What to do with your children during the holidays

This year, many of us are staying home or looking for activities for our children that will be COVID-19-safe. While we can’t list all the activities in and around South Africa, here are some to help out.

YOUTH MOVEMENTS

Camp Gan Yisrael: Day camp for children aged 3 to 12 years old. From 7 to 18 December. With the motto, “Making Jewish kids happier, and happy kids Jewisher”, Camp Gan Yisrael is more than a break from the school routine or an opportunity for mom to breathe during the holidays, it runs a comprehensive programme aimed at strengthening body and soul, providing your child with a stimulating holiday of fun and excitement along with friendship and meaningful educational experiences.. Due to COVID-19-prevention guidelines, Camp Gan Yisrael has to limit its intake. For more information, visit www.cgijoburg.co.za or email camp@chabad.org.za

Betar hike: 10 and 20 December, Linksfield Ridge, 08:00 to 12:00. Join Betar for a guided tour of Linksfield Ridge. Includes free hand sanitiser, snacks, and beverages. All ages welcome, including beginners. Call 082 857 9169 or email info@betarsa.co.za

Netzer day camps: Offering programmes and outings in and around Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as some online programming to bring its regions and internationals together. The machaneh experience includes components of fun adventurous outings, Netzer programming, Netzer ma’amadim/services, online programming and services, as well as daily educational content. All programming and outings will be carried out in open, outdoor, and/or well ventilated spaces. Everyone will be required to keep a social distance and wear masks at all times. Temperatures will be taken on arrival, and sanitiser will be distributed and will be available at all times. Go to http://www.netzer.org.za/summer-machaneh/ to sign-up and to get more information.

Habonim summer day camps: In Johannesburg from 14 to 18 December, and in Cape Town from 21 to 24 December. Our week-long activities promise to be the most fun, educational, and safe way to spend your December holidays. Habonim is excited to be able to host meaningful programming for our chaverim this December in spite of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Johannesburg day camps take place at King David Linksfield Primary School and in Cape Town at the Glen Green Point Sports Centre. Themes relating to Israel and South Africa are explored in depth as hundreds of children gain a sense of self and Jewish identity coupled with a more critical and pro-active look at the challenges facing us and our surroundings. Children return home every day with a strengthened value system, a stronger belief in themselves, and as confident young adults. Email nina@habo.org.za, or call our Johannesburg office on 011 786 7046.

JOHANNESBURG

Festival of Lights Joburg Zoo 2020: 22 November 2020 to 3 January 2021. Joburg Theatre in association with the City of Johannesburg’s Joburg Zoo, City Parks, and City Power present the second annual Festival of Lights featuring an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters and classical entertainment, food, and a craft night market for visitors to the Joburg Zoo. Patrons can enjoy a tranquil walk in the zoo on a designated lit route away from the animals under trees decorated in enchanting lights. The Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights offers patrons entertainment and a night out at the zoo for all ages.

Happy Island Waterworld: 27 November 2020 to 31 January 2021. South Africa’s largest water park is packed with fast-paced slides, rubber tube rides for all ages, and features the biggest wave pool in Africa. The family-friendly venue offers world-class water entertainment such as the exhilarating gravity loop, rainbow slide, and typhoon rides. The lazy river and massage pools offer a more relaxing water activity. The enormous wave pool measures a colossal 20 000m², equipped with hydraulics that generate ocean-like waves at regular intervals. Lifeguards are constantly on duty to ensure the safety of visitors. Venue: Happy Island Waterworld, 106 Lake View Drive, Muldersdrift. Time: 09:00 to 18:00. Cost: various.

Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox: 28 November 2020 to 23 December 2020. On at the National Children’s Theatre’s new outdoor theatre with all COVID-19 protocols observed. This show is suitable for children aged three and up. Bring along sunscreen, a sun hat, umbrella, picnic basket, and a blanket. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg. Time:  09:30 daily Tuesday to Sunday, and 16:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: R120.

White-water rafting on the Vaal River near Johannesburg: Ready to take on the raging white-water rapids of the mighty Vaal? Trips ideal for beginners, family outings, and adrenalin junkies. For more information: bookings@realadventures.co.za or call 082 924 4060.

