Following on from our super popular list of family-friendly activities in Joburg, we’ve put together a pretty comprehensive guide of fun things to do in Cape Town with kids.
Gather the family, pile in the car and start making your way through this list of kids activities in and around Cape Town! And because we know winter in the Cape can be a dismal time (especially if you have to keep kids entertained), we’ve included plenty of indoor activities to keep kids busy during rainy weather.
Free activities are listed first in each section, because we know having kids is expensive!
If we’ve left off your favourite fun things to do with kids in Cape Town, let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to our list.
Museums and galleries in Cape Town
1. Warrior Toy Museum
Step into a house-sized toy box in Simon’s Town with loads of toys on display. Visitors of all ages will love the different vintage toys being exhibited including cars, toy soldiers and trucks. Take yourself and your kids on a journey down memory lane at the Warrior Toy Museum. Even better, entrance to the museum is free! Who says family fun in Cape Town has to be expensive?
Find out more: 021 786 1395
2. South African Naval Museum
Ogle at ancient diving suits, boats of all shapes and sizes and everything and anything related to the South African Navy. There’s even a life-size submarine control room! Plus, entrance to the museum is free. We recommend taking the train to Simon’s Town and turning it into a fun day trip.
Find out more: simonstown.com; 021 787 4686
3. Cape Town Science Centre
If you’ve got a budding little Albert Einstein at home, then take them to the Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory. With over 250 interactive exhibits, kids will have wild time as they interact with different puzzles, each showcasing a scientific principle. Entrance to the Centre costs R50, but the kids should be entertained for the whole day.
Find out more: ctsc.org.za; 021 300 3200
4. Gold of Africa Museum
Located in a historical building in Strand Street in Cape Town, Gold of Africa Museum boasts one of the largest collections of gold on the continent. The exciting exhibits allow visitors to retrace the history of this precious metal in Africa. It’s one of the most underrated kids activities in Cape Town!
Find out more: 021 405 1540
5. Iziko South African Museum
If you (or your kids) enjoyed Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, they’ll definitely a enjoy visit to the Iziko South African Museum. It has thousands of fossils including two huge skeletons from North Africa in its permanent dinosaur exhibit. Entrance to the museum is free to children under the age of 5; children from ages 6 to 18 will be charged R15; and adults are charged R30 — a bargain for one of the most educational things to do in cape town with kids.
Find out more: iziko.org.za; 021 481 3800
6. Iziko SA Museum Planetarium
Cast your eyes to the heavens during one of Iziko SA Museum Planetarium’s show. Adults and children will be charmed by the wonders of our solar system. It’s currently closed for renovations, but when they open in mid-2017, it’s going to be even more amazing than ever!
Find out more: iziko.org.za; 021 481 3900
7. Robben Island Museum
Step back in time while on a tour of Robben Island and get a glimpse at our not too long ago history. There are 3 tours a day with ferries departing 9am, 11am and 1pm. A ferry and tour ticket costs R180 for children under 18 and R320 for adults. It’s pricey, but a must-visit for any South African.
Find out more: robben-island.org.za; 021 413 4200 or 021 409 5100
8. The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
Rugby fanatic? Then you have to take the kids to the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum at the V & A Waterfront. Showcasing some of the more famous trophies, jerseys and boots from the sport’s history, the museum has interactive exhibits and loads of videos and sound clips from some of the greatest games ever played. The entrance fee is R50 for children between 6 and 18 and R75 for adults. Children under 5 get in free.
Find out more: sarugby.co.za; 021 418 4741
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Hikes and picnic spots in Cape Town
9. Green Point Park
Even if there’s no game on at the stadium, the Green Point Park is still worth a visit. Set-up a picnic and let the children run wild on some of the park’s jungle gym equipment. Another great free kids activity in Cape Town.
Find out more: capetown.gov.za
10. Deer Park
Bordering on Cape Town’s city bowl is an incredible green space. Deer Park nature reserve features trails that kids can easily walk, plus gorgeous fynbos-studded picnic spots. There’s also a cafe if you don’t want to bring your own food.
Find out more: @deerparkcafe
11. Devon Valley
The Devon Valley in Stellenbosch is home to loads of beautiful vineyards that allow for great walks for adults and tons of space for the kids to run about. Maybe start your walk at Clos Malverne Restaurant or the Devon Valley Hotel and get exploring.
Find out more: devonvalleyhotel.com; closmalverne.co.za
12. Lion’s Head
The path to the top of Lion’s Head winds round the mountain to give you a 360 degree view of Cape Town. The walk gets gradually more difficult, so make sure the kids are a bit older and in it for the long haul.
