Travelling with little ones is not for the faint-hearted. Children bring joy and chaos in equal measure, especially during a trip, which means that the smartest thing a parent can do is have a solid plan for keeping them busy and entertained (and tired enough to go to bed early so you can enjoy that much-needed glass of wine at the end of a long day). Luckily, Cape Town has a plethora of diversions that will satisfy even the most discerning tots and terrors (just kidding!). Read on for our list of the best activities for children in Cape Town.
Ceramics Painting at The Clay Cafe
A shameless excuse to get messy and creative, The Clay Cafe allows kids (no matter how big) to paint ceramics such as plates, saucers, bowls and mugs and have them fired, glazed and taken home as a memento. Situated in the gorgeous seaside town of Hout Bay, it has open laws and trampolines for running around and getting up to mischief between all the backbreaking art making. A treat for kids, painting pottery is a relaxing activity for grown-ups as well!
Where: 4080 Main Road | Hout Bay | Cape Town | 076 810 5120
When: daily 9am – 5pm
Price: R35 per person for the studio fee. Prices for the ceramics start at R20 and vary depending on size.
The Bike Park at Uitsig
Tiny thrill-seekers will love this bike park where they can course their way through tunnels, along dirt roads and over bridges and ramps. Designed by Downhill World Champion, Chris Nixon, this park in Constantia is specifically geared towards children as young as two – even beginners – and offers them an open space to explore and get rid of some of that boisterous energy.
Where: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate | Spaanschemat River Road | Constantia | Cape Town | 081 833 4488
When: daily 8am – 6pm
Price: Day Pass: R65 per person (no charge for spectators) | Year Pass: R850 per person
Acrobranch Constantia
Take your kids into a mystical wonderland via this treetop playground. Not only will they tap into their imagination, but they’ll get plenty of exercise as well. Situated in the leafy forest of Constantia Nek, this playground features three obstacle course – two for young children and another for teenagers. We’re talking ziplines, raised platforms and cargo nets. For the really tiny ones, there are assistants on hand as well as restaurants with some of the finest Cape Winelands offerings.
Where: 1 Hout Bay Main Road | Constantia Nek | Constantiaal | 086 999 0369
When: Wednesday – Sunday (and school holidays and public holidays) 9am – 5pm
Price: Between R110 – R220 (depending on the course)
Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
An oldie but a goodie, the planetarium never fails to enthrall or transport to an innocent time of wonder. The projected night sky has been a favourite for many children throughout the years and has recently undergone a digital refurb in the form of advanced facilities that will captivate the most techno-savvy kids. In addition to this cool new feature, the young ones can embark on an educational adventure through the celestial universe in what is the ultimate “armchair travel” space and science adventure.
Where: Iziko South Africa Museum | 25 Queen Victoria Street | Gardens | Cape Town | 021 481 3900
When: public shows are daily from Tuesday to Sunday
See what’s playing
Price: R60 for adults, R30 for under 18s, students and pensioners
The Duck Parade at Vergenoegd Wine Estate
Is there anything cuter than ducks? Now picture kids with ducks but, like, loads of them. This wine estate offers an adorable encounter with its signature Indian Runner Ducks that are pest-control assistants and fun diversions for little ones. Vergenoegd offers a great day out for the whole family in the form of scenic walks through the vineyards, bird watching and the daily duck spectacle where hundreds of these birds strut across the estate.
Where: Vergenoegd Wine Estate | Baden Powell Road | Faure | Stellenbosch | 021 843 3248 or 063 629 3629
When: Duck Parades are Monday – Sunday, 10.30am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm | Duck Tours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 10am
Price: R20 for adults, R10 for children under 12
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