5 Outdoor Nature Activities to do with Kids in Cape Town

Spending time outdoors is healthy, fun and educational and in Cape Town you are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor nature activities. With kids there are some limitations to where you can go and how much you can do so it’s always good to know which activities are good options to choose from. We visited in April for a few days and decided on these things according to the time we had available and close proximity to our accommodation so that we could come home to re-energize between outings. Thanks to our local guide Juli for all the tips and insights!

1. Table Mountain

A visit to the top of this beautiful and iconic landmark by CableCar is exciting and memorable (or if your kids are older and fitter you could hike up to the top). It is advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand and remember that afternoon rates are lower than morning rates. If you present your South African ID to show it is your birthday month you get free entry. Once at the top you can buy a drink from the restaurant and enjoy the scenery or a walk along the various trails on offer. See Table Mountain’s official website.

There are lots of signage and information boards for you to learn from

2. Walk along the Promenade

This broad walkway runs along the coastline at Seapoint and is a popular outdoor space for people to exercise, do yoga, picnic, or walk their dogs. There is a lot to see and it makes for a lovely afternoon outing. There are several restaurants along the route and places to stop and enjoy the view. If you are not up for walking there is the fun option of renting bikes.

The Mouille Point Park, located along the Promenade next to the Mouille Point Lighthouse, is a great playground with a variety of play equipment and the most beautiful setting of the sea and Lion’s Head behind.

3. Green Point Park

We made sure to park in Park Road near an entrance to Green Point Park so that we could get ice-cream from the amazing Creamery Cafe in Mouille Point (we even went back the next day!). Green Point Park has several biodiversity and educational gardens as well as age appropriate playgrounds that are well maintained and well used by residents of the City of Cape Town. The park is beautifully laid out (it was designed by OvP Landscape Architects) and has a series of scenic waterways that are filled with birds and pathways that highlight the surrounding scenery of Stadium, Lion’s Head and Mouille Point Lighthouse.

4. The Beach

Yes, this one had to be on the list! Kids love the sand and sea (even if it is freezing cold) and there are several options to choose from. We went to Glen Beach, Camps Bay Beach and Camps Bay Tidal Pool. Llandadno is a bit more of a drive but more sheltered if weather isn’t the best.

5. Signal Hill

Watching the sunset from this vantage point is a beautiful way to end the day. You can drive relatively close to the picnic area so it not a far walk (depending on how busy and how many cars are parked along the road). Take a blanket with drinks and snacks and enjoy the amazing view over the ocean and Robben Island. Remind your children of the sacrifices people made to live in a free and democratic South Africa and how we continue to live with hope for a better future despite the challenges we face.

We weren’t able to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, but this will definitely be on our list for the next time we visit!

What makes George Hay Park a Successful Community Park?

As a landscape architect I am always analyzing outdoor spaces and trying to pinpoint what makes them attractive, enjoyable and successful. What changes a ‘space’ into a ‘place’? Why are people drawn to a place and what makes them come back again? What attributes does a public space need to become an integral part of a community and how does one achieve this?

George Hay Park is located in the heart of Parkview, Johannesburg and at first sight it can seem to be an ordinary rectangular open area of lawn with some trees that is not very different to many other parks in Johannesburg. However, on closer inspection you will find that this Park is a place loved by the community and where many residents spend regular time with friends, walk their dogs, share special celebrations and enjoy time together with their children on the playground.

Here are several reasons that contribute to the success of George Hay Park:

1. Location

   Situated in the centre of a residential suburb with grid-like layout the park is within easy walking distance and far enough from busy roads to be secluded but accessible. There is also a road all around the Park which makes for increased visibility (frequented by private security companies patrolling the neighbourhood) adding to a feeling of safety. Cars can park along the street next to where they will be spending time in the Park. Parkview itself has a strong sense of place and rich history which adds to the overall atmosphere of the park.

   
   2. Terrain and Layout

   The physical characteristics of the site can be described as rectangular and flat with many large trees providing shade. It is comprised of a large lawn area, dotted with large trees, includes areas with children’s play equipment and has a strip of indigenous planting along three of the edges.

3. Edges

The Park is surrounded by a black metal fence on three sides and this contributes to the feeling of containment and protection that one feels when inside the Park. This is especially important for keeping small children safe as it prevents them from running into the street. The northern most boundary of the park is where the Columbas Church is located and this edge has a gum pole fence that is a more permeable edge and creates a sense of connection between the church and the Park. (http://stcolumbas.org.za/ )

4. Facilities

As mentioned the park contains play equipment for children of varying ages. The play equipment for smaller children has baby swings, a small slide, a see-saw and monkey bars while the play equipment for older kids has larger swings, a large slide and a roundabout. There is a small basketball court as well as outdoor gym equipment. A beautiful rustic tree house has been built around a large existing tree creating a wonderful space for children to have imaginative play. There are many benches that one can sit on and water is provided in bowls for visiting dogs.

Organic Tree House Built around Existing Tree

5. Use

The Park is used for a variety of small, personal functions (birthday parties, baby showers) and also provides a space for large scale community gatherings. Several well-supported events take place in the park throughout the year, some of which occur annually, including: Halloween Event, Christmas Market and Potjiekos Competition. These events have the added benefit of strenghtening realtionships within the community and celebrating the neighbourhood. It creates memories that become associations which then contributes to the sense of attachment and belonging that a person has to a place.

