Cape Town For Kids

The city seen through the eyes of a child becomes one huge playground. There are mountains to scramble; wildlife to observe; forests to discover; botanical gardens in which to run freely and gorgeous beaches where sand and sea offer hours of amusement that no money can buy!

For kids with sea legs, there are boat trips from a number of seaside suburbs, including Gordon’s Bay, Simon’s Town and Hout Bay (which heads out to Duiker Island Seal Colony) and boat charters at the V&A Waterfront.

For older children, horse-riding in Constantia or Noordhoek, along a stunning windswept beach, is an equestrian dream.

For families with smaller children, paddling at St. James Tidal Pool or a walk along the Sea Point promenade will lift the spirits without punishing the pocket.

Lesser known is the abundance of rainy-day indoor activities and historical and educational sites that make Cape Town a perpetual favourite for families. These include: theme parks and safe places to play, art studios, indoor rock climbing, the aquarium, the planetarium, mineral Scratch Patches and Zip Zap circus, which trains talented children from underprivileged backgrounds and put on a rasping display of acrobatics.

With all there is to do and see in Cape Town and with the list provided below – your kids will certainly not be asking about any TV!

1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The finest views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes visitors to the summit in less than 10 minutes, and the cable car’s rotating floor ensures that all visitors get a 360 degree aerial view of the city.

Address: Lower Station, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town

2. Rotary Mini Blue Train & Play

Take a trip on Cape Town’s only miniature train. You can also spend quality time in the safe play park, playing on a climbing rock, riding their tricycle track and other fun items.

Address: Beach Road, Mouille Point (next to the Lighthouse) / Open 7 days a week 09h00 – 18h00 (weather permitting)

3. Two Oceans Aquarium

This amazing Aquarium showcases life from the powerful Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Over 3000 living animals can be seen in this marine plethora.

Address: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront / Open Monday to Sunday 09h30 – 18h00

4. Iziko Museums

Consists of 12 National Museums in Cape Town. Each of the museums has their own history and character which reflects the cultural diversity of the oldest city in South Africa.

The Iziko South African Museum

• African Dinosaurs is a permanent exhibition based inside the Iziko South African Museum and contains interesting historical facts about the lives of these long-extinct and mighty reptiles.

Discovery Room

• Here children can touch and explore objects that elsewhere in the Museum are protected by class cases.

Mind Space

• Is an online learning centre and caters for children from 8 years and up, accompanied by their teacher or adult guardians.

The Iziko Planetarium

• Inside this outer-space theatre, the night sky is recreated, no matter what the weather is outside. The Planetarium sky is always clear, an astonishing audio visual experience for old and young.

Address: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town

5. Porter Estate Market

The fragrance of fresh bread, artisan cheese and charcuterie laces the morning air of the Tokai Forest every Saturday. An outdoor family-friendly market with kids activities, fresh produce, breakfast and crafts.

Address: Chrysalis Academy, Tokai Forest, Tokai

6. Planet Kids

This is a hefty and thrilling indoor play and activity centre which caters for all children including those with disabilities.

Address: 3 Wherry Road, Muizenberg / Monday to Sunday 10h00 – 18h00

7. Millstone Farmstall & Café

exclusive rural setting five minutes from the city, wonderful tree house and play area, scrumptious coffees, meals and treats, freshly extracted juices and homegrown organic produce with daily wood-fired breads.

Address: Oude Molen Eco Village, Alexandra Road, Pinelands / Tuesday to Sunday 08h00 – 17h00

8. The Playshed

Has an affectionate, friendly atmosphere, where kids can play while adults have a warm drink and a piece of freshly baked cake.

Address: Oude Molen Eco Village, Alexandra Road, Pinelands /Tuesday to Sunday 09h00 – 17h00

9. Gymboree Play & Music

arent-child interactive classes in play, music, art & sports for children aged 1 month to 5 years. Centrally located, spotless environment for little learners. Creativity – confidence – friendship. It all starts at Gymboree.

Address: Piazza Level, Letterstedt House, Newlands on Main, Cnr Main & Campground Road, Newlands/ Monday to Friday 09h00 – 18h00 / Saturdays 09h00 – 13h00.

10. Ratanga Junction

Ratanga Junction theme park offers more than 30 attractions ranging from kiddie rides (including rides for under 2 year olds) to family rides and thrill rides as well as a wide range of live entertainment.

Address: Century Boulevard, Century City / Open daily from 10h00 – 17h00

11. Cool-Runnings Toboggan Family Park

Tobogganing is a fashionable adventure sport, a summer version of the exciting winter one without the snow! Ride the 1,25km of twisting steel half-pipe and reach up to 40km/h. Suitable for all ages.

Address: Off Carl Cronje Drive (opposite Bellville Velodrome behind Engen Garage), Tygervalley.

12. Kidz Playzone

Kids Payzone is an indoor playcentre and party venue for ages 1 to 12 years.

Address: 10 Pastorale Street, Durbanville Business Park (Off Klipheuwel Road), Durbanville

13. Cape Town Ostrich Ranch

Fully operating Ostrich Ranch close to Cape Town. Enjoy professionally guided tours, browse the curio shops and relax in the restaurant against the backdrop of Table Mountain.

class="text-justify" class="text-justify"Address: VanSchoordrif Road (N7), Durbanville / Monday to Sundays 09h00 – 17h00

14. Graceland Venues

Many fun activities available eg: waterslide, jungle gym, pony rides, animal touch farm and plenty space for the kids to play.

Address: Klein Dennegeur Farm, Lustigaan Road, Paarl / Tuesday to Saturday 09h00 – 16h00

‘KID-FRIENDLY’ BEACHES IN CAPE TOWN

1. Boulder’s Beach – Simon’s Town

Safe swimming with African penguins. Fabulous for sunbathing.

2. Camps Bay Beach – Maid Road Camps Bay

This beach is ideal for Boogie boarding because of the great waves. For little ones, try the tidal pool below the Police Station.

3. Clifton 1-4

Excellent for sundowners and with older kids. Stairs not baby friendly.

4. Glen Beach

A more quanit, less busy beach which is more toddler friendly than Camps Bay and Clifton.

5. Small Bay (Blouberg)

Protected from the South – easter.

6. Milnerton Beach

Windy but with the most perfect views of Table Mountain. Long stretches for walks and playtime for the kids..

7. Muizenberg Beach

Surfer’s Utopia. Learn to Surf, watch the pro’s or just relax with a coffee at the boardwalk café.

8. Sea Point Beaches

Many small beaches dotted along the attractive promenade from Mouille Point to Sea Point, ending at the well liked Sea Point pool.

9. St.James Tidal Pool

Rock pool perfect for an early morning swim. Protected from waves and close to restaurants and coffee shops.

10. Fish Hoek Beach

A striking beach with a wistful walkaway filled with benches dedicated to people who love this place. Well-equipped jungle gym and a nice restaurant for refreshments and light lunches.

11. Hout Bay Beach

Start with breakfast at Dunes restaurant and enjoy a lazy stroll along the beach to the harbour for an ice cream.

12. Long Beach Noorhoek

On this stunning long, stretch of beach , you can find your own quiet spot, or go for a horse ride with your older kids.

13. Llandudno / Sandy Bay

The waves are quite strong here, but there are great boulders for little ones to explore in a perfectly chilled Capetonian atmosphere. Sandy Beach is Cape Town’s only official nudist beach.

14. Strand / Gordon’s Bay

Warmer waters than the Cape Town beaches. Child friendly with less waves and play equipment along the beach.