As the mom of a busy toddler I am always looking for something to keep us both sane, while making the most of the precious little time we have together between the demands of being News Editor and the daily business of cooking, meal times and nappy changes.

To give you some inspiration here are six of my favourite outings with Daniël that won’t break the bank.

1. Coffee to go

I love a good cappuccino.

My boy hardly sits still long enough to slurp down his baby chino.

He also loves animals.

An absolute winning combination for us is Burnedale Cafe with their miniature farmyard.

I order a cappuccino to go and a bag of animal food for Daniël.

He grabs my free hand with his chubby little fist and off we go. First we visit the rabbits, then the goats, then the donkeys…

By the time I want to order a scone with jam and cream he is quite content to drive the race car and explore the jungle gyms. Perfect afternoon out.

I’ve also heard that Burnedale Cafe is now open on Friday evenings! (and they have a woodfire pizza oven).

Contact: Burnedale Cafè 032-9470133

2. Dates with Dad

Since I have had Daniël I have met so many moms (and dads) who have stopped going to church since their babies arrived.

I can sympathise, it hardly seems worth it when you spend more time in the foyer than listening to the sermon.

But I was desperate not to have to lose this special time each Sunday.

When I had a newborn I could go into the parent’s room and enjoy worship while he nursed or slept. But as soon as he started to crawl this became impossible.

Then I discovered the incredible kids ministry at Linc church.

The Ark cares for children from age one!

Security is a top priority and you have to sign your children in and out, which makes me confident enough to leave him there.

Daniël loved it from the get-go.

There’s a ball pit, toys galore and wonderful, passionate teachers.

If your babe is ‘mamma vas’ you can spend a few Sundays in The Ark with them, also a nice opportunity to meet other parents in the same boat (available at the 8am, 10am and 6pm services).

Grace Church Ballito also has Grace Kids available at the 9am service and like Linc its starts from age 1.

They also have a Mother’s Room attached to the main auditorium.

I titled this one ‘Dates with Dad’ because being able to go into the service again and have an uninterrupted hour with my Heavenly Father, was such treat it was as exciting as ‘date night’!

Contact: Linc 076 182 3541
Grace Family Church 063 528 5129

3. What a rush!

The play area at Sugar Rush has just about everything a good play date needs and with the kid’s bike track and Jump Park on the premises its perfect for my friends with toddlers and older siblings in tow.

When dad takes part in the Park Run on a Saturday morning we head straight for the trampoline or the miniature train (boys!).

The restaurant does a lovely eggs Benedict too.

I love the rolling green lawns (perfect for kicking a ball) – the wide open spaces, breath in… relax.

I also hear they will be screening The Nightmare before Christmas on December 15 (6.30 pm – 9pm, R20 for kids and R45 for adults).

Contact: Sugar Rush 087 351 2954

4. Never smile at a crocodile…

We have been saving this outing for the holidays and I cannot wait to go.

Children aged 0 – 3 still get in free at Crocodile Creek so I plan to take advantage of this offer while we still can.

My boy is absolutely fascinated by reptiles and feeding time is sure to be a hit.

Most of all though I know he is going to love interacting with the baby crocs (and there’s the snake interaction too!).

Daily tour times: 10.30am (crocodile feeding), 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm (crocodile feeding) and 3.30pm.

Contact: Crocodile Creek 082 920 0730

5. Lets take a drive

During the holidays I also like to plan a few outings with the whole family.

We pack in a picnic and just drive until we find a new picnic spot.

Zululand has some amazing places worth visiting.

Eshowe is just more over an hour’s drive so quite manageable for a day trip.

There’s the Eshowe Butterfly Dome on the edge of the beautiful Dlinza Forest.

The butterfly exhibit displays species from the surrounding Afromontaine forest, particularly the Emperor Swallowtail, the largest butterfly in South Africa.

The dome is a butterfly haven and offers everything the butterflies need – take your time and let the butterflies fly freely around you.

The Dlinza forest is home to the aerial boardwalk through the forest.

This is a great introduction to nature reserves for small kids as the walk is quite manageable and mostly under the shade of the forest.

Contact: Umlalazi Municipality Tourism 035-4733359

6. Beach babes

There is no better outing for my boy then a trip to the beach.

It costs nothing and squeals of delight are garunteed.

Ballito has some of the best beaches on the North Coast and plenty of rock pools for the little ones to explore.

Two of my personal favourites are Sheffield beach and Zimbali beach (next to Salmon Bay in Ballito accessed via Foch Le Roux Lane parking lot) beacuse both of them are dog friendly too.

>>> For more events this holiday check out our Events calender.

>>> Need some ideas for things to do? Check out Holiday Vibes.

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