20 Fun Things To Do in Cape Town With Kids during the holidays

The summer holidays are around the corner and you must be looking forward to spending some quality time with your kids. Yet, the last thing you probably feel like doing is spending hours online searching for the best kids activities in town. So we thought we’d take it off your plate.

We’re passionate about fun, educational activities for kids, so to save you time, we’ve come up with a list of 20 family friendly activities for you to check off your holiday bucket list.

Are you ready to start making some memories?

20 Fun things to do in Cape Town

1. Discover a world of wonders at the Wonderdal Edutainment Centre

A visit to Wonderdal should be at the top of your holiday bucket list. And we don’t say it because we are biased. It is really because nothing else compares to the experience that Wonderdal offers. Our one-of-a-kind family-friendly edutainment centre offers an immersive and interactive indoor-outdoor learn through play experience. Here the kids learn about natural sciences, biology, recycling and other topics, while developing fine-motor skills, problem-solving and creative thinking.

For those who are looking for something extra, we have recently added the Wonderdal Farm Explorers as an option to your Wonderdal experience. You can click here  to book your Farm Explorers experiences.

Looking for a joyful and enriching holiday program for your kids? Look no further. The Wonderdal Holiday Club has been thoughtfully designed to provide your child with a meaningful and fun experience. You can click here to find out more about the Wonderdal Holiday Club.

An added bonus for the parents is that Wonderdal is fully supervised, so knowing that their kids are in the good, reliable hands of the Wonderpals, parents can relax and enjoy any of the many offerings of Hazendal.

Book your visit to Wonderdal here.

2. Oranjezicht City Farmers Market

Cape Town has a wide variety of markets to choose from, but what makes Oranjezicht City Farmers Market special is their focus on artisan and hand-made food, organic produce and the beautiful location. Overlooking the ocean, families regularly spend their weekend mornings reconnecting and tucking into delicious foods.

Image source: Cape Town Tourism

3. Hike Lion’s Head

Hiking up Lion’s Head is something of a tradition in Cape Town, so is snapping that iconic selfie at the summit! There are a few ways to ascend this oddly shaped mountain, and if using the chain ladder sounds a bit daunting, do not fear, because there is the option to bypass it via an easier route up the south-east ridge.

Image source: Unsplash

4. Dip your toes in the ocean

The seaside suburb of Blouberg offers some of the best views of Table Mountain with two beaches to explore. Big Bay is popular with kite surfers and is also a great family beach. Little Bay has a lawn-covered braai area, great for picnics, and rock pools nearby just waiting to be splashed in.

Image source: Unsplash

5. Picnic at Hazendal Wine Estate

Picnicking in the beautiful outdoors is a great way to spend a summer’s day in the Cape wine lands. The Hazendal’s picnic experience boasts beautiful bespoke wicker baskets that are filled with South African and Russian al fresco food made from fresh, and local ingredients. Enjoy the sun on your face, and the grass beneath your feet while the children frolic on the lawns or even enjoy splashing in the stream.

You can pre-book one of Hazendal’s scenic picnic spots where your basket will be waiting for you. Click  here to book yours now. 

6. Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary

Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary is a truly magical place and the perfect mix of wonder and learning. The tropical garden is filled with glamorous free flying butterflies and is a sanctuary for exotic animals like spiders, snakes, monkeys, meerkats, scorpions and birds. Their restaurant has a great sit-down menu and take-away options that can be enjoyed in the tropical garden.

Image source: Butterfly World

7. Fish & Chips in Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a delightfully quaint fishing village buzzing with activity. Before tucking into fresh fish and chips, visit the fishermen along the pier and watch as they reel in their catch, take a photo in front of the iconic lighthouse, and if you are lucky, you may even see a seal or two.

Image source: Lucky’s Fish and Chips

8. Spend the day at Green Point Park

You don’t have to venture out far to get your fix of fresh air. The Green Point Urban Park is a favourite among Capetonians and includes gardens, cycle paths, a biodiversity nursery, playgrounds, and rolling lawns perfect for a picnic. With separate play parks for toddlers and tweens its an ideal spot for the entire friendly to enjoy.

Image source: Cape Town Tourism

9. Birds, birds, birds!

World of Birds is home to over 3000 birds and small animals set in a spacious tropical garden in Hout Bay. This nature lover’s paradise will captivate the imagination of both young and old with  birdsong the soundtrack to a day of exploring our magical natural world.

