Planet Kids in Muizenberg

The inclusive indoor and outdoor activity centre that is the first of its kind in South Africa

Drawing inspiration from intergalactic worlds, Planet Kids features space-themed activities and games for children of all ages. But, of course, families and little ones don’t have to travel to outer realms to experience all the fun as the play place is conveniently located between the mountains and the vlei in Muizenberg.

Aside from being one of the few venues that offers indoor and outdoor activities, games and apparatuses, Planet Kids, which opened in 2008, also prides itself on being the first inclusive  play centre in South Africa.  The fun zone is owned and run by Andreas Schwab who was inspired to open Planet Kids after not being able to find a play centre for his own disabled child.

“I experience the lack of this kind of facility first-hand. People don’t really talk about disabilities. Either they feel embarrassed or it's just never the right place and time for the topic. At Planet Kids we even have a small library with books on disabilities that people can borrow. We also try to assist with networking wherever possible.”

The one-stop play centre also encourages free-range play (the idea that kids should be left to their own devices when exploring, roaming and having fun) by providing a setting made up of strong and durable facilities. Additionally, all of the wooden structures are free of the preservative CCA (chromated copper arsenate), and the walls and woodwork are painted with non-harmful paint products.

“It's just a real simple and straight forward need: children have the need to touch their environment in order to learn. In most parts of the world these harmful products have been banned a long time ago. We're just following what's naturally right,” adds Andreas.

Budding astronauts and wannabe aliens can choose to conquer problem-solving activities such as puzzles and board games, indoor adrenaline sports such as volleyball, space board races, an intergalactic ball wall and open-air features, including a foofy slide and a dream swing. 

Parents are encouraged to stay and join in as their little ones play and explore, and should all the fun lead to working up an appetite, there are tasty themed treats for sale - think moon pizzas, space dogs, sweets and a variety of organic drinks - from the nifty Flying Saucer Café.  Of course, should mom or dad not be present, Planet Kids is more than equipped to look after the little ones thanks to trained staff members and even an on-hand occupational therapist.   

And while many entrepreneurs are really protective over the intellectual property and business ventures, Andreas is more than open to the idea of others replicating his all-inclusive play centre idea.

“I wish that many other places would copy our vision (or create their own) and help create places within our communities where all people can feel welcome and accommodated. It's not something that happens automatically; it takes an effort which in the end pays off well for all involved by means of creating an inclusive society.”

Tip:  Planet Kids sells its custom designed frisbees and spaceboards, as well as some of other popular toys. Feel free to contact them on info@planetkids.co.za.

The Bill: The entry fee for children between the ages of 2 and 13 is R30 for the first hour and R50 for two hours.  For children under two years, it’s R1 for every month of age. The minimum charge is R10 an hour. Parents enter for free. 

Opening Hours:  Wednesday to Sunday, as well as during school and public holidays, 10am - 6pm, all year round.

3 Wherry Road | Muizenberg | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 788 3070

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Get bargains and local food at the Muizenberg Flea Market.

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Looking for other kid-friendly activities in the Southern Suburbs? Read about a magical experience at the Rainbow Puppet Theatre in Constantia.

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