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The bumper family holiday events guide

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Wondering what to do with the kids during the upcoming July school holidays? Keep them entertained with our list of fun and educational holiday programmes from around the country. 

GAUTENG 

Smurfs Live on Stage, The Musical 

 The Smurfs Live on Stage

Everyone’s favourite little blue people will be coming to the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, from 13 to 30 July. 

Smurfs Live on Stage, The Musical will feature classic Smurf sing-along fun, life-sized mushroom-shaped houses, and vibrant backdrops. 

Tickets cost R150 per person. 

For details on bookings visit Computicket. Alternatively, you can book via the Emperors Palace Box Office on 011 928 1297/1213 or visit www.emperorspalace.com

The National Zoo‘s Animal Senses Course

July 2017 school holidays

Animal and nature loving children will enjoy the holiday course on offer at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria

The Animal senses course is suitable for kids in grade 4-6, and includes practical activities along with arts and crafts. An attendance certificate is awarded at the end of the course. 

The day long course will take place on the 6, 8 and 21 July. 

For details on how to book, email karabo@nzg.ac.za or or call 012 339 2700.

Disney's Cinderella Kids

Disney's Cinderella kids

The stage adaption of the Walt Disney film classic, Disney's Cinderella Kids will be running from 10 June to 23 July in Johannesburg. 

The classic tale of Cinderella, her fairy godmother and terrible step sisters will be brought to life at the Joburg Theatre. 

Tickets are R142. 

Visit www.joburgtheatre.com for details on how to book. 

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre’s Biotech holiday programme

2017 July school holiday

If your kids are crazy about science, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre’s Biotech holiday programme is the perfect way to keep them occupied. 

The variety of cool classes will run from 1-23 July, where your kids can learn about DNA, Bio-Robotics and Mechatronics. 

Children as young as 6 and older are welcome to join the fun.

The Cost of attending range from R5 - R10, but most classes and activities are free of charge 

For more details and access to the full timetable, click here

The Adventures of Mr Toad

The Adventures of Mr Toad

Treat your kids to the Adventures of Mr Toad in Johannesburg at the National Children's Theatre. This musical adaption of the children’s classic, The Wind in The Willows, will run from 20 June to 23 July

Tickets cost R80 per child and R100 per adult. 

Visit www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za for more information. 

WESTERN CAPE 

Peter Pan, The Musical

July School Holidays 2017

The magical world of Peter Pan will be on show at the Canal Walk Theatre in Cape Town from 1 July – 23 July 2017.

The classic has been adapted into a musical for young audiences, and is guaranteed to amaze. 

Tickets cost R80. 

Bookings can be made via www.computicket.com. Tickets will also be available at the venue. 

* We're giving away two sets of Family tickets to see Peter Pan at Canal Walk. Click here for details on how to win

Artjamming’s Art Holiday Programme 

Artjamming kids workshops

Artjamming at the V&A Waterfront are the pioneers of Paintertainment, and will be hosting their Art holiday programme from 3-21 July. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to get their creative juices flowing while jamming out to some tunes – skilled or not. 

The programme also includes Artjamming art classes, a workshop on balloon making, and party games. 

Tickets are R180 per child per class, and booking is a must

    Into the Jungle Interactive Play Zone 

    July 2017 school holiday fun activities

    From 30 June – 22 July Cape Town based kids can spend time in the jungle at Capegate Shopping Centre’s Into the Jungle Interactive Play Zone

    A 60 square meter inflatable play area offering fun activities like 3D drawing, online games and a chance to learn about jungle animals. 

    The play zone is suitable for children from 3-10 years old. 

    Tickets are R60 per child. 

    Entrance is free for parents accompanying their children. 

    Tickets are available via Computicket, and will also be sold at the venue. 

    Visit the Capegate Shopping Centre website or Facebook page for more information. 

    CityROCK Junior Holiday Programs

    July School Holidays 2017

    CityROCK Indoor climbing is perfect for getting the kids moving on cold and rainy days, and is suitable for beginner and advanced climbers. 

    Unfortunately, children under the age of 5 cannot participate. 

    Course costs range from R240 to R655 per child. 

    Johannesburg Holiday Programme Dates: 4-6 July 2017

    Cape Town Holiday Programme Dates: 11-13 July 2017

    Visit www.cityrock.co.za for more information. 

    Pinocchio at the Baxter Theatre 

    School July Holidays

    Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the wooden puppet on a mission to become a real boy will be on show at the Baxter theatre from 3 -8 July.

    The production will be performed by the Lilliput Children’s Theatre Company and promises to be a treat for audiences.

    Tickets are R75 per person, and can be purchased via Computicket

    For more information visit www.lilliputplayers.co.za

      Tycho to the Moon 

      The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome

      From 1 to 23 July, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome in Cape Town will be showing Tycho to the Moon.

      The educational visual documentary promises to take your kids on an exciting adventure though the Solar system. The show features a virtual tour of the Sun, Moon and the Earth from space. 

      Tickets cost R30 per child and R60 per adult. 

      Visit www.iziko.org.za if you'd like to know more.

      The Anna Beulah Farm

      The Anna Beulah Farm 


      For a taste of the country side, Cape Town city kids can head to the Anna Beulah Farm in Durbanville; offering a range of fun activities for kids, like pottery and puppet workshops and a chance to feed horses, donkeys & lamas. 

