Trying to find enough for the children to do on holiday can be a real pain. So we’ve compiled a list of things to do in Cape Town that will keep the little critters enthralled for days while you sample some of the finer things on offer in the Mother City.
Cape Town for kids: after the honeymoon
Most of us know Cape Town as the land of wining and dining. With its plethora of unique culinary experiences and abundance of vineyards to keep even the most avid connoisseur entertained for weeks. It certainly makes for the perfect honeymoon destination.
But what about after the honeymoon? When the kids come and suddenly six, or even eight, little feet are in need of amusement? Well, as someone who first came to Cape Town at the age of six, I can tell you, I wasn’t short on entertainment.
Cape Town for Kids: what is there to do?
Cape Town, and the land surrounding our trademark Table Mountain, is a hub for adventure lovers. And kids love nothing more than a little thrill and a chance to get their hands dirty. Here’s how we Rhinos suggest you get the little ones good and sleepy by bedtime.
Trails up Table Mountain
For a family with little legs in tow, there are kinder routes to reach those same stunning vistas spotted in the city – such as Constantia Nek, Rhodes Memorial and Newlands Forest. You’ll might end up carrying your babe when they tire but encourage them to stretch their legs too. Bring out your young ones’ creative side with some photography practice or settle down for a picnic. Many of the best hotels in Cape Town provide a well-stocked gourmet picnic basket for your day out. Price and location depends on which route you choose to take.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
A remarkable drive up Ou Kaapse Weg will take you to Silvermine, with its nature trails, hikes, magnificent views and mountain streams. Mountain bikes and dogs are welcome and kids will enjoy the fresh air and new sights. Entrance R15 per adult, R5 per child. Open Apr-Sept 8am-5pm daily. Oct-Mar 7am-6pm daily. Tel 021 780 9002.
Indoor Karting, Kenilworth
The well-designed, indoor circuit at Kenilworth Karting is ideal for young and old, beginner or experienced. On arrival you’ll be briefed about the cars and rules and then it’s time to hit the starting grid. Compare lap times and race positions on the computer printout after the race. Kenilworth Karting is behind Access Park in Kenilworth. Open Mon – Thurs 13:00 – 23:00. Fri 11:00 – 23:00. Tel 021 683 2670.
Ratanga Junction Theme Park
At Rantanga, there are over 30 attractions, with activities for thrill seekers and entertainment for those who prefer to relax and not have their stomachs flip about. From looping rollercoasters, log rides and swing boats to bumper cars and carousels, the whole family can enjoy a fun day out. There are bird shows, magic shows and a facepainter, as well as a selection of foodie treats – from candy floss to boerewors rolls. Century City. Tel 0861 200 300. Phone to check days and times. Rides start at R55 per person.
Cape Point
There’s so much to see at this end of the world. All families should take a trip out here, if not for the sites, then for the spectacular nature along the way. Visit the 3000 African penguins at Boulder’s Beach, near Simon’s Town. Visit Cape Point, a mountainous landform at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula, which runs for about 30 kms at the southwestern tip of Africa. Watch out for your handbags; the baboons have a reputation for pickpocketing. Stop at the Cape Point Ostrich Farm – let the kids interact with these prehistoric looking birds. Boulder’s Visitor’s Centre Tel 021 786 2329. Cape Point, Open daily 09h30-17h30, Tel 021 780 9204. Ostrich Farm, on Route M65, 400m before entrance to Cape of Good Hope, Open daily 09h30-17h30, Tel 021 780 9294.
Aerial view of Cape Point in Cape Town, South Africa.
Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront
The Aquarium is a window to the ocean, a glimpse at the diverse life found off South Africa’s coastline. Young ones will be entranced with over 3000 living animals to behold, including fish, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and birds in this spectacular underwater nature reserve. Don’t miss the daily feeding for the fish (15h30 in the I&J Predator Exhibit). Next to the One&Only. Open every day of the year 09h30 – 18h00. Adults R100, Children R50 – R78.
The Two Oceans Aquarium in Waterfront is always a marvel for kids … and for parents as well!
Rock Pools, Fish Hoek Beach
The coastal town of Fish Hoek has a popular, well-protected beach with on-duty lifeguards and shark-spotters, that makes for a great playground for kids any day of the week. At the southern end is a cat walk that runs past the rock pools. Let the kids splash around in the pools and try their hand at fishing. During whale season, look out for whales peeking out of the ocean. Bring the beach bats, sandcastle-making tools, swimming costumes and umbrellas and enjoy soft-serve ice-creams served at the cafe. False Bay Coast of the Cape Peninsula. Beaches are free.
