We have just got back from a fantastic family holiday to South Africa. During our first week there, we were in Cape Town. Cape Town is just one of the most special places on the planet. We visited about six years ago, but it was so much fun to go back with the girls now that they are a bit older and to do some of the things we didn’t get to on our last visit to Cape Town. Obviously, you need more than a week to explore everything Cape Town has to offer, but if you’re on a limited-time budget, here are some of our favourite kids’ activities in Cape Town.
Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
This family-friendly attraction offers a chance to see over 8,000 marine animals from the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a must-visit destination in Cape Town for families with kids of all ages. Located at the V&A Waterfront, it features a wide variety of marine animals from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans, giving visitors a chance to see the unique underwater life found in this region.
Inside the aquarium, you’ll find large tanks with various habitats, from the kelp forest to the open ocean. Kids can get up close to a variety of sea creatures such as penguins, turtles, stingrays, and sharks. There are also interactive displays and touch tanks where kids can learn about the animals and their habitats.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the predator exhibit, which features several large tanks showcasing a variety of sharks, including ragged-tooth sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks. The tanks are designed to give visitors a close-up look at these magnificent creatures while also highlighting the importance of marine conservation.
The aquarium also offers a range of educational programs and activities, such as behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and puppet shows, all designed to engage kids and teach them about the ocean and its inhabitants. A visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium is a great way for families to spend a fun and educational day together while learning about the amazing marine life found off the coast of Cape Town.
Explore the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
One of the first blog posts I ever wrote was a review of a day trip to the Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens in the Free State, South Africa. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is the Cape Town equivalent, but bigger, better and just … more! A stunning 528-hectare garden located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. It’s a perfect place for families with kids to spend a day outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and learn about the various plant species.
The garden features a variety of plants, including many native species, and has an extensive collection of rare and exotic plants. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and offer a range of walking trails and paths, making it easy to explore the area.
One of the highlights for kids is the Boomslang, a tree canopy walkway that snakes through the treetops, offering stunning views of the gardens and surrounding area. The walkway is a fun and unique way to explore the gardens from a different perspective.
Another attraction that kids will love is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens’ treetop canopy tour. The tour takes visitors on a thrilling zip-line adventure through the trees and offers a unique way to explore the gardens from a different perspective.
Kirstenbosch also offers a range of activities for kids, such as guided walks, interactive displays, and workshops. The gardens also host a variety of outdoor concerts, movie nights, and other events throughout the year, making it a fun and lively place to visit at any time. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a wonderful destination for families with kids to spend a day exploring, enjoying nature, and learning about the amazing plant species found in South Africa.
Take a trip to the Cape of Good Hope
A visit to the Cape of Good Hope is a must-do activity for families with kids visiting Cape Town. This southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula offers stunning views, hiking trails, and wildlife sightings.
The Cape of Good Hope is located in the Table Mountain National Park and is a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking scenery. The rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and stunning ocean views make it a perfect destination for a family day trip.
One of the highlights of the Cape of Good Hope is the hiking trails that offer a range of difficulty levels suitable for families with kids. The trails take visitors through the fynbos vegetation, providing an opportunity to see a variety of plant species, including the protea, South Africa’s national flower. The trails also offer views of the coastline and wildlife sightings, including ostriches, baboons, and Cape mountain zebras.
Another highlight is the Cape Point Lighthouse, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. The lighthouse has a visitor centre that offers educational exhibits about the area’s history and geography. The Cape of Good Hope is also a great spot for whale watching during the winter months, where visitors can spot southern right whales and humpback whales.
Overall, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope is a perfect way for families to enjoy South Africa’s natural beauty while exploring and learning about the region’s unique flora and fauna.
Visit the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s an excellent place for families with kids to spend a day. Located at the base of Table Mountain, the bustling harbour area is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. I can personally recommend a Wimpy breakfast at the V&A Waterfront … I mean, just look at these views!
