School holidays are around the corner and there’s loads to look forward to in the Midlands this Summer! Here’s a preview of our top 5 activities for the whole family, especially for children!
#1 The Witness House and Garden show
Check out this event, featuring fantastic garden and floral art. There will be fashion, music, dancing, cheese and wine, dog shows and a kids’ zone complete with miniature gardening.
Venue: Royal Show Grounds, Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg | 33 min from Lemonwood Cottages | 23-25 September | R60/day for Adults, R40 for Children under 12; pre school children free | Tickets available from http://www.gardenshow.co.za
#2 Try “Horse Play”
A “Horse Play” session begins with instructions on how to build a relationship with your horse, so that it no longer sees you as a predator and becomes comfortable with you as a leader. At the end of the morning, you will be able to use your body language to instruct the horse to circle, stop or change direction.
Carl Bronner, the main facilitator, is passionate and gives practical advice. She is the mother of four beautiful, black Friesian horses, each weighing a powerful 750kg. Her sessions are a lovely activity for the whole family, especially for young children who are horse-lovers, and it is a great way to learn patience, trust and leadership skills.
Venue: Old Kilgobbin farm, Dargle Valley | 11 min from Lemonwood Cottages | Open 9am to 12.30pm | R500.00 per person | 082 807 7772 | http://www.horseplay.co.za | Email info@horseplay.co.za
#3 Fly a kite!
Access your inner child. There are some things that never grow stale, such as having a family picnic, flying a kite or going for a walk in the forest.
#4 Go for a hot air balloon ride
Go big or go home! If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, here’s a crazy suggestion! Try something that you have never done before. How breath-taking would the view of our beautiful country be from above? The hot air balloon leaves from the Midlands or the Drakensberg at sunrise and your ticket includes coffee and breakfast.
Hot Air Ballooning SA | +27 (0)83 446 9423 | info@hotairballooningsa.co.za | R2400 per adult and R1200 per child under 12 (5 – 8 people)

Image Credit | travelground.com
#5 Get creative with candles
There is much fun to be had for kids when they are making their own rainbow candles with colourful wax, paint, and glitter. The Piggly Wiggly Country Village is also a great place for lunch and has many other activities such as sand art, a miniature train ride and putt-putt.
Venue: Piggly Wiggly Country Village | 11 min from Lemonwood Cottages | Open daily, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)33 266 6980 | 084 381 8010 candles@candledippingshop.com | Website: https://candledippingshop.wordpress.com/contact-us/ | Candle dipping: R12 – R108 | Sand art: R20 per postcard
How exciting are all of these! Need accommodation while you’re up here? Email us on booking@lemonwood.co.za and stay in one of our cottages.