If you're considering a move to Parys, there's no time like the present. Set on the banks of the majestic Vaal River, Parys has so much to offer. If you're a thrill-seeker, it will delight with adventurous pursuits. However, it also provides plenty of laid-back activities from art viewing to berry picking. This variety has made Parys a sought-after residence for locals and a welcome getaway for tourists in search of warm hospitality. Come discover 24 fun things to do in and around this charming little town.
1. Test your golfing game: With stunning views and great facilities, Parys's golfing experience is the definition of "par excellence". Visit Parys Golf & Country Estate or Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate.
2. Go antique hunting: Parys is filled with hidden treasures to spruce up your home or gift a loved one. Popular spots include Paris Antiques, Die Dot Shop, Oak Tree Junction, and Pine's Antiques.
3. Feel the rush with abseiling: While descending from a 12 or 44-metre high rock face, take in a panoramic view of the Vredefort Dome Heritage site.
4. Stretch your rock climbing muscles: You can scale rocky surfaces at Vredefort Dome or conquer the climbing wall at Hadeda Creek. The latter is a great choice for climbers of all ages.
5. Cast your fishing line: The Vaal River is the perfect spot to indulge the fisher in you. Head to Riverview Bowhunting Lodge or Dimalachite River Lodge for fly and deep-water fishing.
6. Plummet from the sky: Skydive Parys is South Africa's premier skydiving centre, providing safe jumps and breathtaking views over the Vaal River.
7. Rev up your engine: The Vredefort Dome Heritage area is an all-natural route for mountain and quad biking. It's an ideal drive for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike.
8. Indulge in a spa treatment: Whether you're after some TLC or a couple's retreat, Parys will leave you rejuvenated. You can get pampered at L'abri Day Spa or Stepping Stones Spa.
9. Find your flock: With approximately 450 species of birds in Parys, birdwatching is a common hobby in the area.
10. Trot your heart out: You can take a guided horse trail at Vredefort Dome or have a lesson in riding at De Camarillo's Equestrian Club.
11. Shoot a clay pigeon: You can book a session to shoot clay pigeons and sharpen up your accuracy. Some operators even offer laser clay pigeon shooting, combining computer technology with infrared laser beams.
12. Unleash the beast with paintball: Local companies like Stone Adventures and Earth Adventures can give your friends, family, or colleagues an action-packed experience with paintball.
13. Hit the rapids: Depending on the water level, you can take an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Vaal River. For a romantic option, operators can also provide a gondola ride for you and your partner.
14. Take on the rope challenge: An ideal team-building exercise, Stonehenge River Lodge has a rope challenge requiring some careful thinking. Your group will need to travel from one platform to another on ropes without touching the ground.
15. Visit a craft market: Happening every first Saturday of the month, Hartelus Market has a cosy atmosphere with delicious food and beautiful handmade items on sale.
16. Go wine tasting: Pont de Val Winery is less than half an hour away from central Parys. It produces a limited 5000 bottles of wine per year. Have a sip and unwind with an exclusive drink at their wine bar.
17. Embrace nature on a hike: There are plenty of trails in and around Parys. The most popular is the Vredefort Dome; explore the site where a large meteor hit the Earth over two billion years ago.
18. Snap your picture: Parys is an Insta-friendly area with lots of opportunities to get trigger-happy with your camera. For a quirky experience, get your picture taken with old-timey props and backdrops at KiKi's Vintage Photo Studio.
19. Ascend to the heavens: View the world above with a hot air balloon ride in Parys. The trip will show you the stunning sights of the Vredefort Dome and the Vaal River.
20. Pick berries off the bush: At Bon-Af Berry Farm, you can hunt down delicious, ripe raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The homemade cheesecake is also a highlight!
21. Go for the ride of a lifetime: The Berakah Eco Trails are close to Parys and present a wonderful opportunity for leisure or action-packed 4x4 trail drives.
22. Check out the Parys Museum: Delve into the town's fascinating history with a visit to the local museum. There are photographs, documents, and other memorabilia available for viewing.
23. Peruse the local art: In Parys's Breë Street, you can view some of the world's best art. The Van den Berg Fine Art Gallery, for example, features the bold and eccentric style of Riaan van den Berg.
24. Dine your heart out: Parys has a thriving food scene. Popular choices include O's Restaurant, Jimmy Jaggers, and Lekker Bistro.
Experience the best of Parys
With so many fantastic activities and adventures, Parys is ideal for all - families, young professionals, and retirees looking to settle down in comfort. Century 21 Parys will help you find the perfect home in the area. View our properties for sale and contact our team today.