If you’ve left your Easter weekend plans to the last minute (like your Easter egg shopping) and haven’t enough money to pay for fuel to leave town, take heart. Here are some Easter weekend events that sound like hoppingly-good fun.
Gauteng
The Rand Show
Johannesburg Expo Centre
6-15 April
There’s so much to look forward to at the Rand Show this year. An impressive lineup of vehicles, aircraft and military displays, free circus performances, SA Chefs Theatre, along with hundreds of square metres of lifestyle-related exhibits. For the first time this year, you can meet the reptiles and raptors of the exclusive Animal Kingdom display, as well as puff adders, crocodiless, boomslangs, mambas and cobras presented by Snake Bite Jones, while pelicans, owls, parrots, toucans and hawks take centre-stage in the Flying Bird Show. Plus a farmyard for kids, daily Easter parades, trips on the monorail, adrenalin-fuelled thrills in the fun fair, a kids’ theatre, circus workshops and puppet shows, with more surprises yet to be announced. Gates open each day at 09h00 and close at 18h00, although the show will remain open until 20h00. Adults R80, pensioners R65, teenagers between 13- 16 R20, children under 6 years free. Half pice for all ages on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets available at the gates or through Computicket. Tel 011-494-2894/3280, email [email protected], www.randshow.co.za.
Easter on the Vaal
Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark
6 April 12
The Easter Bunny has cunningly hidden some delicious Easter Eggs all over the gardens at Stonehaven so get the kids scouting for those whilst mom and dad relax. There’s also a jumping castle, slip ‘n slide, trampoline and lots of egg decorating activities to keep the kids occupied. From 11h00 and it’s free! Tel 016-982-2951, email [email protected], www.stonehaven.co.za.
Bokkie Park Easter Egg Hunt
Bokkie Park, Boksburg
7 April
Kids can have fun from 10h00-12h30 finding elusive Easter eggs in the park. The whole family can enjoy a picnic or bring and braai, or enjoy some tea and cake from the park’s Tea Garden. No cover charge. Cell 072-713-3332.
Animal Carnival 2012
Kyalami Equestrian Park, Kyalami
6-9 April
It’s time for the Nutriphase Animal Carnival at the Nissan Easter Festival at Kyalami Equestrian Park where you’ll find jumping dogs, agility dogs, flyball dogs, dancing dogs, super working dogs, sled-dogs, champion cats, grand prix show jumping horses, camels and ponies. There’ll be an an international horse show with all the top show jumpers, culminating in the Outdoor Showjumping Grand Prix of South Africa on Monday. Top dogs will also take centre stage on Monday in the dog jumping, knock-out pairs, dog dancing final dance-off and the Nutriphase Agility Grand Challenge. Bring your pet to the show and join the fun on Easter Sunday Dog Fun Day and enter the Nutriphase Pooch Pageant . You could stand a chance to win wonderful prizes including Pick n Pay vouchers and hampers. Entrance is free! Tel 011-468-3236.
Easter Egg Hunt at Emperors Palace
Emperors Palace, Kempton Park
8-9 April
The lush green gardens at the D’oreale Grande hotel form the perfect setting for a chocolate adventure! From midday enjoy some fun in the sun with entertainment for everyone. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny, have their faces painted, enjoy jumping castles and interact with animals in the petting zoo. There will also be a magic show at 14h00 daily. Adults get in for free, kids R50. Tel 011-928-1937, [email protected], www.emperorspalace.co.za.
Easter Holiday Fun at Yeesh!
Yeesh!, Bryanston
8-9 April
Hop into Yeesh! for some Easter fun where kids can take part in the Easter Hat Competition. Activities will be taking place between 10h00-11h00 and 15h00-16h00. All kids get a free Easter egg from the Easter Bunny. R50 per child per hour. Tel 011-463-5847, email [email protected], www.yeesh.co.za.
Easter Tattoo & Bikini Show
The Black Dahlia, Boksburg
6 April
Easter doesn’t have to be all about chocolates and Easter bunnies. Why not celebrate the beauty of tattoo’s and bikini’s instead. Bikini modelling show by tattooed models, bikini give-aways and tattoo specials including one free tattoo worth R1 000 done on the night. Bands will add to the festivities. Doors open 19h00 and entry is R35 per person. All people paying entry will automatically be entered into the lucky draw competitions. Email [email protected], www.theblackdahlia.co.za.
