Get really close to some exotic birds at the Montecasino Bird Gardens in Fourways, where the kids can walk along elevated wooden walkways inside a large aviary. There are over 100 exotic species of birds, including spectacular Scarlet Ibises. Bird shows twice a day feature owls, cranes, pelicans and vultures and children can feed the interesting collection of small animals, including iguanas, marmasets, tamarins, snakes and colourful frogs. The gardens, accessible from William Nicol Drive in Fourways, are open in Summer 8:30am - 6pm on weekends and in Winter 8am - 5pm.
Animals galore If your kids are into stroking and loving small animals, the city won't let them down:
A fun place is Drake's Party Farmyard, where they can pat cows, bunnies and sheep, and have rides on ponies while parents enjoy tea under thatched lapas. There's supervised play for parties, which have to be booked in advance. Drake's is at 30 Beacon Avenue (entrance in Reid Road), Linbro Park. Open days are Mondays and Wednesdays when you'll pay R25 per head and get free tea and coffee. Other days are reserved for birthday parties. Phone 011 608 0000.
Although you can't touch the animals, there are plenty of them at the Animal and Reptile Park Zoo in Muldersdrift where you book tours to see monkeys, lions, pumas, wolves, jackals, warthogs and many others. Once you've had your fill, relax in a tea garden next door. It's open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm and children under 2 years get in free. Phone Stella on 082 450 7105 or Christos 083 255 5069 to make a booking. The address is Plot 70, Nooitgedacht Road, Muldersdrift. Look out for the Mabulani Party Farm signboards. Check the website. |
