A GUIDE TO AFRICA
8 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is a city for everyone, including families with young kids. Whether you are in search of an outdoor adventure, a trip that delves into South Africa’s cultures and history, or a good old-fashioned family fun vacation, Cape Town has you covered.
With fantastic museums, iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches and everything in between, you and the little ones are likely to have the trip of a lifetime!
Here are 8 things to do with kids in Cape Town:
1. Two Oceans Aquarium
We love the Two Oceans Aquarium and anyone who has visited is likely to be of the same opinion. Situated at the V&A Waterfront, it is a great excursion for the entire family to enjoy. Dozens of fascinating exhibitions bringing the wonders of life under the sea above land will keep you and the young ones enthralled for hours. Look out for the hundreds of ‘Nemo’s’, mysterious fluorescent jellyfish, sting rays and ragged-tooth sharks. Make sure to time your visit so that you can see the feeding of the penguins, always a spectacle and great fun!
2. Rush Trampoline Park
We love to believe that Cape Town is perfect with every day unfolding under a sunny blue sky. However, the weather can get quite grey and rainy sometimes, in which case you might need a back-up activity to that trip up Table Mountain. Enter Rush Trampoline Park – an indoor trampoline park where the kids can expend all their pent up energy. There are dozens of trampolines for them to bounce around on and it guarantees a fun day out.
3. Cape Town Science Centre
The Cape Town Science Centre is another great family-friendly destination in Cape Town. It specifically targets children, but you will not be left feeling bored – there is plenty to keep busy with. The little ones will marvel at the wide-variety of interactive displays and exciting activities. The Centre also hosts special events during the school holidays, such as 3D printing and app-building workshops.
4. Green Point Urban Park
The Green Point Urban Park is a great public space in Cape Town for getting some fresh air with the family. It is suitable for both younger and older children – smaller children can enjoy the safe, well-equipped playground, while older children can run and play on the big green lawns among the indigenous gardens. Ball sports and bikes are also allowed. If you get peckish, either enjoy a treat and coffee at the tea room on site, or pack your own picnic and relax under the trees.
5. Clay Cafe
Situated in the little seaside town of Hout Bay, just outside of Cape Town then we recommend taking the little ones to the Clay Cafe. This a great chance for the kids to stimulate their minds and get their creativity flowing. Children pick from a variety of unfired clay objects and then paint and decorate them to their hearts desire in a relaxing environment.
6. Butterfly World
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of Cape Town for a day, then rent a car and head towards Klapmuts where you’ll discover Butterfly World. You will walk into lush tropical gardens, greeted by the sound of running water, singing birds and free flying butterflies. Butterfly World is not just a butterfly park but a sanctuary for exotic animals, birds and reptiles who have been saved from unsuitable homes and are unable to return to their natural habitat. It is in fact a wonderful opportunity to teach your children about the importance of wildlife conservation.
7. Boulders Beach
Everyone loves Boulder’s Beach – its penguins have become Cape Town celebrities in their own right. It is home to one of Africa’s only penguin colonies and one of the few places in the world where you can swim with penguins (note, you cannot touch them, as they are wild animals). The little ones will love watching these waddling birds in their natural environment.
8. World of Birds
If you decide on a trip to the Clay Cafe in Hour Bay, then we suggest you head to World of Birds. Another popular great thing to do with kids in Cape Town that claims to the the largest of its kind in Africa. It is home to more than 3,000 birds and small animals. Their mission is to support global conservation by propagating rare birds and mammals in a protective and natural environment.
