This winter, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden transforms into a wonderland of adventure and creativity for families.
From June 30 to July 17, the garden will host its Winter Wonders programme, packed with activities designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love for nature in children of all ages.
Parents can relax following the serene beauty of the gardens while their little ones embark on guided walks, pot plants, create sand art, and even join drumming sessions. With free entry for children under 18, Kirstenbosch promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
A holiday programme packed with adventure
Led by experienced Botanical Society volunteers, age-appropriate guided walks will take children through the garden’s lush landscapes. Each walk ends with a complimentary hot chocolate at Moyo Restaurant.
Ages 6 – 12
- Date: 6 – 12: 2, 9 and 16 July
- Time: 11am – 12pm
- Bookings: gianpaolo@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
Ages 13 – 17
- Dates: 3 July and 17 July
- Times: 3 July (2pm – 4pm) | 7 July (11am – 1pm)
- Bookings: gianpaolo@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
Please note that walks may be cancelled in heavy rain.
The indigenous nursery offers daily hands-on activities, including pot-a-plant sessions (take home your creation!), rock painting tables, natural perfume-making, scavenger hunts and educational info trails.
Special holiday workshops (ages 7 – 14) will explore themes like Protea Patterns, Edible Plants, and Birds & Insects.
- Dates: 30 June, 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11 July
- Time: 10am – 12:30pm
- Bookings: happybynature.co.za
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Music, art & dining at Moyo Kirstenbosch
Daily drumming, marimba, and sand art sessions will keep kids entertained while parents enjoy a meal. Guided garden walks also start here, with a free hot chocolate reward.
Young bookworms can enjoy storytime sessions with authors like Karen Cammell (Nita series) and Marc Hoberman (Harper).
- Dates: 4, 7, 8, 10, and 15 July
- Time: 10am
- Bookings: bookshop@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
Discounts: 20% off plush toys and 15% off children’s books until 31 July.
For parents: Relax & recharge
While kids explore, parents can unwind at:
- Moyo Restaurant (family-friendly dining)
- Fynkos (casual garden lunches)
Plan your visit
Free entry for under-18s during the holiday period.
Book activities in advance for guaranteed spots.
More info: Kirstenbosch Website
A winter escape like no other
Kirstenbosch’s Winter Wonders isn’t just another holiday programme; it’s an invitation to discover, create and connect with nature. Whether your child is potting their first plant, drumming under the trees, or hunting for hidden garden treasures, these experiences promise to turn a simple day out into lasting memories.
As Sarah Struys, Kirstenbosch’s Events and Tourism Manager, puts it, ‘Holidays are all about fun for the whole family. Parents can enjoy a quiet stroll in the garden, while children colour, build or play.’
So pack your sense of adventure and head to Kirstenbosch this winter, where wonder grows wild.
Compiled by Lulama Klaasen
First published on Cape Town etc
Also see: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens acknowledged in the world’s top 10 gardens
