Across South Africa, farms have transformed into places where children can participate in feeding animals, picking fruit, navigating giant labyrinths, and engaging in active outdoor play, while parents can relax, enjoying dishes made from local produce, browsing artisanal goods, or stocking up on homemade treats.
Whether you are planning a short weekend trip or making a stop on your next journey, these farms offer entertainment for all ages.
In the Cape Winelands region is located Boschendal, which combines historical charm with family recreation opportunities. Here, adults can enjoy award-winning wines, fresh seasonal cuisine, and local picnic baskets, while children have ample space to explore.
Thanks to The Tree House playground, extensive lawns, and mountain bike trails, you can spend a whole day outdoors. Families can also stroll through the gardens, meet the farm animals, and visit the farm shop, which sells freshly baked bread, preserves, and local crafts.
Babylonstoren is one of South Africa's most renowned working farms, and its center features a magnificent edible garden. Families can wander through fruit orchards, vegetable beds, and herb gardens, learning about sustainable agriculture. Children delight in watching ducks, chickens, and other farm animals, while adults can select goods at the bakery, butcher shop, farm shop, and delicatessen, all filled with produce harvested right on site.
The restaurants utilize ingredients freshly gathered from the gardens, turning every meal into part of the farm experience.
Polkadraai Farm is popular among young families and offers one of the best strawberry picking seasons in the Western Cape. In addition to berry fields, children can ride tractors, ponies, play mini-golf, bounce on trampolines, and visit a large playground. The food court offers everything from light meals to exquisite strawberry desserts, allowing a short visit to become a full-day outing.
Located near Cape Town, Imhoff Farm blends rustic charm with artisanal products and family entertainment. The village includes a café, bakeries, handmade goods shops, and restaurants, while children can meet the farm animals and explore open spaces. Nearby camel rides add an element of adventure for little ones.
Redberry Farm has become one of the Garden Route's most popular family attractions, and not without reason. Visitors can pick strawberries year-round before heading to one of South Africa's largest permanent hedge mazes. There is also a miniature train, bumper boats, go-karts, pony rides, and playgrounds, guaranteeing hours of fun for children while parents enjoy coffee, light meals, or strawberry-flavored desserts.
Irene Farm, with a history spanning over a century, remains an operating dairy farm where visitors can watch cows grazing before enjoying breakfast or lunch overlooking the pastures. The farm's famous dairy products, fresh milk, and homemade treats are sought after by guests, and spacious lawns provide plenty of room for children to play. It is an ideal stop for families looking for a rural getaway without leaving the city.
Situated in the lush Valley of a Thousand Hills, Fig Tree Farm offers a relaxing rural atmosphere with boutique shops, artisanal snacks, and cafés nestled around a picturesque garden. Children can entertain themselves on outdoor playgrounds while parents browse local goods or enjoy breakfast or lunch with a view of the gardens. The tranquil setting makes this farm a favorite spot for Durban families on the weekend.
Pig & Plough, Ambleside Farm, Howick
Located on the scenic Ambleside Farm in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, Pig & Plough combines hearty country cuisine with ample space for family relaxation. Children can meet friendly farm animals, explore the grounds, and enjoy the fresh air, while adults can savor generous breakfasts, gourmet burgers, or homemade pastries. It is an excellent stop during a trip along the Midlands Meander.
Holmeleigh Farmyard delights generations of Eastern Cape families with its collection of friendly farm animals and peaceful rural setting. Young visitors can feed goats, meet rabbits and ponies, ride tractors, and spend time on the playground before sitting down to homemade meals in the tea garden. The place is especially suitable for toddlers and young children.
Nanaga Farm Stall has become a popular stop on the route between Gqeberha and the Sunny Coast, evolving into a destination in itself. Families come for the famous homemade pies, fresh bread, and local produce, and then let the children enjoy the open playgrounds. The farm shop is stocked with regional goods, making it convenient for restocking supplies on the road. Although best known as a farm stall, its relaxed rural ambiance and family amenities make it a worthwhile stop.
Fruit picking opportunities, such as strawberries, depend on the season or weather. It is necessary to check information in advance to avoid disappointment.
It can be crowded on weekends and school holidays, especially during harvest seasons. Arriving early gives children more time to explore before the crowds arrive.
Comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, and water are essential, especially if you plan to spend several hours outside.
Many farms sell fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, preserves, and handmade items. Buying directly from the farm supports local businesses and allows you to take something delicious home.
South African farms offer much more than just a good meal. They invite families to slow down, reconnect with nature, and introduce children to the origin of food through hands-on experience. Whether it's walking through vineyards, picking strawberries, feeding farm animals, or having a picnic under old trees, these places prove that some of the country's most memorable family adventures start on a farm.
As the cost of living continues to put pressure on family budgets, many South Africans are rediscovering the value of humble foods that have nourished generations.
The constant rise in food, electricity, and household costs is prompting many people to return to simple dishes that formed the basis of the family table for many years. These meals are characterized by affordability, satiety, and carry memories that remind people why they never go out of style.
For many households, maize meal remains the preferred choice. Known as 'isidudu' in isiXhosa, it has always been one of the most reliable staple foods in the country. A large bag can feed a family for several weeks and can be prepared in various ways; some prefer it traditionally with sugar, peanut butter, margarine, milk, or even with added Oros.
This dish, a classic South African breakfast, is made from ground white maize and is popular across all social classes.
Another popular product gaining traction is beans. Previously viewed as a simple meat substitute, they are now attracting families looking for an affordable source of protein. One packet provides a significant volume and can be turned into a hearty stew with onions, curry powder, and tomatoes. Served with pap or rice, beans demonstrate that a satisfying meal does not have to be expensive.
Peas and beans, known as 'umngqusho' in isiXhosa, continue to hold a special place in South African kitchens. This dish increases in volume during cooking, making it ideal for feeding a large family. Although its preparation requires patience, the reward is a comforting meal that pairs well with chicken, beef, sausages, or tripe.
Canned pilchards are also growing in popularity. They are easy to store, quick to prepare, and rich in protein. They can be served on fresh bread or turned into a simple curry with onion, garlic, and curry powder; pilchards remain one of the easiest ways to put a meal on the table after a long day.
Chicken livers are also gaining new fans. Once overlooked in favor of other cuts, they have become favorites among shoppers looking for good deals. Prepared with onion, garlic, and pepper sauce, and then finished with a small amount of cream, they create a rich dish perfect with bread or pap.
Cabbage continues to prove that simple vegetables deserve respect. One head can last for several meals and stores well in the refrigerator. Stewed with onion, oil, salt, and black pepper, cabbage is a light side dish that goes well with almost everything, from pap to rice.
Additionally, there are vetkoek, or 'amagwinya'—comfort food that many cannot resist. These golden treats, made from flour, yeast, sugar, and water, are easy to make at home. They can be eaten plain or filled with savory fillings.
Tripe is also making a comeback as a traditional favorite. It requires time for cleaning and preparation, but it rewards patient cooks with tender meat that pairs perfectly with pap or 'umngqusho'. For many families, it is a reminder that the best dishes often come from simple ingredients.
Along the coast, snoek remains an affordable seafood delicacy. Snoek, cut into pieces and cooked with onion, potatoes, apricot paste, and lemon juice, creates a timeless comfort food.
No list would be complete without chakalaka. Born in the kitchens of slums, where people used all the vegetables they had, this spicy relish transforms carrots, onions, peppers, and canned beans into something very aromatic. It is delicious with pap and remains a side dish essential to any World Cup barbecue.