KwaZulu-Natal
Vodacom Easter Fever Beach Festival
Willard Beach, Ballito
6-9 April
This action-packed event, which has become a favourite with sun- and fun-seeking tourists, features an exciting and entertaining programme. Watch out for the Vodacom Beach Touch Rugby, Discovery Futbal Feva, Vodacom Miss Easter Fever pageant and the Vodacom Beach Touch Rugby tournament. Other activities include the Coca Cola Beach Dash and Coca Cola Limbo Pole Competition between 10h00 -16h00 daily. Tel 031-302-3501.
Africa’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt
uShaka Marine World
7 April
A treasure trove of Easter goodies awaits at uShaka Marine World where the Easter Bunny has hidden chocolate treats throughout the Phantom ship wreck aquarium. Extending 500 meters through a series of superbly designed old ship wrecks, there are plenty of nooks and crannies for the Easter Bunny to stow away his Easter surprises! After the Easter Egg hunt, everyone is invited to a Easter Dolphin Show spectacular with guest appearances by the uShaka Marine World’s Ocean Warrior Mascots; Delia the Dolphin, Slippy the Seal, Rusty the Penguin and Raggy the Shark as well as the Easter Bunny and uShaka’s world famous dolphins. Adults R70, Kids R100 from Computicket. Tel 031-328-8000, [email protected], www.ushakamarineworld.co.za.
Atomic Junkies Extreme Sports Festival
Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World, Durban
6-8 April
Atomic Junkies, an extreme sports and adrenalin fest will take place at Durban’s Suncoast Casino where spectacular displays of the most unbelievable stunts will be performed by world class athletes. See the best in spinning, vert ramps, the top names in South African FMX, BMX, supercars and modified performance car stunts. There will be a line-up of the country’s best drift drivers with their trusted high horse-power rear-wheel drive vehicles and and an exhibition arena showcasing extreme brands and products. From 10h00- 18h00. Adults R50, children R25 from Webtickets. Tel 031-328-3000, www.suncoastcasino.co.za.
Cool Science Investigators (CSI)
KZN ScienCentre, Gateway Theatre of Shopping
24 March – 8 April
The fun-filled, educational and interactive Cool Science Investigators (CSI) holiday programme will show kids how science and forensic techniques unlock the secrets of the crime scene, offering them the chance to learn about the many interesting career opportunities that science can make possible. DNA and forensic science workshops and experiments will investigate how our bodies work and what makes us unique, the Eye Spy workshop will put detective skills to the test by analysing hair and fingerprint samples in order to catch the culprit, the Get Those Prints workshop will offer the chance for visitors to make their own fingerprint evidence collection, and the Brainy Ballistics workshop will help participants discover the microscopic world of bullets. All Little Einsteins will also get the chance to enjoy the KZN ScienCentre’s new exclusive Scientastic Soft-Play Area for mums and tots. 11h00-14h00 daily. Tel 031-514-0500, email [email protected], www.gatewayworld.co.za.
Easter Quest
Heritage Market, Hillcrest
7 April
Kids can register in the Rose Garden and receive their own treasure map to join in a fun eggspedition. There will also be Easter card and bunny ear classes, cupcake decoroating workshops, pony rides, balloon sculpting and face painting. From 09h00-14h00. R30 per child, pony rides R5. Tel 031-765-2500, email [email protected], www.heritagehillcrest.co.za.
Kids In The Country
Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop, Howick
28 March-30 April
Bring your kids to the country for some good old fashioned fresh air at this one-stop eat-shop-play destination. Take part in candle dipping, ceramic painting, Piggy Putt and Africa’s biggest amazing maize maze. R20 per person. Tel 031-000-0334, email [email protected], www.pigglywiggly.co.za.