One of the main attractions for families is the giant Ferris wheel, known as the Cape Wheel. The wheel offers stunning views of the harbour and surrounding area, and it’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike. The Ferris wheel also provides a unique perspective of Table Mountain, making it a perfect spot for taking family photos. Originally located right in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, it was recently relocated to it’s new home on V&A Breakwater Boulevard overlooking Granger Bay.
The V&A Waterfront also features a large playground, which is great for younger kids to run around and burn off some energy. The playground has plenty of equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures, to keep kids entertained for hours.
For families who love shopping, the V&A Waterfront has a wide range of shops, from high-end designer stores to local boutiques selling unique souvenirs. The mall also has an indoor market, the Watershed, which features a range of local artisans selling handmade crafts and artwork.
In addition to shopping and entertainment, the V&A Waterfront has plenty of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and food markets. The area is famous for its seafood, and visitors can enjoy fresh catches of the day at many of the restaurants in the harbour.
The V&A Waterfront is a bustling and exciting destination for families with kids, offering a range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages. It’s a perfect place to spend a day enjoying the harbour atmosphere, exploring the shops, and dining on delicious food.
Ride the cable car up Table Mountain
Riding the cable car up Table Mountain is one of the most popular activities for families with kids visiting Cape Town. The adventure of riding the cable car and the stunning views of the city and surrounding areas from the top of the mountain make it a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.
The cable car ride takes visitors to the top of Table Mountain, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas. The cable car rotates 360 degrees during the ascent, offering a unique perspective of the mountain and its surroundings.
Once at the top, families can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking trails, guided walks, and interactive exhibits at the visitor centre. The trails cater to different levels of fitness, making it accessible for families with kids of all ages. The trails offer an opportunity to see a variety of plant species, including the Cape fynbos, which is endemic to the area.
For families who prefer a more leisurely experience, there are also picnic areas and restaurants available at the top of the mountain. Visitors can enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding areas.
A visit to Table Mountain is a fantastic adventure for families with kids, offering a range of activities and stunning views that are sure to be memorable. Riding the cable car to the top is an exciting experience that kids will love, and the opportunity to explore the mountain and its surroundings provides a unique perspective of Cape Town’s natural beauty.
One word of advice would be to book your tickets in advance, also try to avoid peak traffic, and if you can, consider a private booking experience. This is a must-do when visiting Cape Town, and will be one of those core memories you will remember forever!
Go on a beach adventure
Cape Town has many beautiful beaches, including Muizenberg, Clifton, and Camps Bay, where kids can play in the sand and surf. Going on a beach adventure is a must-do activity for families with kids visiting Cape Town. The city has many beautiful beaches, each offering a unique experience for families to enjoy.
Muizenberg Beach is one of the most popular beaches for families with kids. The beach is known for its colourful beach huts and soft sand, making it a perfect spot for building sandcastles and playing beach games. The shallow waters are also ideal for younger kids to splash around and play in.
Clifton Beach is another great option for families, with its four secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. The beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing, and the picturesque scenery provides a stunning backdrop for family photos.
Camps Bay Beach is a long and wide beach, offering plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the sun and sea. The beach has a playground, making it a perfect spot for younger kids to play, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a snack or meal.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, families can also enjoy a range of water activities, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are several surf schools located along the coast that offer lessons for kids and adults, making it a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
A beach adventure is a perfect way for families to enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Town while spending quality time together. With a range of beaches to choose from, there’s something for everyone, from playing in the sand and surf to trying out new water activities. Unsurprisingly the water in Cape Town, both on the Atlantic side and the Indian Ocean side, can be on the cool side, but don’t let that put you off experiencing the beauty of South African beaches!
Visit the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park
If you ask my kids, this is probably one of the highlights of our family visit to Cape Town! The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park is home to over 3,000 birds and monkeys, and offers a great opportunity for kids to learn about and interact with wildlife.
The sanctuary is located in Hout Bay and spans over four hectares, making it one of the largest bird parks in Africa. It is home to over 400 species of birds from all over the world, including raptors, flamingos, and parrots. The sanctuary has several large aviaries where visitors can walk through and observe the birds up close, providing an unforgettable experience for kids.
