If you’re struggling to find something fun for you and your baby to do this winter then perhaps it’s time you took a trip to Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium.
Right now you’re probably thinking, “˜how could a young baby ever really take in or enjoy anything that an aquarium has to offer?’ I also wondered that myself, but the first time I took my (then) eight-month-old son there, he absolutely loved it. Since then, we’ve been going at least once a month.
I’m not exactly sure what it is, but there seems to be something about the light, the varying colours, and the movement of underwater life that babies positively go “˜ga-ga’ over (sorry, I just couldn’t resist).
For those of you who’ve never been before, the Two Oceans Aquarium is located at the V&A Waterfront. It’s open Monday to Sunday from 9 30 am – 6 pm. If you like a bit of space, then it’s probably best to go during a weekday, as the weekends can get quite busy.
There are plenty of things for your children to see, exhibits for them to interact with, as well as places for them to play. My Moms & Babes group even meets there sometimes if the weather’s not nice and we can’t take the kids to the park.
The aquarium is home to at least 88 different species that fit into the categories of marine and freshwater fish, marine invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, microscopic life, and even birds. While there, you and the kiddies can expect to see everything from a honeycomb moray eel to a green sea turtle.
Located around the middle of the aquarium is the Touch Pool where people of all ages can dip their hands in the water and pick up or touch various sea creatures and plant life. My son loves this exhibit. Where else can he pick up seaweed, sea sponges, and starfish without his mother freaking out that he’s going to get wet, filthy, or stung?
It’s also a great place for babies and children to socialise with other people. Now that my son is 16 months old, he enjoys seeing the other kids there as much as he does visiting the fish, penguins, and sharks. There’s a full section downstairs with a view of the penguins. It’s called the AfriSam Children’s Centre and is completely devoted to children, and if you’ve got older kids, there are play areas (kind of like the ones at McDonalds) for your kids to blow off a bit of steam.
The aquarium is equipped with a café serving all sorts of food, and beverages. It can be a great place for mothers to hang out and have a quick cup of coffee together before (or after) taking their young ones for an afternoon of fun. Baby carriers can also be provided if you need one – free of charge.
Cost of a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town
As far as prices go, children under 4 are free (which is great) and adults are R100 (which can get a bit pricy if you go with the whole family for the day). They do however offer a season’s pass for R230. It provides additional perks, and if you go more than twice, it’s a bargain. Given the cold and wet weather that’s expected in the next couple months, you probably won’t struggle to find the time.
Contact details for Two Oceans Aquarium
Address: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Tel: 021-418-3823
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aquarium.co.za
