ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE
With the school holidays approaching soon we thought we would share some of our favourite activities for kids to do along the Garden Route. The past two years have been a challenge for everyone, including Children. Here are a few of our favourite, fun activities for kids to enjoy and forget the world even for a little while:
Walking in Knysna Forest
Our establishment is nestled right in the heart of the Knysna Forest, we are lucky enough to have Drupkelders as well as Circle in the Forest trail right on our doorstep. There are running steams and waterfalls to enjoy after a walk and so much peace and beauty in the Forest. There are also Milkwood Guided Mine Tours.
You can also venture a little further to Diepwalle Forest, about 20km from Knysna, where you will find the King Edward Big Tree, Forest Legend Museum, various walking/hiking trails, and a tea room.
Even our own establishment, Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat offers so safe environment for kids to enjoy what the Forest has to offer. We have lovely gardens for the kids to find insects and butterflies as well as observe the many birds species that frequent our establishment. We also have jungle gyms and a splash pool to enjoy.
Totties Farmstall and Restaurant – Our Neighbours here in Rheenendal
Totties restaurant has a lovely children’s play area in the garden, along with a real model train track that offers kids rides. This is a safe place for parents to enjoy a meal, read a book or just spend time with the family in general while the kids can play.
Cruise to the Knysna Heads on a wooden Pirate ship built in 1968. The Captain and the crew are dressed in Pirate Costumes entertaining their patrons all the way.
The Beach
The Garden Route has some pristine beaches with lovely warm water for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Brenton on Sea and Buffels bay are both in proximity to our establishment in Rheenedal
Segway Tours is a great activity for the whole family. It’s a self-balancing personal green transporter. You will receive a 15 – 20 min training session before you set off to explore.
Knysna: Fun and exciting way to explore the town and learn more about Knysna and the area.
Tsitsikamma: Explore the forest and village where you will be guided about the history and take you to see the 1000-year-old Yellow Wood Tree.
Whale Watching or Marine Eco Tours – Knysna
Ocean Oddesy offer great tours for the whole family exploring our Coastline and its inhabitants
Wilderness Lagoon
Wilderness Lagoon ride, with Wilderness River Safaris. A stunning way to explore the Lagoon and see all the birdlife it has to offer.
Acrobranch – Between Wilderness and Sedgefield
Adventure awaits and will def the adrenaline pumping. There is something for all ages. Sliding, Crawling and swinging through various obstacles courses. Ages 3 to 6 do the “twigs” Ages 7 and up do Swinging Tarzan and Monkey Moves. Safety comes first for them and a great way for the kids to have fun in a Forest Setting testing their strength, agility, and determination.
Here the family can enjoy Strawberry Picking, Hedge Maze, Redberry Express mini train, Pedal Go-Carts, Bubble Balls, Bumper Boats, a Large Playground, Pony Rides, and the Redberry Rabbits.
Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary in Plettenberg bay
Birds of Eden – Plet
For those who don’t know, this is the Worlds largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary. It has been built over 2.3 hectares of the Garden Route indigenous forest. 220 Different species of birds from around the World are homed and rehabilitated in this free-flight aviary. This is a great way for kids to learn more about birds. Guided walks can be arranged at no extra cost
Monkeyland – Plet
The world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. The kids can look forward to spending some time with 550 resident primates in the forest they now call home.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary – Plet
This is a sanctuary that homes mostly ex-pat Cats. Lions, Pumas, Tigers Leopards, and Jaguars. A habitat has been built for each animal to it suit their own unique needs so they can have a stress-free environment with almost no human interaction. This will be an 80min guided walk where you will also find animals like the African Polecat, Zebra, Springbok, Raccoons, Honey Badgers, Caracal, and spotted hyena.
Adventure Land – Plet
Based in Plettenberg Bay this is a great waterpark for the whole family to enjoy. You can bring your picnic, braai, or grab a bite to eat from the takeaway kiosk.
The park includes rides like the supertube, 2 lane Racer, Kamikzazi Slide, free-fall slide, Raging Rapids in a Tube, Mini, Supertube, as well as slides and pools for the little ones.
Garden Route Game Lodge – Albertina
This is a stunning BIG 5 Game lodge.. Very knowledgeable guides will take you on a 2 – 3 hour game drive through their 2000 hectare Game Farm, with the majestic Langeberg Mountains as a backdrop. There is also a reptile park and skull park for the kids to enjoy. And if you are lucky enough depending on the time of year you can see the baby Cheetahs.
These are only but a few activities for kids and adults to enjoy while visiting the Garden Route, making the Garden Route one of South Africas favorite School Holiday Destinations.
We have a brochure display in our Booking office at Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat if you would like to see more activities along the Garden Route as well as an Information book in the Cabins where you can find some options for the whole family.
We look forward to welcoming you this holiday season.
Forest Greetings
