I love winter. I love the feeling of wet grass under my feet, the sound of rain on the roof and the cosiness that winter seems to bring. That said, I must confess that somewhere along the line I usually come down with a severe case of cabin fever. You know the feeling… One morning you wake up and the first thought that pops into your head is: If I don’t get out of this house today, I am going to go round the bend! It is when this fever strikes me that I am reminded of all my friends with little ones. If I, being of the adult nature, can last a couple of days, even maybe a week or at the most two, before the fever strikes; what about the children? How do they feel after the second day of being confined indoors? And poor parents! I am sure that once the fridge door is full of finger paintings and macaroni art, they start asking the big question: “What next?”
That is why one of my favourite gifts for my friends who are parents, is a Two Oceans Aquarium membership. It really is great. Once you’ve joined, your membership is valid for a year and you can: “Visit the fish as often as you wish.” That means that when the Cape Town winter rains start to fall continuously, you can visit the Aquarium everyday. The kids can have fun and do arts and crafts in the Afrisam Children’s Play Centre or they can even watch a puppet show. Every visit brings a new discovery. Meet penguins, sharks, giant spider crabs and silvery fish. Or follow the seahorses on their slow journey and find the soles that play hide-and-seek under the sand. But whatever you do – have fun!
Winter, The Green Season, The Wet Season, The Other Season, call it what you like, also seems to put a damper on festivities. Not anymore! The Aquarium has come up with a brilliant idea. They are now officially hosting children’s birthday parties. How about a Little Mermaid themed party? Or Pirates for your Little Prince. Or what about a Hippity-Hoppety Frog party? They offer various special packages that include entrance into the Aquarium, party invitations, meals for the kids and much, much more. Give Anne-Marié a call on 021 418 3823 or email at party@aquarium.co.za and she will gladly send you all the information.
No need for the adults to say: “Woe to me. The kids are having all the fun!” The correct response to The Other Season’s call would be: Let’s go diving! And again, the Aquarium offers the perfect opportunity. For those qualified, there is the opportunity to dive in the I&J Predator Exhibit with ragged-tooth sharks, a turtle named Joshi and shoals of other predatory fish. If you have an advanced qualification, diving in the Kelp Forest is one of the things that you must just do. There is no question about it! Booking is essential and can be done by emailing bookings@aquarium.co.za or giving them a call on 021 418 3823.
The Aquarium is open every day, 365 days of the year from 09:30 – 18:00. There are different feeding times for the penguins, the fish in the Kelp Forest and those in the I&J Predator Exhibit. For more information either visit the website at www.aquarium.co.za or give them a call on +27 21 418 3823.