Image source: World of Birds

10. See the penguins at Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is one of the few places that offer a remarkable viewing point for African Penguins. The aquatic bird is an endangered species and through incredible conservation efforts, the Boulders colony has grown to over 3000 birds. If you are feeling hungry after spending time with the penguins, you can make your way into Simon’s Town and pop in at Bertha’s Restaurant. Their menu offers fresh seafood, light grills and pasta.

Image source: Cape Town Tourism

11. We’re Alpaca’s from the Andes

Alpaca’s are incredibly cute and Alpaca Loom is one of the best places to get up close to them. Children will delight in spending time with these curious gentle creatures,  they will even eat right out of little ones’ hands.

They have a wonderful range of alpaca wool merchandise, our favourites are the little beanies and headbands, which are perfect for keeping little heads and ears warm throughout the winter months. You can also book an informative tour to explore the farm and surroundings while gaining more insight into the fascinating world of alpacas.

Image source: Alpaca Loom

12. Cycle along the Sea Point Promenade

The ever popular promenade is Sea Point’s most famous landmark. This popular stretch attracts joggers, dog walkers, cyclists, amblers and everyone in between. Bicycles can be rented from Up Cycles, located at the Sea Point Pavillion. Enjoy the sights along the way as you bike towards Mouille Point. Stop at The Creamery for a sweet reward.

Image source: Up Cycles

13. Pick strawberries at Polkadraai Farm

Summer is strawberry season in Cape Town and what better way to spend a day than by picking your own. But it is not just about the strawberries! Polkadraai Farm is super family-friendly and offers tractor rides, mini golf, a playground, pony rides and a food court.

Image source: Polkadraai Farm

14. Two Oceans Aquarium

One of the fun things to do in Cape Town is visiting the V&A Waterfront. Here you will find the Two Oceans Aquarium is the place to see sharks, penguins, seahorses, turtles and jellyfish all of which are enthralling to all ages. Take in the wonder of the sea as you walk between the galleries. Be sure to spend some time looking at sea life under the microscope or plunge your hands into the Touch Pool where you can pick up, touch and feel a variety of marine animals and plants.

Image source: Two Oceans Aquarium

15. Cape Town Red Bus Sunset trip on Signal Hill

Located on the doorstep of the Two Oceans Aquarium is the City Sightseeing Red Bus. They offer a variety of routes in which to discover Cape Town, however during summer their Sunset Tour is one of the best ways to experience the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from the iconic Signal Hill.

Image source: City Sightseeing South Africa

16. Take a day trip to Cape Point

There is so much to see and do at Cape Point, so try and put aside a full day. Choose from breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery, historical and historical spots to explore,  along with, wildlife and hiking trails. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular.

Image source: Cape Point

17. Visit Pigcasso at the Farm Sanctuary in Franschhoek

The idyllic Farm Sanctuary in Franschhoek is home to Pigcasso, the world’s only painting pig! This artistic pig has friends too, from cows, sheep, chickens and ducks, all living out their days on a Utopian farm setting. Once you have worked up an appetite, head into town and pop in at Col’Cacchio for a family-friendly lunch.

Image source: Getaway

18. Braai in Newlands Forest

We South African’s love to braai and the Newlands Forest is one of the numerous public braai spots dotted around the city. They have built-in braai pits, or you can bring along your own portable version. Find a spot under the shade of the tall pine trees and light up the fire while the kids enjoy playing in the fresh air.

Image source: Unsplash

19. Take the cable car up Table Mountain

Taking the cable car up to the summit of Table Mountain is high up on every South African’s (and international visitors) bucket list. These state of the art cable cars will zip you up in 5 minutes, while giving you some of the best views of the city. When you are on top of the mountain, spend some time walking the trails, taking in the views and spotting the very cute dassies that call the mountain home.

Image source: Table Mountain Cableway

20. Visit the Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town 

The Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town is the place to visit for children of all ages (adults too!). Take a slow stroll inside the museum and view 4 000 model cars, 500 dolls and teddy bears, miniature doll houses, two fully operating railroads, soldier displays, and so much more.

Image source: SA Venues

Summer in Cape Town can get quite hot, so don’t forget your sunscreen, hat and drink plenty of water. And most of all- remember your sense of adventure!