Fun for kids in Cape Town
There’s loads for kids to do in the Mother City – you just need to know where to look. I dug out 24 fun options. Feel free to add more in the comments section and I’ll update.
Artjamming
Create a masterpiece (or mess) on a blank canvas, while listening to funky music. Green Point, daily 10h00 to 20h00, [email protected], www.artjamming.co.za
Planetarium
Visit the Planetarium to learn more about the night sky and its planets and constellations. Cape Town, daily 10h00 to 17h00. Tel 021-481-3800, www.iziko.org.za/planetarium
Two Oceans Aquarium
View over 3000 animals including fish, penguins and frogs and other fascinating creatures from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. V&A Waterfront, daily 09h30 to 18h00, www.aquarium.co.za.
Jolly Roger Pirate Boat
Sail on a pirate ship and even dress the part on the Jolly Roger at the V&A Waterfront. Kiddies parties can also be enjoyed onboard. Daily 09h00 to 17h30, www.pirateboat.co.za.
Planet Kids
This play centre has various workshops, such as popular dance classes. Kids aged two to 12 pay R30 for the first hour or R50 for two hours. Muizenberg, daily 10h00 to 18h00. www.planetkids.co.za.
The Playshed
Folks can enjoy coffee and cake while the children play on the climbing gyms and enjoy other activities. Pinelands, daily. Tel 021-801-0141
Millstone Farmstall and Cafe
Buy freshly baked breads and treats while the kids play in the tree houses, jungle gyms and go on horse rides. Pinelands, Tuesday to Sunday 08h00 to 17h00. Tel 021-447-8226, [email protected].
Ratanga Junction
This theme park has kids’, family and adrenaline-pumping rides as well as bird shows and other live entertainment. Century City, daily 10h00 to 17h00. www.ratanga.co.za
Cape Town Sciencentre
The MTN Sciencentre will reopen in Observatory in June as the Cape Town Sciencentre and will still showcase over 300 interactive displays. www.mtnsciencentre.org.za
Cool Runnings
This taboggan family park’s ride is similar to the winter sport, but minus the snow. The sleds can go up to 4okmph and you have speed control. Tygervalley, daily 12h00 to 18h00 and weekends 09h00 to 18h00. www.cool-runnings.co.za
Bugz Family Playpark
This activity-filled park has an indoor and outdoor play area for kids to have fun without worrying about the weather. Kraaifontein, aily 09h00 to 17h00. Tel 021-988-8836, www.bugzplaypark.co.za.
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre
There are animal-themed parties, educational programmes, snake encounters, a play area, bicycle track and picnic areas. Stellenbosch, daily 09h00 to 17h00, www.giraffehouse.co.za.
Graceland Venues
You can have parties, day visits or events at this park with its waterslides, pony rides and many other fun activities. Paarl, Tuesday to Saturday 09h00 to 16h00. Booking essential. Tel 021-863-4109, www.gracelandvenues.co.za.
Kardoesie
This is a children’s restaurant with holiday programmes,parties, cooking showcases and arts and craft days is a hot with the little ones. Stellenbosch, Tuesday to Friday 09h00 to 17h00 and Saturdays till 14h00, www.volkskombuis.co.za.
Stodels Nurseries
While you enjoy coffee at Cafe Dulce, the kids can marvel at the ponies, lamas, monkeys, goats and rabbits. Bellville, daily, www.stodels.com.
Lil’Dreys
Kids can get creative at art and craft workshops while folks browse artworks or enjoy a cuppa at the cafe. Green Point, Monday to Friday 09h30 to 17h00 and Saturday 10h00 to 17h00, http://lildreysartandcraft.blogspot.com/
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
With their winter special, two kids under 18 travel free with every adult purchasing the full-priced R180 ticket. Valid from 1 May to 30 October 2011 and over weekends, public holidays and school holidays. www.tablemountain.net
City Rock
Indoor rock climbing for adults and kids (over five-years old) and no experience is needed. Observatory, Tel 021-447-1326, www.cityrock.co.za
Scratch Patch
At the Scratch Patch in Simon’s Town and at the Waterfront, you can spend hours wading through gemstones. From R14 to R85 depending on the size of your bag. www.scratchpatch.co.za
Clay Café
This cafe gives the little ones a chance to create and paint their own crockery or ornaments. Hout Bay, Tel 021-790-3318
Cave Golf
Next to the Scratch Patch at the V&A Waterfront, Cave Golf is an indoor 18-hole mini-golf arena for all ages. Tel 021-419-9429. R18 a round. Operating hours 9:00 to 17:30, last round at 16:30.
Let’s Go Bowling
Tenpin bowling is fun and (fairly) easy for all ages to enjoy. Bonus: you don’t need any experience or gear. Let’s Go Bowling has branches at Stadium on Main in Claremont, N1 City, Somerset Mall and Tygervalley. www.letsgobowling.co.za
Go-kart racing
The indoor circuit in Kenilworth is designed to offer beginners and more advanced racers a great ride. Just watch out for those tricky turns. Tel 021-683-2670
Ice Station
Grand West Casino in Goodwood houses this Olympic-sized ice rink and it’s a great place to hang out even if you can’t skate. Tel 021-535-2260, www.icerink.co.za
