What To Do With Kids In Cape Town This Summer
Summer is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited!
There is nothing quite like summer time in Cape Town, and we bet your kids are jumping at the bid to get out there and enjoy every adventure, thrilling experience, and bucket-list worthy activity the Mother City has to offer – and who can blame them!
Here are some of the top things to do with kids in Cape Town this summer.
#Learn to surf the cool Cape Town waves
Are you ready to surf the cool Cape Town waves like a real pro?!
Learning to surf is, and forever will be, one of the best things to do with kids in Cape Town in Summer.
Known as one of the top surfing hotspots as well as the best place to learn how to surf, Muizenberg’s famous Surfer’s Corner is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Cape Town among surf-loving locals and travelers alike. Best thing is, it welcomes surfers of all ages and experience levels to join in on all the surfing fun and games!
The laid-back sea-side town of Muizenberg embodies Cape Town’s surfing culture in every way. This means there are several surf schools offering lessons to aspiring surfers from the age of 4 to 94 as well as surf shops selling and / or renting wetsuits, surf boards, and everything else you’ll need to take on your surfing adventure.
Known for its perfect ‘smooth ride’ waves, Muizenberg’s gentle waves and clean lines can be surfed almost year-round. Making it the ideal Cape Town surfing spot as well as any longboarder’s paradise.
In addition to being one of the coolest surfing spots in the Mother City, Muizenberg Beach is one of Cape Town’s best blue flag swimming beaches. Making it the perfect place to enjoy a blissful sunshine-filled beach day out with the whole family.
#Have a braai & beach day at Oudekraal Beach
Tucked away in a sheltered cove between Camps Bay and Llandudno, Oudekraal is not only one of the top family-friendly beaches in Cape Town, but one of the best braai spots too. It has approximately 40 private braai spots scattered along the lawns above the sheltered cove and sandy beach below.
Oudekraal is also one of the best beaches for enjoying a fun-filled family beach day. The beach is surrounded by large granite boulders that keep big waves at bay, making it the ideal place to swim, especially for the little ones. The water is also calm enough for snorkelling near the shore – adding extra adventure and thrill to a fun family braai and beach day.
**Tip: Because of its popularity and stunning beach location, the braai spots at Oudekraal can get snatched up pretty quickly. It is important to arrive early to secure a top spot.
- Location: Oudekraal, Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay
#Take a dip in the Atlantic
Whether you’re young or young at heart, taking a dip in the cool and refreshing Atlantic is the ultimate way to beat the summer heat in Cape Town. There is nothing better than being sun-kissed, sandy-toed, and salty-haired while soaking up the glorious Cape Town sunshine. Enjoying a blissful family beach day on one of the Mother City’s beautiful beaches paired with a refreshing dip in the cool Atlantic ocean water is by far one of the top things to do in Cape Town in summer with kids.
Here are a few of our favorite beaches that all deserve to be on your Cape Town beach bucket-list:
- Camps Bay
- Clifton (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th)
- Muizenberg Beach
- Bloubergstrand
- Llandudno
- Bakoven
- Glen Beach
- Boulders Beach
- Big Bay
- Oudekraal Beach
- Long Beach in Kommetjie
- Noordhoek Beach
- Water’s Edge
#Cool down in one of Cape Town’s amazing tidal pools
One thing about kids is that they absolutely LOVE tidal pools – making going on the ultimate tidal pool adventure one of the best things to do with kids in Cape Town this summer.
The Mother City is blessed with countless tidal pools built along the coastline, providing everyone with an incredible, safe, and family-friendly space to swim, cool down, have fun, and enjoy the sunset.
Get ready to embrace the icy waters of the Atlantic as you spot a few sea slugs or cuttlefish. Not to mention one or all of the members of the Marine Big 5 if you’re lucky!
While Cape Town has no shortage of incredible tidal pools (read our post Cape Town’s 19 Amazing Tidal Pools to make sure you visit them all), the St James Tidal Pool is definitely one of the best. Not to mention a real fan-favourite among the young and young at heart.
