Boschendal
The sprawling grounds of one of the oldest farms in South Africa provide space to run and family-friendly dining options, as well as a number of activities especially for kids. After enjoying a picnic on the lawn or a snack in the Farm Shop, the little ones can go on a pony ride, blow off some steam in the Splish Splash Play Area, explore the vast gardens or spend an hour on the jungle gym.
Spice Route
The highlight of the Spice Route is undoubtedly the variety of artisanal producers on site and multiple restaurant options for hungry families. They can have wood-fired pizzas at La Grapperia or gourmet burgers at Barley & Biltong, while Bertus Basson’s menu of traditional South African classics is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The kids can work up an appetite in the fantastic play area beforehand while you enjoy a wine, chocolate or charcuterie tasting.
Warwick
Warwick Wine Estate’s gourmet picnics are an institution in the Cape Winelands. The Executive Chef combines the highest quality ingredients from locally sourced artisanal suppliers to produce a delicious feast that is perfect for a lazy day out in wine country. The kids’s basket includes beef fillet slices, a wholewheat roll, crudité cup, Laughing Cow cheese, hummus and a fruit juice, plus an Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich for afterwards. The whole family can also enjoy a “Big 5 Vineyard Safari”; a fun, educational Land Rover trip that takes you on a mountain journey through Warwick’s vineyards to learn about their “Big 5” grape varieties.
Spier
Amazing food is also the theme at Spier, where visitors can choose between a picnic made with local, natural and organic produce, the smoky delights of the Hoghouse BBQ & Bakery, a more formal affair at Eight with its seasonal farm-to-table menu or a selection of deli favourites at the Spier Farm Kitchen. Entertainment abounds in the form of unique Eagle Encounters (including piglets, rabbits, tortoises, chickens and unique playground) and a Spier Segway Tour for over 10s, and of course wine tasting for the grown-ups.
Babylonstoren
Set within 3,5 hectares of cultivated fruit and vegetables, the big garden at Babylonstoren is at the heart of the farm. It was inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, which supplied sailing ships of the Dutch East India Company with fresh vegetables and fruit during the days when the Cape was a halfway station between Europe and Asia. Children love the interactive daily tours and the freedom of being able to taste, touch and smell everything as they explore the grounds. You can recover from all the excitement with a refreshing pressed juice or a more satisfying snack at the Greenhouse Restaurant, which is ideal for families.
Vergenoegd
The Duck Parade at Vergenoegd is something that needs to be seen to be believed! 1070 Indian Runner Ducks march to and from the vineyards every day, providing an enchanting spectacle for visitors of all ages. This waddling workforce is essential to the farm’s pest-control, consuming a startling amount of snails and bugs on their daily patrols. The farm’s newly re-landscaped gardens provide the perfect spaces for picnics under the ancient oak trees or in the cozy old barn on rainy days. Each basket is an expression of the Cape’s best hand-crafted food and includes a bottle of Vergenoegd’s own Runner Duck wine.
Fairview
Adored by children and adults alike, Fairview’s famous goat tower has been home to their beloved furry mascots since 1981. A herd of 750 Swiss mountain goats lives on the working family farm and each year during September, the nanny goats welcome their kids into the world, creating a wonderful opportunity for children to meet them at the Goat Tower. When asked why the tower is so popular, owner Charles Back naturally responds, “because people like seeing animals have fun”!
