The kids are out of school! Now what? If you’re looking for summer fun for the whole family, Grocott’s Mail has got you covered! From pizza and sundowners at the Belmont golf club, nature walks and picnics at the Thomas Baines nature reserve, to hunting down Grahamstown’s mysterious donkeys, there is something for holidaymakers of all ages.
Get outside!
Where: The Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
What: Enjoy exploring the beautiful Eastern Cape landscape! Pack a picnic, or some padkos and grab the kids for a fun day outside.
Price: R20 for adults, R10 for children
Contact them at 079 496 7978 or 087 285 7399
Where: Seven Fountains Farm
What: Visit this 300 year-old farmhouse, complete with dogs, chickens and piglets for the kids to pet. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal while you’re there!
Price: Varies
http://www.sevenfountainsfarm.co.za/index.php

Where: Addo Elephant Park
What: Take a ride on the wild side and have an up close encounter with some of Africa’s most breathtaking animals! Along with elephants, visitors can see lion, buffalo, zebra and other animals.
Price: R68 for adults, R34 for children
Contact Addo at 042 233 0040
Relax a little!

Where: The Belmont Golf Club
What: Friday night sundowners and pizza, enjoy a cocktail and a bite while the kids play on the jungle gym. The club is also home to over 100 species of birds!
Price: Varies
Where: Green Fountain Farm
What: Treat yourself to a day of pampering at the Body and Skin Clinic!
Price: Varies
Contact the Farm at 046 624 5859
Dive in!
Where: Shaka Surf School, Port Alfred
What: Keen to learn something new as a family? Try your luck at surfing this summer on some of the best waves in the world! Surfing provides a good workout, as well as a good laugh; make sure you’re prepared for both!
Price: Varies
Contact the school at 082 335 4764
Where: Kariega River, Kenton on Sea
What: Feeling like a relaxing time on the river? Grab your floaty and your friends and head down to the river on 28 December for the annual Float!
Price: R100 per ticket
Visit the Float to Horns Up
Facebook page for more information
Staying fit during the holidays!

Where: Botanical Gardens entrance
What: Every Saturday, Grahamstown 5km parkrun starts at 8am. Entry free. Register on www.parkrun.co.za
Where: Rufanes River Farm, Port Alfred
What: 16 December, The Dirty Pineapple Mud Run. Whether you’re looking for a fitness challenge, or some fun in the mud, give this race a go! Bi and triathlon courses available.
Price: R50-R250 depending on race
Visit the Facebook page “The Dirty Pineapple Mud Run” for more details!
Where: Kelly’s Beach, Port Alfred.
What: 22 December, The Soup Kitchen Port Alfred Fun Run/Walk. Registration takes place from 7am and the walk/run starts at 8am. Proudly sponsored by Adviceworx.
Price: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12.
For more information contact Debra on 083 260 0334 or Lynette on 082 811 4908.

Where: Port Alfred Country Club
What: 26 December, The Kowie Striders are having a “Who am I?” fun run! Whether you’re looking to test your fitness after the Christmas pudding, or just stay in shape, come down for either 5km or 8km! Bonus points if you come in “Who am I” costume!
Price: R50 for adults, R30 for juniors
Visit the “Kowie Striders Port Alfred” Facebook page for more information
Ever tried yoga? The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Not only is yoga great exercise, but a natural anti-anxiety remedy! Give it a try on a beautiful day with the whole family! Easy, fun and free yoga sessions can be found on Youtube.
Something different?
Can you find the Grahamstown donkeys and cows? Send us a selfie on Whatsapp 076 733 1770 or message our Facebookpage with any of these four-legged residents and let us know where you found them!