How to get there: Situated close to the Muizenberg station, you will need to cross over the train tracks and follow the winding concrete path that meanders along the coast. Once you’ve reached your desired destination, a refreshing dip in the cool St James tidal pool waters is an absolute must! It really is the perfect Cape Town summer holiday activity for the whole family.
In addition to the famous St James Tidal Pool, here are a few more amazing tidal pools that will help you beat the heat in Cape Town this summer:
- Miller’s Point | Simon’s Town – Click here to find out everything you need to know about Miller’s Point Tidal Pool
- Maiden’s Cove | Between Glen Beach and Camps Bay Beach
- Dalebrook | Kalk Bay
- Camps Bay tidal pool | Camps Bay
- Shelley’s Point | Glencairn
- Milton tidal pool | Milton Beach
- Glencairn | Glencairn Beach
- Buffel’s Bay | Cape Point Nature Reserve
- Soetwater | South of Kommetjie
- Sparks tidal pool | Gordon’s Bay
- Kommetjie tidal pool | Kommetjie
- Saunders | Saunders Beach, between Clifton and Sea Point in the suburb of Bantry Bay
- Silwerstroom | Silwerstroom Resort, Meklbosstrand
- Wooley’s tidal pool | Between Kalk Bay and Clovelly
- Monwabisi | Khayelitsha
- Brass Bell | Brass Bell Restaurant | Kalk Bay
- Harmony | Strand
#Kayak with African Penguins
Photo credit: Atlantic Outlook
Going kayaking alongside Cape Town’s cool and charismatic African Penguins is an experience that should be on everyone’s Cape Town summer bucket-list. Not only is it one of the most thrilling and unique ways to see the sights and scenery of the False Bay coastline (as most kayaking trips depart from Simon’s Town), but the best way to get up-close with Boulders Beach’s African Penguin Colony.
In addition to seeing Cape Town’s ultimate cool kids – the African Penguins of course – you’ll also have the opportunity to spot a few other members of Cape Town’s Marine Big 5, including Cape Fur Seals, whales, and dolphins.
**Did you know that Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can get up close and personal with African Penguins?
#Visit Crystal Pools
Go on a thrilling and jam-packed adventure to one of the most sought-after and stunning natural gems in the Western Cape – The Crystal Pools.
Crystal Pools is one of Gordon’s Bay and Cape Town’s best kept secrets and bucket-list destinations. Located approximately 90 minutes outside of Cape Town, Crystal Pools boasts incredible hiking trails which lead to a series of mountain pools situated within a beautiful Valley known as the Steenbras River Gorge. Both the Steenbras River Gorge and the Crystal Pools forms part of the renowned Steenbras Nature Reserve, with the hiking trail following the Palmiet River up the gorge.
Crystal Pools, the Steenbras River Gorge, and Steenbras Nature Reserve offers avid hikers, adventurers, and anyone eager to explore the great outdoors the ultimate escape from the hustle and hype of the city.
Need to know information:
- Location: Kogelberg Nature Reserve | Greater Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Steenbras Nature Reserve (via N2 and R44), Helderberg Rural, Cape Town
- Operating hours: Office hours: 7:30am – 4pm | Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools hiking trail bookings: Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays): 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Steenbras River Gorge & Crystal Pools operating hours: Hiking trails are only open from 1 November to 30 April each year (closed during winter months) | Hiking trail operating hours are from sunrise – sunset: 6am – 6pm | Steenbras River Gorge & Crystal Pools Hiking Trail operating times may differ slightly according to sunrise and sunset times throughout November – April
- Entrance Fees / Cost: Entry fee for Steenbras River Gorge: R75 per person | Entry fee for the Steenbras hiking trails: R25 per person | For more information and a detailed list of costs please contact 021 444 6927 or [email protected]
- Contact details: General enquiries: [email protected] | Booking queries: 021 856 9622 | 021 856 9623 | 021 856 9620 | [email protected] | Emergency number: 021 444 6927 | 021 957 4725
- Distance from Cape Town: +/- 65km – 80km (depending on route)
- Steenbras River Gorge & Crystal Pools Hiking Trail Carrying Capacity: To ensure that the hiking trails don’t get too crowded, a maximum of 50 people are allowed per day | It is essential to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment
- Essential Crystal Pools Hiking Trail Requirements: You cannot gain access to the area / hike any of Steenbras River Gorge or Crystal Pools’ Hiking Trails without a valid pre-booked and paid permit containing a unique QR Code & proof of identification (driver’s license, ID card, or passport)
- Hiking Trail Permits: To pre-book your Steenbras River Gorge & Crystal Pools permit email [email protected] with ALL relevant information, including the date of your visit and the size of your party / group (a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 people are allowed per group) | One permit per person is required | You can only acquire a permit via email, not at the gate | You must pre-book your hiking permit at least two to five working days before your visit |The hiking permit does not authorize abseiling activities
Check out our ‘Crystal Pools’ blog for everything you need to know about Crystal Pools and all its incredible hiking trails, rock pools, exhilarating experiences, hidden gems, fauna, flora, and biodiversity, and exciting secret spots to visit.
