26 June 2015 | Zimkhitha Sulelo
Hop on, hop off with us these school holidays
The upcoming school holiday is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our3-for-1 Kids’ Special and there are plenty of exciting adventures to embark on along the route. To add to the fun, children on the bus this holiday will be listening to their own channel.
Here is what’s in store for the kids this coming holiday:
The V&A Waterfront is a gateway to a number of activities, from boat cruises to the aquarium and a whole lot more
From 27 June to 17 July, the V&A Waterfront is the perfect place to take your kids. The Watershed Jubilee Hall will host a number of activities designed for children from one to 14 years old from 10am daily.
The petting zoo is always a hit with the little ones as they get to interact with guinea pigs, piglets, goats, and many other animals. For those who enjoy making things, there will be a craft and sand art section, and for the adventurous ones jumping castles and bikes. The older kids can hang out at the Teen Pad area and enjoy table tennis, foosball and more.
Marvel at the fish and meet a penguin at this underwater nature reserve. Image by Two Oceans Aquarium
The aquarium is open 365 days a year from 9.30am to 6pm. Children under four get free access, and to save a little more you can buy tickets online and earn a 10% discount. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about marine life and if you time your visits with the feeding times, even better. You can also go on a boat ride or get up close and personal with penguins in what is referred to as an interactive penguin encounter, Just don’t forget to bring an extra jacket for the little ones to keep the chill away.
Table Mountain 3-for-1 Special (stop 7)
Take advantage of the Cableway Kidz Season special at the Table Mountain Cableway. Image by Table Mountain Cableway
Table Mountain is one of the most popular stops on the red bus route, and for good reason, as it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Table Mountain Cableway has all sorts of treats planned for the little ones, starting with the Cableway’s Kidz Season that allows two kids to ride for free for every adult return ticket purchased from the Lower Cable Station. Keep the tickets, they can claim a sweet treat from the Shop at the Top. You can also head to the Table Mountain Café for its Kidz Season Café Special. For R40, kids will get a yummy pizza, juice and a marshmallow kebab. After fuelling up, there are lots to see on top of the mountain and it is a great time to take pictures for the family album.
World of Birds, Hout Bay (stop 22)
There are more than 3 000 bird species to see at the World of Birds sanctuary. Image by World of Birds Sanctuary
It might be called the World of Birds, but this sanctuary offers a whole lot more. It’s home to a number of mammals – from monkeys, meerkats and porcupines to baboons and reptiles. World of Birds also has bird-feeding times during which children can interact with penguins. There is a restaurant for light meals and snacks, but picnic baskets are welcomed.
Iziko Museums Planetarium (stop 14)
Museums are a fun and educational experience for the whole family
Davy Dragon has just won the prize for the dragon who made the best progress in flying. As a reward, his mother decides to make Davy his favourite pudding, but as the recipe requires milk, she sends him to buy some. While on his way, Davy discovers what his address really is.
To see what he found out, hop off at the Iziko South African Museum from 27 June to 19 July to watch Davy Dragon and the Star City, which promises to be a great movie. It shows at 11am, noon and 3pm from Monday to Friday and at noon and 3.30pm on weekends.
Castle of Good Hope (stop 18)
The Key Ceremony is one of the events to look forward to at the Castle of Good Hope. Image by Castle of Good Hope
The idea of a castle would fascinate most children, and the fact that the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa makes it even more interesting. Horse-and-carriage rides are conducted daily at 10.30am, 12.45pm and 2.45pm, and there’s a lot to learn about South African history through guided tours. If you get there before 10am, you will be right on time for the Key Ceremony, during which guards deliver the key to open the front door. Following the ceremony, a bell is rung and a mini cannon fired.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (stop 20)
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is a great place to learn more about the environment
Every year, hundreds of children are introduced to the wonders of nature through fun interactive workshops, guided walks and reading sessions at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. The entrance fee is R35 per adult and R10 per child (aged six to 17), and the under-sixes go in for free. Pack a picnic basket, hop off at the gardens and hop on again later.
Green Point Park (stop 12)
Green Point Park has a lot of activities to keep the little ones entertained
Green Point Park is a fun stop with lots of outdoor activities for children to enjoy. Access to the park is free and footprints guide you around the biodiversity gardens. While watching over the kids, slot in a workout at the outdoor gym or enjoy the lovely view of the Atlantic Ocean.
So why wait? Hop on to the big red bus with the whole family, hop off at these exciting stops, and make the most of the holiday.
