Farms
Ruiterbosch Fun Farm | Pretplaas
📍 Mossel Bay
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Ruiterbosch Fun Farm, or Pretplaas as it is known locally, provides an outdoor play and animal interaction experience located in a farm setting just outside Mossel Bay. The venue allows children to engage directly with various farm animals and participate in active play across a range of structures. Visitors can expect to find animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens, often accessible in dedicated pens where supervised petting and feeding opportunities are available. This hands-on element gives children a tangible connection to farm life, moving beyond observation to direct interaction. The play area itself consists of substantial wooden jungle gyms equipped with various slides, including longer enclosed slides and open flume slides, along with a selection of swings catering to different age groups, from traditional seats to those with full back support for toddlers. There are also climbing nets and low-level obstacle courses integrated into the larger play structures. Expansive open grassy areas provide ample space for running and informal ball play. What distinguishes Pretplaas from some other family venues is its dedicated focus on combining genuine farm animal encounters with robust, well-spaced outdoor play equipment. It offers a balance between educational animal interaction and energetic physical activity, allowing children to move freely between these two aspects without feeling crowded. The setting encourages sustained, imaginative play within a secure and relatively natural environment, rather than a highly themed or intensely programmed experience.
Pretplaas is particularly well-suited for children in the 2-10 year age bracket, though younger toddlers (under-3) will appreciate the animal encounters and designated low-level play elements such as bucket swings and smaller slides. Children aged 4-7 years will likely derive the most enjoyment from the main jungle gyms, obstacle courses, and extensive running spaces, finding plenty to occupy them for a significant period. The older range, 8-12 years, may still find appeal in navigating the more complex climbing structures and the freedom of the open areas, particularly if accompanying younger siblings or engaging in imaginative group play. A typical visit here usually spans between two and four hours, allowing sufficient time for children to explore the animal enclosures, engage with the play equipment, and have a refreshment break. The venue is predominantly outdoor, with most activities taking place under the open sky. There are usually scattered shaded spots provided by trees or fixed shade covers in certain play zones, but significant sun exposure is probable, especially during midday hours. Parking is generally ample and located on-site, making arrival straightforward. For families with prams or strollers, the main pathways leading to the animal enclosures and central play areas are typically gravel or compacted earth, which are manageable but may require some effort on uneven patches. Standard toilet facilities are available, and one can expect basic baby changing amenities within the restroom areas.
A practical consideration for visiting Ruiterbosch Fun Farm, especially during peak seasons or warmer months in the Western Cape, is to plan your arrival for earlier in the morning, shortly after opening time. Mossel Bay can experience considerable heat, particularly from late morning into the early afternoon, and starting your visit earlier means children can enjoy the outdoor play structures and animal interactions before the sun reaches its highest intensity. By arriving at 9:00 AM, families can also benefit from generally fewer crowds, which allows for more relaxed engagement with the animals and easier access to popular play equipment without waiting. This is particularly relevant during school holidays or long weekends when visitor numbers typically increase. Furthermore, the early morning sun is less harsh, reducing the risk of sunburn during the initial hours of play. It also provides a buffer should the notorious south-easterly wind pick up later in the day, which can make prolonged outdoor play less comfortable. An early start allows for a comprehensive and enjoyable experience before the elements become a bigger factor, ensuring children remain comfortable and energised throughout their visit to Pretplaas.
Hours can change on public holidays — please confirm with the venue before you visit.
Information may vary — please confirm hours and pricing with the venue before you visit.
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