CAPE TOWN

Noordhoek Farm Village: There is so much on offer for families at Noordhoek Farm Village, made up of the Foodbarn (one of the only fine-dining restaurants in town that welcomes kids), Café Roux, the Toad in the Village restaurant, two pubs, and a fantastic children’s playground. There are large open spaces for children to run around while adults relax and enjoy a great meal or do some shopping at the funky shops. Website: thefarmvillage.co.za

The Company’s Gardens: Children love the Company’s Gardens and it’s easy to see why. There are so many open spaces for them to run around in, and they get to feed the squirrels! Even most adults get a kick out of the adorable creatures. Buy a bag of peanuts for the squirrels from the vendors at the entrance, take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, and end it off with something to eat and drink at the great Company’s Garden restaurant. Website: thecompanysgarden.com

The Palms Market: Every Saturday, there’s another Woodstock market that unfolds (the other – more popular – one being the Neighbourgoods Market) which offers a variety of things to see, do, and eat for the whole family. The idea is that it’s a platteland atmosphere within urban Cape Town. There’s a great variety of food (think homemade pies, marmalades, gourmet mushrooms, gourmet sandwiches, and much more) and often some live music taking the stage. The kids will love the unpretentious, relaxed set-up of everything, while the older ones will enjoy the variety on offer. Website: facebook.com.

Go karting: Kenilworth Karting has been around for quite some time and is the perfect spot for those who want some friendly petrolhead competition. Older kids in the family can challenge their folks to see who can set the fastest lap time or who can complete the most amount of laps in a set amount of time. There is also a track at Century City. Website: karting.co.za

The Clay Café: Get the whole family together for this one! At the Clay Café in Hout Bay, children and parents get to spend the day painting crockery that you can take home. The staff at the Clay Café will be on hand to help everyone with techniques so that everyone creates their very own masterpiece. The restaurant serves up delicious meals throughout the day. Website: claycafe.co.za

DURBAN

Aerial cable trail – Karkloof Canopy Tours: Karkloof Canopy Tours offers the unequalled experience of ziplining in the indigenous Karkloof Forest. Safely harnessed in mountaineering equipment and under the close supervision of a professional team of guides, prepare yourself for a Tarzan and Jane adventure that will take you among the birds and monkeys of this magnificent forest. Call 033 330 3415.

uShaka Marine World – aquarium diving and scuba diving: uShaka Marine World offers adventurers three unforgettable experiences. The Snorkel Experience: see myriad silvery fish flash only millimetres from your face as you float lazily around the snorkel lagoon, or dive through the Phantom Ship, where you will be able to spot the long-lost treasures from the cargo ship wreck, including a Willy’s Jeep believed to be from World War II, but beware, you may come face to face with a shark! Bring only your swimwear and a towel, as we provide you with a buoyancy vest, mask and snorkel. The Xpanda Shark Dive: With nothing but the Xpanda cage between you and the sharks, you can test your courage by enduring a close encounter with Ragged Tooth sharks circling your cage and enjoy seeing Brindle bass at close range. The Oceanwalker Experience: uShaka Marine World is the only place in South Africa where you can walk among the sea’s beautiful creatures using the innovative Oceanwalker device. The Open Ocean Tank has magnificent marine life such as rays, sand sharks, tuna, and pompano, and to think you don’t need a diving qualification to enjoy a walk inside uShaka Marine World’s largest exhibit! Guests aged 12 years and above welcome, from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the year. Contact: 031 328 8000.

Beach Horse Rides: Spend a morning on a Beach Horse Ride in Durban and you will know exactly what we are talking about! We offer exhilarating horseback beach adventures on the beautiful Reunion Beach in the south of Durban. From seven to 70 years old, and total novice to experienced riders can join us. Contact: 084 467 0752.

Kite surfing – Surfers Ballito Bay: At Surfers Ballito Bay we offer instruction by International Kiteboarding Organisation-qualified instructors, and whether you are eight or 88, our courses will provide you with the skills that you need to tackle the wind and waves. Contact: 032 946 0018.

KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board boat tour: While in Durban, why not stop by Umhlanga and join the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board crew for a boat tour on an early morning? Enjoy watching the safety system at play and learn about sharks, and you may even get to see dolphins, turtles, and rays. Contact: 031 566 0400.