Things to Do in Kraaifontein

Bugz Family Playpark is one of the top things to do for kids in Cape Town. If you need to entertain 2- to 10-year-old kids, march them straight here. This fun family attraction is the largest play park in the Western Cape, offering an enormous outdoor playground and a wonderful indoor play area. The colourful variety of pedal cars, jumping castles, rowing boats, swing horses, mini-tractor rides and a choo-choo train is certain to tire out little pipsqueaks in no time. Older and more adventurous scamps can giddy up on the ponies or zoom up the tracks on quad bikes. On sunny days they can even go slip sliding down the inflatable waterslide. Most of the rides are kid-powered – giving small folk plenty of exercise in a fun and natural way. Bugz has two large sandpits with colourful jungle gyms, slides, swings and numerous play apparatus to crawl under or climb over. There are also delightful playhouses, a tree house and even a castle, and if there are no parties in progress, kids are free to romp around here to their heart’s content. (Bugz is also a popular birthday party venue.) Need to know? Open every day except on Christmas Day. Ticket sales close at 16:30, but rides stay open until 17:00. Token rides are only open on weekends, school holidays and public holidays. From May until mid-September, limited or no-token rides will be available. In the event of rainy weather in summer, limited or no-token rides may be available. If it happens to rain, rides will not operate for the day, but there is a great indoor section where the fun continues. www.bugzplaypark.co.za +27 (0) 21 988 8836 party@bugz.co.za

Popular with discerning music and theatre lovers, Villa Pascal Theatre is a unique venue owned by well-known French chanteuse Danièle Pascal and Eugène Lebreton. This intimate theatre regularly hosts performances ranging from cabaret to classical to jazz by local and international artists. Conveniently situated in the heart of Durbanville, Villa Pascal Theatre is close to the Durbanville Wine Route and Durbanville Golf Club. Patrons can bring a picnic basket and enjoy an unusual theatre experience in the Cape’s only theatre in a house.

Bloemendal Wine Estate is situated in the heart of the picturesque Durbanville Wine Route, producing top quality grapes for the wine industry in the region. The estate is known for its multiple award-winning Bloemendal Sauvignon Blanc, "Suider Terras". Other notables include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Semillon, Natural Sweet, Chardonnay, Pinotage, and Bloemenblanc. Bloemendal is also home to some of the best festivals and concerts in Cape Town. Festivals to diarise include Feast of the Grape in March, Oyster and Champagne Festival over Easter, Soup Sip and Bread in June, Spring Fest in September, Seasons of Sauvignon in October, and the Table Mountain Blues Summit in November.

Tyger Valley Centre is a big regional shopping mall complete with the latest fashion, lifestyle accessories and a good entertainment area – the Tyger Valley Arena. Contained in a three-level setting, this stylish hub offers the finest restaurants and coffee shops, leisure shops, banking mall with bureau de change facilities, Ster Kinekor cinema complex and top retail stores. Located in the expanding Tyger Valley business district, this centre is a conveniently 12-minute drive from Cape Town CBD and a stone’s throw away from some of the most scenic wine farms in the country. Shopping with pipsqueaks is child’s play at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre with convenient baby changing facilities and designated safe play areas. Specially designed cloak rooms are available for disabled shoppers. At each entrance there is an intercom system that customers can utilise when in need of a wheelchair. Tyger Valley Shopping Centre also offers parking for disabled shoppers at all mall entrances. With over 5 000 parking bays there is ample parking and you have the choice of either undercover parking or free parking. Trading hours are Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00, Sunday 09:00 – 17:00, Public Holidays 09:00 – 19:00.

Willowbridge Shopping Centre offers wonderful homestores and antique shops, designer stores, bookstores and music stores. It also houses the Barnyard Theatre where one get together with friends and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants and catch a wonderful show at the same time. This open air mall is vibey, has great restaurants and an organic market every Saturday morning! Worth a visit.

