At a time when parents have to fork out money on presents and school items for the children, finding the extra cash for family trips in January can be tough. Here is a list of cheap family activities that your children will love.
Go on a road trip
Get your children excited by suggesting a road trip. South Africa offers some of the most beautiful towns in each province. Whether you are driving through the mountains in Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria for brunch or enjoying the full bloom that the West Coast has to offer, there is always an interesting place to see.
Plan a picnic
There is nothing better than enjoying a picnic in summer. Not only are you surrounded by nature, you also get to unwind with the people you love. Here are some picnic spots to enjoy in your province:
Johannesburg
Delta Park
Where: Road No 3 or Road No 5 off Rustenburg Road, Victory Park, or at the corner of Pitcairn Road and Penelope Avenue in Blairgowrie.
Price: Free
Contact: 011 712-6600.
KwaZulu-Natal
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
Where: 10 Oxford Rd, Durban, 3610
Price: R14 for adults, R11 for children.
Contact 031 702 3443
Cape Town
Company Gardens
Where: 19 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town Central, Cape Town
Price: Free entry.
Contact: 021 426-1357
Limpopo
Polokwane Bird Sanctuary
Where: Access is from the R521 from Polokwane to Dendron, Polokwane, Limpopo
Contact: 015 290 2332/2317
Go on a hike
Hikes are becoming popular among family travellers, and with good reason. I mean, who can resist a chance to explore a new place, take photographs among the most stunning backdrops and work up a sweat. South Africa offers some great hiking spot, including a trek up Lion’s Head in Cape Town or Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in Gauteng.
Go to the beach
A beach trip is free and a beautiful way to enjoy South Africa. As the festive season draws to a close, there is no better time to visit a beach. Visit Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth, Bloubergstrand or Clifton Beach in Cape Town, and Umhlanga or Ballito beach in Durban.