Looking for the perfect Easter weekend escape with kids in the Western Cape? From alpaca farms to ostrich rides, petting zoos, river cruises, and vintage train markets – discover 7 unforgettable family-friendly adventures!
1. Viljoensdrift River Cruise & Picnic (Robertson)
Take a scenic boat cruise along the Breede River while enjoying a family picnic. Kids love spotting birds and fish while floating down the peaceful waters. A wine lover’s paradise with boutique wineries, river cruises on the Breede River, and farm stays. Visit Springfield Estate or try a wine safari at Viljoensdrift.
Die Laaitjie is so-called as it nestles in the smallest and last of the Dassieshoek valleys in the Langeberg mountains.
Despite being so completely remote, the farm is only 7 kilometres from the centre of Robertson. The mountains are criss-crossed with hiking, walking and horse-riding trails suitable for all levels of expertise. Enjoy a gentle stroll to the river before breakfast, or spend a whole day exploring the ravines. Horse-trailing can be arranged in conjunction with a neighbouring farm specialising in horses.
2. Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio (Paarl)
Meet and feed the adorable alpacas, learn about wool weaving, and take part in interactive farm tours. The farm breeds alpacas of all colours mainly for their wool, but are also selling breeding stock, herd guards, and pets as well as therapy animals. Don’t miss out, there’s even an Easter egg hunt during the weekend!
You can book a stay nearby at the Aan de Paarlberg.
This lifestyle guest house offers a relaxing home away from home with a braai and swimming area, luxury rooms, and great views over the valley. Your ideal family weekend breakaway for those who need a relaxed environment.
3. Cango Ostrich Farm (Oudtshoorn)
Did you know Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world? The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hotspot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge; and the Swartberg Mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site. Let the kids get up close with ostriches, stand on their eggs, and even (if they’re small enough) try a ride! There’s also a petting zoo with bunnies, goats, and lambs.
De Cango farm is situated just outside Oudtshoorn, at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, close to the historical Cango Caves.
The farm is completely “off the grid” and runs on solar power, wood-burning stoves, and gas. De Cango is a game-breeding farm with buffalos and antelope, and they grow lucerne and lavender. There are six separate en-suite bedrooms situated on the property each with a private entrance and balconies.
4. Imhoff Farm (Kommetjie)
A farm experience with horse riding, a snake park, and an authentic farm experience for children of all ages at Cape Town’s most popular, Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard.
Conveniently located in sight of Blue Water Café, your little ones are encouraged to visit the safe Farmyard for outdoor and educational entertainment. Offering a scenic location under the old pine trees surrounded by vineyards, your children will have the opportunity to feed and touch friendly farmyard animals. Get to know domestic farm animals including ponies, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, emus, rabbits, and a variety of feathery friends!
Situated in Kommetjie, a quiet coastal suburb of Cape Town, in the Western Cape you can book your stay at Happy Home Imhoffs Gift.
The rural village lies halfway down the west coast of the Cape Peninsula and boasts well-known tourist attractions such as Imhoff Farm, Slangkop Lighthouse, and Long Beach with excellent fishing spots. Accommodation comprises of four units, suited to accommodate up to 10 guests.
5. Exotic Animal World (Klapmuts, near Stellenbosch)
Exotic Animal World has been a forever home for over 750 exotic animals, such as antelope, iguanas, monkeys, snakes, spiders, and much more.
A magical indoor tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and reptiles. There are bunnies and guinea pigs to cuddle in the small animal encounter area.
Muldersvlei Country B&B Guesthouse, in Klapmuts is set in a historical building offers you farm-style comfort and true hospitality.
Family suites and double rooms are available. Stunning views of rolling lawns, gardens, and the mountains beyond. The property boasts a swimming pool, bird watching at the dam, flowers, and herb picking in the vegetable garden with nearby estates offering wine tasting and meals.
6. Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre (Stellenbosch)
Meet Gerry the giraffe, feed the farm animals, and learn about conservation. Kids will love seeing meerkats, tortoises, and crocs up close. At The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness centre you’ll get easy access to some of Africa’s wonderful wildlife and bird species. For the time in between, the kids can enjoy a nice play area which consists of three jungle gyms and a lawn area. Refreshments are available at a small kiosk, but you’re also allowed to bring your own picnic basket if you’re planning on spending an afternoon there. Just keep in mind that alcohol is prohibited on the premises.
Skilpadvlei is a fully operational 78-ha farm. The farm derives its charming name from the legendary colony of tortoises that were found in the Vlei in the 1800s and has been in the hands of the Joubert family since 1917.
Today, the fourth generation upholds the proud family tradition of harnessing the rich potential of the land with a dedicated commitment to quality. There is a restaurant on the premises and all units have self-catering barbecue facilities, a private patio, and a communal swimming pool.
7. The Duck Parade at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Watch over 1,000 Indian Runner Ducks march through the vineyards as part of their natural pest control program.
A fun and unique experience for the whole family! Stand the chance to meet these duck 'soldiers' guarding the estate’s 300-year-old vineyard. The infamous Indian Runner Ducks have patrolled Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate since the 1980s in a fowl-feeding frenzy. No pest has been safe.
Discover luxury accommodation at Vergenoegd Löw, a serene retreat in Stellenbosch offering comfort, heritage, and scenic vineyard views.
Furnished with comfortable king-size beds, which can be converted to twin beds in some rooms, all rooms are fitted with air-conditioning and the suites available have en-suite bathrooms that are equipped with baths and showers.
In the Western Cape, unforgettable Easter weekend adventures await! From alpaca farms and ostrich rides to petting zoos, river cruises, and vintage train markets, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Make this Easter one to remember and book one of these top 7 kid-friendly escapes! Contact us at BookNow.co.za to book your stay today.
