We are midway through the July school holidays and families are looking for interesting things to do with their little ones. The 1000 Hills has a multitude of options of fun, affordable, unusual and accessible ideas to entertain families and friends making the most of the glorious winter weather during the holiday break.
So in no particular order, here are some thoughts:
Highs Stakes in Cato Crest.
Put aside the devices, escape load-shedding and head outdoors to enjoy some high-energy family friendly activities which include: Zipline; Quad Trails; Motocross; 4×4,Archery; Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Ph: +27 31 782 1139 (Office) / +27 83 626 7760 (Sheila) Email: info@highstakes.co.za / Cato Ridge
Umgeni Steam Railway Open Day: Sun 10 July, 9 til 2pm.
This time, the meeting place is at Inchanga Station – to fund raise to complete fixing the damaged train line. Typically the train meets at Kloof Station, runs to Inchanga and back, but for the open day on Sunday, the event takes place at Inchanga. On offer are short steam train rides (R50); an expansive market, regular tours of the shed, the trains and carriages, the Inchanga railway museum, and a food garden.
Visit: http://umgenisteamrailway.com/
Ammazulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct.
Hidden in Kloof is the most amazing 20 acre pristine forest, with a multitude of hidden sculptures.
A great combination of a forest walk, with a sculpture treasure hunt – so enjoying the great outdoors and some wonderful art at the same time! There is a café for tea and light meals to enjoy too.
88 Kloof Falls Rd, Kloof / 083 244 7565
PheZulu Safari and Reptile Park.
PheZulu offers the perfect day out with lots of – Game drives, reptile park, accommodation, café and crafts.
There is also Zulu Dancing on weekends: Sat and Sun: 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm.
Tickets are R120 adults / R100 children under 12. No pre booking necessary. Tickets at PheZulu curio counter.
190 Old Main Rd Botha’s Hill / 031 777 1000
Infinite Adventures and Hillcrest Paintball.
Alongside 1000 Hills Chefs School on a huge plot of land with fabulous views is Infinite Adventures who offer paintball (splatball for children); climbing wall, rustic functions; archery and team building.
Tel 0741721309 / info@infiniteadventures.co.za / 15 Wootton Avenue, Botha’s Hill
Shongweni Market.
The fabulous morning market is open again on Sat mornings 7am – 1pm, and last Sun of each month
The road has been fixed! Enjoy brunch with friends and fabulous shopping!
Ph 031 777 4686 / Lot 457, Mr551 Rd, Shongweni.
Animal Farm.
Perfect for the little ones – a visit to the Animal Farm in Assagay which has farm style activities and animals including guinea fowls, chickens, geese, tortoises, rabbits, sheep, pigs, goats, cows and ducks. There are special birthday areas and a café. Also tractors to climb and a huge jumping cushion.
3 Lello Rd, Assagay, Tel 031 765 2240 | 031 768 1333 bookings@farmcafe.co.za
Putt Putt.
Shongweni Rd, Hillcrest / 082 337 2027
Family-friendly golfing and putt putt can be enjoyed at the NU driving range complex in Hillcrest.
Hikes, Walks and Nature.
The 1000 Hills is rich with parks, reserves, trails and picnic sites.
These are some to visit:
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
Isithumba Adventure Park
Honey Trails
Mqeku Picnic Site
Springside Nature Reserve in Hillcrest
Msinsi Inanda Dam and Resort
Molweni Trails
Lunch with a view – and retail, crafts and attractions.
Another favourite holiday activity is enjoying a family meal with a great view, which also offer retail options and site specific attractions to enjoy.
Some ideas are:
The Pot and Kettle is open seven days a week at 1000 Hills Village.
Millflour Café at Fig Tree Farm
Mushroom Farm
Stone House
Sunset Valley
Décor Art in Botha’s Hill
SPCA, Kloof
Woza Moya at Hillcrest Aids Centre and Ubuntu Cafe
