Family Holiday In Cape Town
Best Family-Friendly Activities in Cape Town
While the glorious city of Cape Town has loudly & proudly established itself as one of the most beautiful & vibrant cities in the world, not to mention one of the top global travel destination hotspots for avid travelers, globe-trotters, holiday-goers, tourists, adventurers, and absolutely everyone in between, all looking to explore, discover, and experience EVERYTHING this magnificent city has to offer, Cape Town is also the perfect city for enjoying a truly unforgettable family holiday!
Beyond its sheer breathtaking beauty & sensational surrounding scenery, there is so much more to this extraordinary city than what meets the eye. Boasting an array of iconic landmarks & attractions, several glorious natural wonders, a treasure chest of hidden gems & best kept secrets, some of the most picturesque coastlines & beaches in the world, countless bucket-list worthy & once-in-a-lifetime adventures to experience, an endless variety of destinations to explore, beaches to visit & exciting activities to enjoy for both the young & young at heart (plus, so SO much more) – Cape Town truly is a destination unlike any other! With all that being said, it certainly comes as no surprise that Cape Town is one of the best and most sought-after places to visit with kids of all ages.
Set on a rugged peninsula between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, with iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, the city of Cape Town sits in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. But the scenery isn’t restricted to the city alone: short drives take visitors to white sandy beaches (many of which are deemed to be some of the most beautiful in the world), traditional fishing villages, and wild mountain ranges while must-see destinations such as the world-renowned Cape Point, the captivating Cape Winelands, the natural wonder that is Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the sought-after Boulders Beach & its thriving colony of African Penguins (a real fan-favourite amongst kids of all ages), the whale-watching capital of Hermanus (to mention merely a few) are all within easy reach. With so many beautiful places to explore, you only have to visit Africa’s favourite city once and you’ll probably be planning your next Cape Town travel holiday before your tan’s had time to fade – and we certainly don’t blame you one single bit!
Beautiful, bold, vibrant, colorful, exhilarating, and brimming with energy, Cape Town has something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. It is without a doubt one of the most outstanding destinations – not only in South Africa or Africa, but the world – for enjoying an unbelievable, exciting, and bucket-list worthy family holiday. Come rain or shine, Cape Town has so much to offer to ensure a memorable family holiday all year round.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather the fam, get those bags packed, and prepare yourself for a truly memorable, beyond exciting, fun-filled family vacation in the one and only CAPE TOWN!
Just in case we haven’t convinced you yet, here are merely a few of the best family-friendly activities in Cape Town that will have your kids completely hooked!
We take the hassle out of planning your holiday, from sourcing the accommodation to the activities suitable for everyone in the family.
#See the African Penguins at Boulders Beach
Its African Penguin time! Are you ready to tick one of the most sought-after & exhilarating experiences off your Cape Town bucket-list? We have absolutely no doubt that you are! Getting to see Cape Town’s, more specifically Boulders’ Beach’s, thriving colony of African Penguins (also lovingly referred to by Capetonians as ‘Cape Town’s favourite marine life locals’ & ‘the ultimate Cape Town cool kids’) in their natural habitat is by far one of the top family friendly things to do in Cape Town all-year round for both the young & young at heart!
In addition to being home to a flourishing population of African Penguins, did you know that the famed Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can get up close and personal with these cool and charismatic ocean locals? How unbelievable is that?! This undoubtedly makes visiting Boulders Beach & its African Penguin colony a once-in-a-lifetime experience in every way, perfect for an action-packed, fun-filled getaway and family holiday in Cape Town.
In addition to seeing the remarkable colony of African Penguins from the African Penguin Viewing Site in Boulders Beach, the iconic Boulders Beach is also one of the only places in the world that gives you the incredible opportunity to experience a variety of other bucket-list worthy adventures such as kayaking and swimming among the penguins as well as enjoying a laid-back beach day with them right by your side – there truly is nothing quite like it!
Beyond its vibrant and thriving African Penguin colony who have claimed Boulders Beach as their own, this beachy Mother City gem, located just past Simons Town, has certainly stolen the hearts of locals & travellers from across the globe, and it’s bound to steal yours too! Boasting giant granite boulders, a sheltered bay, calm waters, several little coves for the little ones to explore, and a magical vibe that’s hard to explain, Boulders Beach has loudly & proudly established itself as one of the most beautiful must-visit family-friendly beaches in all of Cape Town – and with good reason too!
**Note: Visitors will need to pay an entrance fee (which forms part of a conservation project) to gain access to the African Penguin Viewing Site and Boulders Beach. Your ticket is valid for the entire day. You can choose to exit and re-enter as it suits you (this only applies to the day your ticket was purchased).**Visit the SANParks website for more information regarding Boulders Beach’s Conservation Fees.
#Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
If you’re looking to do something fun and thrilling on your family holiday in Cape Town – going to the renowned Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront should be high up on your list! Home to several (if not all) of the Western Cape’s magnificent marine life species, amazing exhibits, and a variety of exciting adventures, visiting the Two Ocean’s Aquarium & experiencing EVERYTHING it has to offer is by far one of the most exciting, fun-filled, and best family-friendly activities in Cape Town, and one you definitely don’t want to miss out on!
Some of the Two Ocean’s Aquarium exhibits you & your kiddos can look forward to exploring & experiencing include: The Penguin Exhibit; Kelp Forest Exhibit; I&J Ocean Exhibit; Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit (experience up-close encounters with some of the most misunderstood species in South Africa’s oceans, such as ragged-tooth sharks, giant yellowtail, and yellowbelly rockcod); The Diversity Gallery (the Diversity Gallery aims to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans); The Touch Pool & Microscope Exhibits (this remarkable exhibit gives you the opportunity to look through a microscope and see marine life species like you never have before). Plus, the Two Ocean’s Aquarium is ideal for youngsters to learn all about the marine life found in the two oceans around Cape Town!
- Location: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:30 to 18:00
- Contact details: 021 418 3823 | 021 418 3952 | [email protected]
- Website: www.aquarium.co.za
Click here to get your Two Oceans Aquarium ticket / tickets or to find out more about their exciting experiences and activities.
#Go on an exciting Table Mountain Aerial Cable-Way Ride up Table Mountain
Going on a fun-filled & down-right thrilling Aerial Cable Way ride to the summit of one of the New7Wonders of Nature – AKA: Table Mountain – is by far one of the most sought-after adventure experiences in the Mother City for both the young and young at heart! This undoubtedly makes going on an exciting Aerial Cable-Way Ride to the top of Table Mountain one of the best family-friendly activities and bucket-list worthy experiences when embarking on a family holiday in Cape Town anytime of the year.
While admiring Table Mountain from below is every bit as beautiful, there are few things that compare to the breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the tall-standing mountainous giant of the Cape Town skyline. Boasting sensational views of the vast Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Camps Bay, the glorious Mother City, and beyond, it truly is unbeatable to say the least! You can see for miles in every direction. On a clear day you can even see all the way to Robben Island.
One thing is for certain, going on an Aerial Cableway ride up Table Mountain is one memorable experience and thrilling adventure you will absolutely never forget.
**What are you waiting for? Book your Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ticket right now from WebTickets.
#Have tons of fun at the Scratch Patch & Mineral World
- Note: Scratch Patch & Mineral World has two locations: V&A Waterfront & Simonstown
Did you know that almost half of the world’s gemstones can be found in South Africa? To take it a step further, you have the amazing opportunity to search and scratch for these gems yourself right here in Cape Town? How incredibly thrilling is that?!
With two thriving locations in the V&A Waterfront and Simonstown in False Bay, Scratch Patch and Mineral World is an exciting and unique way to dig for your own beautiful gems.
At the Scratch Patch you get to fully immerse yourself in the vast assortment of glorious gems and stones that quite literally cover the entire floor. Once you’ve completed your Scratch Patch gem search mission, its time for you to visit the gem exhibitions and shops.
Searching, scavenging, and scratching for gems at the Scratch Patch & Mineral World is tons of fun for the whole family, making it one of the best family friendly things to do in Cape Town on a cold day as well as every other day of the year!
Scratch Patch & Mineral World | V&A Waterfront
- Location: V&A Waterfront, Dock Road (near the Aquarium), Cape Town
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday + holidays: 9am – 4:30pm
- Contact details: 021 786 2020 | [email protected]
- Website: Click here to visit the Scratch Patch & Mineral World website or to find out everything you need to know about this incredible experience
- Price: You can purchase one of three sizes of plastic bags or a cup to fill it with your favourite gemstones:
- Small bag: R30 (contains approximately 140 grams)
- Medium bag: R45 (contains approximately 300 grams)
- Large bag: R140 (contains approximately 1200 grams)
- Cup: R90 (contains approximately 630 grams)
Scratch Patch & Mineral World | Simonstown
- Location: Scratch Patch & Mineral World | Dido Valley Road, Simonstown, Cape Town
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:45pm | Saturday – Sunday: 9am – 4:30 | Holidays: 9am – 4:30
- Contact details: 021 786 2020 | [email protected]
- Website: Click here to visit the Scratch Patch & Mineral World website or to find out everything you need to know about this incredible experience
- Price: You can purchase one of three sizes of plastic bags or a cup to fill it with your favourite gemstones:
- Small bag: R30 (contains approximately 140 grams)
- Medium bag: R45 (contains approximately 300 grams)
- Large bag: R140 (contains approximately 1200 grams)
- Cup: R90 (contains approximately 630 grams)
#Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Located right at the base of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most incredible displays of indigenous natural beauty you’ll find anywhere in the city. Local and international visitors regard the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as one of the most stunning and remarkable in the world. If you and your family are head-over-heels natures lovers – and even if you aren’t – spending the day at the incredible Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is most definitely one of the top family-friendly activities in Cape Town for both locals and travellers alike and something you cannot miss out on when taking a family trip to Cape Town.
