Things to do in Port Elizabeth (with your toddler) this Summer!

Christmas and the school holidays are just around the corner and boy am I excited! Our girl is 2 years old this year and we are finally able to explore PE and have some toddler fun with her! Fun with a toddler? Yep, it can happen! You need to believe me. Okay, okay, I know you want proof. Fine, let me give you a few examples:

Holmeleigh Farmyard
A Nelson Mandela Bay favorite, Holmeleigh Farmyard is an animal touch farm situated on Grey Dawn Road, Kragga Kamma. The venue is home to a variety of small farm animals, such as cuddly rabbits, goats, ducks and geese. Queenie the cow has become rather popular and our boys love gathering close by to watch her being milked! There’s also a bunch of colorful obstacle courses to explore, a pony to ride and a tractor to hitch a lift with. This beloved farmyard is a must-see on my girl’s list of Summer activities! Bring your kids! Oh and parents, you can join in too. Why not chill it out at the Holmeleigh Farm tea garden and indulge in their freshly baked goods. Entrance costs R25 per person and it is definitely worth the spend.

Stella Londt Miniature Railway
Everything about the words “mini train” screams excitement and fun! The Stella Londt Miniature Railway, situation in Londt Park, has been in operation since 1972. The facility boast a selection of mini steam and diesel trains, a tunnel, little pedestrian bridges and a train station to boot! These trains work the same as actual big ones and they are well looked after. Families are able to pack a picnic basket and camp out for a fun filled afternoon as kideos enjoy rides on the mini trains at R8 per ride. Refreshments and light snacks are available at the kiosk on the premises.

The Magic Company, The Boardwalk
The range of activities found at The Magic Company game center, located at The Boardwalk in Summerstrand, is sure to be a spoil for your little one. My girl especially loves going on the “big little” rides and is quite pleased that she gets to push the buttons all by herself. It helps that the ice cream and food stalls are closely situated and that we are able to enjoy a dip in the sea before or after. The Boardwalk offers really sweet kiddie combo packages too, that include a movie, a meal and more! December always brings with it a hive of activities at the popular entertainment spot, so it’s a definite on our to do list.

Sardinia Bay Beach
Our “sunshine coast” is well known for it’s abundant selection of sand and surf spots. But, above all, we love Sardinia Bay the most! This pristine coastline lies between Schoenmakerskop and Sea View and is accessed by travelling along Sardinia Bay Road. Complete with picnic facilities, the suntan haven is well known for it’s near perfect beach (#rocksmustfall) and it’s close proximity to the Sacramento hiking trail. Building sandcastles is a must but fishing is not permitted since the area has been declared a Marine Reserve. Snorkeling and scuba-diving, however, is permitted and our older kids will definitely enjoy doing that.

Heavenly Stables
And while you’re in Sardinia Bay, why not check out the Heavenly Stables adventure beach trails. The company offers scenic horse rides through the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. You can also canter along the beach or take your little one to visit one of their ponies, who are all well groomed and well behaved by the way. These lovable ponies are quite fond of the attention they get from young children and toddlers! Heavenly Stables also offers special day camps that encourage children to learn more about horses. The skilled and friendly staff will take them on special horse riding sessions and teach them a thing or two about horse grooming and becoming an expert horseman.

For flights in and out of Port Elizabeth (aka Nelson Mandela Bay), check out Cheap Flights for the best deals. A full itenary of all the activity happening in the bay can be found on the tourism website.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Cheapflights in association with the Port Elizabeth Blogathon and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, All the content, opinions and very dashing photos of my curly girl are entirely my own. I promise.