George, often seen as a quick stop on the Garden Route, holds many surprises. This beautiful city is a fantastic destination for families. We recently explored its charm and found a wealth of exciting family activities in George. Don’t just drive by; discover why this city is worth a longer stay. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas.
Unearthing George’s Hidden Gems for Families
George offers diverse attractions for all ages. Our mission was to uncover the best family activities in George. We explored within a 50km radius. Our trip, though only three days, revealed many unforgettable experiences. There’s so much to see and do here.
1. Explore History at the Outeniqua Transport Museum
The Outeniqua Transport Museum is a fascinating spot. It houses huge steam locomotives. You will also find a vast collection of vintage cars. Other historical vehicles are on display too. Kids love climbing aboard various train carriages. A highlight is a coach from the Royal Train of 1947. On Saturdays and Wednesdays, the model train room is open. Children are captivated by the tiny trains. The museum is located at 2 Mission Rd, George Central. It is open in Summer (1 Sep – 30 Apr) from 8am to 5pm. In Winter (1 May – 31 Aug), it operates Monday to Friday from 8am – 4:30pm. On Saturdays and Public Holidays, it is open from 8am to 2pm. It is closed on Sundays. You can call them at +27 (0) 44 801 8289.
2. Ride the Scenic Powervan
The Powervan departs from the Transport Museum. This unique eco-experience takes you into the Outeniqua Mountains. It travels along one of the country’s most scenic railway passes. You will see lush forests and four passes. There are also beautiful waterfalls and six tunnels. Enjoy the fynbos, proteas, and diverse wildlife. A panoramic picnic area awaits you. Daily trips run between 07:00 and 21:00. A minimum of 20 passengers is required. Booking in advance is essential. A delicious picnic is included in the trip. For reservations, call +27 (0) 44 801 8239.
3. Discover Herold Winery (for parents!)
Wine lovers will appreciate Herold Winery. It is located over the Montague Pass. This hidden gem is a bit off the beaten path. The drive itself is incredibly beautiful. We met the owner and winemaker during our visit. A roaring fire created a cozy atmosphere. We enjoyed a tour of the private underground wine cellar. The wine tasting was a memorable experience. It’s well worth the scenic drive. You can contact them at +27 (0) 72 833 8223.
4. Drive the Historic Seven Passes
The Seven Passes Drive connects George to Knysna. This scenic route was built by Thomas Bain. Construction took place between 1867 and 1882. It was once the Garden Route’s main highway. Today, it is a quiet country lane. The drive offers exhilarating scenery. We tried to explore it but encountered roadworks. The Map of Africa viewpoint is a popular stop. To find the start in George, head towards Saasveld. We plan to complete this drive on our next visit.
5. Relax at Vic Bay
Vic Bay is a top surfing beach in South Africa. It’s perfect for an afternoon outing. Grab a soft-serve ice cream. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the pier. Families can build sandcastles with buckets and spades. Surfing families should bring their boards and wetsuits. The waves here are fantastic. It’s a wonderful spot to soak up the sun.
6. Enjoy Wilderness Beach
Wilderness Beach is another stunning option. It’s just a 20-minute drive from George. This expansive stretch of sand feels like a different world. We visited late one afternoon. The kids, restless from a long car ride, loved stretching their legs. Storm clouds gathered, creating a dramatic sky. The low light as the sun set was beautiful. It’s also ideal for an early morning walk. Imagine watching the sunrise over the sea.
7. Experience Valcor Dairy Farm
Valcor Dairy Farm offers a unique farm experience. It is a modern dairy farm. The setting is beautiful and rural. Visitors get hands-on opportunities to observe farm life. You can see, smell, and touch the feed plants. Watch the entire milking process in action. Over 900 cows are milked twice daily. This produces 500,000 litres of milk monthly. Dairy tours run daily from 14:30 to 15:30. Booking is highly advisable. Tickets cost R30 for adults. Children’s tickets are R15. Call +27 (0) 82 331 8618 to book.
8. Wander Through George Botanical Gardens
The Garden Route Botanical Gardens are a tranquil oasis. They are located right in George. The gardens offer geo-caching adventures. You can also find mountain biking and hiking trails. Gentle garden walks are perfect for relaxation. There is something for every family member. Relax overlooking the impressive Outeniqua Mountains. Kids can enjoy the play park. The Getafix Garden Café is a leisurely spot. Enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea there. Entrance is R10 per person. Kids under 12 enter for free. For more information, call +27 (0) 44 874 1558.
9. Adventure at Red Berry Farm & Maze
Red Berry Farm is a family favorite in George. This strawberry farm offers many fun activities. You can pick your own strawberries. Ride a miniature train around the farm. Try bubble balls or pedal go-karts. Bumper cars and pony rides are also available. It boasts the biggest maze in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a great restaurant and a playground. Kids have plenty of space to run. Live entertainment is often available on weekends. Each activity is paid separately. We spent over an hour in the maze. It was challenging and fun for everyone. We also picked a stash of fresh strawberries. They didn’t last long, though! The farm is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm. It is closed on Sundays. Red Berry Farm is on Geelhoutboom Road (off the R404), Blanco. Call +27 (0) 44 870 7123 for details.
10. Shop Local at Wonki Ware
After all the kid-friendly options, here’s one for the adults. George is home to Wonki Ware. This is a gorgeous South African ceramic range. The factory shop is on York Street. You’ll find a wide variety of dishes. They come in all sizes and a rainbow of colors. Head to the back room for genuine bargains. Here, you’ll find “seconds” with slight flaws. They are still perfectly usable. It’s easy to spend hours browsing these shelves. This shop is a must-visit. You might even make a detour on your next Garden Route trip. Wonki Ware is at 42 York Street, George. Their number is +27 (0) 44 884 1883.
Bonus: Outeniqua Market
If you are in town on a Saturday morning, visit the Outeniqua Market. It offers a variety of country fare. You can find local produce and crafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs. This market provides a true taste of the Outeniqua area.
George offers much more than a quick stopover. It is a vibrant city with endless possibilities. We hope this guide helps you plan your visit. These family activities in George promise an unforgettable holiday. From historical sites to beautiful beaches and farms, there’s something for everyone. Make George your next family adventure destination!