#Go Stand-up paddle boarding
Time to tick another bucket-list worthy adventure experience of your list! Stand-up paddle boarding (also known as SUPing) is undoubtedly one of the most exciting, sought-after, and adventurous experiences / sport activities in Cape Town. This incredible and down-right exhilarating paddle-boarding experience gives you the amazing opportunity to see and explore the private waterways of the V&A Waterfront, various canals, lakes, as well as the ocean from an entirely different angle. And guess what? It can be enjoyed by ALL and is ideal for both beginners as well as advanced paddlers alike, with the pace being entirely up to you.
When it comes to going stand-up paddle boarding in Cape Town, you can choose to either be led by an experienced SUP instructor (this is recommended for first-time / beginner ‘SUPers’) or decide to go your own way (perfect for more experienced ‘SUPers’).
The waters of Muizenberg are perfect for those who like to catch waves while on their SUP boards, while the quieter waters beyond the breakers at Clifton and Camps Bay Beach offer the most incredible views. For a more predictable and laid-back experience – perfect for beginner SUPers – venturing out on your stand-up paddle board, led by skilled and experienced instructors and guides, and exploring some of the city’s most amazing hidden canals, waterways, and lakes is one Cape Town adventure experience you definitely won’t soon forget.
**Note: While Stand-up paddle boarding might look like a relatively easy and tranquil activity from the shore, when you stand up on these thick boards, essentially trying everything in your power to stay up-right (utilizing those abdominal and core muscles like you never have before), you realise just how much focus, control, and effort actually goes into staying out of the water while SUPing. However, regardless of putting in some good ol’ effort and core muscle power, going stand-up paddle boarding in Cape Town is a thrilling bucket-list experience in EVERY way!
#Watch a movie under the star at the Galileo Open Air Cinema
The Galileo Open Air Cinema is back from October 2022 to April 2023. Screening a variety of new, family favorites and cult classic films at some of Cape Town’s most magnificent venues.
Photo credit: The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Calling all Capetonians – young, old, and in-between! The wildly popular Galileo Open Air Cinema is finally back in action with their new movie schedule and we couldn’t be more exited! In Cape Town, The Galileo is synonymous with summertime happiness, bringing movie magic to majestic venues across Cape Town, paired with delicious food and impeccable views. The Galileo has put together some incredible movie screening packages for everyone to enjoy – Ensuring you get to revel in every second of the unique outdoor movie experience under the Mother City moonlight and canopy of stars.
The recipe is beautifully simple; great movies, a festive atmosphere and a food market of local gourmet goodness served ‘al fresco’ under a canopy of stars.
This season The Galileo will be proudly sponsored by Santam and will kick off on the 31st of October 2022 with their iconic Halloween screening. The Galileo’s eleventh season of outdoor movie magic will run until the 29th of April 2023 and will feature rom coms, cult classics, family favourites and ‘Golden Oldies’ – ensuring all tastes are catered to.
This season, Galileo guests will be thrilled to hear that weekly shows will be screened at the beloved ‘Kirstenbosch Garden’, select Fridays hosted at Century City’s ‘Central Park’ and a brand new venue, the iconic ‘Six Gun Grill Newlands Cricket Stadium’ for selected Sundays. Perfectly primed for weekend Winelands adventures, the rotating wine estate venues remain firmly in place for Saturday screenings, showcasing the beautiful backdrops of Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Paarl and Franschhoek.
