The Helderberg is an easy place to holiday with children. The beaches are calm, the drives are short, and there's plenty to do that doesn't cost much. These are the outings we suggest to families staying in our Garden Apartment, which sleeps four.
Cheetah Outreach
On De Beers Avenue, between Somerset West and Firgrove, about 15 minutes from Green Gables. You can watch the cheetahs and learn about the project's work protecting cheetahs on farmland. It's open every day from 10:00 to 17:00, and at the time of writing, entry is just R10 per person on weekdays. Paid encounters are extra and popular in the school holidays, so book ahead.
Helderberg Farm
A family farm on the slopes of the Helderberg with a tea garden under the trees, a play area, and an animal farmyard with chickens, ducks, bunnies and goats. You can buy animal feed at the tea garden. In strawberry season, from about October to December, you can pick your own. There are also walking and mountain-biking trails. Check the farm's website for current entry fees and picking days.
The duck parade at Vergenoegd Löw
Near Faure, about 20 minutes away. Every day, a flock of Indian Runner ducks marches out into the vineyards to eat the snails. Time your visit with the parade, then have lunch at the estate.
Tidal pools and calm beaches
The tidal pool on Strand's Beach Road is the safest place for little ones to swim, and it's a 15-minute walk from Green Gables. Gordon's Bay Main Beach has calm, shallow water and rock pools to explore at low tide. On a cold or windy day, the heated Strand Indoor Swimming Pool on Beach Road is a good fallback.
Lourensford
Lourensford's markets on Fridays and Sundays have food, music and space for children to run around, while the adults enjoy a tasting.
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Short, easy trails such as the 2.9 km Sugarbird Walk suit young walkers, and there are shady picnic spots by the Visitor Centre. Children aged 3 to 17 pay a reduced entry fee, and under-3s get in free.
Art lessons at Green Gables
The Helderberg Fine Art Studio, here at Green Gables, runs classes for a range of ages and skill levels. A painting lesson is a lovely rainy-day option for older children.
Indoor activities in Somerset West
For rainy days, Somerset West has indoor play parks, trampoline parks and toddler play centres. Ask us for current recommendations, as these change often.
