There are loads of fun activities to do with the youngsters if you find yourself in Cape Town. Here are 10 places to visit, and they’re equally enjoyable for those who are just young at heart.
1. Go tobogganing in Durbanville
Image by John Macgregor
Take the kids tobogganing at Cool Runnings Toboggan Park in Durbanville for some outdoor fun. Tobogganing Cool-Runnings-style involves planting your bum on a bobsled and speeding down the hillside on a 1.25-kilometre steel-pipe track. The speed of all the toboggans is brake-controlled and the rides are very safe for children. Little ones under the age of eight have to be accompanied by an adult. One ride for children costs R60 (age 3-14) and one ride for adults costs R70, with an unlimited day pass costing R450.
Contact: 021 949 4439
Visit: coolrunnings.capetown
2. Clay Café, Hout Bay
Photo credit: @theclaycafe_houtbay on Instagram.
The Clay Cafe in Hout Bay makes for a day of creativity and recreation for children and parents alike. Choose from a vast array of unfired bisque and a wide selection of colourful paints to create crockery that is both personal and unique. Spend a leisurely day painting in a relaxed environment with friendly staff at hand to assist you with any painting techniques that you might wish to make use of. There is a garden and playground outside so once children are finished painting there is still plenty to explore. Definitely one of the best things to do in Cape Town today. Also a great idea for children’s parties! R40 studio fee, plus the price of whichever item you decide to paint, ranging from R20 to R300.
Contact: 076 810 5120/ 062 455 6578
Visit: claycafe.co.za
3. Rush, Claremont
Photo credit: @rushclaremont on Instagram.
Take the kids out to this indoor extreme Trampoline Park with 1500-2500 square meters of adventure, excitement, fun, and challenges. Play dodgeball, jump around on the trampoline, and even take part in what they call the Rush Flip Out. You can find it inside Stadium on Main in Claremont and tickets range from R130 for scholars, to R200 for a parent and toddler. You’re more than welcome to host a birthday party at the park too.
Contact: 087 094 0178 / 021 683 3841
Visit: rushsa.co.za
4. Company’s Garden, City Centre
The Company’s Garden is a great free spot for families. You can picnic on the grass, play ball games and feed the squirrels and (inevitably) the pigeons. Be aware though that squirrels have sharp little claws! I have seen a few children burst into tears when one of the cute little critters decides to scramble up their bare leg in search of peanuts. The Company’s Garden Restaurant in the park also serves good food, and the outside section is full of interesting things to keep kids busy. You’ll find The Company’s Garden in Queen Victoria Street, at the top end of Adderley Street.
Visit: thecompanysgarden.com
5. Iziko Museums, Cape Town
Image by Mike Coghlan
One of the major perks of living in Cape Town is that both the South African Museum and the South African National Gallery are conveniently situated in the City Bowl, around the Company’s Gardens. The Museum and the Gallery – both falling under South Africa’s national heritage institution Iziko – are ideal for a more peaceful, contemplative family day-out. The Museum boasts everything from dinosaur fossils to rock art. The National Gallery houses an impressive range of contemporary artworks, traditional beadwork and textiles and is ideal for the culture vultures in your family. Entry to the South African Museum costs R15 for Kids (aged 6 to 17 years) and R30 for adults. Kids under 5 get in for R5. The same prices apply to the South African National Gallery.
Contact: 021 481 3800, [email protected]
Visit: www.iziko.org.za.
6. Butterfly World, Klapmuts
Photo credit: @olivia_c_a_roberts on Instagram.
Take a drive out of Cape Town on the N1 to Butterfly World, where you will find a fluttery paradise with butterflies from all over the world. When the kids get bored of the beautiful flying insects, there are meerkats, ducks, goats and chickens to look at. Along with iguanas, scorpions and spiders. Adults – R88, kids – R49.
Contact: 062 879 4044, [email protected]
Visit: butterflyworld.co.za
7. The Two Oceans Aquarium
Photo credit: @2oceansaquarium on Instagram.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is hands-down one of the best places in Cape Town for indoor fun (great for rainy days). Apart from the dazzling glimpses, it offers into the underwater world, the aquarium also has several activities that will delight young and old alike. Be sure to schedule your trip to the time of day when the penguins, sharks and other fish are being fed. Don’t miss the Touch Pool which allows you and the kids to interact with anemones, starfish and seaweed. Adults – R210, children (aged 4-13 years) R100, children under 4 are free and children aged 14-17 are R160.
Contact: 021 418 3823, [email protected]
Visit: aquarium.co.za
8. Noordhoek Farm Village
Photo credit: @noordhoekfarmvillage on Instagram.
Noordhoek Farm Village, is the ideal children’s destination to entertain the kids, with its free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds and child-friendly restaurants. The playground has been designed to accommodate various age groups with suitable activities and safety features. Parents can enjoy laid-back breakfasts and lunches from Café Roux, while keeping an eye on the little ones – it borders the kids’ play area – Café Roux also offers a kiddies’ menu and hosts birthday parties.
Contact: [email protected]
Visit: noordhoekvillage.co.za
9. Green Point Park
The entrance is free, so pack a picnic and take the kids out for the day. There are play areas for littlies and for bigger kids, so everyone has a good time. Adults can give the outdoor gym equipment a go, or just sit on the lawn or at a table and relax. Leashed dogs and bicycles (or tricycles) are welcome too.
Contact: 021 417 0120, [email protected]
10. Intaka Island, Century City
Intaka Island covers 16 hectares of wetland, birds and flora in the middle of Century City and makes for a good day out if the sun is shining. Catch a ferry ride and take a stroll along the 2km of footpaths, (or get one of the experienced field rangers to lead you). There are special kiddie programmes during the holidays too. For day visitors taking a boat ride, entrance fees are Adults – R75, Kids (under the age of 12) and Pensioners – R65.
Contact: 0215526889
Visit: www.intaka.co.za
Check out a list of the 50 Best Things to do in Cape Town compiled by Daddy’s Deals.
