Summer in Cape Town is all about clear blue skies, picnics at Kirstenbosch, leisurely afternoons of wine tasting and beachfront cocktails. Some opt for the best braai at Mzoli's in Gugulethu. Well winter is the complete opposite, it's gloomy and freezing. It rains cat and dogs for days.

So, before that cabin fever sets in and you find yourself shouting irritably at the teapot, get out there and experience Cape Town as you have never seen her before. Be warned not to leave your house without a beanie and a trenchcoat.

Cultural tour

Winter provides the perfect opportunity to indulge those secret culture buff ambitions. Start at the South African Museum situated at the top of the Gardens in town. Founded in 1825, the SA Museum is the oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa. The exhibitions include information about the indigenous people of South Africa and various animal species from dinosaurs to the extinct quagga. The San section, which has recently been revamped, includes some of the finest rock art in the world including the Linton painting. Admission is R15.

Joined to the SA Museum is the Iziko Planetarium (www.iziko.org.za/planetarium). Sit back and gaze up at the night sky projected onto the domed roof. The fascinating shows appeal to kids and adults. You can enjoy Magic Milo and the Astronaut, which runs up to 13 July. Admission: Adults R2O, children R6.

Make your way through the Gardens to the South African National Gallery (www.museums.org.za/sang/) where you will find permanent collections of outstanding South African, African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art. The gallery also houses a number of exciting non-permanent exhibitions. Entrance is usually free, but a donation is appreciated.

The SA Cultural Museum in Adderley Street, a former slave lodge of the Dutch East India Company, holds collections from various civilizations and exhibitions of the diverse groups of people that inhabit the Cape.

The District Six Museum (www.districtsix.co.za) in Buitenkant Street celebrates the community which lived in District Six before the infamous Group Areas Act resulted in their forced removal during apartheid. The best part is that the entrance is free.

The Cape Town Holocaust Centre (www.museums.org.za/ctholocaust/) remembers the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust as well as all other victims of Nazism. It explores the ethical, moral and historical dimensions of the Holocaust. Entrance is free.

The Castle of Good Hope is rich with the Cape history, traditional food and military ceremonies. The oldest building in South Africa, the castle was declared a national monument in 1936. It is open daily from 9am to 4pm. Admission: adults R20, children R10.

Wildlife wonders

While the occasional sunny day might allow you to visit the Drakenstein Lion Park or the World of Birds, your rainy weather wildlife options are somewhat limited. Butterfly World, situated on Route 44, Klapmuts, is the ideal tropical escape on a rainy day — just remember to wear layers. Walk into the butterflies' closed, heated garden and be surrounded by vibrant colours and serenity. Admission: adults R28, children R15.

Tired of getting wet all the time? Cheer yourself up by visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium (www.aquarium.co.za) where all the water will be on the other side of the glass panel. With over 3000 animals including ragged tooth sharks, Knysna seahorses and African penguins, the aquarium is a treat for young and old alike. It also offers a range of activities for kids and diving with sharks for the more adventurous individual. Admission: adults R76, children R35. They also have family restaurant meals ranging from a cultural egg breakfast to burger and chips.

Kiddies adventures

Put an end to those incessant Barney reruns by taking your kids out for the day. Visit the Scratch Patch (www.topstines.co.za) in either Simon’s Town or at the V&A Waterfront, where your kids can collect a bag of semi-precious stones. If you go to the Simon's Town branch, you can also take a tour of the factory, where you will discover how the stones are tumbled, processed and polished. Prices range from R10 to R65 depending on the size of the collection bag.

While you are in Simon's Town, visit the Warrior Toy Museum which has an antique collection of toy cars, trains, dolls and lead soldiers.

More educational fun can be found at Canal Walk at the MTN Science Centre. With 280 displays, computer rooms, laboratories and camera obscura, the centre provides plenty of opportunities for your kids to have fun while learning about scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Admission: adults R20, children R25.

From Canal Walk, head for Grand West casino where your kids can truly get into the spirit of winter at the Ice Station (www.icerink.co.za). Young or old, this Olympic sized ice rink is bound to provide hours of amusement. The rink is open for a number of sessions each day and entrance, with the hire of skates, costs between R25 and R30.

While you are at Grand West, you can play a game of Putt Putt, try go-cart racing, play games at the arcade or, if you have smaller children, go on some of the fun-fair rides.

Adult indulgences

Take some time out from the kids and embark on a brandy tour through the winelands. If you are fascinated about the making of the finest brandy pop into Van Ryn’s Distillery — just outside Stellenbosch — where you will discover the ancient art of brandy-making. The guided tour will take you through the distilling process and the oak barrel maturation before culminating in some delicious brandy tasting.

If you can't afford to take the day off, visit Bascule at the Cape Grace for an evening whisky presentation. At the presentation you will learn about the history of whisky and the art of distillation and blending, with a selection of six whiskies including single malts, blended whiskies and bourbons from around the world. You can choose from one of three presentations of the whiskies.

There's no reason to stay at home this winter, go out and experience the Mother City like never before!