As the weather begins to cool and the trees start to shed, most of us will be looking for things to do that don’t depend on the fantastic weather that we usually enjoy. As we say goodbye to summer, and rummage through our cupboards for our jerseys, make sure that you check out these popular autumn activities to keep you busy during the cooler months.

 

Hiking
Hiking in autumn is a real treat. The ever-changing trees, the cooler air and variety of scenic beauty ensure that you’ll have a fantastic time. Pack a picnic basket and take the family and dogs out for the day to view rock formations, fynbos, forests, streams and waterfalls. There are tons of great hiking spots around the country, take a look at your local tourism website or take a look at a few winter hiking trails that we’ve selected.

Hay bales and soft hues mark the farmland after the harvest.

Farms

Our country has countless wonderful farms that tend to have on-site farm stalls which sell fresh produce. Visit a farm and buy some ingredients so that you can get the whole family to help make a hearty stew once you get home. During autumn, farms start to look more and more like the traditional picturesque farm scene, with rolled hay bales and freshly harvested crops that give the ground a golden hue.

Organic food tastes better and has less chemicals involved with its growth.

 

Farmers’ Markets

Around the country, farmers’ markets are gaining a foothold of popularity, and the best part is that you don’t have to drive out to the middle of nowhere! Here, local farmers and entrepreneurs gather to provide visitors with fresh organic produce as well as art, clothing and nifty gadgets. In Cape Town, the Old Biscuit Mill is a firm favourite, along with the Tokai outdoor market. In Durban the Shongweni farmers’ market is very popular, while in Johannesburg The Neighbourgoods Market is always a hit. These markets tend to have a dedicated play area for children; if they don’t, vendors will pick up the slack for a small fee and engage the children in arts and crafts activities.

Delheim (C) Lauren Morling

Wine Tasting
As the weather starts to get colder, the wine farms only get more beautiful. Despite this shift in season, wine estates still have their doors and vineyards open. The charming town of Franschoek has a proud Huguenot history, and many beautiful wine estates including Boschendal, La Motte and Grande Provence. Nearby, Stellenbosch offers places such as Meerlust Estate, Vergelegen and Thelema Mountain Vineyards. We love the wine and cheese pairings available in Stellenbosch!

 

Two children watching in awe at the moving fish and kelp forest.

 

Museums and Aquariums
No matter what the weather may be a museum outing is a great choice, regardless of whether you have children or not. Visit a natural history museum and stand in awe before the bones of long gone giants, or see what fauna and flora looked like millions of years ago. Aquariums and planatariums are another great option.

Route 62 by Stringer_bel (flickr)

Route 62
Though the weather in autumn is cooling down, there are plenty of hot activities along Cape Route 62 like visiting the hot springs in Montagu, the warm baths at Guano Caves resort, or sitting next to a cosy fireplace and enjoying some farm fare. Popular activities along the route include visiting ostrich farms, exploring the Cango caves, going on a quad-bike tour of Barrydale, and going on a zip-line adventure in Ceres.

If you still want to hold onto the feeling of summer then KwaZulu-Natal is your answer, since at this time of year you can still surf, swim and enjoy the outdoor scenery with little chance of cold weather ruining your day.

Let us know how you’re planning to do to enjoy the last days of autumn!