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With schools officially closing soon, kiddies are going to have a lot of free time on their hands, so why not fill it with memories the whole family can treasure? You're definitely not going to wanna miss out on the fun. Get out of the house this holiday and get ready for some good times!
Here's a list of family-friendly events for this holiday season:
In and around Cape Town
Canal Walk's Ice Slide
A world of frozen fun is back at Canal Walk Shopping Centre this festive season. Make sure to cool the kids down with the Ice Slide World. Open from 6 December through to 13 January 2019, the Centre Court will be transformed into a chill-out-zone with fun for the whole family.
Conscious of the fact that Cape Town is still a water-scarce area, Canal Walk will use harvested and filtered rainwater to supply the ice for the slide.
When: 10:00–21:00 (Sessions last 45 minutes and start every hour on the hour).
Cost: R35–R100 per person
Tickets are available at www.computicket.com or from the Computicket Booth located at the event.
Meet Santa
Holiday time means many memories will be made, and meeting Santa sure will be one of the great ones. Santa will be hard at work, listening to all the children’s wishes and checking who has been naughty or nice this Christmas!
Where: Canal Walk Shopping Centre (Centre Court)
When: 13-24 December 2018
Time: 10am- 9pm
Cost: From R50
Matilda - The Musical
Who wouldn't love this childhood classic on stage? This multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company hits Cape Town's shores this December.
The whimsical and extraordinary little Matilda, the girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, goes against the odds and changes her fate against her deadbeat family and evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
Where: Artscape (Opera House)
When: 11 December 2018 – 13 January 2019
Cost: R120–R520 (book tickets on Computicket).
For more information, visit The Artscape Website or https://uk.matildathemusical.com/
The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Fresh open air and your fave family films under the stars, what could be a more magical way to spend your evening? The Galileo is sure to provide this beautiful experience for you and your little ones in the most picturesque Cape Town settings.
When: 5 December 2018 – 21 April 2019
Where:
Wednesdays: Kirstenbosch Gardens
Thursdays: 4 Rotating venues in Cape Town
Fridays: 3 Rotating venues in Cape Town
Saturdays: Cape Winelands
Sundays: Kelvin Grove
Time: Varies according to movie (doors either open at 4pm, 5pm or 6pm)
Cost: R89- R175 (Book tickets on Webtickets).
For more information and the movie schedule, visit the Galileo Open Air Cinema Website.
Iziko Planetarium and Museum
The Planetarium is always a winner, with some mind-blowing shows that will entice kids and adults alike.
Where: Victoria Street, Cape Town
When: Opens Tuesdays to Sundays
Time: 09:00- 17:00
For more information and bookings, visit the Iziko Museums of South Africa website.
Summer Glice Rink
Grab the kids and get ready for some neon skating fun! This artificial mini skating rink gives you a real skating experience. Suitable for kids between the ages of 5 and 12.
Where: Cape Gate Shopping Centre
When: Every day from 24 November to 13 January, except Christmas day.
Cost: R50 for a 40 minute session; own skates: R40
For more information, visit the Cape Gate site.
Dino's Alive
Get ready to be roaring with adventure at this Augmented Reality playpark with some Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Dinosaur lovers sure are in for a treat.
Where: Somerset Mall Food Court
When: 1 December 2018 to 9 January 2019
Cost: R40 per child (Parents enter for free). Dino rides range from R10 to R20 each (excluded from ticket price).
In and around Durban
Arrival of the Barn Swallows
2018/2019 season is now open! Come and witness these majestic birds as they venture from Europe. Perfect for your little nature lovers!
Where: Mount Moreland, Lake Victoria
Cost: R20 pp
For more information, visit www.barnswallow.co.za
Inanda Dam World Music Festival
This family-friendly event is perfect for all music lovers and is guaranteed to be a day of serenity and some sweet tunes!
When: 9 December 2018
Where: Inanda Dam
Cost: R200 pp; children under 5 enter for free.