Friendship, good food, wine and brilliant entertainment – this is where it all comes together. The Mother City's first Barnyard Theatre is situated in Willowbridge Shopping Centre. This is a dinner theatre at its best, offering excellent live entertainment including rock shows, musicals, bands and revues. The Barnyard started as a homely, rustic farm theatre in Plettenberg Bay where friends and family could be entertained and eat, drink and talk into the small hours of the morning. It proved to be such a winner that more Barnyard Theatres started popping up all over the country. There are currently 12 Barnyard Theatres in South Africa. While each theatre is a product of its individual setting, they all retain the quaint rustic charm of the original farm theatre’s humble beginning. To book, visit the bookings office at the theatre or call central reservations (0) 21 914 8898. Shop F09 1st Floor, Willowbridge Life Style Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Drive, Tygervalley.

Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Celebrating four decades of quality winemaking through innovation, Simonsig Estate, remains as dedicated about wine excellence as they are passionate about the tradition of wine enjoyment.A legendary landmark, Simonsig is one of the country’s most awarded cellars, fostering acclaimed accomplishments including South Africa’s Top Shiraz, Woman Winemaker of the Year 2005 and four ABSA Top Ten Pinotage triumphs. A visit to this unique working cellar, enhanced by daily wine tastings, its newly launched Cuvée restaurant and true Stellenbosch hospitality, make for an authentic wine experience.As founder member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Simonsig enjoys widespread popularity, receiving thousands of visitors. In winter a cosy fire welcomes you to the tasting room, which is managed by the irrepressible Maureen Basson. A cool, shady veranda and flutes of ice cold Kaapse Vonkel await you in summer. Informative tastings, cellar tours and a ceremonial sabrage make for a memorable visit.Need to know? Tasting & Wine Sales: Monday to Friday 08h30 to 17h00, Saturdays and Public Holidays 08h30 to 16h00. Cellar tours: Monday to Friday 10h00 & 15h00, Saturdays 10h00. Closed Sunday, Easter Fri, Dec 25 & Jan 1.

The tale of Meerendal's wine started in 1702 in the fertile slopes of the Tygerberg Hills. Today the legend continues with visiting families and friends enjoying superb wine and food. Meerendal’s award-winning wines are lovingly created by cellar-master Liza Goodwin. Hand-tended vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Gorgeous panoramic views over the vineyards and Boland Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for special occasions and Meerendal has become a favourite venue for weddings, launches, private functions, meetings and events. +27 (0) 21 975 1655 Vissershok Road, Durbanville, Cape Town. Cellar Tastings and Sales: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 18:00 (Sun until 17:00).

This lovely little boutique winery is situated just outside Durbanville. Personal attention is the motto of the tiny vineyard of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo and Viognier on Kronendal smallholding. Magdaleen’s Rhône blend is named “Mirari”, Latin for "to wonder at" – in honour of passionate friends and family members who assist with each harvest. Westerdale Road, Durbanville, Cape Town Closed Sundays, call before visiting – Magdaleen Kroon 082 499 0198

LovanE is one of the smallest wine estates near Stellenbosch, producing 20 000 bottles of wine per year. Situated in the picturesque Polkadraai Hills, its famous neighbours are Neethlingshof Wine Estate and Overgaauw Wine Estate. Vineyard plantings consist of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Their first wine was produced in 2006. Wine tasting times: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00. Closed on Public Holidays.

Situated in Stellenboschkloof and flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg Mountain, Neethlingshof is just outside Stellenbosch and is well worth a visit. Driving up the imposing stone pine avenue, a stunning vista unfolds complete with pristine Cape Dutch buildings, rolling green vineyards and a cosy cellar where the full range of wines may be tasted and purchased. Wine Tasting and Sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 16:00. The estate closes two hours later in the summer months. Individual and group tastings are available for a fee. Charge for cellar tours – prior booking is required. For estate tours, contact Katrin Cross on +27 (0) 21 883 8988.

