Things to do with kids on the Garden Route
The insiders guide to FREE things to do with kids in the Garden Route
Having lived in the Garden Route, it is great to know some of the secret spots in the area, where the locals go through the year to entertain their kids. If you paid a fortune to have accommodation in the Garden Route over the holidays you can give your wallet a bit of a break with three of my favorite things to do with kids in the Garden route.
My favorites three things to do in George
- George botanical Garden. Last time I checked there was talk about charging a fee at the gate but as I am writing this article it is still free and a fun activity to do. You can go to have a picnic, let the kids ride their bikes or take a long walk through the forest and for the nature lovers they now have birding hideouts. The George botanical gardens even have open air shows from time to time- which usually aren't free, but worth mentioning. (Update 27/07/2017- Entrance Fee is now +-R15)
- Going to the beach for a surf, beach volley ball, bats, building sand castles is always a great experience and being there early is a must in order to find parking during the silly season. My favorite three places are Herolds bay, Gwaing (the river mouth) and Victoria bay.
- If you have a flotation device, canoe or you are in the mood for a long swim you can always go to Kaaymans river or Wilderness ebb and flow. You will find some companies that rent out canoes if you don’t have your own on the site also, but it’s a free for all access area and ideal to take the family with for a picnic and some water sport.
More free activities
- George Dam is also worth visiting. You can take your kayak or just enjoy a braai. The area is access controlled and from the dam you have various options of abseiling, cycling and hiking.
- There are now a few newly equipped municipal play parks where kids can swing and climb for free.
For more things to do in George and the Garden Route that won’t cost you an arm or a leg, read my post:
Inexpensive things to do in the Garden Route, Knysna and George
