A Guide to Tot-Friendly Eco Family Adventures in Plett & along the Garden Route

Hilary - The Winemom
Dec 23, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

With the new year in sight, we’re dreaming of sunny days, sandy toes, and adrenaline-filled adventures in the greater Plettenberg Bay area, one of South Africa’s most magical holiday destinations.

Child in white with blue crane, zebra in grass, white tiger behind fence, woman in field. Text: "Tot Friendly Eco Tour, Garden Route." Nature setting.

From rescued big cats to swinging jungle bridges, snake safaris, elephants, and forest treetop adventures… Here’s a guide to some of the top family-friendly eco experiences along the Garden Route!

Map of the Garden Route with eco-tour spots like Stilbaai, Acrobranch, Jukani. Text: "Tot-Friendly Eco Tour - Garden Route."

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary

A favourite for families who love animals, Jukani* gives children the rare opportunity to admire lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and cheetahs, all rescued or re-homed and now living in large, peaceful habitats.

An 80–90-minute guided walking safari is perfect for kids old enough to follow along - you’ll also meet raccoons, zebra, springbok, hyena, local caracals, pumas and more along the way. It’s completely hands off, ethical, and incredibly educational.

Cheetah and leopard behind fences at wildlife sanctuary. Cheetah is sitting, leopard is walking. Text: Spotted @Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.

But for younger tots, a highlight might just be the Farmyard with its mini horses, alpacas, turkeys and other adorable farm animals (R42pp, optional snack buckets @R50). Parents can enjoy a hot coffee at The Farm shop while the Farmhand keeps the little ones entertained.

Plett Puzzle Park

Children play on a wooden ship structure in a grassy park with maze-like paths. Trees and mountains are visible in the cloudy background.

Just next door from Jukani in the Crags area is the Puzzle Park Plett, an adventure for the body and mind. Prepare for a day of thrilling trials & endless fun for all ages!

Children navigate a wooden maze at a park, surrounded by trees. A nearby sign displays Plett Puzzle Park info. Bright, engaging scene.

Choose between 2 engaging experiences – the 3D Maze (a 45-minute journey through a life-sized labyrinth full of twists and turns) and the Forest Puzzle Walk (traverse tranquil trails while solving interactive brain-teaser puzzles, either with or against your friends & family!) – or both (single activity tickets cost R210 for adults and R185 for kids under 12, while combo tickets for adults are R340 & R285 for kids under 12; tots under 3 enter for free).

People sit at picnic tables under white umbrellas in a green park. A yellow puzzle piece frame stands nearby with a relaxed, casual vibe.

Monkeyland

Surrounded by Afromontane Forest (a rare, biodiverse forest scattered along the Tsitsikamma mountain ranges), is Monkeyland*, the world’s first free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary.

Three images: monkeys in trees; kids by a "Welcome to Monkeyland" sign with animal photos; a monkey close-up in the forest. Forest setting.

Stroll through indigenous forest while lemurs leap above you, gibbons sing their morning songs, and over 550 rescued monkeys explore the treetops.

Three images show a forest. Left: a lemur in a tree. Center: people on a canopy bridge. Right: children watch a lemur. Mood is playful.

The one-hour guided tour is perfect for kids of all ages (including pram-pushing parents - the sanctuary is wheelchair friendly). Plus, your day ticket allows unlimited tours - ideal for little ones who want “just one more!”

Birds of Eden

Two children on a wooden path in a lush forest, watching a bird. A "No Entry" sign is visible. The mood is curious and adventurous.

Alongside is Birds of Eden*, also nestled within the Afromontane Forest - an incredible single-dome free-flight bird sanctuary & home to a diverse range of global & local bird species (over 220 species!).

Three birds perched: Left on twigs among leaves, center on a log with green background, right on branches. Vibrant green foliage surrounds.

Revel in their beauty & diversity at your own pace - visits are self-guided, with the option of a guided walk on request. Encounter Macaw parrots, Blue cranes, flamingos, ducks, and more (many rescued from difficult conditions) living freely while being re-integrated into their natural environments.

Two flamingos, one orange and one white, stand in water. Nearby, two children watch a crane on green grass under a netted canopy on a sunny day.

*Tickets to all SAASA Sanctuaries cost R410 for adults & half-price for kids (3-12yrs) while 2 and under is free.

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary

For brave little explorers, Lawnwood is a highlight not to be missed. One of my daughter's favourites! Home to over 100 snakes, from local Garden Route species like the venomous Boomslang to famous African adders, cobras, pythons and rescued exotic reptiles (Iguanas, Nile crocodiles, and more!), the experience is designed to educate and bring understanding.

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary collage: Entrance sign among trees, pricing info on wooden board, terrariums with warning signs; lush surroundings.

Kid-friendly guides debunk myths & teach safety while making every creature feel like a fascinating character. The sanctuary also has farm animals, leisurely shady forest walks, stunning picnic spots and a peaceful, natural setting ideal for families.