Find out more: sanparks.org
13. The Pipe Track
This one’s a little easier than Lions Head and runs along the Western side of the Camps Bay Mountain. This popular track is a located near the city centre and starts where Kloof Nek and Tafelberg roads meet. The path’s distance is 6km and offers up some stunning views of the city without being too arduous.
Find out more: 021 480 7700
14. Signal Hill
Located at the top of Kloof Nek Road is Signal Hill — a firm favourite amongst locals for picnic dinners. Enjoy not only views of the city and its beaches, but Table Mountain’s evening light display. It’s also a popular take-off point for paragliders and model aeroplanes.
Find out more: 021 487 6800
15. Cape Point
Explore the wonders of the Cape Floral Region on a hike around Cape Point. If you’re not keen on the idea of walking, then hop on a Flying Dutchman funicular from the car park to the lighthouse. Entrance to the park costs R70 for children between the ages of 2 and 11 and R135 for adults. A one-way ticket on the funicular costs R25 for children from 6 to 16 years and R50 for adults. One of our favourite things to do in cape town with kids!
Find out more: capepoint.co.za; 021 780 9010
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Indoor activities for kids in Cape Town
16. Book Lounge
Story time for kids happens at an incredible independent book store in the centre of Cape Town called the Book Lounge. It’s on every Saturday at 11am, and sometimes it coincides with the launch of a new kids’ book, which means double the fun! An indoor activity that’s free and encourages kids to read — what could be better?
Find out more: booklounge.co.za; 021 462 2425
17. Artjamming
Let those creative juices flow at the Artjamming studio at the V&A Waterfront. The studio will provide everything a young artist needs from canvas to brushes and paints. It’s a great way for you and your child to create something together without the admin of cleaning it up afterwards. Art sessions start from R135.
Find out more: artjamming.co.za; 021 425 5050
18. Glowing Rooms SA
Move over laser tag and hello Glowing Rooms SA’s 18-hole 3D glow-in-the-dark putt-putt course. For R180, you’ll get a pair of 3D glasses and access to the whole course in Milnerton.
Find out more: glowingrooms.co.za; 021 551 2244
19. The Ice Station
Grand West Casino is a great way to escape the South African heat and land in a winter wonderland. If your child’s not so comfortable on the ice just yet, there’s a mini ice-rink that’s just for the smaller kids. Entrance, plus ice-skates rental is from R45 per person depending on the time of day.
Find out more: icerink.co.za; 021 535 2260
20. Kenilworth Karting
Formula One fans can get a taste of what it’s like to dice in-between cars at the Kenilworth Karting indoor race track. Prices start at R160 per person for an adrenaline-filled 6 minutes or about 15 laps.
Find out more: karting.co.za/kkarting/; 021 683-2670
21. Laser Tag
The great thing about laser tag is that it comes with far fewer bruises than paint ball and will make your kids feel like they’re in a Tron movie or an episode of Ben Ten.
- Head to Grand West Casino and pay R50 for a round of laser tag, equipment included.
Find out more: suninternational.com; call 021 535 4582
- The Battlefield Live hosts laser tag rounds outside at outdoor venues like Wynberg Park and Freedom Hill.
Find out more: battlefieldlive.co.za; call Renar Wheeler on 084 364 9979
22. Go bowling
There’s nothing like a round of bowling to rile up some friendly family competition. Some of our favourite bowling alleys are Grand West’s Magic Bowling and Let’s Go Bowling at Stadium on Main in Claremont.
Find out more: letsgobowling.co.za and suninternational.com
23. Rush Indoor Trampoline Park
Need to stop your kids from jumping on the beds and couches at home? Then take them to the Rush Indoor Trampoline Park at Stadium on Main in Claremont for a day of bouncing activities. A one-hour jump session costs R115 and R110 for each hour thereafter.
Find out more: rushsa.co.za; 021 683 3841
24. Scratch Patch
From Tiger’s Eye, Rose Quartz and Amethyst to Jasper, Agates and Crystals, your child will have a whale of time digging out their favourite precious stones. For just R17, kids can fill up a small bag of their favourite colours and stones, while a large container will cost you R95.
Choose from two Scratch Patch outlets in Cape Town. For the Simon’s Town outlet, call 021 786 2020; and the V&A Waterfront shop can be contacted on 021 419 9429.
