7 Things to do this week(end)

Exciting activities to do with kids + 20 more things to do this weekend

Spend the day racing down a new dirt road trail on a scooter, have theatrical cocktails in the evening or get out of the city for a harvest-style lunch and a game drive this weekend. 
 

LET THE KIDS MAKE A SLIMY FRIEND 

Take a trip to Two Oceans Aquarium for everyone's favourite: penguins. It's hard to resist spending time with these adorable seabirds in tuxedos. This is just one of the aquarium species, which has about 8 000 fantastic sea creatures, including jellyfish and other incredible invertebrates. There are even some creatures that don't have a brain or heart at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Date: Daily, 9:30am - 6pm weekdays & 9am - 6pm weekends
You may also like: treating the little ones to a friendly alpaca, a visit to the space agency and other free and cheap things you can do with the kids

ROLL DOWN ON A SCOOTER WITH FRIENDS + KIDS

Race down the bumpy rollers on top of the Dragons Back or skid under the canopy of trees in the Bush Tunnel in Scootours newest dirt Flow Trail at Middelvlei Wine Farm. Plus, team days and kids’ birthday parties get a complimentary boerebraai with a glass of wine and juice with a ride on a Monster Mountain Scooter with Scootours.

Date: Tuesday - Sunday, rides depart between 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00. You can book your spot via scootourscapetown.activitar.com

SAMPLE 5 DIFFERENT WINE RANGES 

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyard has five wine ranges worth trying. You can taste six wines from the five ranges by yourself, or be guided through them by a wine ambassador. You could also stay for lunch. It’s the type of place where everyone will find just the right type of food to keep them happy. There’s a rotisserie section and a harvest table. Plus the range of wines caters for many tastes (and pockets) during lunch at Leopard’s Leap.

Date: Tuesday to Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday from 11am–5pm
You may also like: getting the kids involved in dinner with 7 simple, but tasty recipes to make with the little ones.

 

PAIR YOUR WINE WITH A GAME DRIVE

It’s not only one of the country’s most eco-progressive wine estates, it also has a reasonably priced wine tasting (R40 for 6 different wines), which happens to include some of the best Cap Classiques in the country. Villiera is the Stellenbosch family-run wine farm with award-winning Cap Classiques, premium red and white wines and a wildlife sanctuary. See game such as kudu, even giraffes at Villiera Wines.

Date: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 9am - 3pm
You may also like: witnessing a golden wildebeest at Vredenheim animal park or relaxing on more safari game drives around Cape Town.  

MAKE THE FABULOUS ZSA ZSA GABOR PROUD

Zsa Zsa Restaurant is the perfect dinner-party-with-a-vibe experience. Set in the middle of Hout Street, this ultra-glamorous restaurant, inspired by legendary actor and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, has attention-grabbing cocktails, a resident DJ and a decadent French-, Italian- and Mediterranean-style menu. There are also surprise performances every night, so you never know what’s going to happen at Zsa Zsa Restaurant.

Date: Tuesday - Saturday, 4pm - 11pm
You may also like: taste-testing more of Cape Town’s outlandish cocktails

 

BRING THE FAMILY FOR A HARVEST TABLE LUNCH

When you get a hankering for a roast chicken and a table filled with plates of vegetables and salads, then Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is the answer. Every Wednesday to Sunday chef Christiaan Visser puts together a meal that is served at your table, designed for sharing between family and friends. There are other options besides chicken, including pork and lamb, and plenty of vegetable choices, too, at the Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie.

Date: Every Wednesday to Sunday, 9am-4pm

 

SAMPLE SOME OF THE BEST VINTAGES BY LA MOTTE

The Vinoteque Tasting at La Motte is special because the wines you’ll taste are limited and have been reserved for tasting only for that reason. This tasting is the only way you’ll get to drink the Millennium, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon of vintages from 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. Taste rate, limited, premium vintages at La Motte Wine Estate.

Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

ENJOY CAPE TOWN IN A NEW LIGHT 

Driving the roads of a town or country on a bike is one of the most exciting ways to sightsee.You’re entirely engaged with the scenery, nature and elements. And in the Western Cape we have no shortage of gorgeous landscapes. Here are four routes to take and the bikes to do them on, by Jörg Vogel owner of Cape Bike Travel.