Two snakes on logs: left shows a coiled snake on wood with a patterned skin; right has a snake on gravel, rocks in the background.

Tickets are only R280 for adults & R180 for kids (2–12; under 2 is free).

Knysna Elephant Park

One of the most well-loved attractions, Knysna Elephant Park has been caring for rescued and orphaned elephants for over 30 years, raising more than 40 elephants during that time. Today, the resident herd of five roam freely, and visitors can enjoy respectful, feeding & educational encounters on the elephants’ terms.

Children with buckets observe elephants in a grassy area. An elephant reaches out with its trunk to take food from a hand. Blue sky background.

Walking with the herd (at elephant pace) offers unforgettable moments and mesmerizing views of the Outeniqua mountains and Knysna forest, while guides tell ‘elephant tales’ along the way.

Elephants walking with people across grassy fields and paths under a clear blue sky. A peaceful, natural setting with trees surrounding.

The Elephant Experience costs R945pp for SA Residents (under 5 is free) and is a 45-minute once-in-a-lifetime up-close encounter with Africa’s gentle giants.

Acrobranch

If your children enjoy climbing, swinging, crawling, sliding and conquering obstacles like ours do, Acrobranch is a must-do! A real joy for a little acrobat!

People in harnesses gather for a treetop adventure at Acrobranch. A sign details course options and safety info. Trees and obstacles in view.

Set within Timberlake Organic Village in the Wilderness area, this child-friendly treetop adventure offers various obstacle courses to navigate depending on your child’s age and confidence level - it’s the perfect half-day activity for energetic families (prices range from R110 to R360pp depending on the course).

Kids at a table with balloons, a menu, and bottle. "Naughty Monkey Cafe" entrance and colorful playground in a garden setting.

After an adrenaline-filled aerial adventure, sit back and relax at the Naughty Monkey Cafe while the kids clamber on the jungle gym, pet the friendly goats, or go on a fantasy garden walk. Perfect for birthday parties too.

Stilbaai

If you’re exploring a little further along the Eden Coast, Stilbaai is a wonderful family-friendly seaside town known for its fantastic beaches and lagoon for swimming & surfing, coastal hikes, birdlife and mouth-watering seafood restaurants like Seekombuis and SouthEaster.

Beach view with grass, picnic tables, umbrellas, and a white building. People walking and relaxing. Overcast sky and ocean in the background. — ***Seekombuis*** - serving delicious fish overlooking the beach!

Young kids adore the tidal pools and gentle estuary waters, while adults enjoy the rich cultural history, scenic walks and endless outdoor activities, from canoeing to kite surfing or simply soaking in the sunshine.

Triptych of a beach scene: left shows people walking on the shore, center displays a hand holding shells, right depicts waves crashing.

Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, teens, grandparents, or the whole extended family, there’s always something new to discover along the Garden Route, and always another special memory waiting to be made!

Triptych of a beach scene with cloudy skies, lush greenery, vibrant orange and red flowers, and foamy waves.

*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication, December 2025. See websites below for up-to-date info!

Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite spots to visit & to book a personalised tour or bespoke event of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Plett & Cape Winelands & beyond!

Three images of a wooden walkway in a lush forest. People walk under arched branches with mist, and a child stands on an elevated platform. — Forest Magic @Birds of Eden

Please register on www.winetots.com to stay up to date with new discoveries and ideas for Wineland & Eco Adventures!

Click here to check out our previous blog “Eco & Wine Tour Adventures – Plett & Beyond ”!

Important info:

Jukani: https://www.jukani.co.za/ ; info@jukani.co.za ; 044 534 8409

Opening Times: Daily 9am-3:45pm (no bookings required; all weather permitted)

Plett Puzzle Park: https://puzzlepark.co.za/ ; info@puzzlepark.co.za ; 066 320 0788

Opening Times: Daily 9am-3:30pm

Monkeyland: https://www.monkeyland.co.za/ ; info@monkeyland.co.za ; 044 534 8906

Opening Times: Daily 8am-5pm (no bookings required; all weather permitted)

Birds of Eden: https://www.birdsofeden.co.za/ ; info@monkeyland.co.za ; 044 534 8906

Opening Times: Daily 8am-5pm (no bookings required; all weather permitted)

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary: https://lawnwoodsnakesanctuary.co.za/ ; lawnwoodsnake@gmail.com ; 082 564 6892

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-1pm (no bookings required)

Knysna Elephant Park: https://knysnaelephantpark.co.za/ ; info@knysnaelephantpark.co.za ; 044 532 7732

Opening Times: Daily 9am-4pm

Acrobranch: https://acrobranch.co.za/outdoor-activity-parks/garden-route/ ; 021 201 1121/ 086 999 0369

Opening Times: Sep-Apr Wed - Sun 9am-6pm; May-Aug Wed - Sun 9am-5pm

Stilbaai: https://stilbaaitourism.co.za/