Grab the kids, jump in your car and head in the direction of Kragga Kamma to Holmeleigh Farmyard, an animal farm and party venue established on the 8th of June 1991.

Holmeleigh Farmyard, situated about 20 minutes from Port Elizabeth’s city centre, is the top farm-like favourite for many locals, out-of-towners and foreign visitors. This year, Holmeleigh Farmyard is celebrating their 25th year of proudly providing an authentic and affordable outdoor experience for young and old in Nelson Mandela Bay.

It’s a breath of fresh air, a humble learning opportunity and a time and place filled with joyous giggles and excitement.

7 reasons why you, and your kids, should visit Holmeleigh Farmyard in Kragga Kamma.

It is a step away from the digital world...

In the modern day and age of switching thumbs between touchscreens and online games Holmeleigh Farmyard allows children (and even adults) to put the digital devices away for a few hours while strolling between ducks, goats, horses and sheep and enjoying the fresh farm and countryside air.

It is a learning opportunity...

Holmeleigh Farmyard is a great hands-on learning opportunity for children where they can connect to nature, be close to animals, develop compassion and respect for other living things, watch the animals and learn about their behaviour to understand a bit more about farm life.

It is a place where kids can learn about responsibilities...

Through the action of feeding the animals at Holmeleigh Farmyard children can develop a sense of responsibility; they can also tap into fair-mindedness and compassion as they distribute food evenly to ensure that every animal gets their fair share.

It is a place where kids can play...

Playing outside is an important part of a child’s development and successful progression. There are a few different play areas at Holmeleigh Farmyard where kids can steer a boat, be the driver of a bus, jump for joy on a jumping castle, swing and monkey around on the monkey bars.

It is where exciting tractor rides are happening...

One can’t help to think of “Old McDonald had a farm” when you see the exciting faces peeking from the back of the tractor. For a small fee children can go on a tractor ride to the bottom of the farm and also get the chance to see more and experience a typical farm-like activity.

It is a place where you can have a bite...

Whether you want a sandwich, some dessert or just a quick snack and drink, you can find a big variety on the menu at the restaurant and enjoy a meal while relaxing in the shade of the tea garden.

It is a place for adults too...

There is just something about feeding a pecking ostrich that make you realise that one can never be old enough to enjoy the countryside and farm life, but if you are tired after all the animal feeding and horse licks and if you feel a little bit too adult for the jungle gym you can enjoy the tea garden while keeping a watchful eye on the children.

Holmeleigh Farmyard Details:

Address: Grey Dawn Road, Kragga Kamma.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 09h00 - 16h30

Entrance fee: R25

Food for animals: R2.50 (small),  R10 (big bucket).

Tractor Ride:  R10

Horse Ride: R10

Did you know that you can use your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass to get a free entry, free animal feed PLUS a free Farmhouse breakfast at Holmeleigh Farmyard?

Click here to find out more about the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass.

Words and photos by Anje Rautenbach, travel blogger at Going Somewhere Slowly - follow her journeys around South Africa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.