Mossel Bay, found in the gorgeous Garden Route, is a popular holiday town, with interesting activities, fun places to visit and a peaceful atmosphere that draws in its visitors.
In this post, we look at the top ten things to do with kids in Mossel Bay and surrounds:
#1 Make a Splash at Diaz Water Park
If your family is a bunch of water babies, you are going to love the family-friendly Diaz Water Park.
Established in 1982, this family business has stood the test of time, loved by generations of Western Cape families. Originally, they started out in Hartenbos – but at Diaz, they now enjoy a bigger, more exciting location.
This water park offers a range of outdoor slides (including the famous Waterwurm, one of the first 100-metre, enclosed super tubes in South Africa), an indoor heated pool and of course, endless fun for all ages!
Note: They are closed on Mondays. For current opening times and rates, please visit their website.
Contact: +27 (083) 679 3555, diazwaterpark@gmail.com
Website: diazwaterpark.co.za
Address: Diaz Water Park, 1 Beach E Boulevard, Die Voor Bay, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#2 Enjoy Family Fun at ATKV Hartenbos
ATKV Hartenbos is one of the most popular activity hives in Mossel Bay and surrounds. Here, you can enjoy varied, self-catering accommodation (everything from chalets to beach houses) and fun activities for all ages.
There is an exciting new water park, outside pool, kiddies’ jungle gym and two adventure golf courses for families to enjoy.
There is also the ATKV Hartenbos Museum, which allows visitors to learn about the Great Trek and walk in the footsteps of the former Voortrekker settlers.
Contact: +27 (044) 601 7200, hartenbos@atkv.org.za
Website: hartenbos.co.za
Address: ATKV Hartenbos, h/v Kaap de Goedehoop & Majubalaan
Hartenbos, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#3 Ride the Diaz Express
For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, the Diaz Express is the perfect option. This local adventure service offers a host of fun rail excursions for the whole family.
Operating between George and Mossel Bay, this rail experience allows guests to soak up incredible Garden Route scenery, savour the beauty of the warm Indian Ocean and even enjoy seasonal whale watching.
Enjoy a breakfast, lunch or even a holiday shuttle trip through this exciting local attraction.
For more info on tours, pricing and offerings, please visit their website.
Contact: +27 (082) 450 7778
Website: diazexpress.co.za
Address: Diaz Express, Hartenbos Station, Port Natal Avenue, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#4 Experience Blasters Family Entertainment Centre
Blasters Centre is a fun place for the whole family. This entertainment centre is ideal for big and small occasions and offers a host of great activities, like glow-in-the-dark putt-putt, pool tables, sports TV viewing and arcade games.
Families love their time spent at this popular entertainment centre.
For additional information, please contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (044) 692 0521, info@blastersmb.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Blasters Centre, 21 Mascador Street, Die Voor Bay, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#5 Visit Harry Giddy Park
Harry Giddy Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of urban Mossel Bay, is a wonderful local municipal park for all to enjoy. It is something of a hidden gem, mainly known and loved by locals.
There is a lovely picnic area, as well as some cute animals and birds to see too.
It is a small but nice park, ideal for strolls, family photoshoots and outdoor fun with your loved ones.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Harry Giddy Park, 113 Montagu Street, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#6 Relive History at the Dias Museum Complex
Another excellent, though somewhat more educational experience to enjoy in Mossel Bay is a visit to Dias Museum Complex.
Here, you will find a famous, 500-year-old Post Office tree, The Shell Museum and Aquarium, a life-sized replica of Dias Caravel and the Ethno-Botanical Garden too. On its grounds, guests might also spot mountain tortoises, museum cats and ducks.
The museum complex is also ideally located near to the local beach, shops and restaurants.
For more information, please visit their website.
Contact: +27 (044) 691 1067, info@diasmuseum.co.za
Website: www.diasmuseum.co.za
Address: Dias Museum Complex, 1 Market Street, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#7 Experience the Garden Route Game Lodge
While Garden Route Game Lodge is not situated in Mossel Bay but is rather located near Albertinia – it would be remiss to not include it on a family-friendly Garden Route listicle.
This award-winning game lodge offers the perfect family break, with a host of family-friendly activities, food and drink offerings and classy accommodation to enjoy. As a bonus, they also often run great specials and discounted package deals.
Some of the child-friendly offerings include their supervised Kids Bushwise Activity programme, Skull Garden, bird hide and bush walk to name a few. And that’s before you even throw in the safari fun!
Contact: +27 28 735 1200, reservations@grgamelodge.co.za
Website: grgamelodge.co.za
Address: Garden Route Game Lodge, N2, Albertinia, Western Cape, South Africa
#8 Enjoy a Family Meal at Delfino’s Restaurant
With a passion for food and life, Delfino’s is the perfect place to go for a family breakfast, lunch or supper.
They have everything from scrumptious breakfast options to delicious pizzas and pasta, fish and buffet-style options.
They also have a great kiddies’ menu for under 12s. Unlike the usual fish and chips or chicken strips staples, their children’s menu really offers a quality selection of food and drinks for little ones to enjoy.
Best of all, this eatery is located right on the beach so it enjoys a stunning seaside setting.
Contact: +27 (044) 690 5247, info@delfinos.co.za
Website: www.delfinos.co.za
Address: Delfino’s, Point Road, The Point, Mossel Bay, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#9 Enjoy a Fun Outing with Romonza Boat Trips
If you enjoy getting out on the open water, Romonza Boat Trips is the ideal experience for your family to enjoy together. As a plus, while exploring and having fun, you get to soak up the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean and Mossel Bay.
They have a lovely range of interesting, exciting trips – from the year-round Seal Island trip to sunset cruises, boat-based whale watching and even eco-safaris.
For more information, please contact them directly or visit their website.
Contact: +27 (044) 690 3101, romonza@mweb.co.za
Website: romonzaboattrips.co.za
Address: Romonza Boat Trips, Mossel Bay Harbour, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
#10 Take a Drive to Outeniqua Family Market
Located a relatively short drive away in George, Outeniqua Family Market is a popular Saturday market (open from 08:00 am – 14:00 pm) that is yet another unmissable Garden Route attraction.
This excellent family market is open come rain or sun and offers visitors more than 100+ food- and craft-stalls to enjoy.
They also have great live entertainment and some fun kiddies’ attractions like the Boere train ride, ponycycle rides, face painting, a massive play park and pedal cars too.
Contact: +27 (082) 465 2952, info@outeniquafamilymarket.co.za
Website: outeniquafamilymarket.co.za
Address: Outeniqua Family Market, N2, George, Western Cape, South Africa
These are just ten of the best things to do with kids in Mossel Bay and surrounds!