Parenting on Planes

Mossel Bay is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in South Africa. From the picturesque coast & enormous mountains, to the historic architecture of the town, Mossel Bay is an essential destination. This remarkable town is not only charming, but it also has activities for every age. Your little ones can splash in the tidal pools at The Point, while your older ones lie on the beach & have a snack at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect destination for every member of your family. I personally have spent quite a bit of time in Mossel Bay over the last year, and I have constructed a family activity guide that contains some of my favorite things to do in Mossel Bay.

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Take a Stroll Around The Point & Grab a Quick Bite

One of the easiest and simplest activities to do in Mossel Bay is to take a walk around The Point. The Point provides stunning views of the beach and harbor. You can see local fishermen catching different species of fish and sharks while you stroll around the walkway that goes along the edge of the water. Make sure to stop at the beach and search the tidal pools for octopi, urchins, starfish, and crabs. Your children can play on the grass area and small playpark, while you have a sunset cocktail. After you have soaked up some sun, and your kids have burned off their excess energy, make sure to visit some of the local restaurants by the water. They offer a variety of food options, so even your picky eaters will find something they like.

Eat at Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant

Kaai 4 Braai Restaurant is the ideal spot to eat while visiting Mossel Bay. This restaurant is located right on the water and has a spectacular view of the harbor. Here, you can savor the flavors of traditional South African cuisine, such as: roosterkoek, boerewors, biltong, hake, lamb and more! The food at the restaurant is prepared in a braai style – a type of barbeque featuring dishes like tender meat & fish that are cooked over an open flame. 

Take a Walk on the Blaize Trail

The Blaize Trail starts in Dana Bay and ends in Mossel Bay. It is truly a trekking paradise! If you have older children, this moderate, 13.5 kilometer trail is a good distance for keeping them entertained. Along the way, there are plenty of things for them to discover: local wildlife, abundant wildflowers, fynbos, and even fascinating rock formations at the end of the trail.

Note: This trail is not an easy hike. There are parts of this trail that come very close to the edge of the cliffs, so I don’t recommend doing this with younger children.

See some Birds at the Harry Giddy Park

The Harry Giddy Park, in the center of Mossel Bay, is a great outdoor family activity. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and indigenous trees while watching local wildlife. Feel free to bring a picnic and relax on the grass or have your kids enjoy the play park area. The Harry Giddy Park is also a great spot for bird watching. They have cages with a large variety of different birds and smaller animals. It is a great way to entertain your smaller children for a couple of hours.

Visit the Beaches in Dana Bay

One of the best activities to do when visiting Mossel Bay is to see the beaches in Dana Bay and have a beach day. These beaches are a bit more secluded and tend to have larger waves, so depending on the age of your children, it is a nice place to spend the day. The views from this beach are incredible – with the striking blue waves on one side, and the impressive mountains on the other. If you are lucky, you might even see a bush buck or blue duiker! Either way, a beach trip to Dana Bay promises to be a great day out.

Visit the Goods Shed Flea Market

Another great family activity to do is visit the Goods Shed. Mossel Bay’s Goods Shed is an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor shopping. It features a variety of vendors that offer creative products, quality handmade items, and vintage finds. Whether you are seeking décor for your home, one-of-a-kind clothing & accessories, or just browsing around the market, the Goods Shed has something for everyone.

The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery

This is absolutely my favorite coffee shop in town. Both the coffee and food here are amazing. The staff are exceptionally knowledgeable about the different coffee beans that they roast, and the management staff really go above and beyond for their customers. The property houses a collection of fascinating antique cars, which are sure to spike the interest of some family members. It also has a small play area outdoors for children. This makes it a great place to sit and have lunch, or grab a coffee, while your kids run & play. 

Visit the Hartenbos Market

I was so excited when we discovered the Hartenbos Market because it was a great place for our family to go on Saturdays. They offer a variety of different activities for kids, such as: giant chess, a playground, miniature train rides, free scooter & bike rides, a bouncy castle, and there are rugby balls and footballs scattered across the area for anyone to play with. My husband could grab a drink and watch our son run around and play, while I got to shop for local produce and artisan charcuterie boards. The stalls at the market have children’s games & toys, handmade dog treats, baby boutiques, locally made jams, honey, cheese, bread, cured meats, and more. During the winter holidays, they even set up a massive winter market! They sell every kind of gift & decoration that you can think of!

So, if you’re looking for the perfect combination of sun, sand, shopping, and fun for your next family vacation – Mossel Bay is the perfect place! Not only does it have exquisite beaches and lush green landscapes, but the numerous attractions there offer a wide range of activities sure to satisfy all ages.