Tickets available at Computicket
Marine Career course for kiddies
Calling all little ocean enthusiasts: this one-day course is your chance to learn all about the fascinating marine world. Kids will also get the amazing opportunity to do some snorkelling. For kids aged 6-11.
When: 13 December 2018 or 14 December 2018
Where: uShaka Marine World
Price: R138 per child
For bookings or enquiries, email education@seaworld.org.za or call 031 328 8128 during office hours.
Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
Join in on the fun and witness the beauty of Africa's oldest botanic garden being illuminated with a trail of beautiful Christmas lights. It wouldn't be festive season without giving back, and with the proceeds of this event going towards various charities under the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, you'll definitely be doing so! From The Enchanted Castle to Stories from the Claus and even an Elf Village Market (to name a few), the whole family is in for a treat!
When: 14–30 December (excluding Christmas Day)
Time: 18:30
Price: R50 per ticket, if booked online or at your local Pick n Pay Store; children under 2 are free. You can buy tickets at www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay.
Limited tickets will be available each night at the door at R70 per ticket.
In and around Johannesburg
Garden of Lights at Emperors Palace
Join in on the festive magic at Gauteng's biggest Christmas celebration; an extravaganza of lights that will leave everyone in awe of the holiday spirit.
When: 30 November 2018 to 2 January 2019
Where: D’oreale Grande Hotel
Time: 19:00-22:00
Price: R25 per person; Festive Family Package: R100 for a family of 5
For more information, visit the Emperor's Palace website.
Family Outdoor Movie Night
Get cosy while you enjoy a movie with your little ones. Bring your blankies and picnic baskets along for an outdoor screening of the popular animation, Zootopia.
When: 8 December 2018
Where: Hotel Grass Area, Emerald Resort and Casino, Vanderbijlpark
Time: 19:00
Cost: R80 pp
For more information, visit www.emeraldcasino.co.za
Play Lab Workshop
Let's get messy!
This workshop focuses on early childhood development and is suitable for kids aged 8 months to 5 years old. Kids are able to express themselves creatively and learn language and social skills as gross as fine and gross motor skills; crucial for their development.
Where: Various venues
When: Wednesdays
Time: 10am to 10.45am and 15pm to 15:45pm
Cost: R180-R600
The Boy Who Cried Ninja
This play is based on the popular tale of The Boy Who Cried Wolf and an adaptation of South Africa's own Alex Latimer's children's book. The play involves a young boy who is telling the truth but nobody believes his story.
When: 4-12 December 2018
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, Fourways
Time: TBC
Cost: R150
For more information, visit www.pietertoerien.co.za
Waterpark
Get splashing away at this summertime dream. No summer holiday can be complete without a good swimming day... or ten.
When: 25-26 December 2018
Where: Weekend Market, cnr Nasrec Rd and Rifle Range Rd, Johannesburg
Time: 9:00
Cost: R100-R150
For more information, visit www.weekendmarketjhb.co.za
SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM
Kick off the festive season by celebrating the spirit of Christmas with some amazing performances including the likes of Connell Cruise, Craig Lucas, Paxton, Swing City, Claire Johnston, Rubber Duc, Roan Ash and the Ndlovu Youth Choir, who will bring in the festive cheer to Johannesburg.
The Christmas spirit will also be hitting Pretoria with performances by Jo Black, Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Charlize Berg, Nadine and Nianell (joined by Swing City) and the Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Come though with toys to donate to children in need.
For the kiddies, there will be jumping castles, face-painters, games, crafts, buskers, movies and more!
Jacaranda FM will also broadcasting live from both events.
Where: St. Stithians College (Jhb), Loftus Versfeld (Pta)
When: 8 December (Jhb), 11 December (Pta)
Time: Events open at 16h00 and the programme will officially kick-off at 19h00 – 21h00.
Cost: Free entry, toy donations will be appreciated
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