Date: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 6pm; Saturday, 9am - 12pm and Sunday, 9am - 10am
You may also like: exploring everything the Western Cape has to offer a stunning day trip.

HOLIDAY IN A VILLA WITH A WINTER SPECIAL

Samadhi in Hout Bay is the dream house for the holidays: a pool that stretches along the deck with views of the bay beyond, mountains and greenery surrounding it, a cottage with a tennis court for the best of days playing long rallies. This dream villa also has a dream winter special; it costs R20 000 less than the usual rate, so you can stay at Samadhi over winter.

Date: Special on 1 May - 30 September, 2021

BAG A LUNCH SPECIAL + A FREE WINE TASTING 

At Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate everyone is welcome, even dogs. The kids will love the open lawns while parents relax with a glass of wine or get a gourmet picnic basket to  enjoy in private overlooking the vineyards and mountain range. Winemaker Peter Allen has wide ranges for both wine novices and fundis Plus CapeTownmagazine.com readers get 10% off lunch and free wine tastings till August at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate.

Date: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 11am - 3pm
You may also like: trying out Cape Town’s top wine farms for a unique and surprising wine tasting 

 

TAKE A BREATHER IN A NATURE COTTAGE 

You won’t find a better escape, or deal, than at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve in Citrusdal in the Cederberg right now. . On this special, you can stay at the camping villages for only R250 per person mid-week (minimum booking of 2 people), on the weekends it costs R350 per person (minimum booking of 6 people for 2 nights). The deal also applies to the Wolfkop Nature Reserve cottages Mid-week you can stay there for only R300 per person (minimum of 4 people). Activities are also discounted at Wolfkop Camping Villages and Nature Reserve.

Date: Monday - Sunday. Mid-week nights are Sunday to Thursday.
You may also like: finding more awesome adventures at some of Cape Town's top camping sites 

HIKE ALONG A PICTURESQUE WINE FARM

Winter’s coming, as the famous phrase now goes, and one of the best destinations to earmark for a winter outing is La Motte wine estate. Not only does it have a state-of-the-art wine-tasting facility attached to the impressive cellar (which you can tour), but it also has a fabulous fireplace where you can settle in to taste and savour the range of wines, from current vintages to more rare and limited edition wines.

Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am. Tastings are by reservation, so call ahead

STROLL THROUGH SATURDAY MARKET IN STELLENBOSCH

Visit the Fresh Produce Market in Stellenbosch and save up to 50% on the cost of vegetables and fruit. The produce comes from Greendrop Farms, which uses hydroponic farming methods, and in Stellenbosch the market is held there. If that’s too far away for you, there are two sites closer to Cape Town, in Durbanville and Strand. It happens every Saturday. Plus, in Stellenbosch, you can also go on a free hydroponic tour when you visit Greendrop Farms.

Date: Every Saturday, 8am- 1pm
You may also like: trying out a full vegan comfort meal at the Vegan Butcherie in Woodstock

SATURDAY FOOD MARKET WITH ENDLESS BANTING OPTIONS

A Low Carb A-Fair, hosted by Banting Baker Gigi and We Love Low Carb, welcomes all foodies. Together with other traders it brings top-quality food and loads of flavour to this market which has anything from boerie rolls to cake, ice cream and cheese. There will also be specials and lots of tasters available, as well as live entertainment. You might find banting and keto aren't boring when you visit A Low Carb A-Fair.

Date: The first Saturday of every month in Helderberg, Strand from 9am - 2 pm and again on the last Saturday of every month from 9 am - 3 pm in Paarden Eiland.

NEW OFFERINGS AVAILABLE ABOUT THE GALILEO

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back with two fantastic experiences: the exclusive Galileo Royale and the Drive-in. Royale shows movies every Wednesday at exclusive venues. It’s an elegant experience, with good food available from the restaurants on-site. The Drive-in is more relaxed, good for chilled outings with friends and family, and runs from Fridays to Sundays in Durbanville, Rondebosch, Gardens and Constantia, so book your parking spot at The Galileo.

Date: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Plus: From 11 March until the end of April you can have Galileo picnics and movies at Kirstenbosch Gardens

SPECIAL ALERT: CAGE DIVE WITH A GREAT WHITE SHARK

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, seeing a shark in its natural habitat is an exciting experience. It's why people come from all over the world to see the great white sharks in Gansbaai, aka the great white shark capital of the world. White Shark Diving Company is running spectacular specials for shark-cage diving. Prices are up to R700 less than usual and don't forget to ask for the CapeTownMagazine.com reader's special when you book any Shark Cage Diving Tour Packages.

