There’s something special about the slow rhythm of farm life: the scent of freshly cut grass, the laughter of children chasing goats, and the satisfaction of picking something you’ll actually eat later.
Sujit Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Luckily, you don’t have to venture far from Cape Town to get a taste of it. The Western Cape is dotted with family-friendly farms where you can pick fruit, pet animals, sip coffee, and soak up a bit of country calm.
Here’s your guide to the best spots to pick, pet, and play this season.
1. The Chart Farm, Wynberg (Cape Town)
Tucked away in the leafy southern suburbs, The Chart Farm feels like a secret garden in the city. Known for its fragrant rose fields, visitors can pick their own blooms to take home, scissors and buckets provided. After a morning among the petals, settle in at the tea garden overlooking the Constantia Valley for coffee, cake, and a quiet escape from city noise. There’s also a small farm stall selling homemade jams, fruit, and honey, all produced on-site.
Why go? You get to pick-your-own roses and have a peaceful tea garden.
When to go: Late spring to summer for the best blooms.
2. Polkadraai Farm, Stellenbosch
Few places capture the joy of strawberry season like Polkadraai. From October through December, families flock here to fill bright pink buckets with sun-ripened strawberries straight from the fields. The fun doesn’t stop there, kids can enjoy tractor rides, pony rides, mini golf, and go-karts, while parents relax at the café or sip on local wine. With its colourful atmosphere and lively energy, Polkadraai is practically summer in farm form.
Why go? Strawberry picking and endless family fun.
When to go: October to December.
3. Mooiberg Farm, Stellenbosch
Just down the road from Polkadraai, Mooiberg Farm offers another chance to pick strawberries and take some great photos while you’re at it. Famous for its playful scarecrow displays and panoramic views of the Helderberg Mountains, it’s a staple of the Stellenbosch summer. Even outside of berry season, the farm stall is worth a stop for its dried fruit, biltong, preserves, and homemade goodies. The adjacent Thirsty Scarecrow restaurant adds to the experience with hearty food, ice cream, and crisp local wine.
Why go? Strawberry picking with a side of quirky charm.
When to go: October to December
4. Vredenheim Animal Farm, Stellenbosch
Vredenheim is proof that wine estates can be family-friendly too. Home to a charming animal farm and a Big Cat Park, this spot offers plenty of excitement for curious kids. They can feed rabbits, goats, and alpacas, while the grown-ups enjoy a wine tasting or a meal at one of the estate’s restaurants. Wide lawns, shady picnic areas, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere make it a crowd-pleaser for families with little ones.
Why go? Meeting animals and tasting local wine all in one stop.
When to go: Year-round.
5. Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
More than just a wine estate, Spier has curated a full Family Experience designed to help kids play, explore, and learn — while parents get to unwind. Start with Play at the Elemental Play Garden, where little ones can run through water features, cross bridges, and climb earthen mounds that represent earth, water, air, and fire. Then move on to Taste with a Garden Mixologist Adventure, where kids aged three and up learn about the flavours growing on the farm while adults sample Spier’s award-winning wines. Finally, Feast beneath the oak trees with a picnic from The Picnickery, pre-packed or made to order. With lush lawns, friendly staff, and an emphasis on connection, Spier makes farm life feel magical for every age.
Why go? A seamless mix of playtime for kids and relaxation for adults.
When to go: Any time of year.
Find your farm fix
From the rose gardens of Wynberg to the strawberry fields of Stellenbosch, farm days in the Western Cape are about rediscovering the joy of simplicity. Whether you’re after a family adventure, a peaceful picnic, or just an excuse to get a little dirt under your nails, there’s a patch of countryside waiting for you. So pack a hat, grab a basket, and let the farm do the rest.
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