What to do with your family this weekend

Wow, it is almost weekend again. I have collected some exciting family-friendly things to do to stimulate your body, mind and soul this weekend. I always try to remember to take care of myself over weekends too and not just the kids, thus, I have included some soul-nurturing farm visits too!

Body:

“A healthy body hosts a healthy soul”

If you have an active family and prefer to spend time in the outdoors, you can join in these events. Fun run entries are usually available on the day.

The Outeniqua marathon and fun run

This route between George and Wilderness, Western Cape offers a stunning mix of forest, mountain and sea views along the Garden Route. There will be a 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km starting at various locations and scenic spots like Ebb and Flow and the George dam on Saturday the 23rd of April.

Contact Outeniqua Harriers for more information: http://www.outeniquaharriers.co.za

You can still enter at registration on 22 April, from 4 – 9:30pm at the George Sports Club. Race day entries, only for the 5km, from 5am – 6:50am. No race day entries for the other distances.

The Bell of Hope Cycle Challenge

It takes place on Sunday the 24th, at Valverde Country Club, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng. They offer a 50km and a 15km MTB race for beginners or families with children. You can still enter on the day .

Visit http://www.cycleevents.co.za/road-events/bell-of-hope-cycle-challenge-for-mental-wellness-2016/ for more information.

The Husqvarna Classic Mountainbike Challenge and Trail Run

This offers a 60km, 40km and 10km fun ride as well as 15km and 8km Trail Runs. It takes place on Sunday the 24th between the Gwahumbe Game & Spa and iNsingizi Game & Spa estates, Kwazulu-Natal. Late entries will be accepted on the day.

Mind:

“Develop a passion for learning and you will never seize to grow”

SA Navy Festival

Learn more about the Navy and enjoy the parade, night-time shoot and navy band performing or open-water swim this weekend in Simonstown, Western Cape. If you have a talent to flaunt, then consider entering for their talent competition next year or watch the show and perhaps meet the next South African superstar.

Visit http://www.navy.mil.za/ for more information.

Vital Body Worlds Exhibition

Vital in Johannesburg, Gauteng tells the story of how our lifestyle choices affect our health and vitality and what happens when we are affected by a variety of illnesses or medical conditions. They have more than 180 anatomical specimens of real human bodies to display how amazing our bodies really are.

Visit http://www.thingstodowithkids.co.za/content/new-body-worlds-vital-exhibition-opens-jozi-march for more information.

Ushaka Marine World

Explore the aquarium in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, for animal encounters and to learn about South Africa’s marine life, conservations and how you and your family can contribute to the future of our children. Ushaka offers a variety of kids’ activities and they will be hosting Miss Ushaka junior this weekend.

Visit http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/events/1494-mangwanani-african-kids-spa to get the lowdown on their weekend schedule.

Iziko Planetarium

Take your younger children (5 to 10 years) to see the “Davy Dragon’s Guide to the Night Sky” show or your teenagers to learn about “The Sky Tonight” during a live lecture in Cape Town on Saturday and Sunday. They will receive a star map and be shown where to find the constellations and planets that are visible this month.

Note: National Children’s theatre in Johannesburg will be presenting “Shakespeare's Coriolanus” during May - you can already book this weekend. http://www.thingstodowithkids.co.za/event/national-childrens-theatre-presents-shakespeares-coriolanus

Soul:

Let your eyes take a break from technology, stare into the wide open spaces and breathe the fresh air these farm-like venues have to offer.

Lourensford Estate Somerset West, Western Cape

Visit this wine farm for spectacular landscapes, wine tastings and juice and cookie pairings for kids. They also host a child-friendly restaurant with outdoor play areas. Bookings are essential. They host a harvest market every Sunday, from 10 to 4 and usually one on every first and last Friday evening of the month.

Visit http://www.thingstodowithkids.co.za/content/lourensford-wine-estate for more information.

Casalinga Ristorante in Muldersdrift, Gauteng

This restaurant is surrounded by lush gardens and green fields, offering peace and tranquillity outside the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. Kids can run around and play while you dig into their renowned main meals and/or chocolate truffles.

http://www.thingstodowithkids.co.za/blog/romance-johannesburg-and-kids-review-casalinga

Durban Botanical Gardens, KwaZulu-Natal

Picnic in the beautiful landscaped surroundings of the Durban Botanical gardens, and let your children explore one of the world’s rarest cycad collections. The best things in life are free, and so is an entry to the gardens. Take a moment to capture some family pictures and cherish the memories you make!

http://www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/

Kirstenbosch Craft & Food market , Western Cape The 25 year old Kirstenbosch Craft and Food Market, Western Cape, has a proud tradition. The outdoor setting is in the historic Stone Cottage grounds on the Kirstenbosch Estate, with the majestic Castle Rock as a backdrop. The stalls consist mainly of craft (with a few minor exceptions) made and sold by the stallholder. Children are most welcome and well catered for. The market is on Sunday the 24th from 9am to 3pm

http://www.thingstodowithkids.co.za/event/kirstenbosch-craft-food-market

If you know of other exciting family events this weekend, let us know at chatback@parent24.com.

More info:

Tanya is an adventurous wife and mom of two, and founder of Thingstodowithkids. She likes spending time in the outdoors and close to creation. It has become a lifestyle finding and exploring family-friendly adventures with her family. See more of her blogs at www.thingstodowithkids.co.za

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