Halloween Community Event in George Hay Park (photo taken 31 October 2019)

6. Community Ownership

This must be one of the most important characteristics that set this park apart. The Parkview Residents Association) PRA is actively involved in the maintenance and running of George Hay Park and without their involvement it is clear that the park would not be what it is today.

“Beginning in 2007, and continuing ever since, many different projects have been undertaken including the renovation and staffing of the toilet block, the repainting of the perimeter fence, the repair of the drinking fountain, the renovation and securing of the storeroom, the installation of benches and tables, annual planting of indigenous trees, often planned around Arbor Week in September and the repair and installation of new playground equipment. In 2008 the need for a permanent but casual parkkeeper was recognised as a way to keep the park clean and safe on a daily basis. Funds were raised by asking those residents who live on the perimeter of the park (and any others willing to do so) to commit to a monthly contribution. Daily duties include making sure the bins are cleared (and any recyclables removed and the dog poo removed. Other duties include watering the trees and keeping their bases free of grass, feeding the trees, weeding the pavements and pruning bushes and trees where necessary, watering the grass in early summer and raking and piling leaves in winter.” Reference: (http://www.parkview.org.za/content/george-hay-park)

It is evident that a successful park needs many components in order to provide a place for its users to find enjoyment, to feel safe and to take ownership of a place so that they keep returning. When many people use a park it feels safer as there are always other users and it’s presence becomes well embedded in their minds and hearts.

Vegetable Garden Initiative

Indigenous planting along edges - pictured here is Anisodontea scabrosa and Aloe spp.

Other blog posts about Parks in Johannesburg:

• Delta Park

• Emmarentia

• Bordeaux South Park

• Leratong Park

Bordeaux South Park

Entrances are highlighted by Arches and Aloes, welcoming you into the Park

Tucked away in the boomed off suburb of Bordeaux South (the suburb is roughly located between Hurlingham and Blairgowrie in Randburg) in Johannesburg, lies a beautiful community park. The Park is well maintained and cared for through the efforts of the active residents association (BSRA- http://www.bsra.co.za/) who have invested a fair amount of money into upgrading the Park and this has really made such a difference.

A quote from the Bordeaux South Residents Association website:

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” George Bernard Shaw

Clear Pathways, Seating, Litter Bins all contribute to making this an enjoyable park

Bike Track with Traffic Lights for Kids

The Park is well used by families because of the extensive play equipment making this an amazing playground for kids of all ages. There are shady spots for picnics, several seating options, a volleyball court, a bike track with miniature traffic lights, and even a small free community library that residents donate books to.

Free Community Library

New jungle gyms for smaller tots have recently been installed with rubber matting surfaces.

Signage indicates the appropriate ages for the play equipment

Water Bowls for Dogs visiting the Park

The Bordeaux South Residents Association is making a difference at improving their suburb

Such a lovely park to visit if you have kids. Take Note that there are no ablution facilities at the Park.

Max van der Stoel Park, Prague

Lovely lake with large slabs of stone where people can sit on its edge

Lots of grass and trees

When we were planning to visit Prague we asked our host to recommend some outdoor spaces that we could take our daughter to and one of the ones she recommended was Max van der Stoel Park. Travelling with a toddler is not the easiest but it helps that I actually love spending time in parks and would rather be outdoors than inside a museum anyway.

Prague is in fact a city that begs to be explored on foot with so much to see and experience in the outdoor realm. I was amazed by the beautiful sidewalks and took several pictures of the cobbles and the patterns and details they were constructed in. 

Even the manholes are beautiful!

Variety of colours and textures in the sidewalk paving in Prague

So much attention to detail

Before I get carried away with describing the delightful vistas and beautiful buildings that are found in this magical city, let me get back to this gem of a park.

The central focal point is a long, linear water feature that is interactive and a real delight for little ones. You to get up close to the water that merrily winds its way to the bottom and it allows you to manipulate the stream in various ways.

Beautiful long linear interactive water feature

Start of the water feature - the source of the stream - follow it and have loads of fun!

The Park has comfortable seating and play equipment for children of various ages. The seating and most of the play equipment is made from timber so the park has a natural and warm feel to it. I liked the fine pebble crush that was used beneath the play equipment – a much nicer material than the rubber matting we mostly use in South Africa. It crossed my mind that a park like this would probably not be robust enough in a South African setting.

Play equipment has fine gravel surrounding - easy on children's feet. How does it not spread with no edging I wonder.

Pathways requiring some maintenance - gravel washed away by rain

Lots of trees have been planted and properly staked. Like every garden, maintenance is required and some of the gravel pathways have washed away. I am sure these will be quickly repaired. 

Very nice chairs. Likely to be stolen if used in South Africa

Love the curving paving and curving chair

Visit http://www.praha.eu/jnp/en/life_in_prague/environment/park_for_everybody.html for more information. You can also view videos of the water feature posted on YouTube

It is situated on the tram line at Hládkov station and on Google Maps it is called Park Maxe van der Stoela. 50°05'27.7"N 14°23'10.5"E