World of Birds, Hout Bay
This is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World, with over 3000 birds (and small animals, including monkeys) of 400 different species in more than 100 aviaries. Amble along the walkways and get a glimpse into the private lives of birds, as they feed, sing, socialise, build nests, incubate eggs and feed chicks right before your eyes – it’s an unforgettable experience. Valley Road, Hout Bay. Adults: R55. Children 3-16: R35, Students & pensioners R45. Tel 021 790 2730.
Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre, Tygervalley
This is a great eye-opening experience for kids to learn more about Africa’s animals, namely giraffes but also ostrich, eland, crocodiles, birds and buffalo. 39km from Cape Town CBD on R304 towards Stellenbosch and R101 to Paarl. Animal encounters at 11h00, 13h00, 15h00. Adults R45, Children (2-15 years) R25. Tel 021 884 4506.
Iziko South African Museum & Planetarium
This is a great chance for you and your kids to gain insight into the strange world of the galaxy and its stars. Iziko’s popular “theatre of stars” is one of only two planetaria in South Africa and one of only a handful in Africa. The shows offer “edutainment” to kids, students and seniors. The Planetarium, a domed auditorium inside the South African Museum, uses a complex Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to recreate the night sky and provide an extraordinary audio-visual experience. Victoria Street, Gardens. Open daily, Mon – Fri shows 14h00; Tues 20h00; Sat and Sun 12h00, 13h00, 14h30. Adults R25; children R10
Eines der berühmtesten Museen Kapstadts, Foto: Josephou
Scratch Patch (mining for kids), Simon’s Town & V&A Waterfront
Take a trip out to Simon’s Town or the V&A Waterfront and stop off at the Topstones Factory. At their famous “Scratch Patch” let the kids rustle among the polished gemstones and fill a small bag with stones to take home. Simon’s Town, Dido Valley, Tel 021 786 2020. OR Waterfront, Dock Rd. (near the Aquarium), Tel 021 419 9429. Open daily. R15-R90 relative to container size.
The MTN Science Centre
The MTN Science Centre is South Africa’s first world-class interactive science centre, a place for your young ones to have fun, while learning about science, about different discoveries and technological innovations. The centre has over 280 displays as well as an auditorium, camera obscura, computer rooms, laboratories and exhibition hall. Bring the whole family – there’s entertainment for kids of all ages. Canal Walk Century City. R38 pp.Tel 021 529 8100.
Carriage tour through Cape Town
With the Cape Town Carriage Company you can explore the city’s streets, its historical landmarks, the CBD and Company’s Garden in style and on a guided tour. Your guide will provide a detailed narrative about the city’s history and events. The tour is about 75 minutes and times are scheduled to allow visitors to stop at the Castle prior to or after the carriage tour. Starts at the Castle. Mon to Sat 09:30 – 17:00. Adults R100. Kids R50. Book at least 24 hours in advance. Tel 021 703 4396
V&A NuMetro Cinema
If you’re keen for a quiet but fun day with the kids, head off to the movies with some warm popcorn. The NuMetro Cinema in the V&A Waterfront has showings of all the latest movies. Tickets from around R50. Book ahead for the most recent box office hits.
Camps Bay
Take the kids to Camps Bay for some fun in the sun. With a host of restaurants and street vendors there are plenty of dining opportunities. Relax on white sandy beaches while the young ones play beach bats or Frisbee in the waves, build sandcastles on the shores, and enjoy ice-creams from one of Camps Bay’s fashionable cafés.
Evenning of the lush and bright beaches of Camps Bay.
Sunset Cruise from Cape Town Harbour
Set out in the late afternoon on a sailing or motor boat, headed to Camps Bay in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon and journey back to the harbour for dinner. Adults can enjoy a glass of bubbly with stunning view of the mountain while kids enjoy getting splashed at the front of the boat and reviving Captain Hook fantasies. Ask your hotel for a list of reliable operators. Weather dependent.
Sunset cruises in Table Bay offer stunning views of Cape Town and the chance to see marine animals and a variety of birds. Photo: Nathalia Marangoni
Simon’s Town Boat Trips
Head to the boats at the Simon’s Town harbour and venture out into the ocean with the opportunity to spot whales and even dolphins. Eight nautical miles from Simon’s Town is Seal Island, which you’ll get to visit and spot the over 75,000 Cape Fur Seals that call it home. Their presence provides the ideal hunting ground for the Great White Shark. Seal Island Cruise departs daily: 10h30 and 14h00 for 1.5hrs. Adults R425, children under 12 R225.