A definite fan-favourite among the youngsters and by far one of the top adventure-filled activities the kids can experience at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is going on the famous Tree Canopy Walkway (also referred to as the “Boomslang”). In the shape of a snake, The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway is a curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum. The Walkway takes visitors from the forest floor into and through the trees and bursts out above the canopy. Besides boasting spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful Garden itself, the walkway features super cool views of incredible life-sized, tin-made dinosaur sculptures at the Cycad Amphitheatre – just another reason why its so popular among the youngsters!
That’s not all! In addition to this exhilarating experience, your kids are also given the amazing opportunity of learning all about nature and the environment, as well as the vast diversity of fauna and flora present at the Kirstenbosch Gardens. For families, a day in the garden also gives your kids some space to play in nature, which gives them the chance to explore and immerse themselves even further in all the natural beauty and glorious natural surroundings of Kirstenbosch. Not to mention it’s the perfect setting for enjoying a fabulous fun-filled family picnic.
Besides its vast natural beauty and top Cape Town garden status, Kirstenbosch offers visitors an endless variety of things to do and see. Not to mention some exciting adventure experiences!
Here is a sneak-peak of what you can expect on your visit to Kirstenbosch:
- Calling all wildlife and bird lovers! Kirstenbosch is home to over 125 bird species, making it any bird enthusiast’s dream come true. You will also encounter several reptiles, frogs, and invertebrates as well as amphibians such as the Chirping Frog, the Cape River Frog, and the critically endangered Table Mountain Ghost Frog.
- Avid hikers can enjoy a variety of hiking trails and walking routes. The Kirstenbosch estate can be explored via five trails of differing levels of difficulty. All are well-maintained, logged footpaths or gravel roads and are sign-posted. The Braille Trailand Boekenhout Trail are ideal forest walks for those pressed for time and the not so fit. The Stinkwood Trail is a relatively short exploration of the oldest part of the forest with some of the largest trees. The Yellowwood Trail and Silvertree Trail are long hikes that take you up to the waterfall and around the estate, through both forest and fynbos. It is also possible to climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch, up Nursery Ravine or Skeleton Gorge.
- Kirstenbosch boasts a variety of beautiful garden areas, including the Botanical Society Conservatory, art at the Sculpture Garden, and the Protea Garden, to mention just a few.
- For avid adventurers and thrill seekers, there are tons of hidden gems, secret spots, caves, waterfalls and so much more to be discovered and explored – so get ready for an adventure!
- Beautiful, lush lawns and large shaded trees perfect for picnics and kiddies running around.
- The famous Centenary Treetop Canopy Walk, also known as the ‘Boomslang’, has fast become a fan-favourite Kirstenbosch attraction for both the young and young at heart. The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway is a curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum. The Walkway takes visitors from the forest floor into and through the trees and bursts out above the canopy, boasting spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Garden.
- The cyad amphitheatre which features life-size models of dinosaurs – this is a real winner with the kids!
- Kirstenbosch also has a variety of restaurants to and curio shops.
**To find out more visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden website: www.sanbi.org
#Visit Cape Point
Cape Point is one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders and sought-after attractions. Located approximately 60km south west of the city of Cape Town, at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is the ultimate mecca for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Offering a spectacular range of fauna and flora to admire, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is undoubtedly a favourite among visitors to the city.
Besides its unapologetic natural beauty and exquisite jaw-dropping, sweep-you-off-your-feet ocean views, Cape Point boasts a variety of stunning secret beaches, endless adventure experiences, some of the most thrilling hiking trails in the Western Cape, an incredible variety of activities for children to enjoy, and several tidal pools ideal for family swimming, making it a perfect option for a family day outdoors. That’s not all! Taking the famed Flying Dutchman funicular instead of walking uphill from the parking lot to see the historic lighthouse and breathtaking vistas is an extra special bonus for the kids.
