Exploring The Cape Winelands One Jungle Gym at a Time

Often perceived as a destination focused primarily on adults, the Cape Winelands with its wide-open spaces, scenic natural beauty, and interactive farm experiences is packed with activities that your little ones will love. Franschhoek Country House & Villas welcomes children of all ages and, as a family-run business, knows all the best wineland’s spots to explore with your kids:

Pigcasso

Farm Sanctuary SA is the home of local animal artist Pigcasso. Founder/director Joanne Lefson and her resident rescued famous painting pig “Pigcasso” have sold artworks for millions, raising funds to sustain the sanctuary. Learn about industrialised animal farming, its detrimental effects on the environment, and the welfare of farmed animals. Stay a little longer and enjoy a vegan snack or a wine tasting from the inhouse Wonki Donkey Deli.

For more information visit Pigcasso
Getting there: The Farm Sanctuary is a 5-minute drive from Franschhoek Country House & Villas.

Leopard’s Leap

A firm favourite of the Snyman family, Leopard’s Leap is a family friendly wine farm located a short drive down the road from Franschhoek Country House & Villas. The farm has a lovely playground for kids as well as a dirt track and bicycle pump track. Entrance is free but kids must always wear a helmet. We’d recommend making an afternoon of the visit and staying on for a rotisserie lunch (available Wednesday to Sunday) where guests enjoy juicy cuts from the Leopard Leap Rotisserie and seasonal sides and salads from the harvest table.

For more information visit Leopardsleap
Getting there: Leopards Leap is situated 3km drive down the R45 from Franschhoek Country House & Villas.

Boschendal

Young visitors are welcomed at Boschendal Wine Estate with plenty of activities to keep them busy. Much fun is to be had at the Tree House kids play area where children can explore the acorn hideouts and the mini pump track. For older kids there is horse riding and mountain biking through the vineyards.

For more information visit Boschendal
Getting there: Boschendal Wine Estate is a 12 min drive (14.6 km) from Franschhoek Country House & Villas using the R45 and R310.

Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures

Not for the faint hearted, a trip to the Le Bonheur Reptile Park offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the world of the Nile Crocodile and other fantastic reptiles. The centre hosts is particularly well known for its snake shows. Should thrill-seeking be your game, you can cage dive with the crocs - or for a more relaxing encounter enjoy catch-and-release bass fishing from a rowboat on the dam. Once your excitement levels have normalised, a scrumptious pizza from the woodfired oven awaits.

For more information visit Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures 
Getting there: Le Bonheur reptiles and adventures is a 20 min drive (21.4Km) from Franschhoek Country House & Villas using the R45.

Winelands Light Railway

Yearning for yesteryear? Looking for something unique to do with the little ones? Look no further… A trip to the Winelands Light Railway offers a fantasy trip down memory lane where you can hop on at Park station and enjoy a picturesque journey through the woodlands in a steam train. Picnic on the sprawling lawns and enjoy a milkshake or slushy from the local kiosk.

For more information visit Winelands Light Railway
Getting there: Winelands Light Railway is a 30-minute drive (36.5 km) from Franschhoek Country House & Villas using the R45, R101 and Old Paarl Road.

Spier Wine Farm

From Segway Adventures to interacting with magnificent birds of prey, a full day of kiddy focused activities awaits at Spier Wine Farm. Following one of their suggested itineraries, start the day with a visit to the Elemental Play Garden featuring a quadrant of fire, water, air and earth. Then on to a grape juice tasting followed by a family picnic. Once satisfied, a visit to the Craft market will get the creative juices flowing. Crafts in hand, make your way to the Eagle Encounters Rehabilitation Centre where an unforgettable experience waits for you to interact with South Africa’s wondrous birds of prey. Wind down with a glass of wine while your children are taken care of at the Kids Clubhouse.

For more information visit Spier Wine Farm
Getting there: Approximately 38 minutes (38.7Km) from Franschhoek Country House & Villas using the R45 and R310.