From 24 June to 17 July, 2023, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden hosts its annual Winter Wonders special, where children 17 years and younger can enjoy free admission.
To add to the splendour of winter, various Winter Wonders workshops and events for young and old to enjoy will take place around the garden, with weekly prizes up for grabs.
“Winter Wonders is the perfect opportunity for families to explore the rich diversity of Africa’s most beautiful garden and learn about the incredible indigenous flora that calls it home. This is a truly magical time to visit and discover all the garden has to offer”, says Sarah Struys, Events and Tourism Manager at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Free yoga session
Start your Winter Wonders adventure with a celebration of International Day of Yoga.
Get ready to stretch and breathe in the fresh winter air with a free yoga session (Garden entry fees apply). The Consulate General of India invites Cape Town to celebrate the day. All ages welcome. Register here. Date and time: Saturday, 24 June, 10am – 11h00
DIY enchanted forest
The Botanical Society of South Africa will offer enchanted forest workshops. Have your kids join master horticulturist and garden enchantress Cherise Viljoen in a workshop focused on creating a living enchanted forest garden. This hands-on workshop costs R350 per child and engages children’s imaginations as they learn about the forest floor.
Participating kids will have all materials provided and will get to take their unique creation home to nurture and watch grow. There will be limited space for these workshops, so bookings are essential. To book, call 021 671 5468, or e-mail info@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
Dates, Times:
27 June (Tue) 10am – 12h00
10 July (Mon) 10am – 12h00
14 July (Fri) 10am – 12h00
Kids’ book reading series
Penguin Random House will host a free book reading series featuring children’s authors Irene Berman, Nick Norman, Riaan Manser, Makhosi Dewette Dludla, and more. The book readings will be held outside the lounge space at the Kirstenbosch Bookshop in the Visitor Centre (Gate 1), where kids can look forward to meeting beloved characters Peter Rabbit and Tippie. A colouring competition will also take place, with winners announced on 14 July. Participants can find the colouring page to complete at the Kirstenbosch Bookshop. Once completed, the page must be dropped into the entry box at the bookshop for a chance to win a goodie bag filled with books, stationery, and a Kirstenbosch Bookshop voucher.
During the Winter Wonders programme, the Kirstenbosch Bookshop will offer a 15% discount on all children’s books and a 10% discount on selected books in-store.
Dates, times:
26 June (Monday) 10am – 11h00 — Nick Norman reading Box of Rocks
28 June (Wednesday) 12h30 – 2pm — Riaan Manser reading My First Wild Island Adventure
30 June (Friday) 10h30 – 11.30am— Ben Hewett & Paddy Muldoon reading The Crystal Chronicles
3 July (Monday) 10am – 11am — Makhosi Dewette Dludla reading It’s Wonderful Me!
7 July (Friday) 10.30am – 11.15am — Irene Berman reading Flap! Rattle! Stomp! & Taka Wants to Fly
12 July (Wednesday) 10.30am – 11.30am— Mike Bruton reading The Amazing Coelacanth
Discover the art of forest bathing
Forest Bathing Cape Town will offer a 90-minute introductory forest bathing experience during Winter Wonders, open to anyone 15 years and older at R250 per person (Garden entry fees are not included in this price). Forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku) is a practice that involves slowing down and fully immersing yourself in nature. It has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental and physical well-being, including reducing stress and anxiety. Book your session on 082 658 6007, or at info@forestbathingcapetown.co.za
Dates & Times:
27 June (Tuesday) 10am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 2pm
1 July (Saturday) 10am – 11.30am
6 July (Thursday) 10am – 11.30am
11 July (Tuesday) 10am – 11.30amand 12.30pm – 2pm
Make your Winter Wonders experience even more fun and arrive at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the City Sightseeing red bus with their special offer: two children can travel with one adult for just R49 per classic child ticket.
The garden is open daily from 8am to 6pm throughout winter, so visitors have plenty of time to explore the stunning flora and fauna on display.
What: Kirstenbosch winter special
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Cape Town
Info: 021 799 8783, 021 799 8773, KirstenboschInfo@sanbi.org
Social media: Facebook: @KirstenboschNBG, Twitter: @KirstenboschNBG
Instagram: @kirstenbosch_nbg
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