The Galileo is the ideal setting for an evening with family, friends, work socials, date nights and birthday celebrations. Better yet, this season all are encouraged to come for FREE during their birthday week (excluding special shows). Pensioners are also catered to, with special savings to ensure there’s no reason to stay home this summer.
Couples seeking something extra special can look out for the newly-launched VVIP ticket that ensures the best seats in the house, luxurious décor, a bespoke picnic platter for two, a snack combo and a bottle of wine.
Tickets start from R129pp, doors open at 6pm on weekdays, 5pm on Saturdays, and the movie starts after sunset. Arrive early, find your spot on the luscious lawns and enjoy an evening of artisanal food, drinks, games, lively music and an overall great vibe.
For everything you need to know, check out our ‘The Galileo Open Air Cinema’ blog.
#Go tobogganing at Cool Runnings
Photo credit: Cool Runnings
Going tobogganing at Cool Runnings is by far one of the most fun and thrilling things to do with kids in Cape Town this summer.
The first downhill tobogganing track in Africa, Cool Runnings is a Cape Town-based family park boasting an intricate course of steel tracks and top-notch, wheeled bobsleds.
Go hurtling down a half-pipe in a bobsled, flying through the twists and curves as you race along the 1.25 km track. It’s fun for kids and adults, and it’s completely safe and the combination of speed and skill makes it a thrilling challenge for even the most die-hard speed freak.
Starting at the foot Durbanville’s slopes, you settle into your toboggan and set off as the cables in the tracks haul you to the start of the course (a relief for anyone thinking they’d have to climb the hill every time!).
Once at the top, it’s just you, the toboggan, the brake lever – and the spectacular view of Cape Town. Cruise through the 17 corners, S-bends and even a tunnel, before the sled automatically slows down at the bottom of the course, safe and sound. Perfect for a day out with the family, friends or colleagues, Cool Runnings is a one-stop destination, with a café serving up delicious boerie rolls, burgers and pizza, and a bar to quench your thirst. Best of all? It won’t burn a hole in your wallet!
The rides start at only R60 – and the more you ride, the cheaper it gets. It’s also free entry for team-building events, school outings, and birthday and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
**Note: Kids under the age of 3 are not allowed.
Visit the Cool Running’s website to find out more.
#Visit the Two Ocean’s Aquarium
Photo credit: Two Ocean’s Aquarium
If you’re looking for something fun and thrilling to do with the whole family in Cape Town this summer, going to the 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 experiences, visiting the Two Ocean’s Aquarium promises to be tons of fun for both the young and young at heart.
Some of the Two Ocean’s Aquarium exhibits you can look forward to 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).
- 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.
#HAVE FUN AT THE SCRATCH PATCH & MINERAL WORLD
**Scratch Patch & Mineral World has two locations: V&A Waterfront & Simonstown
Photo credit: Scratch Patch and Mineral World
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
Photo credit: Scratch Patch and Mineral World
- 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)
#GO ARTJAMMING
Photo credit: Artjamming
Time to have some paintertainment fun! Whether it’s playing, painting, sponging, or spraying, Artjamming gives both the young and young at heart the opportunity to unleash their artistic flair and creativity onto a blank canvas and create whatever artistic masterpiece their heart desires. Artjammers are provided with various canvas sizes, easels, a choice of non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, brushes, and an array of cool tools to freely express themselves.
Absolutely no drawing or painting skills are required to join in on the Artjamming fun and games. However, qualified artists are always available to assist, guide, and lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.
One of the best things about Artjamming is that it is for absolutely EVERYONE – from 0 to 100 years old, everyone is welcome! Undoubtedly making it one of the best and most exciting things to do with the whole family.