With so much to do, see, and experience, visiting the renowned Cape Point should be on absolutely everyone’s bucket-list!
**Check out our blog to find out more about ‘The Top 5 Things To Do At Cape Point Anytime Of The Year’. If you’re an avid hiker, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the ‘Best Cape Point Hiking Trails’.
- Location:Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town
- Tickets:capepoint.co.za
#World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park
World of Birds has a unique 3 000 species on site. In addition to providing visitors with the opportunity to interact with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring inhabitants, the park serves as a conservation site. The park surrounds circular walkways lined with aviaries filled with various beautiful creatures that emerge from one enclosure to the next. Some are caged, while others are free to roam, fly overhead, or shuffle along the path in search of food or the nearest pool to splash in.
- Location: Valley Road, Hout Bay
#Green Point Urban Park
If you’re looking for the perfect inner-city nature lover’s escape to enjoy a fun day out with friends and family, the Green Point Urban Park is a great choice. Located next to the Cape Town stadium, the Green Point Urban Park boasts an exciting variety of activities for all ages. From an outdoor gym, fun play parks, a stream that kids love splashing in, and lushes lawns for the kids to run around on, to scenic walking trails and cycling paths, there is something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. Inside the park is sweet little restaurant, which also sells soft-serve ice-cream – always a big hit with the small kids.
The Green Point Urban Park is also a great place to escape for a while, relax and unwind, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy a scenic and tranquil stroll through the garden while admiring the vast array of stunning indigenous flora scattered around the picturesque lakes. Not to mention it’s a great picnic spot, boasting beautiful views of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
- Location:1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point
#Go on a Red Bus City Sightseeing Tour
Going on a famous Red Bus City Sightseeing Tour around the Mother City should be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket list. The iconic Cape Town Red Bus Tour is the ultimate hop-on-hop-off experience. Stopping at some of the city’s top landmarks, hidden gems, and sought-after attractions, it is one of the best family friendly things to do in Cape Town , and certainly one of the most exciting ways to explore everything the beautiful and vibrant city of Cape Town has to offer.
**Tip: There are a variety of Cape Town Red Bus City Sightseeing tours to choose from, visit their website to find out more.
- Contact details: [email protected] | 021 511 6000 (07:00–18:00)
- Cape Town Tour Office Location: V&A Waterfront (Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town) | Long Street (63 – 69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town)
- For more information visit the City Sightseeing website: www.citysightseeing.co.za
#Visit the V&A Waterfront
The vibrant V&A Waterfront is without a doubt one of the most popular and highly sought-after attractions and destinations to visit when travelling to Cape Town. Located in the heart of Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront is known as the ultimate hub of art, entertainment, culture, history, adventure, food, shopping, and everything in between. In addition to being the leading retail destination in the city, featuring more than 450 retail stores, the V&A Waterfront is SO much more than a shopping mall. Home to some of the most incredible restaurants, bars, hangout spots, eateries, and food markets in Cape Town, all of which can be thoroughly enjoyed at any time, during any season, right throughout the year, there are few destinations that offer such a vast diversity of experiences – truly making the iconic V&A Waterfront one-of-a-kind!
If you’re looking to add an extra dose of thrill and adventure to your Waterfront experience, here are some of the most exciting, exhilarating, fun, and bucket-list worthy things to see, do, and experience at the V&A Waterfront:
- Take a ride on the famous Cape Wheel – Its tons of fun for the whole family!
- Enjoy a boat tour
- Have some fun at the Scratch Patch
- Visit the Clock Tower – One of the V&A Waterfront’s most iconic historic landmarks
- Enjoy a game of Cave Golf
- Visit the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
- Explore the Silo District & Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
- Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
- Let the kids take a ride on the Hamleys Express
- Visit the Chavonnes Battery Museum – Dating back to 1725 it is the harbor’s oldest heritage site
- Enjoy a self-guided walking historical tour, which starts at the Information Centre, or embark on a 90-minute guided tour that departs daily from the Chavonnes Battery Museum at 11am and 2pm
- Check out the Robinson Dry Dock – One of the oldest operating dry docks in the world
- Brush up on your marine history at the Iziko Maritime Centre
- Visit Nobel Square, which boasts bronze sculptures of South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners
- Visit the V&A Food Market and the Watershed at the V&A
- Enjoy amazing up-close Cape Fur Seal sightings – These beloved members of the Marine Big 5 can be spotted while simply strolling along the V&A Waterfront harbor. You can also find them at the Clock Tower Precinct and on old tires lining the quayside.
- Enjoy incredible live performances – Talented local musicians and bands, street side buskers, and performing art groups regularly perform at various locations and stages throughout the Waterfront.
