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The Best Things to Do in Mpumalanga with Kids That Won’t Bore Them

As someone who’s been around the city with a troop of energetic kids in tow, I’ve got the inside scoop on fun that won’t break the bank.

“Been there, done that,” you say? Well, sure, but have you ever tracked a treasure hunt through the Dinosaur Park? 

So, lace up those walking shoes and get ready for a journey through the best kid-friendly escapades Mpumalanga has to offer. No “I’m bored” allowed!

Glide through the thrilling Kaapsehoop Scootour adventure

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Website: https://scootours.co.za/kaapsehoop/  

Address: 1 Landsberg St, Kaapschehoop

Phone: +27 83 576 6541

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 9:15 AM to 3:15 PM

Kaapsehoop is a beautiful place with green scenery and misty mountains. When I visited, I joined a six-kilometre downhill Scootour, which turned out to be a fantastic adventure for families.

Starting from the small village of Kaapsehoop, we rode in a rugged vehicle up into the hills. There, we hopped onto scooters and began our descent through forests and over rivers.

I saw kids aged ten and up riding their own scooters, while younger ones rode with their parents. The guides were great at making sure everyone was safe and having fun.

Pro Tip:
After an exhilarating ride, unwind at the Pear Orchard Picnic Site. Embrace tranquillity by the stream, and don’t miss the chance to spot wild horses while you savour a leisurely picnic.

Embrace the great outdoors at Pony Camp in Kaapsehoop Horse Trails

Website: https://www.horsebacktrails.co.za/educational-programs/ 

Address: Berlin Plantation, Kaapschehoop

Phone: +27 (0) 76 108 0081

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM

Kaapsehoop Horse Trails offers a fantastic Pony Camp experience for kids right in the village. Throughout the week, they engage in activities like tree climbing, cave exploring, and swimming in nearby streams, all under careful supervision.

It’s heartening to see them interact with ponies, learning to ride and care for these gentle creatures. The camp encourages social skills and outdoor play, offering a break from electronics and a chance to immerse in nature. 

Parents can rest assured knowing their kids are supervised and engaged in wholesome activities, making memories that last well beyond the campfire stories under the stars.

Pro Tip:
While your kids enjoy the camp, consider their cosy Guest House for your stay. It’s a peaceful retreat with a rustic charm, complete with a fireplace, braai area, and sunset views, perfect for up to 6 guests.

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Map 

The Reptile Route offers a great day out for families like ours. During our trip, Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park was a favourite of the kids, who loved seeing diverse reptiles up close and learning from the guides during live feedings.

Another highlight was the Dinosaur Park, where life-size dinosaur replicas roamed amidst ancient trees. The kids enjoyed uncovering fossils in the sand pits and imagining themselves in the world of dinosaurs.

Our journey also took us to Sudwala Caves, where the kids marvelled at the underground chambers and unique rock formations. The guided tour was informative yet accessible, capturing their curiosity about geology and history.

Pro Tips:
Consider adding a visit to the Antique Car Museum to your itinerary. It’s a gem for car lovers, showcasing a wide array of classic cars. 

For a deep dive into local traditions, the Tribal Village, Swazi Cultural Village, and Shangaan Cultural Village offer a unique glimpse into the area’s heritage.

When you need a pick-me-up, the Riverbend Coffee Farm serves up a delicious cup of local coffee to energise you for the next leg of your trip.

River raft with Idle & Wild

Website: https://www.idleandwild.com/ 

Address: Farm S26 on R536, Hazyview

Phone: +27 82 381 7408 

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 7:30 AM to 6 PM

Located in the tranquil Sabie River Valley, Idle & Wild offers a fantastic river rafting experience that’s ideal for families with kids. Recently, I had the opportunity to join my family on this adventure.

The guides were very professional and made sure everyone felt safe throughout the trip. They provided clear instructions on how to steer and manoeuvre the raft, which was a bit challenging at first but became easier with practice.

