Hearty displays of laughter, endless fun, heartwarming comments, loads of energy – all these thoughts come to mind when I think of kids! I love spending time with the kids in my circle of family and friends as often as I can. They keep me entertained with their charming opinions and keep me young with their bountiful energy! I love the way they find enjoyment in the simplest things in life, like spinning around, splashing in water and ice-creams on cones. While Cape Town has lots of free outdoor entertainment for kids, I find its also well worth the effort to take them to some of the special events in and around Cape Town throughout the year. The long Easter weekend is almost here, so if you are still looking for things to keep the little people in your life entertained and occupied, here are some ideas and special Easter events.

CITY SIGHTSEEING CAPE TOWN
The fun red bus is always ready to take your kids on an enjoyable day out and you get to relax too, as you won’t have to do the driving. There’s also a special fun and educational kiddies channel available just for them, so they are sure to be kept entertained and well-informed. Here are some stops on the Red City Tour and Blue Mini Peninsula Tour with FREE wine tour (this tour is NOT running on Saturday 7 April) that your kids are sure to enjoy this Easter:

Red City Tour Stops

•    The Two Oceans Aquarium
26 March – 9 April
Kids are invited to enjoy not only the wonders of the Aquarium, but also to participate in an exciting Easter egg hunt. Kids will receive a special “egg-sploration” map with clues to exhibits where Easter eggs are hidden. It’s sure to be a fun journey of exploring, learning and meeting many fascinating aquatic creatures. Once all the necessary stops have been visited, the map will serve as an entry into an exciting competition where kids can win awesome prizes from Hi-Tec. The Aquarium’s mascots will also make special appearances.

Time: 9:30am – 6pm
Website: www.aquarium.co.za
Email: aquarium@aquarium.co.za
Tel: 021 418 3823

•    Table Mountain Cableway
Sunday, 8 April
While a trip up to Table Mountain in the cable car is already an awesome experience for most kids, this Easter it promises to be even more fun. So why not take your kids up this Easter Sunday and let them join in the Easter egg hunt. They will get to enjoy exploring Table Mountain, finding delicious chocolate treats and have the chance to meet Hop the Easter Bunny, the Easter Fairy and the Mad Hatter. Your little ones will also receive a 20-page activity booklet packed with exciting games and activities. Should the Cableway be closed on the Sunday 8 April, then the event will be held on Monday 9 April.

Time: 10am – 1pm
Website: www.tablemountain.net
Tel: 021 424 0015
Cost:  Online – R175 return for adults/ R85 return for children Ticket Office – R195 return for adults/ R95 return for children

Blue Mini Peninsula Tour Stops

•    Mount Nelson Hotel
Sunday, 8 April
If you are in the mood to relax a bit in the lap of luxury without feeling guilty, then the Mount Nelson Hotel has just what you are looking for. While you relax on the rolling lawns enjoying an afternoon tea, snacks and Easter-themed treats, your kids will be kept busy with a host of fun activities. They can look forward to a circus show, egg-painting and egg-hunting. You are requested to bring baskets for your kids for the Easter egg hunt.

Time: Circus Show – 2.30pm and Easter Egg Hunt – 3pm
Website: www.mountnelson.co.za
Tel: 021 483 1000
Cost: R 225 per adult, R 125 per child under 12

•    World of Birds
365 days a year
If your kids are nature lovers then they will enjoy exploring Africa’s largest bird park in this gorgeous garden setting. With 400 different species the kids are sure to have a fun day out and enjoy discovering all the beautiful bird and animal life.

Time: 9am – 5pm
Website: www.worldofbirds.org.za
Email: info@worldofbirds.org.za
Tel: 021 790 2730
Cost: Adults – R 75, Children – R 40, Pensioners/Students – R 55

Also on offer are the fun and affordable Canal Cruises:

•    Canal Cruise
Available every 30 minutes, kids are sure to enjoy this relaxing cruise on the calm waters. The cruise has 4 jetty stops at the One & Only, the City Lodge, the Harbour Bridge and the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Time: 9am – 5pm
Website: www.citysightseeing.co.za
Tel: 021 511 6000
Cost: Adults – R 20, Children – R 10 and Children under 5 – Free

OTHER

•    V&A Waterfront – Lindt Gold Bunny Maze
30 March – 8 April
Your kids will enjoy exploring the labyrinth which takes place every hour. They can enjoy this Easter egg hunt with a difference, searching for yummy chocolate treats. For every gold bunny sold, 70 cents will be donated to the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Riverine Rabbit Programme.

Time: 11 am – 7pm
Website: www.waterfront.co.za
Tel: 021 408 7600
Cost: Free

•    Baxter Theatre – The Ugly Duckling and Other Stories
2 – 7 April
Why not let your kids enjoy the magic of live theatre, by taking them to see The Ugly Duckling and Other Stories at the Baxter Theatre, performed by The Lilliput Children’s Theatre Company. All three stories performed (The Ugly Duckling, The King’s New Clothes and The Princess and the Swineherd) are not only fun, but also aim to teach children valuable lessons.

Time: 10.30am (Duration approx.45 minutes)
Website: www.baxter.co.za
Tel: 021 558 2650
Cost: R40

•    Old Mutual Two Ocean’s Marathon Fun Runs
Friday, 6 April
Healthy kids are happy kids, so why not let them take part in one of the Old Mutual Two Ocean’s Marathon fun runs. While the main races take place on the Saturday, you and your children can enjoy the fun events on the Friday. You can register manually at the Good Hope Centre on 5 April from 10am – 7pm or register on the day at the registration tent at UCT (University of Cape Town) from 9am onwards. With the 56m Nappy Dash (3 years & younger) , the 300m Toddler’s Trot (4-6 years old) and the 2.5/ 5km run/walk, there’s a race for everyone. All official finishers will receive a medal.

Time: Race start times from 12pm – 2.30pm/ Prize-giving starts from 3.30pm
Website: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
Tel: 021 657 5140/1/2
Cost: R 25

Buy your tickets here:

• Online at www.citysightseeing.co.za
Adults R110 (offline price R140), Kids (5-15 years) R70, Kids under 5 free.
Canal Cruise: Adults R20, Kids (5-15 years) R10, Kids under 5 free

• On the bus

• At out Ticket Office, outside the Two Oceans Aquarium: Bus Stop 1

I’m a fun loving, adventure seeking young lady with a zest for life that lives in the beautiful city of Cape Town. I have a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management from UCT. I have had the good fortune of travelling and working  internationally on a global secondment programme for a large corporate and have had many amazing  travelling experiences. I also enjoy travelling locally in our beautiful country South Africa and have taken international students on many travelling experiences across South Africa. I love hiking, most outdoor activities, reading, developing people and especially writing. I believe in the power of taking the road less travelled and in the power of pursuing a purpose filled life.