Bike Ride on Promenade
Hire a bicycle from Downhill Adventures and go a-cycling around Cape Town for a day. They have a large selection of bikes to suit all riders with maps and advice to help you get around the City and nearby beaches. Rentals include helmets and a bicycle lock. Take your credit card (Visa or Mastercard) as a security deposit. Corner of Kloof, Long & Orange Street, Cape Town. Tel 021 422 0388. Bicycle hire cost is R100 pp a day.
Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach
Get back in the saddle on a 2 hour horse ride along the spectacular Noordhoek beach, combined with a short bush ride, on which you can spot a variety of bird life including cranes, geese and rare flamingo. If you’re lucky you might spot dolphins playing in the waves, and occasionally… whales. Book in advance. Open daily 09:00 – 16:00 (open till 18:00 in December – February). Cost varies. Tel 082 774 1191.
Riding on the beach is a pleasure like no other. Image Credit: Imoff Equestrian Centre
Neighbourgoods Market, Woodstock
This is the ideal spot for a fun-filled family outing, with lots to see and immerse yourself in… and delicious treats for you and the kiddies to indulge in. Every Saturday over 100 traders come together at this award-winning market: local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, local chefs, micro enterprises and chocolatiers all under one roof! A kid with chocolate in hand is a happy kid indeed! The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock. Sat 9h00 -14h00.
Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Image credit: Romana Bleisch
Porter Estate Produce Market, Tokai
If you go down to the woods today… you’ll find this unique, family-friendly outdoor market selling fresh produce. There’s plenty for kids to get up to under the tall oak trees in the Constantia Valley – from tasting sweet and savoury treats to running wild with the other kids and the dogs on leashes. You won’t find much of what’s on offer here in any supermarket in Cape Town, so it’s well worth a visit. Orpen Rd – 1.5km towards Constantia from the circle at Steenberg Golf Estate. Sat 09h00 – 13h00, weather permitting. Tel 082 334 5434
Read our blog for other great markets in and around Cape Town and for our list of Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Cape Town.
Best kids-friendly accommodations in Cape Town
Having entertained the kids and worked your way through the list of activities for the little cubs, you deserve a day off to see what else is on offer in The Mother City. Why not have a day in the Winelands? Many of the hotels that we recommend to our clients will take the kids off your hands and entertain them with a whole range of fun activities.
- One&Only. You’ll be able to enjoy the fully-supervised KidsOnly Programme for children ages 4 – 11 includes enriching themed activities, arts and crafts, dance and excursions, as well as a range of activities for teens up to 17 years old. From rock climbing to playing on the Xbox at the club, your young ones are sure to be kept entertained until your romantic day is over. Read more about the KidsOnly club here.
- Cape Grace. The relaxed atmosphere at this city hotel is perfect for kids and the concierge is more than happy to arrange a variety of activities for them. Welcome gifts, children’s DVDs and story time in the library are all part of the package. And if you feel like venturing out for a romantic dinner at one of Cape Town’s top restaurants, let the kids enjoy a special turndown with African bedtime stories and gingerbread men.
- Mount Nelson. As an oasis in the centre of Cape Town, The Mount Nelson is ideal for your family vacation. It’s nine-acre garden welcomes kids to run free when they’re not partaking in the kiddies’ programme of activities (cricket matches, face painting and treasure hunts). Now go spoil yourself!
V&A Waterfront Hotel. Framed by the ocean and Table Mountain, the elegance and comfort of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel is rivaled only by its relaxed atmosphere and warm personal service. This was the first hotel to be built at the Cape Town Waterfront. Perfectly located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, this hotel offers a diverse range of educational, fun and professional child minding activities and services, which are highly flexible and designed to meet your individual needs.
- 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa. The luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel lies where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above Atlantic rollers and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles mountain range. With a very child-friendly attitude, children under 12 years can be accommodated for free when travelling with two parents sharing. Their private cinema has children’s movie screenings every afternoon and there are trained expert babysitters to look after the little ones if you feel like having a romantic, off-duty evening.
Cape Town for kids: what are you waiting for?
To find out more and to start planning the perfect family-friendly holiday, contact one of our expert travel consultants. We can help tailor-make the ideal itinerary for you that combines a safari and city break that caters perfectly for you and the children.