Find out more: scratchpatch.co.za
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Outdoor activities that kids will love
25. Oranjezicht City Farm
Can you believe there’s a working vegetable farm in the middle of Cape Town? It’s a remarkable place, and kids will love checking it out. You’re welcome to walk around the farm during the week, but we recommend going on ‘pick your own harvest’ days — which happen on the first Wednesday of every month from 3pm to 6pm. You can also get a group together and organise a tour — everyone will learn loads about growing veggies.
Find out more: ozcf.co.za
26. Bugz Play Park
This the playground to end all playgrounds. Bugz Play Park (in-between Brackenfell and Stellenbosch) is an outdoor play area for kids that includes slides, jungle gyms and sandpits. Let your child’s imagination take over in the pirates themed area as they captain a ship over the high seas or let them spend hours on the slides. From R30 for adults and R45 for children.
Find out more: bugzplaypark.co.za; 021 988 8836
27. City Sightseeing
Want to see all the best parts of Cape Town from atop a red bus? Then book your tickets on 1 of the 10 tours offered by City Sightseeing. Hop on and off at your leisure while you check out some of Cape Town’s most iconic sights, like Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront. There are a variety of tours to choose from, including a Sunset bus tour for R100pp. A one-day hop-on-hop-off ticket is R170 per person.
Find out more: citysightseeing.co.za; 0861 733 287
28. The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Why watch a movie indoors, when you can curl up under the stars? The Galileo Open Air Cinema has 10 venues for you to choose from, so hope onto their site and see what’s playing for kids in your area. Tickets start at R79 per person if you buy online and R90 if you purchase at the door.
Find out more: thegalileo.co.za; 071 471 8728
29. The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat
Climb aboard Cape Town’s very own authentic pirate’s boat, the Jolly Roger, and enjoy a pirate show out at sea. The boat operates daily trips from Quay Five at the V&A Waterfront. For children between 3 and 11, a boat ride will cost R75 and R150 for adults. Sunset trips are available at R130 for children and R260 for adults.
Find out more: yacoobyachts.co.za; 021 421 0909
30. Maze World — Imhoff Farm
Take a trip round Southern Africa at Maze World. Maze wanderers will not only learn about South Africa, but will also be introduced to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique as they try to find their way out of the maze. Entrance to the maze is R50 for adults and R30 for children.
There’s also plenty of other stuff to keep kids occupied at Imhoff farm — a farmyard, play area and face painting to name a few activities.
Find out more: imhofffarm.co.za; 021 783 4545
31. Scootours Cape Town
Take in the scenes of Table Mountain from atop a monster push scooter. These big-wheeled scooters have no engines and rely on their riders to get them from the very top of the hill to the bottom. Tickets cost R490 per person. Children under 9 who want to ride with mom and dad pay a junior passenger ticket fee of R270.
Find out more: scootours.co.za; 082 776 0557
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32. Table Mountain Cableway
Visit one of Cape Town’s most iconic features, Table Mountain. Rather than hitting the hiking paths with kids in tow, hop on a cable car to the top and get some great views of this natural marvel. The car’s platform revolves slowly so that everyone gets a chance to see the mountain from every possible angle. A one-way tickets cost R65 for children between the ages of 4 and 17 and R135 for adults.
If your family is feeling strong, it’s totally possible (and free) to hike to the top of Table Mountain and enjoy the views from the top.
Find out more: tablemountain.net; 021 424 8181
33. Treetop Centenary Walkway at Kirstenbosch
Take a tour of the Kirstenbosch canopy without having to strap into a harness and zip from a dizzy height. While visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens be sure to stop by this snake-like bridge, formally known as ‘The Boomslang’, as it winds through the arboretum. It’s one of the most popular things to do in cape town with kids — because it’s awesome!
Entrance to the Gardens is R60 for adults and R15 for children between the ages of six and 17. There’s no additional fee charged to traverse the walkway. There’s also a dinosaur sculpture exhibit on at Kirstenbosch until June 2017, so there’s no better time to visit!
Find out more: sanbi.org
34. Waterworld Strand
Water slides, jungle gyms, swimming pools, a zipline… What else could a kid ask for? Get the kids out and about for a day of some water fun at Waterworld Strand (in Strand of course). A 1-hour pass costs R70; a 2-hour pass comes in at R85; while an all-day pass is R110.
Find out more: waterslides.co.za
35. Ratanga Junction
Thrill seekers looking to get the adrenaline pumping should look no further than Ratanga Junction. Get the lungs warmed up for a good scream while on the Nashua Cape Cobra Thrill Ride or take to the skies on The Slingshot. A Fun Pass starts at R70 (if you don’t want to go on any rides); a Mini Adventurer Ticket is available to visitors less than 1.3m tall at R95; while the Full Adventurer Ticket costs R179 for visitors over 1.3m tall.
