Marchelle Abrahams goes in search of holiday programmes on offer across the country.
The school holidays are upon us - good news for kids - bad news for parents who are trying to juggle work with keeping little busy bodies occupied for more than a week.
To ease the holiday care burden, we’ve gone in search of holiday programmes on offer across the country.
KZN
Dante International Holiday School
From: April 3-6
Cost: R100 a day
Highlights: The Dante Alighieri Society is offering a traditional holiday school which runs for 4 days. Located at The Italian Club on Fairway, Durban North, programmes on offer are meant to engage little ones, while the exhilarating cultural and sporting activities are suitable for any child aged 4 to 12.
Visit: www.dantedurban.com/holiday-schools
Dante’s International Holiday School has a 4-day programme. Picture: Supplied
Crocworld Conservation Centre
Dates: April 3-4
Cost: R120
Highlights: Crocworld Conservation Centre will be hosting Snake Safety courses for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The one-day course is aimed at equipping children in the specified age group with knowledge and skills that are required should they encounter a snake.
“The South Coast is renowned for its rich natural biodiversity. Even though snakes are in our environment most of the time, human encounters with snakes are pretty uncommon,” said Martin Rodrigues, the manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre.
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Children will be taught how to react if they see a snake, including keeping a safe distance, alerting an adult, and monitoring the snake’s movements.
Bookings: [email protected]
Crocworld Conservation Centre manager Martin Rodrigues is an experienced herpetologist.
Western Cape
Kids On Cloud 9
Dates: April 2-5
Cost: From R220
Ages: 4 - 13
Highlights: The theme for Kids On Cloud 9 is Play. Explore. Experience. And this is exactly what children can look forward to during their school holiday explore programme.
Activities include arts & crafts, board games and a bike track. Parents can be assured of the fact that children are supervised at all times in a secure indoor environment.
Visit: kidsoncloud9.co.za
Cape Town Science Centre
Dates: April 2-6
Cost: R440 for the duration of 4-day club
Highlights: The Let’s Code! Holiday Club is a must for children who have a keen interest in coding. Even if your little Einstein isn’t into the intricacies of how their favourite video game works, they will take something away from it.
The organisers use object orientate programme software, Small Basic, and nurture your child as they go on to produce their own game. It’s also an excellent opportunity to acquire basic coding skills in a relaxed and creative environment.
Visit: ctsc.org.za
Start them off from a young age by introducing them to the world of coding. Picture: Wikimedia Commons
Gauteng
Joburg Zoo
Dates: April 9-13
Cost: R90
Now in its 114th year, the Joburg Zoo is an institution in these parts.
It’s holiday programme includes animal feeding, crafts and games and a snake demo. Tailor-made for children aged 7 and up, there’s a strict rule: no parents allowed!
Kids can look forward to Zoo-to-You, a presentation based on a wide variety of topics including conservation, animal defence and general information on animals and their habitats. And, if you’re a member of the Honey Badger Club, you get an all-access pass to the world of a zookeeper.
Visit: www.jhbzoo.org.za
Tots & Pots
Dates: Available throughout the year
Cost: Mail [email protected] to enquire about specific packages
Tots * Pots offer themed holiday workshops nationwide, with each created to keep children busy and stimulated during the holidays. They offer baking/ food preparation and creative time. Each class is divided into different age categories, namely Sticky Fingers (2-3 years), Little Chefs (3-7 years) and Master Class (8 years and older).
Visit: www.totsnpots.co.za/
Tots & Pots could open the door to culinary success for your budding Masterchef.Picture: af.mil