The children had a great time on the water, thrilled by the gentle rapids and splashes. Their faces lit up with joy as they explored nature, spotting birds and wildlife along the riverbanks.

Pro Tip:
Teach the kids to recognise and respect the power of moving water, emphasising the importance of staying seated and holding on to the raft.

Have a delightful day of fishing at Trout and About Trout Farm

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Address: Horse Shoe, Old Lydenburg Road, Sabie

Phone: +27 84 531 3376

Operating Hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM

Trout and About Trout Farm is a great spot for families who want to try fishing. The farm is well set up for beginners. You can rent fishing rods and get all the advice you need from the staff.

I’ve been there with friends who have kids, and they really enjoyed it. I remember the first time the kids caught their own trout after about an hour and a half. They were so excited!

We grilled the trout for dinner that evening, which made the whole experience even more special. The place has nice picnic areas and clean bathrooms, so it’s easy to spend the day there comfortably. 

Pro Tip:
Before heading to the farm, remember to stop by Trips SA on 90 Main Street to purchase your entry tickets. It’s a must. This way, you’ll avoid any hassle at the fishing spot and can dive straight into the angling action.

Explore the variety of stalls and shops at The Farm Stall at Halls

Address: Shop 4, Halls Gateway to the Lowveld, N4, Mataffin, Mbombela

Phone: +27 13 752 2142

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 8 AM to 5 PM

The Farm Stall at Halls is a great place for families to spend time together. It has stalls selling organic products, arts and crafts, and other family-oriented items.

We enjoyed delicious homemade pastries and artisanal coffee. Then, we found a nice spot under the trees for a relaxing picnic.

For the kids, there are many activity booths and photo booths to keep them busy for hours. There’s also a safe and well-maintained play area, allowing parents to explore the market without worrying.

Pro Tip:
Try the Moerse Burger. It’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh toppings—and a great deal at just R100!

Engage with exciting waterfront activities at Lake Umuzi

Website: https://lakeumuzi.co.za/  

Address: 1 Kiewiet St, Secunda

Phone: +27 (0)17 631 3452

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM

Lake Umuzi is a waterfront destination offering a wide array of activities perfect for families seeking a day of fun and relaxation. Its Aquazone Waterpark is our family favourite which features lots of slides and pools to splash around in. 

Another spot that we love is Rocky Waters, a mini golf course that’s perfect for some friendly competition. And if the weather isn’t great, Entertainment World is a good indoor option, offering bowling lanes, pool tables, and indoor cricket and soccer.

For a more relaxed time, Carnival Square is where we usually end up. It’s a safe area where the kids can play while we keep an eye on them from nearby restaurants. 

Pro Tip:
Satisfy any appetite with a variety of eateries at the waterfront, and for a family-friendly meal, try Ocean Basket’s tasty and budget-friendly sushi and hot, crispy fish and chips.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at Harrie’s Pancakes

Website: https://harriespancakes.co.za/ 

Address: Corner Cunning St & Hugenoten St, Dullstroom

Phone: +27 13 254 0801

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 8 AM to 5 PM

Harrie’s Pancakes in Dullstroom is a beloved local spot that has been delighting visitors for over 30 years. When we visited, the warm and efficient service made us feel right at home.

We indulged in a variety of pancake flavours, but the decadent dark chocolate mousse pancakes were a definite favourite. We loved the option to add milk tart custard or ice cream as a topping, making the meal even more special.

The charm of Dullstroom, with its unique blend of 19th and 20th-century architecture, adds to the experience, creating a perfect setting for a family outing.

Pro Tip:
Swing by on a weekday when it’s less crowded. You’ll skip the weekend rush and enjoy your pancakes in tranquillity!

Watch flying demonstrations at Bird Of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

Website: https://www.birdsofprey.co.za/ 

Address: R540 corner Kruisfontein Road 1km out of Dullstroom on Belfast side, Dullstroom

Phone: +27 82 899 4108

The Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre on the outskirts of town is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds of prey. They either release them back into the wild or care for them at the centre if they can’t return to nature.

