter day out with the family.
Check them out on Facebook or on their website.
3. Moyo Blouberg, Big Bay
Moyo at Eden on the Bay Mall recently launched the opening of their brand new kids playroom that boasts slides, a climbing wall and a cool activities area. Parents can relax on the veranda and enjoy the unspoiled views of Table Mountain and Robben Island while the kids have a ball under the watchful eye of a permanent child-minder.
After lunch you can head down to the lawns or the beach for a fun afternoon with the family. Eden on the Bay Mall is one of the few pet-friendly destinations in Cape Town so be sure to bring your fur babies along too.
Check them out on Facebook or on their website.
Christmas Markets
There are so many Christmas markets taking place in Cape Town leading up to Christmas that it’s often hard to choose which ones to go to.
The best way to choose is to hear from those who have already been there. These are our favourites…
4. Camphill Village Country Market
This quaint little market on the West Coast is the perfect stop on a relaxed drive up the West Coast. With a rustic farm setting surrounding the market area, Camphill Village has their own organic produce on sale including fruit, vegetables, home-made breads, rusks and biscuits and other delicious organic food stalls.
When: 6th December 2015
Where: Camphill Village, West Coast, Klein Dassenberg Rd, Cape Town
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Check them out on Facebook or on their website.
5. The “I Love Big Bay” Market
These guys are the new kids on the block when it comes to markets, and they have certainly made their mark. After just two successful monthly markets, the I Love Big Bay Market has the potential to become one of the West Coast’s top markets around.
It takes place right on Big Bay beach where visitors can enjoy an epic sunset and the view of Table Mountain. Their offering includes several food trucks, over 10 options for dinner, fashion, craft and goods traders, not to mention great coffee, cold brews, two wine bars, and craft beer on tap. If that sounds like your ideal night out, check out their details below.
When: The last Wednesday of every month
Where: The Big Bay Lifesaving Club, Big Bay, Bloubergstrand
Time: 16h00 – 21h00
Check them out on Facebook or on their website.
6. Eden on the Bay Christmas Market
With the best view of Table Mountain in Cape Town, Eden on the Bay is a popular hub on the West Coast for tourists and locals all year round. That makes it the perfect spot for an outdoor Christmas market: just the sea, sun and a great vibe.
This year’s market will showcase the best of local arts and crafts, with food provided by Eden’s own restaurants. Why not make a day of it with the family? Once you’re done browsing the variety of stalls, enjoy ice cold sun downers at one of the restaurants on the strip or relax on the rolling lawns. Sound good? See below for more info.
When: 16th – 30th December 2015
Where: The Courtyard, Eden on the Bay Mall, Big Bay, Bloubergstrand
Time: 10h00 – 17h00 daily
Check them out on Facebook or on their website.
Wishing you a fun-filled Festive Season!