Winter in the Mother City can be good fun with these 10 awesome (indoor and outdoor) activities. So get active, have fun with family and friends, explore more of the city - and sample some great food and drinks!  

1. Indoor trampoline park

It’s a rush and great fun in one! Take family (or friends) along for some active fun at Rush Trampoline Park. With over 30,000 square feet of exciting challenges and wall-to-wall trampolines, you can anticipate good, safe fun. There are also: two dodge ball courts, a foam pit, a stunt wall, 3 basketball lanes and more! Learn more at: www.rush.co.za   2. Winter mountain hikes  Image Credit: http://www.tablemountain.my-hiking.com With cloudy conditions or crisp, winter sunshine, there’s no better or healthier way to pass the day than going for a brisk mountain hike. Also, enjoy seeing indigenous Cape fauna and flora. Where to hike in Table Mountain National Park:

• Table Mountain itself has several routes – especially the well-known Platteklip Gorge route.
• Lion’s Head is a popular favourite with everyone.
• Devil’s Peak also offers hiking routes but these are for more advanced or capable hikers.
• Silvermine Nature Reserve - a great place to picnic or braai afterwards (only permitted in winter). However, you must pay a standard conservation fee upon entry here.

3. Explore local museums and the Castle

Cape Town has some wonderful and truly historic museum offerings that are an education for the whole family. Entrance fees are low but the museums are well-worth this small rate. (Though if you visit on Heritage Day (24 September) or Freedom Day (27 April), you can enter many for free!) Where to visit:

• Iziko South African Museum
• Iziko Planetarium
• The Castle of Good Hope
• District Six Museum
• Iziko National Art Gallery
• Cape Town Holocaust Centre
• The Bo-Kaap Museum (Contact: 021 481 3938)
• The Heart of Cape Town Museum

 

4. Theatre, comedy shows and movie nights

Image Credit: http://www.capetownmagazine.com Cape Town has a fine selection of theatre, comedy and even movie shows to enjoy. Productions may come and go but the timelessness and popularity remains - and the best part could be winter specials.   Where to watch:

• The Artscape Theatre
• The Baxter Theatre
• Cape Town Comedy Club
• The Fugard Theatre
• Labia Theatre

 

5. Book launches, wine and snacks

The Book Lounge is a great place to visit (especially for the poetry lovers and book worms among us) to purchase your favourite book or enjoy browsing. So why not attend its weekly evening book launches/discussions and then enjoy some complimentary wine and finger food afterwards? Learn more or RSVP at: www.booklounge.co.za  

6. Indoor play park for the kids

Parents could be hard pressed for ways to keep the young ones occupied in wintertime but with Be UP, there’s no need to panic. This indoor play park includes: trampolines, a huge maze, climbing walls and more -and is sure to keep the kids entertained in fun and active ways. Learn more at: www.beuppark.co.za  

7. Discover the science behind things

The educational Cape Town Science Centre is an interactive and informative place for children and adults alike to learn more about all things science. This is learning made fun! There are also special holiday programmes for the kids. Learn more at: www.ctsc.org.za  

8. Visit the V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is the ultimate city escape in the heart of Cape Town. Aside from strolling around its wonderful shops and harbour, you can enjoy great winter specials at many of top restaurants. To walk off your meal, explore the Market on Wharf (where you can buy more tasty goodies) and Nobel Square. Or pop into The Watershed, where, aside from +/- 150 stalls, you can often enjoy special events and fascinating expos too! Finally, visit the nearby Two Oceans Aquarium and Springbok Rugby Experience Museum to round off your perfect day. See more at: www.waterfront.co.za  

9. Winter drink and food pairings

Whilst you can almost always enjoy wine and cheese pairings in winter, there are more exotic and decadent pairings for you to try at some great places.

• Chocolate and wine pairing at Groot Constantia Wine Estate:

This historic estate is a must for wine enthusiasts or history fans. Enjoy purchasing some of their award-winning wines, going for a cellar tour and visiting the Manor House to better familiarise yourself with this estate – and don’t forget the chocolate and wine!  

• Brandy, coffee and chocolate pairing at Van Ryn’s Brandy Distillery:

If you like brandy and Coke, this is the place for you! You will get to sample potstil brandies, tuck into quality Belgian chocolate and savour Honduran coffee… it doesn’t get much better than this!

• Pancake and wine pairing(s) at Uitkyk Wine Estate:

Enjoy tucking into sumptuous pancakes, as you sip fine wine. This delicious pairing takes place from May through to August.  

10. Try kite boarding and tobogganing

Image Credit: www.nightjartravel.com Cape Town eternally caters for the needs of the more active or daring but why not try two of its lesser known outdoor activities?

• Kite boarding: Table View is the perfect spot for kite boarding in winter especially, what with the bigger waves and clearer water, so head there for outdoor fun and stunning ocean views.
• Cool Runnings’ Tobogganing: This is perfect for both kids and adults. Try their custom-built tobogganing course and get into the true spirit of adventure!