A family day out is even more memorable when children come home with something they made themselves. From pottery and candles to bread and traditional crafts, these hands-on experiences turn a day trip into a creative adventure.
Image used for illustrative purposes/By: Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
1. Paint your own pottery in Cape Town
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Clay Cafe, Cape Town and Paarl
Give the usual family day out a creative twist at Clay Cafe Hout Bay, where children can choose a ceramic piece and turn it into their own artwork.
The family-friendly pottery-painting venue has more than 180 ceramic pieces to choose from, including mugs, plates and figurines. Children can pick their favourite, paint and personalise it before the finished piece becomes a keepsake. There are also branches in Paarl and elsewhere around South Africa (Pretoria, Lanseria and Johannesburg).
It is an easy option for families who want the activity to be the main event, but still want somewhere to have lunch afterwards.
Make: A personalised ceramic mug, plate or figurine.
Good to know: The Hout Bay branch is open seven days a week, while opening times vary between branches. Check before setting off.
2. Spend a day making traditional crafts
Soltribe Creations, Constantia
At Soltribe’s craft programmes in Constantia, the focus is on learning practical skills and working with your hands.
The programme changes throughout the year, with activities including leatherwork, candle making, felting, basket weaving, cane work and clay. Its craft programmes have included activities for children aged three to six and 7 to 14, with children making different projects and taking their creations home.
It is a particularly good option for children who like taking things apart, putting them together and figuring out how something works.
Make: Depending on the workshop, anything from a candle to a leather or woven craft.
Good to know: Programmes and ages vary, so check the current holiday schedule before booking.
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3. Bake something from scratch
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Soetmelksvlei, Franschhoek
A trip to the Cape Winelands does not have to revolve around wine. At Soetmelksvlei, a historic farmyard at Babylonstoren, hands-on food workshops put traditional farm skills at the centre of the experience.
The current programme includes baking workshops using seasonal produce, with participants learning practical baking skills and taking their own baked goods home. Upcoming workshops include fruit baking, chocolate cake, butter and buttermilk rusks, and savoury breads.
The workshops are not all specifically designed for children, so this is best suited to older children or families who can attend a suitable session together.
Make: Fresh bread, cakes, pies or other seasonal bakes, depending on the workshop.
Good to know: Workshops take place on specific dates and should be booked in advance.
4. Get your hands dirty with clay in Johannesburg
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Claytopia, Johannesburg
For a day out that leaves children with something more substantial than a photograph, head to a pottery studio.
Claytopia in Johannesburg runs creative clay experiences for children and teenagers, with classes divided into age groups. Children learn pottery skills while making useful small crockery items and gifts, with clay, glazes and equipment included.
The experience is less about producing a perfect piece and more about learning what can be done with a lump of clay. Younger children can experiment with shaping and decorating, while older children can develop more practical pottery skills.
Make: Small crockery, gifts or other pottery pieces.
Good to know: Parents or caregivers are advised to stay with younger children during the class.
5. Learn the old-fashioned way to make cheese
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Wegraakbosch Organic Farm, Limpopo
For something different, make the journey to a working organic farm where children can see how food is produced rather than simply buying it from a shop.
At Wegraakbosch Organic Farm, families can learn about organic farming and traditional cheesemaking. The cheesemaking tour takes visitors through the process of making cheese by hand over a fire using traditional Swiss methods. Children can also collect eggs, feed calves and try hand-milking a cow.
It turns a farm visit into something more hands-on, with plenty for curious children to see and do.
Make: Cheese, while learning where some of the ingredients and farm products come from.
Good to know: Activities need to be booked in advance because Wegraakbosch is a working farm.
Make the day itself the souvenir
A family outing does not always need a big attraction at the end of the road. Sometimes the best part is sitting down with a piece of clay, kneading dough, pouring a candle or learning how milk becomes cheese.
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