Winter weather doesn't have to put a damper on your travel plans – you'll find plenty of indoor attractions and rainy-day activities to keep everyone entertained.

From museums and aquariums to adventure parks, casinos, shopping centres and cultural attractions, these destinations offer plenty to do when the weather is less than perfect.

For more on our super affordable winter accommodation specials, click here.

Winter warmers on the menu

Let’s start with our family friendly restaurants are the perfect place to sit back and relax on chilly days – let us warm you up from the inside with our delicious cuisine. In addition, several properties have scrumptious special offers on the go.

At City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront, Wednesdays are dedicated to a Curry Buffet experience. Guests can enjoy a selection of flavourful curries served with traditional sambals and a fresh salad bar for R265 per person, available from 18:00 to 22:00. Bookings can be made via clva.resv@citylodgehotels.com.

For more casual winter dining, a Chicken Sosatie Flatbread is available at Courtyard Hotels, City Lodge Hotels and Town Lodges for R120 for a limited time, served with salsa and golden fried chips. Another seasonal favourite, Wings & Sweet Things, offers six chicken wings with fries and house slaw, followed by a serving of classic malva pudding for R165, also available for a limited period at Road Lodges.

Father’s Day dining specials will run from 19 to 21 June 2026 across participating Courtyard Hotels, City Lodge Hotels, Town Lodges, and Road Lodges. These include a Steak, Egg and Chips special for R195, as well as a Ribs and Wings combo served with fries and house slaw for R165.

At City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront’s Atlantic Social, Father’s Day will also feature The Father Load, a 300g rump steak paired with a 500ml Castle Lite draught for R265, offering a relaxed and hearty dining option in a waterfront setting.

Across all properties, winter menus reflect a growing demand for approachable, flavour-driven hotel dining experiences that balance comfort food with accessible pricing, designed to enhance both leisure getaways and work trips.

City escapes when the weather turns wet

Cape Town

Looking for things to do in Cape Town when it rains? Some of the city's most popular indoor attractions include the V&A Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Norval Foundation, Freedom Adventure Park, Rush Extreme, Total Ninja and GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World.

George

Visitors to George can explore the fascinating Outeniqua Transport Museum and George Museum, enjoy family fun at Elevate Action Park, or venture to Garden Route Casino in nearby Mossel Bay.

Gqeberha

Rainy-day activities in Gqeberha include visiting Bayworld, exploring the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, enjoying active entertainment at Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park, or spending time at Boardwalk Casino.

East London

East London offers a variety of indoor attractions including the East London Museum, Hemingways Casino and Electric Avenue, making it easy to stay entertained regardless of the weather.

Durban and Umhlanga Ridge

Families and leisure travellers visiting Durban and Umhlanga can enjoy indoor attractions such as uShaka Marine World, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Electric Avenue, Suncoast Casino and Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom.

No matter the weather, South Africa's coastal cities offer plenty of ways to relax, explore and make the most of a winter getaway, including our cosy hotel restaurants and bars. For more information and to book, visit www.citylodgehotels.com.