      For details, visit www.annabeulahfarm.co.za

      KZN

      The Wildlife Warriors Winter Holiday Club

      Wildlife Warriors Winter Holiday Club

      The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Durban will be hosting their Wildlife Warriors Winter Holiday Club from 3 to 14 July. 

      Suitable for children from 7 to 15 years, the club offers activities like abseiling, rock climbing and canoeing. 

      The cost is R1500 per child per week.

      To make a booking, contact Nompilo Ngcobo on 031 462 1127 or email education@crowkzn.co.za.

      The Umgeni Steam Railway

      Umgeni Steam Railway

      KZN based kids can soak up the sights and sounds of the Valley of 1000 Hills on a steam train, courtesy of the Umgeni Steam Railway. 

      Originally built in the 1880s, the railway line is one of South Africa's oldest. One of the steam trains, the Class-3BR loco, is more than 100 years old and is still in use today. 

      The trip also features a craft market, food stalls and museum. 

      Tickets are R170 per child and R240 per adult. 

      The Umgeni Steam Railway July schedule:

      July School Holidays 2017

      For more details visit www.umgenisteamrailway.com

      James And The Giant Peach 

      School Holidays

      Roald Dahl’s quirky children’s classic, James and the Giant Peach, will once again enchant young audiences at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, from 5-23 July

      The tale of an orphaned boy who escapes his wicked aunts by way of a magical giant peach, is sure to put a smile on little faces. 

      Tickets range from R120 - R180 

      Visit Computicket to book

      Sugar Bay Holiday Camp

      Sugar Bay camp

      The Sugar Bay Holiday Camp is an annual camp based at Zinkwazi Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, and offers more than 100 activities for kids aged 7-17. 

      There are four camps to choose from, each a week long and with its own unique theme. 

      The camp also conveniently provides a range of transport options. 

      For details on how to book and information on dates and camp themes, visit www.sugarbay.co.za

      East Cost Radio’s House and Garden show  

      holiday


      The ECR House and Garden show kicked off in June at the Durban Exhibition Centre, and continues up to 9 July. The exhibition features current trends from the interior design world, yummy treats and cool activities to keep the kids busy.

      Check out the House and Garden show website for more details. 

      The Ugly Duckling 

      holiday

      The KZN Midlands Youth Ballet Company has teamed up with the Cape Town City Ballet to bring one of the best known children’s stories to life. The ballet production of the Ugly Duckling will be showing at the Hilton College Theatre on 14 & 15 July. 

      Tickets cost R100 per person, while pensioners and children 12 and under pay R80. 

      Visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za for more information on how to book. 

      PORT ELIZABETH 

      Baakens Food Truck Friday - Sunday Edition  

      If you’re based in PE, get your fill of music, food and fun at the Baakens Food Truck Friday - Sunday Edition. The event takes place Sunday, 16 July at the Baakens Valley

      Entrance is free and the event boasts a bevy of treats fun for the whole family. 

      For details, visit the Baakens Food Truck Friday Facebook page

      Sunday Funday Concert

      holiday
       

      The South African National Youth Wind Orchestra will be hosting their Sunday Funday Concert at Port Elizabeth’s Savoy Theatre and Conference Centre on Sunday, 9 July.

      The concert will featuring Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in d minor, and music from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. A treat for classical music lovers of all ages. 

      Tickets cost R95 per person; pensioners & students pay R50, and children under 18 will pay R50. 

      Entrance is free for children 6-years-old and under. 

      Visit Computicket to book your ticket. 

      Christmas in July at the Back to Earth Night Market 

      holiday

      The Back to Earth Night Market will take place Wednesday, 5 July at the Old Grey Sports Club. This indoor market is themed Christmas in July and will feature live music, food trucks and arts and crafts stalls. 

      Entrance is free. 

      Visit the Back to Earth Night Market Facebook page for details. 

      AFDA Port Elizabeth Holiday Workshop

      holiday

      Is your teen considering a career in the film industry? AFDA Port Elizabeth will be hosting a 1-day holiday workshop on 4 July for students in grade 10, 11 and 12. 

      The workshop accommodates only 60 students, so booking is essential. 

      Attendance fee is R50 per student. 

      For details on how to book a spot, email Nuala Jansen nuala@afdaportelizabeth.co.za

      BLOEMFONTEIN 

      Vrystaat Kunstefees2017 

      School July Holiday

      Bloemfontein’s annual Vrystaat Kunstefees will be taking place from 18-27 July, showcasing a variety of programming from theatre to the visual arts, and includes sweet productions for children, like Lollos 9 Mallemeule!, Hans Haas en die Heuningby, and Die prinses en die trolle. 

      Visit www.vrystaatkunstefees.co.za for more on what you can see at this year’s Vrystaat Kunstefees. 

      Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Kiddies Holiday Workshops

      holiday

      From 5 – 11 July little art enthusiasts can attend art workshops at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein. With themes like Birds of Africa and Paint with Nature, kids can try their hand at creating their own crafts and works of art. 

      Children must be 5 and older, and materials will be provided. 

      Space is limited, so do book in advance. 

      For additional details contact the Oliewenhuis Art Museum at 051 0110 525 (ext 200) or eduassistant@oliewenhuis.co.za.

      Do you know of other exciting child-friendly events happening during the July holidays? Send your event information to chatback@parent24.com and we may publish them here. 

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