When I went there with my family, we were all impressed by the dedication of the staff. Our guide gave us an informative and fun tour. We watched a falcon, the fastest bird in the world, fly just above our heads to catch a piece of pigeon.

The kids loved seeing a secretary bird stomp on a plastic snake named Zuma. We also saw a waddling owl and a magnificent black eagle.

Pro Tip:
Always let trained professionals feed rescued wildlife to prevent health problems. If you find an injured bird, contact a certified rehabilitator instead of trying to feed it yourself.

Spot natural limestone sculptures at Echo Caves

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Website: https://echocaves.co.za 

Address: Echo Caves, Ohrigstad

Phone: +27 13 238 0015

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM

Echo Caves, just an hour and a half drive from Sabie, is an ancient wonder I recently explored with my family. These limestone caves are known for their echoing sounds, which fascinated the kids from the moment we entered. 

The guided tour took us through well-lit paths where you can see stalactites and stalagmites that look like sculptures made by nature.

One of the highlights is the stalagmite-stalactite Madonna statue and walls that look like frozen waterfalls. Moving through the chambers, the kids loved spotting shapes that resembled animals, such as the ostrich-like rock and elephant formations.

Pro Tip:
Enjoy a peaceful meal at the on-site restaurant and let the kids have fun in the lush gardens, then pick up a unique keepsake from the Curio Shop, open daily until 4 PM.

Treat the kids to lunch at Mrs. Simpson’s

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Website: https://mrssimpsons.co.za/our-restaurant/ 

Address: Teding Van Berkhout St, Dullstroom

Phone: +27 13 254 0088

Operating Hours:

  • Wednesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:45 PM
  • Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM

Mrs. Simpson’s is a cosy spot with a touch of history, named after an American who caught a king’s eye long ago.

The space is draped inside the restaurant with bags and shoes, reflecting Mrs. Simpson’s penchant. The exterior design is dedicated to her cat. There’s a speed bump painted with cats and a “Wallis Crossing” sign. 

Despite it being more geared towards adults, we decided to bring our kids along, as they are welcome too. They have a small menu specifically for kids, and the staff are incredibly friendly, even allowing our little ones to rest on the couch.

Pro Tip:
Even though the dessert options are limited, make sure to save room for delicious choices like Malva Pudding, Peppermint Crisp Sundae, and Apple and Surprise Crumble.

Take a guided tour of Shangana Cultural Village

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Address: R535 Graskop Road, Hazyview

Shangana Cultural Village offers families a fascinating glimpse into traditional Zulu life. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a bustling market where local crafts and foods filled the air with vibrant colours and tempting aromas.

The highlight of our visit was meeting Axon Khosa, a descendant of the village’s last chief. His stories brought the history of Shangana Village to life, making it easy for kids to connect with the past.

The interactive activities, such as drumming sessions and dance performances, added to the fun. It was a great way for children to learn about South Africa’s rich cultural heritage firsthand.

Pro Tip:
Before visiting the village, research the average prices of local goods to set a benchmark for bargaining. This preparation will empower you to negotiate confidently and ensure you pay a fair price for authentic souvenirs.

Enjoy a picnic on the lush lawns of Lowveld National Botanical Garden 

Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/lowveld/  

Address: Botanical Garden Ent Road, Off Madiba Drive, Riverside, Mbombela (Nelspruit)

Phone: +27(0)13 752 8880 

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM

The Lowveld National Botanical Garden is a peaceful haven showcasing native plants found in the Lowveld region. The garden boasts a diverse range of indigenous plants spread out over vast lawns and themed gardens.

We enjoyed strolling through different areas such as the medicinal garden and the riverbanks. We also encountered various bird species and occasionally even small animals like monkeys.

A definite highlight is crossing the suspended bridge over the Crocodile River, which offers a stunning view of the waterfalls below.

Pro Tip:
Visit the Tindlovu Restaurant at the botanical garden where the tranquil sound of waterfalls complements your meal. 
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