- Location: Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre | Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town| They also have locations in Willowbridge Shopping Centre and Somerset West
- Operating hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 6pm
- Contact details: 021 425 5050 | [email protected] | [email protected]
- Click here to visit the Artjamming website or to find out everything you need to know about this fun and thrilling experience
#GO TO ACROBRANCH ADVENTURE PARK
Photo credit: Acrobranch
Are you looking to add a bit of adventure and excitement to your fun-filled family day out in Cape Town? Then a visit to Acrobranch Adventure Park should be right at the top of your list! Acrobranch is the ultimate treetop experience dedicated to offering children and adults alike a unique, memorable and bucket-list worthy adventure unlike any other. This tree-top obstacle adventure park provides visitors with an action-packed day of tree-top exploring and adventuring as they move from tree to tree in lush, green forests.
Acrobranch boasts different obstacle courses in each of their parks, with some of them being exclusively for kids (marked Acrobranch Kids) and others for reasonably fit adults and teenagers. Some of their thrilling obstacles consist of tree top high ropes and tricky crossings (with ladders, tunnels, walkways, and bridges). They also offer exhilarating zip lines to top it off.
To find out more about Acrobranch, their exciting range of activities, thrilling experiences, obstacle courses, and various safety regulations and measures, visit the Acrobranch website.
- Locations: Acrobranch Cape Town: 1 Hout Bay Main Road, Constantia Nek, Hout Bay, Cape Town | Acrobranch Stellenbosch: Klein Joostenberg, R304, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
- Contact details: 086 999 0369 | 021 201 1121
- Opening days & times: September – April: Wednesday – Sunday from 9am to 6pm (Last slot @4pm, Closing @6pm) | May – August: Wednesday – Sunday from 9am to 5pm (Last slot @3pm, Closing @5pm) | *Open on Public School Holidays & Public Holidays
- Booking: Click here to make a booking online | Contact Acrobranch Cape Town on [email protected] or 086 999 0369 to make a booking
- Click here to visit the Acrobranch website or to find out everything you need to know about this fun and thrilling experience
*Additional Information*
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Does Acrobranch cater to various age groups?
At Acrobranch you choose from various courses with different levels of difficulty. The height of the challenges, distance between steps and level of difficulty required has been carefully measured. Each park has different age and course restrictions depending on the forest terrain, so please check out the park nearest to you.
Whatever Acrobranch Centre you choose, each offers a range of courses designed to ensure that no one takes on more than they can comfortably handle. You can either experience your adventure solo, or tackle it with family and friends, you are not limited to group sizes.
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What should I wear for my outdoor Acrobranch adventure?
**Tip 1: Please wear closed shoes with good tread.
**Tip 2: Dress in clothes you can move freely in (touch your toes, stretch for a tree a little out of reach, sit comfortably).
**Tip 3: People with long hair should tie up their hair (in a bun) so it’s out of the way of pesky tree branches that may want to snag onto it.
#GO SANDBOARDING AT THE ATLANTIS DUNES
Photo credit: Sandboarding Cape Town
Going sandboarding is one of the most sought-after adventure experiences for thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Located approximately 40-minutes from the city center, the Atlantis Dunes is the ultimate sandboarding mecca. It is also one of only a handful of sandboarding locations in the world, undoubtedly making it a must-do bucket-list experience.
The ever-shifting dunes of Atlantis range in size of up to 35 meters and invites people of all ages and experience levels to join in on all the sandboarding fun. Even if you’ve never sand boarded a day in your life, the experienced guides will be right there to help you out along the way.
#ENJOY A FUN-FILLED BEACH DAY
Regardless of how old you get, there is nothing better than being sun-kissed, sandy-toed, and salty-haired while soaking up the glorious Cape Town sunshine on one of its beautiful beaches. Enjoying a blissful beach day on one of the Mother City’s stunning beaches is by far one of the top things to do in Cape Town. Thanks to Cape Town’s lovely year-round mild Mediterranean climate, beach season can be enjoyed right throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking to have some beach fun in the sun, sunbathe, go sandcastle building, learn to surf, enjoy a sunset stroll or beach sundowner, Cape Town’s variety of sensational beaches caters to all your beach-loving desires.
Here are some of our favorite beaches that all deserve to be on your Cape Town beach bucket-list: Camps Bay, Clifton, Muizenberg Beach, Bloubergstrand, Llandudno, Bakoven, Glen Beach, Boulders Beach, Big Bay, Oudekraal Beach, Long Beach in Kommetjie, Noordhoek Beach and Water’s Edge.
