Top 10 Things for Kids to do at The Cavern
1. Shorter Morning Walks
Many of the shorter walks are ideal for families. Backpacks for carrying
younger children are available for hire from the Entertainment’s desk.
The most child-friendly walks include: The Grotto, Fan Falls, Natural
Pool, Mays Falls and Top Dam. There are always a few short climbs
but taking it slowly with a few rewards makes it possible for most
children. Guides carry along crunchies and juice and brew tea at the
destination. Children can help collect firewood and enjoy playing
in the streams while everyone has a good rest. The route home is normally
relatively quick.
2. Pony Rides
Pony Rides are available each morning at 9:40am and afternoon at 2:40pm,
Monday to Saturday and on Sunday mornings at 9:40am. Please book at
the Entertainment’s Desk at least an hour before so that the pony
is not let out to pasture! Parents should collect tickets and then
wait at the Jungle Gym just below the front lawn. A helmet is provided
by the groom and the led ride goes from the Jungle Gym towards the
tennis courts and back.
3. Croquet, Putting, a Jungle Gym & Trampoline at the Tennis
Courts
Croquet or Putting can be arranged on the top bowling green. And,
a new play area has been established next to the tennis court. This
shady spot is ideal for little ones. There is a slide, see-saw, mini
roundabout and the small trampoline is a real hit!
4. Kiddies’ Nail Treatment
A special something for little girls – visit the Spa Reception and
have nails painted a pretty colour.
5. Picnic at the Natural Pool
Children
love exploring. This short walk down the road to the Natural Pool is
ideal for a family. Order packed lunches the night before. Collect them
from the Entertainment’s desk before departing. Spend time splashing
in the river, looking for crabs or racing wooden “boats” down the stream.
Enjoy sandwiches, fruit, cheese & biscuits and juice in the shade
before returning home.
6. Canoeing on Darter Dam
Oars and life jackets are available at the Entertainment’s Desk. Walk
down to the dam via the swimming pool and race across Darter Dam.
Look out for the trout swimming below. If you’re quiet you may see
the kingfisher.
7. Fishing at Charleswood Dam
Charleswood Dam is next to the tennis courts. Hire rods from the Entertainment’s
desk.
8. Afternoon Activity at 3pm
Watch the notice board daily. Pretty, Rebecca or Nomusa will meet
you at the playroom for an hour of great fun!
Your children will be kept amused by creating their own pet rock,
building Jelly-tot structures or racing around about on the scavenger
hunt.
9. Swimming Pool & Slippery Slide
Don’t miss the slippery slide in the summer. There is also a separate
kiddies’ pool for the tiny tots
10. Paddling in the Putterill’s Stream
Walk down the drive-way to the petrol bowser and behind the 201-203
block towards the Fern Forest. After 5 minutes you will come across
a bridge crossing the Putterill’s Stream. Don’t cross the bridge,
but walk to the river where children can paddle and play for ages.
Important Information for Parents
1. Dining at The Cavern
Children under the age of 7 are catered for in the children’s dining
room. The food is better suited to them and there is space for everyone.
Parents are encouraged to join in the fun.
Nannies are available during all the adult meal times to look after
little ones while parents enjoy some quality adult time together.
Should your older children (7-10yrs) prefer to eat in this dining
room, please pop into Reception so that the kitchen can ensure that
there is enough food prepared.
2. The Playroom
Nannies are trained to look after little ones during all the adult
meal times. Please assist our staff by checking children in and out
of the playroom. Please introduce your child to the nanny before leaving
the playroom.
The activities that are available include colouring, puzzle-making,
play-dough fun and construction activities on the carpet. Out of doors
there is a chalk-board, a sandpit and a few swings. DVDs can also
be played but we do encourage children to eat before putting on the
movies.
3. The Studio Family Dining Room
We are aware that there are families that would prefer to be together
and so we have the small studio dining room between the children’s
and the main dining room. Please chat to the Head Waiter who will
arrange a table for you and your little ones.
4. Meal Times
Children’s Meal Times:
Breakfast 07:30 – 08:00 Lunch 12:30 – 13:00 Dinner 17:30 – 18:00
Adult Meal Times:
Breakfast 07:30 – 09:00 Lunch 12:30 – 14:00 Dinner 18:30 – 20:00
5. Puréed food
There is a selection of puréed vegetables in the freezer in the playroom.
If your baby requires them, please don’t hesitate to help yourself
or ask a nanny for assistance. Should you need anything else, please
chat to the Head Chef.
Sterilizing Bottles
Please ask one of the nannies for assistance. Bottles can be washed
and there is a microwave sterilizer available.
7. Hiring Nannies
Nannies are available for hire outside of the meal times. Please enquire
at the Entertainment’s Desk. The sessions last 2 hours and there is
then a pro-rata charge thereafter. Full-time nannies (8 hours per day)
can be arranged.
8. Accidents
There is a first Aid Kit in the playroom. Or pop into the office for
assistance.
9. Planned Weekly Activities - Don’t miss these!
Wednesday
& Sunday
between 13H00 and 14H00
Face Painting just outside the playroom
Friday
around 20H00
Marshmallow Braai outside the Cave Bar
We do hope you have an enjoyable stay. Please pop
into Reception if you have any questions.
