LITTLE ONES
Take a trip to one of these family-friendly spots
PLACE OF PLAY
Shop 43, Canal Walk. 021 555 0303
Yummy mummies and their kids get their kicks at Place of Play (Pop) in Canal Walk. The space is custom (and very nicely) designed to keep littlies happily entertained for hours and you can be sure they’ll be well and truly tired out when they reach home. Featuring an indoor and outdoor play park, three-storey jungle gym, magnetic climbing wall, mini quad bikes and even a laser room, there’s no such word as bored here. A safe and hygienic place to play – the major drawcard for adults is the restaurant that’s both adult and child friendly. They also offer party rooms for catered celebrations and donate R1 from the R35 entrance fee – some things cost an extra R10 – to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. Adults and under twos get in for free.
LIBRISA SPA
at the Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens. 021 483 1550
The Nellie’s newly opened spa has special ‘kiddies spa treats’ and ‘teen spa’ menus for little people and over-12s. They’ll love the lavender and aloe Cinderella facial, cocoa fizzy fairy mask, sparkle mini manicure and the balancing facial for teens with problem skin. Afterwards, treat your pampered and preened littlies to a baby-chino at the Oasis Restaurant next door to the spa.
‘MOMS AND TOTS’ (1 – 3½) AND ‘MOMS AND BABES’ (FROM 2 MONTHS) WORKSHOPS
www.momsandtots.co.za, info@momsandtots.co.za
Workshops, positioned all over the Western Cape, are designed to strengthen mother/toddler bonds while emphasising the importance of play in learning programmes. Moms attend two-hour workshops with their toddlers once a week (morning or afternoon workshops are available). The curricula have been developed by leading child psychologists and teachers. Workshop leaders include teachers, child psychologists and social workers.
City Bowl/Atlantic Seaboard 021 434 4134
Durbanville 021 976 3417
Edgemead 021 558 8036
Fish Hoek 021 785 7721
Hermanus 028 312 4510
Lakeside/Constantia 021 788 1312
Milnerton/Table View 021 556 7590
Rondebosch 021 685 6451
Somerset West 021 855 3954
BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Shop 7104 Lower Level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront. 021 418 8544
An innovative toy shop where your lighties can create their own bear with the assistance of friendly staff. Kids choose the casing of the fluffy toy, then make their way along a production line which includes stuffing the bear, choosing a sound (or recording their own), showering (don’t worry, there’s no actual water), and dressing their new friend up in the sweetest clothing and accessories. Think patriotic South African-flag slip slops, miniature V-neck golf jerseys and denim jeans. Each item is individually priced. The final step is registering a name and issuing a birth certificate. It’s the perfect Christmas gift and a great outing too.
KALK BAY THEATRE
Bookings 073 220 5430
The Children’s Theatre regularly offers performances during school holidays. Contact the theatre for more details.
CLAY CAFE
Main Road, Hout Bay. 021 790 3318
Cart your tots off to the Clay Cafe to create some special keepsakes. Ready-made clay bisques are provided for you to cover with your own designs. Pieces are glazed and fired afterwards and you’ll be called to collect. They also host children’s parties. R15 studio fee per person, plus the cost of the clay items you paint (ranging from R25 to R100).
BIZZY BODIES
Westlake Business Park, 23 Bell Crescent. 021 702 0505, www.bizzybodies.co.za
This indoor play gym offers supervision for children from two to 12 years. Drop your kids off while you do some shopping. R30 for first hour, R25 each subsequent hour.
SILWOOD KIDDIES COOKERY COURSES
Silwood Kitchen, Silwood Road, Rondebosch
021 686 4894/5, www.silwood.co.za
Five to 12-year-olds can make favourites like pizza and chocolate cake at this two-morning-long course. Courses run during the school holidays in April and September. Phone for 2008 course dates. Cost R120
MOVIES FOR MUMS AND BABIES
Ster Kinekor movie theatres, 086 130 0444
On the first Wednesday of every month, Ster Kinekor movie theatres host 9 am movie screenings exclusively for mums with babies.
SHORELINE CAFE AT THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
021 418 3823
Pair a visit to the aquarium with a meal at the Shoreline Cafe. There’s a children’s play area, supervised by trained staff. The extensive kiddies menu includes fish fingers and Purity, and there’s a more sophisticated menu for parents.