Date: Every day
You may also like: petting an animal that’s a bit safer, and friendlier looking, than the toothy great white shark at vredenheim-animal-farm. 

HAVE AN AL FRESCO LUNCH AT THE PICNIC CAFÉ 

Picnic Cafe & Deli at Montebello Design Centre in Newlands has a novel concept. When you order your food from the deli counter, it'll come in a picnic basket. You can choose to have it at one of the tables under the trees (some with couches, others with chairs) or you can take a blanket and find a more secluded spot around the centre. There is also a play area for kids and games for the older crowd to play at the Picnic Cafe & Deli.

Date: Mondays to Sundays, 7am till 4pm
You may also like: discovering hidden sculptures and playing in a giant bamboo fort at Little Stream Farmhouse Deli

SAMPLE GINS, VODKAS, RUMS + A FIERY GINGER BEER

Gin lovers, listen up! Try your hand at crafting the perfect gin. Distillers & Union offer a gin-making course where you can personalise everything from your favourite fragrant botanical spices to the alcohol level and even the logo. The co-founders Simon Von Witt and Warren Harries-Jones have some award-winning vodkas, rums and a spicy, fiery ginger-beer range ready for you to sample at Distillers & Union. 

Date: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm
You may also like: finding out what other spectacular selection of gin tastings Cape Town has to offer

JOIN A FOOD LOVER’S COMMUNITY 

If you haven't gone to the new district of the V&A Waterfront for young local foodie talent, you're missing out. Makers Landing is a food community where the brightest minds in food can hone their skills. Think shisanyama, samosas and a gatsby sandwich – classic, simple South African food with a gourmet twist. The market has also started doing delivery boxes stocked with gourmet burgers, crispy samosas and more. If you're planning your summer holidays, make sure you don't miss Makers Landing.

Date: Thursday to Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sunday: 10am - 5pm
You may also like: exploring the beauty of little towns through more outstanding and out of town markets.  

SWIM, EAT + DRINK COCKTAILS AT FICKS

Fick’s Tidal Pool is cradled between the rocks in Hermanus. This amazing spot overlooks the ocean, making it an ideal summer venue for swims and sunsets. There’s a restaurant, Ficks Pinchos & Wine, with wooden decks that hug the cliffs surrounding the pool. It’s an idyllic spot reminiscent of Greece or the Croatian coast. Sip cocktails, dine on pinchos (Spanish tapas), and cool off in the crystal-clear pool at Ficks. Depending on where you are, you could find a tidal pool closer to you.

Date: Every day
Cost: Free
You may also like: keeping the kids entertained with heaps of things to do when it rains

Image credit: MAKUvisuals

LET THE KIDS MEET AN AFRICAN PENGUIN

Home to Africa’s only penguin colony, take a scenic drive to Simon’s Town and visit the sheltered Boulder’s Beach. You could also find hidden treasure at the scratch patch, play in a room made of trampolines or find 37 more things to do with the kids. 

Date: December to January, daily 7am to 7:30pm. February to March, daily 8am to 6:30pm. Opening hours change according to the season.
You may also like: letting the kids ride a pony or find more fun activities at Imhoff Farm

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MORE TIPS ON UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN:

• Hey parents! Here’s a list of 37 things to do you can do with your kids.
• Here’s what you can do at Cape Town’s first indoor roller skating park. 
  Indulge in CBD infused food at Infusion on Long.
• Do you use kabeljou, snoek, or hake in your pickled fish recipe?
• Why friends, couples and families alike all love Whale Rock Lodge.
• How to find the best bargains in Cape Town, according to locals.
• Weekends call for exciting days out to (re)discover Cape Town with Kiff Kombi Tours.
• Seaside views, a sushi bar + more at Barstaurant.
• Discover the trails and biodiversity of CapeNature reserves.  
• Check out this adorable miniature version of the 7de Laan set.
• They’re serving up a brand new menu with fresh pasta and fresh produce at Bacini’s.
• Learn from the best when it comes to a beginner's guide to drag terminology.
• Treat yourself to a fine-dining experience at Templehof’s new Constantia restaurant beyond.

 

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