Western Cape
Easter Family Fish Braai
Cape Point, Cape Town
7 April
There’s plenty on the menu at this family fun braai day, including mussel pot, snoek and yellowtail along with a variety of salads, garlic bread and even chocolate brownies! Kids hampers are available for R50 (mini chicken pitas, salad fingers, a packet of crisps and a box of apple juice). Don’t miss out on the Easter egg hunt at 14h00 with the Easter bunny. Bookings are essential as there is limited space. R165 per person. Contact Nicki on 071 948 2112 to book your spot. Tel 021-780-9526, email [email protected].
Bubbly and Easter Egg Delights
House of JC le Roux, Cape Town
27 March – 9 April
Indulge in delightful Easter egg pairings at the House of J.C. Le Roux and spoil yourself with delicious treats paired perfectly with J.C. Le Roux’s finest. Your taste buds will be spellbound and wanting more! R35 per person. Tel 021-865-8200, [email protected], www.jcleroux.co.za.
Warwick in Wonderland
Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
6-9 April
Easter entertainment at Warwick Wine Estate will put a smile on the faces of all family members. Kids get to meet Alice, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat, participate in Easter egg hunts, bounce around on jumping castles and can enjoy plays and face painting. Adults can relax, eat, drink and be merry with gourmet picnics on the estate’s sprawling lawns.This event is extremely popular, and therefore booking is essential. Children’s tickets are R150, which includes the entertainment, a fruit juice and boerewors roll. Gourmet picnic baskets for adults our available for R299 (serves 2). Tel 021-884-4410, email [email protected], www.warwickwine.com.
Easter at Laborie Lazy Days Market
Laborie Wine Estate, Paarl
7 April
Situated in the heart of Paarl, and surrounded by the majestic Drakenstein Mountains, with the Paarl Mountain as its backdrop, Laborie is regarded as one of the precious jewels in the Cape Winelands District. The market will be open from 09h00-14h00 offering an exciting and varied selection of lifestyle goods. These include freshly baked breads, coffee, cheese, olives, honey, charcuterie and other fresh local produce exhibitors. There will also be special offers on select Laborie wines, valid for only for the day. Kids’ entertainment will include jumping castles, face painting and mini tractor rides. The Easter Bunny will also be making a special appearance on the day to hand out delicious treats.Tel 021-807-3390, email [email protected], www.laboriewines.co.za.
Easter Egg hunt at Delvera Farm Village
Delvera Farm Village, Stellenbosch
7 and 9 April
The Easter Bunny is hard at work preparing all the yummy goodies for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Delvera Farm Village on Saturday 7 April and Monday 9 April. Adults can take part too as chocolate knows no age limit. There’s also lots of shops selling arts and crafts, restaurants, a kids’ boot camp, donkey rides, wine tastings and sales, an equestrian centre and loads more. Take a walk through the vineyards or tour them on horseback. Walk up Klapmutskop and see the 300 year-old Yellowwood forest or just laze around in the beautiful gardens at the Simonsberg Café. If last year is anything to go by, it’s best that you arrive early and leave the diet at home. Gates open between 09h00 – 16h00. Call 021- 884-4352, email [email protected], www.delvera.co.za.
Lindt Gold Bunny Maze
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
30 March – 8 April
This Easter, little visitors to the V&A Waterfront can take part in a delicious Easter egg hunt. Every hour at the Barrow Court, chocolate fanatics can make their way through the bunny maze in search of chocolaty goodness and it’s all for free! Tel 021-408-7600, email [email protected].
Storytime at The Book Lounge
The Book Lounge, Cape Town
4-7 April
Bring your kids to this cosy bookshop in Roeland Street where they can can enjoy bunny stories, eat Easter eggs and perhaps even hop about a bit. Best part, it’s free! Tel 021-462-2425, [email protected], www.booklounge.co.za.
Cooked : Theatre For Children
Kalk Bay Theatre, Cape Town
1-9 April
‘Cooked’ is a show dedicated to the young and the young at heart. Enjoy a dish of manic mess and mayhem with the well oiled duo, Richard Lothian and Alex Tops who display their renowned family entertainment skills by keeping the young ones captivated and the mums and dads rolling with laughter. With a handful of acrobatics, a dash of disaster and a gallon of fun, “Cooked” is a recipe of theatrics not to be missed. Show starts daily at 11h00.R55 per person. Tel 073-220-5430, email [email protected], www.kbt.co.za.