In addition to the birds, the sanctuary is also home to a variety of primates, including lemurs, gibbons, and monkeys. The Monkey Jungle allows visitors to walk through and interact with these playful creatures, providing a unique and memorable experience for kids.
The sanctuary also offers educational programs and guided tours, where visitors can learn about the birds and their habitats, as well as the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species. A visit to the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park is a great way for families to learn about and interact with wildlife in a safe and controlled environment. With so many birds and primates to see and learn about, kids will be engaged and entertained throughout their visit.
Take a trip to Robben Island
Taking a trip to Robben Island is an educational and historic experience that families with kids visiting Cape Town should not miss. The island, located off the coast of Cape Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years during the apartheid era.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the island, where they can learn about the history and significance of the island, the conditions of the prison, and the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. The tour includes a visit to the prison cells, where visitors can see firsthand the conditions in which the political prisoners were held.
In addition to the prison, the island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and a variety of bird species. The island’s unique ecosystem provides an opportunity for families to learn about the local flora and fauna and the importance of conservation efforts.
Visiting Robben Island is a powerful and educational experience for kids, offering a firsthand account of the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. It provides an opportunity for families to learn about the history and culture of the country, and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by its people.
A trip to Robben Island offers a unique and educational experience that will leave a lasting impression on kids and adults alike and is should be on your list of things to do in Cape Town with kids.
Enjoy a family-friendly hike
Cape Town is renowned for its spectacular scenery and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the region, and there are plenty of family-friendly hiking trails to choose from.
One popular hiking spot is the Silvermine Nature Reserve, which is located in the heart of the Table Mountain National Park. The reserve offers a range of hiking trails suitable for all levels of fitness and experience, making it an ideal destination for families with kids.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including baboons, dassies, and a variety of bird species, providing plenty of opportunities for kids to spot and learn about the local flora and fauna. The reserve also has a picnic area and a swimming spot, providing a great opportunity for families to relax and enjoy the scenery after their hike.
Another popular hiking spot is the Pipe Track, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for families with kids of all ages, and takes approximately two hours to complete.
For families looking for a more challenging hike, the Lion’s Head trail offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas from the summit. The trail is steep in places and requires some scrambling, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Visit Boulders Beach to see the Penguins
Boulders Beach is a popular tourist destination located near Simon’s Town in Cape Town, South Africa. It is renowned for its large colony of African penguins, which can be seen up close in their natural habitat. We didn’t visit this year, but we did last time we were there, and it was a really fun day for the kids, so I would highly recommend you do this activity when visiting Cape Town, especially if you have younger kids, just make sure that they don’t disturb the penguins as they are wild animals and a protected species.
The African penguin, also known as the jackass penguin, is a species of penguin that is only found on the southwestern coast of Africa. Boulders Beach is home to a breeding colony of over 2,000 penguins, making it one of the best places in the world to see these fascinating birds.
Visitors can observe the penguins from a boardwalk that winds its way through the boulders, or they can get even closer by taking a swim in the turquoise waters of the bay, where the penguins are known to swim and frolic. However, visitors should keep in mind that the penguins are a protected species and should be treated with respect and caution.
In addition to the penguins, Boulders Beach is also a beautiful spot for sunbathing and swimming, with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is sheltered from the wind by the large granite boulders that give it its name, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
A visit to Boulders Beach to see the penguins is an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveller.
Is a Visit to Cape Town with kids worth it?
100% worth it. It’s a long flight from Europe, but it is so worth it! Not only is Cape Town a beautiful place to visit but it can be a great place to start your exploration of this stunning country. My advice would be to look at South Africa packages to help plan your trip, but ultimately Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are obviously so many more things to do when you visit Cape Town, including things like day trips out to Hermanus or a visit to the Cape wine region. You’ll be unsurprised to hear that many of the Cape Wine Farms are family-friendly, and South African wine is one of my personal favourites (not that I’m biased). But I think overall, the thing that I loved the most about visiting Cape Town with the kids is that it’s such a family-friendly place overall. We visited over Easter 2023, and the weather was absolutely perfect!
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