Winter just got wonderful.
Cape Town, South Africa 26 June 2025 – A whimsical world of wonder awaits you and your family at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. We’re bringing experiences that fuse creativity with adventure to little explorers of all ages; come and discover the ultimate treasure trove for budding nature-lovers and blossoming minds!
From 30th June to 17th July, Kirstenbosch will become a playground for the imagination with lots of learning, exploration and activities ranging from nature walks to plant potting, drumming, marimbas, sand art and more. Our holiday calendar has been carefully curated to inspire children, nurture their connection to nature and create a blissful atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the fun-filled Kirstenbosch Winter Wonders programme.
“Holidays are all about fun for the whole family; parents can enjoy a quiet stroll in the garden, a bite at one of our restaurants: Moyo, Fynkos or Vida e Caffe. Or a browse around the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop and Bookshop and HAPPY BY NATURE’s range of organically grown indigenous plants– that come with free expert planting advice– while the children colour, build or play,” says Sarah Struys, the Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch.
Here’s our game plan for letting the good times roll:
Adventure Walks for Young Explorers
Let your children weave through the Garden in wonder on age-appropriate guided walks starting at Moyo Restaurant, led by experienced Botanical Society volunteers.
· Ages 6 – 12 years: 2nd, 9th and 16th July from 11:00 – 12:00
Ages 13 – 17 years: 3rd from 14:00 – 16:00, and 17th July from 11:00 – 13:00.
Every adventurer gets a complimentary hot chocolate at Moyo to warm up after the walk! Book your spot: gianpaolo@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
Important note: Should we experience heavy rains, guided walk will be cancelled
Delightful Discoveries at HAPPY BY NATURE
Enter a state of natural bliss at HAPPY BY NATURE, Kirstenbosch’s indigenous nursery founded on the principle of joy. their list of daily activities includes:
· Pot-a-Plant sessions where children pot an indigenous plant to take home
· Rock Painting Tables for all-day creation
· Creation Stations where children can make natural perfumes and handwashes
· A cozy kids’ corner with chalkboard walls and building blocks
· Info Trail where children can unearth fascinating facts about local flora and fauna.
· Free Scavenger Hunt where curious eyes can explore the nursery
Join the HAPPY BY NATURE Holiday series of workshops for children aged 7–14, the sessions combine art, wellness and cover themes like Protea Patterns, Edible Plants, Plant–animal partnerships, Birds, insect-inspired and more.
Dates: 30th June, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th and 11th July from 10:00 –12:30. Book at Home – HAPPY BY NATURE
Music, Magic and Art at Moyo Restaurant
We’ll be turning up the rhythm with daily themed sessions at Moyo, Kirstenbosch’s beloved family restaurant. Look out for:
· Drumming, Marimba and Sand Art Sessions
· Guided Garden Walks
· And a complimentary hot chocolate after every walk
We recommend that you make a booking for these, via Dineplan
Bookshop & Gift Shop Treasure
Inspire young bookworms to unlock a new world within at special book readings and signings with Peter Rabbit on the 4th, 8th, 10th and 15th of July at 10:00 am. Enjoy 20% off plush toys and discounts on selected books. Also 15% discount on children’s book until 31 July 2025.
10am book readings at The Bookshop in July:
4th with author, Karen Cammell and the Nita book range
7th with author, Pippa Skotnes and the book When the World Was
8th with illustrator, Anja Stoeckigt and the book Superheroes of the Savannah
10th with author, Marc Hoberman and the book Harper
15th with author, Monique Fellows and the book Sandy and the Salty Sea Dog
For bookings email: bookshop@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
Food for the Soul
While the children wander and explore all the wonder, parents can unwind at one of Kirstenbosch’s onsite restaurants:
· Moyo, for a warm, family-friendly South African dining experience.
· Fynkos, perfect for a relaxed garden lunch.
Mark Your Calendar
Our activities run daily, experience them more than once and discover something new each time.
Bring your family and turn a fun time into core memories! Foster curiosity and enjoy the richness of one of the world’s most beautiful gardens.
Book your dining and walking spots in advance.
For more information, visit the Kirstenbosch website or contact HAPPY BY NATURE directly for workshop bookings. Click on this Link to secure free entry into the Garden for children under 18 during any of the dates that fall in the holiday period or get your free ticket at the ticket office upon arrival at Kirstenbosch.
