THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE
Don’t spend a cent when immersing the kids in these fun activities
IT’S hard to believe you sent your little one off to a new grade about two short months ago. Somehow, the school holidays jumped right in front of you with no warning – and no spare change.
Lucky for the kids, there’s a host of activities for them. The best part is that they’re free.
CAPE TOWN
■ Urban parks are the new outdoor areas for stressed-out folks who need time out. Part of an urban design framework created by dhk for the V&A’s previously underutilised Canal District, Battery Park is the latest outdoor development connecting Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront to the CBD. The 12 000m2 park was opened in November, and links the city centre and Table Bay Harbour via pedestrian routes.
Visitors can try out stand-uppaddling along the canal and fitness tracks. And there’s shopping and entertainment. Key attractions include the Amsterdam Battery, the Piazza, and a family-friendly area with a jungle gym, scooter path, swings and rocking horses. It’s a great place for a Sunday picnic. All facilities are free.
Call 021 408 7639 for more.
■ Start fostering a love for reading. Every Saturday at 11am is storytime at the Book Lounge. A bookshop in Cape Town, a relaxing atmosphere will provide enquiring minds with answers to their pressing questions. The bookshop prides itself on stocking reading material you wouldn’t ordinarily find at a bigger retailer. Storytime is free for all with a recommended age guideline of between 3 and 8 years – but all are welcome.Visit: www. booklounge.co.za.
DURBAN
■ Designed with little ones in mind, People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium is the answer to getting the blood pumping. The park has rolling lawns, trees to climb, and fountains. There’s lots of room for exploring. Kids can bring their bikes and test out the field and track area. The playground features a sloping track that runs the length of the park – perfect for skateboarding and roller skating. On warmer days, the fountains offer respite from the heat. Don’t forget hats, sunscreen and a picnic basket. Call: 031 303 5719.
■ The Durban Natural Science Museum is one of the oldest and most popular museums. With an unrivalled collection of small and large mammals, including a fossilised egg of an Elephant Bird – the largest bird yet on the planet, the “Kwanunu Insect Arcade” is the big attraction. The museum is also home to the close-to-life-size Tyrannosaurus model and the 100-year-old near-complete Dodo skeleton. Call: 031 311 2256
JOHANNESBURG
■ Zoo Lake is a fab picnic spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a paddle across the man-made lake or a relaxing snooze under a tree. With no shortage of space, the kids are free to run around and go to explore.
There’s a basketball court, fivea-side soccer area and the Zoo Lake swimming pool (adults R12, children R9). Visit: www.gauteng. net/attractions/zoo_lake.
■ Young gamers will be into the Gamebox. Hosted at the Goethe-Institut, it offers an immersive experience and a platform to try out new digital games. Children will be enthralled by the PlayStation 4 with virtual reality glasses, the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
There’s also a library providing a large collection of board games. Call: 011 442 3232.