Wine, food, art, culture, nature and conservation Spier is more than an innovative and iconic destination. It is a place of hope that delivers experiences that rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Visitors to the estate are given a sensory encounter – here you can see, smell, hear, feel and taste a variety of unexpected experiences.Situated in the heart of South Africa's Cape Winelands, Spier Wines produce award-winning wines that have won global recognition. Guests and visitors can experience the art of fine wine through tasting opportunities.Spier has long believed that the arts have a crucial role to play in the African Renaissance as art, in all its forms, has the power to transform societies. As such, Spier launched the Spier Arts Summer Season 11 years ago as a way to express their passion for the arts.A fine collection of African art is showcased throughout the estate. It draws guests into exploring the vibrancy, energy and life of the diverse heritage of the Cape and the African continent, embodying multiple cultures and traditions. Visitors can absorb the power of this collection with ease as they stroll around Spier.The fabric of Spier's rich history was created out of a journey that began in 1692 and has been embroidered for over three centuries. The original Manor House and slave bell, as well as the oldest dated wine cellar in South Africa, have been impeccably restored for future generations to stay in touch with the past.Take a stroll through the lovely estate. There are walks through the rose gardens at the back of Moyo, by the riverside, by the lakeside. There is an abundance of birdlife on the estate for bird watchers and the opportunity to roam around freely. Take a walk to the Africa Centre meeting spaces on the south bank, or visit their nursery where plants are propagated to landscape the gardens or check out the Adobe brick-making works.Need to know? Spier Wine Shop is open seven days a week from 09h00 to 17h00.Tastings between 10h00 and 16h30.

Situated on the slopes of the Papegaaiberg, Oude Libertas overlooks the magnificent Stellenbosch mountain range. Here you can experience three centuries of Cape hospitality under the ancient oak trees with views that stretch over the surrounding scenery and vineyards. Every Saturday morning the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market is hosted in the amphitheatre. Here truly organic suppliers and shoppers get together in a laid back atmosphere to do their trading and often share lazy breakfasts together. Facilities at Oude Libertas include an amphitheatre, restaurant, wine tasting centre, and event and conference facilities.

Steeped in early Cape history, Muratie is one of the most authentic treasures of the Cape Winelands. This working wine farm in the Stellenbosch wine region offers an experience of farm life against a backdrop of grandiose views of Simonsberg and Table Mountain. Enormous shady old oak trees line the grounds and set the stage for what lies inside the historic buildings. The old fermentation tanks in the cellar are characterised by tartaric encrusted walls, old carpets, wooden furniture and original art. This is where you will find honest farm food, good wine and great company. Muratie’s wines, in the words of the late Ronnie Melck, are ‘humble, honest and full of integrity, with quality being the only answer’. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 Closed Good Friday & Christmas Cellar tours daily at 10:30 & 14:30.

Experience the vibrant colours and fascinating flight of numerous butterflies in a lush, tropical garden.Butterfly World, one of the more unique attractions of the Cape Winelands, consists of a tropical garden in a 1000 m2 green house where free flying exotic butterflies feel right at home.The butterfly park is located at the cross roads of the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington Wine Routes, near the small Boland town of Klapmuts. Just off the N1 at Exit 47 on the Route 44 (300m to the south), it is very accessible to the many tourists visiting the area.In a separate enclosures visitors walk in between birds, common marmosets, green iguanas and a couple of blue duiker, all free to roam the garden where they want. The Spider Room displays indigenous and exotic spiders and scorpions in locked glass terraria and teaches the public to respect and appreciate these animals. A new wing to the tropical garden is the Reptile Bay where Madagascan chameleons and lizards, tortoises, Australian skinks and bearded dragons and a couple of noisy parrots are housed.The gift shop has butterfly related items for sale and the Jungle Leaf Café provides light meals and refreshments for those taking a break from butterfly watching.The beautiful outdoor garden hosts a lapa for children’s activities, a meerkat enclosure and lots of free range ducks and chickens, waiting for children to feed them with packets of seeds and fodder bought from the gift shop.Opening hours:09:00 – 17:00Monday to SundayOpen all public holidays except 25 December and 1 JanuaryEntrance fee from 1 December 2009:R39.00 per adultR22.00 for children over threeR100.00 per family (two adults, two children)R33.00 for pensioners/college students.Discount for groups (conditions apply)Children under three enter free.Entrance fee from 1 December 2010:R43.00 per adultR25.00 for children over threeR111.00 per family (two adults, two children)R37.00

