The 28th of May is World Play Day
Don’t sit at home, don’t stay
Get up, get out, and play
Oh, the places to play on World Play Day!
Let kids do what they do best
And adults say no to rest
The day is about having fun
Fun for all, each and everyone
Every child has the right to play
Not one, but every earthly day
Let’s remember this on 28th of May
As we celebrate, laugh, and say
Oh, the places to play on World Play Day!
Show your support
Cotlands is hosting World Play Day in South Africa; and to mark the occasion, they have embarked on a series of projects that will highlight the importance of play in children’s learning and development. For more information on how you can get involved in making this World Play Day and extra special learning experience for vulnerable children please contact [email protected].
Oh, the places to play
Below are some fantastic venues in South Africa where both adults and children can play and learn on World Play Day.
Bugz Family Playpark
Bugz Family Playpark in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, is the largest play park in the Western Cape, boasting loads of exciting rides including mini tractor rides, pedal cars, a worm train, and more. There are also large indoor and outdoor play areas with jungle gyms, roundabouts, sandpits, swings, slides, tree houses, castles, play equipment, and toys. During your a busy day of play, the Bugz Tent Kitchen is the perfect spot to grab a bite, while the Bugz Mini Market hosts various stalls with all types of food. Dads, remember that this is a day where you get to play, so try avoid the large flat-screen TV! Bugz is open daily from 9am – 5pm, with rides open on weekends, public and school holidays.
KZN ScienCentre
Ever wanted to know what you would weigh on Mars? The KZN ScienCentre on the upper level of the Gateway shopping centre in Umhlanga has over 250 interactive science and technology displays that you can’t help but become enthralled with. The unique facility makes science exciting, alive, and real to both children and adults – providing the ultimate edutainment for all. Some of the exciting features include an air rocket launch, giant whisper dishes, a gyroscope, a kids-exclusive construction site, and more. Adding to the exciting exhibits are numerous special events, exhibitions, workshops, and educational talks. The KZN ScienCentre is open Monday to Thursday from 9am – 7pm; Friday and Saturday from 9am – 9pm, and Sunday from 9am – 6pm.
Honeydew A-maize-ing Mazes
Getting lost is half the fun at Honeydew Mazes. During the summer and autumn months, visitors can make their way through the Maize Maze, while the reed-constructed Elemental Maze provides hours of fun during winter and spring. The theme of the maze changes every year and there is a new quiz within the maze every week to keep returning visitors as entertained as ever. The current theme is World of Sharks, with 3.5km of pathways that provide a challenge for all ages. As of June 2013, the Elemental Maze will be open for private bookings. Have a blast searching for the 5 secret gardens and solving the 10 station quiz. Everyone who completes the Elemental Challenge wins an ice-cream from the Coffee Shop. Please note that no children under the age of 15 are allowed into this maze without adult supervision! The mazes are open from 10am – 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with last entry at 2:30pm.
Acrobranch
The Acrobranch is a fantastic treetop adventure with a variety of exciting courses that travel through the trees on a unique layout of zip lines, bridges, monkey bridges, and Tarzan jumps. There are 4 Acrobranch parks in South Africa, namely Melrose Acrobranch in Johannesburg; Acrobranch @ The Big Red Barn just south of Irene Village, Centurion; the park at Timberlake Organic Village on the Garden Route, situated directly off the N2 between Wilderness and Sedgefield; and Acrobranch Constantia at Constantia Nek restaurant. Visit their website to see the different courses and fees.
How will you celebrate World Play Day?
Feature Image: Acrobranch