Find out more: ratanga.co.za; 021 550 8504
36. The Blue Train Park
All aboard the Blue Train! For 55 years, the Blue Train Park has been offering rides to kids in the Mouille Point area. The park also has an outdoor ice-rink! The cost of entrance and one train ride is R20 and R35 for two rides. For 30 minutes on the ice-rink, entrance and one train ride, it’ll cost R40.
Find out more: thebluetrainpark.co.za; 084 314 9200
Children’s theatres in Cape Town
37. Artscape Theatre
The Artscape Theatre has a whole section dedicated to kids show. Hop online and check out the latest line-up.
Find out more: artscape.co.za; 021 410-9838
38. Lilliput Players
Lilliput Players’ shows feature some of South Africa’s incredibly talented theatre actors from the Baxter Theatre. Their plays cater to children between the ages of 2 and 11, with each show lasting 35 to 40 minutes. Phone or visit their site to see where their latest production is on show.
Find out more: lilliputplayers.co.za; 083 364 8284
39. Zip Zap Circus School
The team at the Zip Zap School are dedicated to not only putting on a great show, but nurturing young talent. All the shows cast young children doing amazing circus sets to wow audiences. Shows are often held in their Zip Zap Dome in Observatory. Keep an eye out for their Winter Tots Camp during school holidays.
Find out more: zip-zap.co.za; 021 421 8622
40. Rainbow Puppet Theatre
On the premises of the The Constantia Waldorf School, you’ll find the Rainbow Puppet Theatre. Shows usually take place on Saturdays at 10am and 11:15am, and entrance will cost R25 per person. A bargain to see the delight on your kids’ faces as they see the puppets come to life.
Find out more: @TheRainbowPuppetTheatre; 021 783 2063
Animal encounters
41. Boulders Beach
Pop into the penguin colony at Boulders Beach — our favourite beach for kids in Cape Town. If the weather is playing fair, then pack a picnic basket and take a dip. The boulders help to shelter swimmers from strong currents and winds, and the penguins are everywhere (but not in a bad way), making this a pleasant day out for the whole family. Adults pay R70 and kids pay R35 to get in.
If you only do one of these things to do in cape town with kids, do this!
Find out more: 021 786 2329
42. Butterfly World Zoo
The Butterfly World Zoo’s garden is home to a variety of exotic animals and insects. Walk around the beautifully kept gardens in Stellenbosch while butterflies of all shapes, colours and sizes flutter around your head. Keep an eye out for some of the zoo’s reptile residents and feathery friends. Entrance for children costs R45 and R80 for adults.
Find out more: butterflyworld.co.za; 021 875 5628
43. Cape Town Ostrich Ranch
Meet the world’s smallest ostrich, Tom Thumb, while taking a tour of the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch 20 minutes from the centre of Cape Town. Feed some ostriches and get your photo taken with one (Bucket List: check!). For children between the ages of 2 and 5, a tour ticket costs R55; for kids between 7 and 16, it’s R98; and for adults, it’s R109.
Find out more: ostrichranch.co.za; 027 972 1955
44. Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre
Ever heard the one about the giraffe, tortoise and monkey who walk into a bar? Neither have we, but we know where you can find all three of those animals and many more. Drop into the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre near Stellenbosch and meet some of its tallest and smallest residents. The entrance fee is R30 for children between 2 and 15; and R50 for adults.
Find out more: giraffehouse.co.za; 021 884 4506
45. Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm
Visit one of the world’s oldest animal species at the Le Bonheur Crocodile farm near Paarl and find out how this creature has survived so long on our planet. Home to 1 000 crocs, the farm offers guided tours so that you can get up close with toothy characters. The entrance fee is R32 for children under 18 and R58 for adults.
Find out more: lebonheurcrocfarm.co.za; 021 8631142
46. Two Oceans Aquarium
Tired of going to the beach to find that the crabs are hiding, the fish are on holiday at the beach next door and the dolphins have decided to stay at home? Then head to the Two Oceans Aquarium where you’ll spot all kinds of wildlife from sharks to penguins. This old-favourite constantly tops lists of things to do in cape town with kids because it’s a really fun day out!
Save some money and book your tickets online: R70 for children between 4 and 13; R105 for children between 14 and 17; and R145 for adults. Children under 4 get in for free.
Find out more: aquarium.co.za; 021 418 3823