Inspired by Africa, a passion for wine and the ideas and philosophies of the world-renowned architect, Luis Barragan, Mont Destin cellar brings an exciting, innovative and fresh approach to wine and architecture in the Cape Winelands. On 10 hectares of land owners Samantha and Ernest have planted the classic varieties: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon; and some new and exciting varieties: Grenache, Mourvedré, Cinsaut and Viognier which gives us the opportunity to create the most interesting blends. Enjoy an unforgettable experience tasting their uniquely hand-crafted wines at Mont Destin wine cellar which is definitely the first of its kind in South Africa.

Bosman’s Crossing is a picturesque blend of heritage and modernlifestyle with a trading village as the central theme. The trading village incorporatestourist shopping, community shopping and craft markets. To enhance visitor browsing,an arched village piazza, a river promenade and a cobbled arcade were addedwith an aesthetic emphasis on natural materials.This provides an area of leisure, reflecting traditional activities of theStellenbosch wine lands embraced by the ambience of a village square consistingof restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars, open square and arcade, riverfrontboardwalk and bridge, access to the nature reserve, mini museums and a place tohonour South Africa’s wine pioneers - a “third place” to meet people and makenew friends. Papegaaiberg is a stone's throw away, with the starting point of the 24-kilometre long Vineyard Hiking Trail, through a seriesof hills and ridges, through forest plantations, vineyards, olive groves andsome of the remaining small remnants of the coastal Renosterveld.

Step into a Victorian-era general dealer in historic Dorp Street. Yesteryear's Oom Samie se Winkel trades today in much the same way as it did back then. As you enter, the pungent aroma of dried fish, spices, tobacco and leather fills your nostrils. Rummage through the shelves to find old fashioned sticky toffees, boiled sweets, collectible books, vintage clothing and authentic old butter churns. You might even walk out armed with a rare antique along with your purchases of fruit, vegetables, wine, biltong and bokkoms. This nostalgic store also operates a wine boutique specializing in exceptional vintages and unusual releases. Here you can purchase a special gift or fine wine and they will pack and ship it to destinations across the globe. Celebrate afterwards at Oom Samie's adjoining restaurant, the Koffiehuis.

Stellies offers a lot more than just wine. Why not spend a day exploring the many historical buildings and Museums in Stellenbosch? There is something for everyone from the V.O.C Kruithuis, an old gunpowder house where war memorabilia is on display, to the Toy and Miniature Museum, where you can take a trip back to the good old days and look at what amused children before computer games and mobile phones.The Village Museum is another must during your stay in Stellenbosch, with its four lovingly restored historic homes which you can view at your leisure, Shreuderhuis, Blettermanhuis, OM Berghs House and the beautiful Grosvenor House. A visit to any of these wonderful historical buildings is sure to be a memorable one, and is a must for anyone visiting Stellenbosch!

Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest working wine farms in South Africa. This gorgeous wine farm is situated 50 km from Cape Town and 4 km south of Stellenbosch on the R44 Stellenbosch Wine Route. Visitors are welcome to taste a variety of wines from their Vineyard, Cultivar and Landau selections ranging from Bordeaux blends, varietals to unique red dessert wines. Their flagship wines are the Zinfandel Trio – Red, White and Noble Late Harvest. Open Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, Sunday 09:00 – 16:00.