Not so long ago the sun bronzed our skins and all Capetonians spent time on the lovely Cape Town beaches. Now when you wake up at 6 in the morning, its still dark outside, the nights are chilly and your toes feel like they are freezing off!

Yes, it’s that time of the year again- wintertime!

Many a traveller will ask “What exactly can I do in Cape Town when it’s cold and rainy outside?”.

Well, this Capetonian can vouch that there’s no need to worry! You will have more than enough things to do in and around Cape Town even when the rain is pouring outside.

Here’s some tips:

Shark Cage Diving
You can start by going Shark cage diving! Yes you heard right! Sharks tend to move around, but according to Shark experts, winter is definitely the best time to visit the icy waters. Are you brave enough?

Ten Pin Bowling in Cape Town
Some indoor fun to heat up your hands and feet! Ten Pin Bowling offers fun for both young and old. Best of all it’s cheap to do and you can still go for a nice cuppa hot chocolate afterwards. There are bowling alleys in Claremont (only 12km from Cape Town), Goodwood and Tygervalley (Bellville).

Two Oceans Aquarium
Take a trip down to the V&A Waterfront, but instead of shopping take a turn and head over to the Two Oceans Aquarium. The Aquarium offers visitors a view of more than “3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fishes, seals, turtles and penguins”- definitely a must see! Open every day of the year from 09h30 until 18h00.

Salsa Dancing in Cape Town
Have you ever wanted to learn Salsa Dancing? Well Cape Town gives you this opportunity. Saturdays marks the time for salsa dancing! Come on, be daring and give it a try- 7 Bree Street, Foreshore, Cape Town CBD

Indoor Rock climbing
CityROCK is known as South Africa’s largest 21st century indoor rock-climbing gym and is situated in Observatory, on the corner of Collingwood and Anson Street. One of the advantages of CityROCK is that they welcome kids from the age of 5 and up. Perfect for a family outing on a rainy day in Cape Town!

Win some money
Travel to GrandWest casino and experience an entertainment extravaganza! GrandWest Casino offers fun for the whole family. Ranging from fun for the kids to winning big for adults- GrandWest is a must visit!

Indoor Karting in Kenilworth
Feed your need for speed at the Indoor Karting track in Kenilworth. Expect to find a fully tarred 310 meter track and karts for both kids and adults. Come be a sport and join the fun today!

Ice-skating
There’s nothing better than ice-skating in the winter. Come to the Olympic sized ice rink in GrandWest and have a blast. Be sure to bring your mittens as it might be just a tad cold!

However, with the surge in popularity of online Bingo, the question is arising – is it possible that the hidden danger of gambling addiction lurks in this innocent game, after all?

According to the Australian Minister for Gaming, John Pandazopoulos, who recently launched that country’s Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, keeping the following criteria in mind could help players enter into the enjoyment of games such as bingo safely:

• Gamble for the fun of it, not for the money.
• Set yourself a limit and don’t exceed it.
• Don’t chase your losses. Walk away.
• Think of the people who need your support.