Fun outings for you and the kids

If you are looking for something to do with your kids during the school holidays, you live in the Durban area and they're under the age of about 10 years, we've got some suggestions for you.

There are three animal farms in the Hillcrest area that we're aware of.

Diane Macpherson visited them over the past six weeks with her 22-month-old daughter, and rates them below.

Winsome View Animal Farm & Country Bistro (Summerveld)

Entrance Fee: R15 per person (under one year old is 'No charge"), Pony Rides R6, bowl of animal feed R6.

I loved this animal farm - and so did my daughter. It opened its doors last July in 'horse country'- Summerveld. It's set on 10 acres and was the most spacious of the three farms visited. The miniature horses were a real hit, as was the fact that we were personally guided around the farm (by a very endearing Lynn) - as all guests are. This gives you access to areas you'd otherwise not be allowed to enter, ensures you're able to get up close and personal with the various animals, under supervision, and it's also very educational. Lynn had a story to tell us about each of the animals, including the donkeys who were rescued en route to an abattoir. She loved showing us how the large pig, Bruce, likes to have his tummy tickled.

(Above: Bruce gets his tummy tickled)

She made sure my daughter was able to touch almost every different kind of animal there and even provided us with a few peanuts to give to the squirrels. In one of the chicken coops, we came across a freshly laid egg, and my daughter was able to take it home. Such a lovely touch. Obviously there won't be freshly laid eggs for every child but where there are, they do this.

The children's play area is well equipped, secure and there's plenty of room for the little ones to run around and burn off some energy. I liked that it's mostly on one level, so you don't have to worry about negotiating a pram (if you have one with you) down a steep bank.

Winsome View is a place you can spend an entire morning or afternoon at. I didn't get to try out the Bistro, but I believe their scones are worth a mention. I will definitely be back to try them.

Duck 'n Deck Animal Farm & Tea Garden (Hillcrest)

Entrance fee: R15 per person - children will receive a free packet of animal food and babies under 1 year free
Opening Hours:  Tuesday to Sunday, School Holidays and Public Holidays 9:30am to 4:00pm. Closed 24 - 26 December.

The Duck 'n Deck is probably the most well-known of the three farms. We spent a really enjoyable hour or so going from animal to animal and giving them a few pellets of food through the fence. They've got a wide variety of ducks and swans - all of them eager for a pellet or two and the Emus were also a novelty, as were the alpaca (which look like a llama). We loved the quirky sheep and goats that fed so gently from little fingers.

It's a bustling farmyard with lots to capture the interest of a child. I regretted not getting a ticket for the Pony Ride. I didn't think my daughter would be brave enough to go on one, but when she saw another little girl on the pony she wanted in on the action. It was a pain to have to walk to the top entrance gate though to get the ticket so I distracted her in the little playground area. 

The only disadvantage is that it's on sloped land so the little ones may be a little unsteady coming down the bank on their own if they get overexcited. It can also be quite busy. There's a tea garden that serves breakfasts and light lunches. Well worth a visit.

Animal Farmyard and Tea Garden (Assagay)

Entrance Fee: R15 per person; pony and tractor rides are R5 each, bowl of animal feed R5.
Opening Hours:  Monday to Sunday, 9:00 – 16:30 including school and public holidays.

This little farmyard is another gem. It is quite compact but I loved the fact that many of the ducks and chickens roam around freely. When we went there were ducklings and chicks which were very cute and a hit with the kids. It's got a nice personal feeling. You can watch a cow being milked daily at 10.30 and 3.30 (although a bit of commentary from the man doing the milking would have been nice for the children).

Here, my daughter finally got her Pony Ride and it was a case of be careful what you wish for, as when she got onto the pony she suddenly got scared and only lasted for a few anxious paces.

The animals are very tame and they take the food (pellets) quite gently from the kids. There's a small play area for the children, but unlike Winsome Views it's not fenced so you have to keep a close eye on where the little ones may be dashing to. They offer tractor rides which was a hit with a group of boys I saw. There are also a few picnic tables if you'd prefer to pack your own lunch, although there is a tea garden on site too. If you're short on time and want to give your child a hands on animal experience, it's a good option as you can be in and out within an hour if you like.

Each of the three venues I visited have something special to offer and I will return to them all, but my favourite experience was at Winsome View, perhaps because of the personal touch of a staffer guiding you around and letting the kids touch and hold characters along the way.

-- If you run a child-friendly venue, please drop us a line on [email protected]. We'd love to test it out, and may include your venue in an online listing we're working on ahead of the December holidays.

* Please note, none of the visits we've undertaken were freebies. We've paid our way ourselves.

- Diane Macpherson