Fun Things to Do in Cape Town with Kids

Discover exciting activities across Cape Town, from the Atlantic Seaboard to the Cape Winelands, guaranteed to keep children of all ages entertained. Cape Town is a vibrant holiday destination that appeals to visitors from all walks of life.

Many of the city's suburbs cater to families, offering attractions and experiences for every age group and interest. With hundreds of activities designed for children, you'll never run out of ideas for things to do in Cape Town with kids.

Be sure to have a look at our insider's guide which helps families visiting Cape Town choose the best place to stay (area and accommodation).

If you have any questions, email reservations or call us on +27 21 201 1217 for advice and assistance. 

Two Oceans Aquarium

Jolly Roger Pirate Boat

Board The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat, operated by Yacoob Yachts, for an unforgettable harbour cruise. You may even get lucky and see dolphins and whales. Yacoob Yachts has a variety of vessels departing from the V&A Waterfront.

Opening hours: Morning, lunchtime, afternoon and sunset cruises.

Ideal ages: All ages, children under 12 enjoy the Jolly Roger pirate show.

Weather notes: Hop on board when the weather is sunny and the wind moderate.

Visit: Quay 5, V&A Waterfront (view on Google Maps )

Website: yacoobyachts.co.za

Robben Island Tours

A fun ferry ride departing from Table Bay takes you on an educational site visit of the historic prison island.

Opening hours: Tours depart daily at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Pick a day when it is sunny and not too windy.

Visit: Nelson Mandela Gateway, V&A Waterfront (view on Google Maps )

Website: robben-island.org.za/tours

The Cape Wheel

A ride on the Cape Wheel with its 360° views of Cape Town is a highlight for children of all ages.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 until 22:00

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Good weather makes for amazing views.

Visit: The Lawns, Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (view on Google Maps )

Website: capewheel.co.za

Sea Point Promenade & Pavilion

The Sea Point Promenade is a broad boardwalk. It has space for people from all walks of life. It runs the length of Sea Point's beachfront from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay. There are play areas, outdoor art and gym installations on the Promenade. It also houses Cape Town's sparkling municipal swimming pool complex, the Pavilion. Included here are a 50m Olympic-size swimming pool, two kiddie splash pools and a deep diving pool.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 until 18:00

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Sunny, warm weather is great for swimming.

Visit: Beach Road, Sea Point (view on Google Maps )

Website: City of Cape Town

The Blue Train Park

This kiddie's zone is the perfect spot for things to do in Cape Town with toddlers. It is in Mouille Point, on the Promenade with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. There is an "Old Lady" Mini Blue Train, Mini-skate Park and various bike tracks. It also has a jungle gym, obstacle course and an astroturf soccer pitch.

Opening hours: In summer, Tuesday to Sunday from 09:30 to 18:30. In winter, Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 to 18:00; Friday to Sunday from 09:30–18:30; closed on Monday.

Ideal ages: The train is great for the little ones up to six years.

Weather notes: Best suited to fair weather days.

Visit: Next to the Light House, Beach Road, Mouille Point (view on Google Maps )

Website: thebluetrainpark.co.za

The Green Point Urban Park has playgrounds, jungle gym equipment and loads of space for picnics.

Opening hours: Daily from 07:00 to 19:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Best suited to fair weather days.

Visit: Cape Stadium Park, Green Point (view on Google Maps )

Website: City of Cape Town

At the Clay Café in Hout Bay, young Picassos get a chance to paint their own designs on unfired read-made pottery pieces.

Opening hours: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: All weather indoor activity.

Visit: Erf 4080, 177 Main Road, Hout Bay (open in Google Maps )

Website: claycafe.co.za

World of Birds in Hout Bay is the largest bird park in Africa. It provides hours of fascination. Enquire about the bird feeding times for added excitement.

Opening hours: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Best enjoyed in good weather.

Visit: Valley Road, Hout Bay (view in Google Maps )

Website: worldofbirds.org.za

Booking your accommodation in Sea Point is idea because it's near the V&A Waterfront where you will find loads of activities for kids of all ages.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a cable car trip up Table Mountain. However, before you rush to the cableway, confirm the operating hours here before you go as they change regularly depending on the seasons and weather conditions.

Opening hours: In winter (May to August), the first car up departs at 08:30. The last car up is at 17:00. The last car down is at 18:00. In summer (September to April), the first car up departs at 08:00. The last car up is at 19:00. The last car down is at 20:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: The cableway only operates in good weather.

Visit: Tafelberg Road, off Kloof Nek Road, Cape Town (view in Google Maps )

Website: tablemountain.net

Scootours offers non-motorised, eco-friendly fun vehicles for the whole family. Ride around Table Mountain and freewheel down the slopes of Signal Hill.

Opening hours: Three daily tour slots at 9:00, 12:00 and 15:00. Tours are between 90 minutes to two hours.

Ideal ages: 10 years and older, passenger ages 4 – 9 years.

Visit: 209 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain Nature Reserve (view in Google Maps )

Website: scootours.co.za

Visit the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent. The Iziko Museum Planetarium brings together art, science and entertainment. Its 360° cinema experience gives visitors a virtual voyage of the universe.

Opening hours: The planetary dome shows take place daily from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens (view in Google Maps )

Website: iziko.org.za/planetarium

Take note of our comprehensive guide on safety tips for tourists to ensure a happy  family vacation in Cape Town.

Find free, fun activities and age-specific playgrounds at the Noordhoek Farm Village. There are also child-friendly restaurants. Do not miss the weekly Village Market on Wednesdays from 16:00 to 20:00.

Opening hours: Shops open daily at 09:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: Corner of Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek (view in Google Maps )

Website: thefarmvillage.co.za

Imhoff Farm is home to the double-story Milkwood Maze. This interactive 3D wooden maze portrays various aspects of Southern Africa.

Opening hours: Weekends, school- and public holidays from 09:00 to 17:00, weather permitting.

Ideal ages: Suited to children aged 5 and older.

Weather notes: Outdoor maze suited to fair weather.

Visit: Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie (view in Google Maps )

Website: imhofffarm.co.za

Kids never get tired of rides. The Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular provides a scenic ride. This funicular railway takes visitors from the car park to the upper lighthouse. Watch out for baboons and whales when visiting the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve.

Opening hours: Daily from 09:00 to 18:00 in summer and until 17:00 in winter.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Visit when the weather is fair to get the best views.

Visit: Cape Point, Cape Peninsula (view in Google Maps )

Website: capepoint.co.za

Get close to an African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. These wild animals live freely on a sheltered beach. This beach is often wind-free. Kids can enjoy a fun day at the seaside while getting to know the penguins. Best times to see penguins are early morning or late afternoon, especially in January.

Opening hours: December and January daily from 07:00 to 19:30. The rest of the year, daily from 08:00 to 18:30.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Best enjoyed in fair weather.

Visit: Kleintuin Road, Simon's Town (view in Google Maps )

Website: sanparks.org/boulders-beach

A great variety of gemstones await at the Scratch Patch. Kids can spend hours sorting through the gemstones.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:45 and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 09:00 to 17:30.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Under roof sections makes this activity suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: Dido Valley Road, Simon's Town (view in Google Maps )

Website: scratchpatch.co.za

Offering some of the hottest properties around the world, we guarantee your   accommodation in Clifton will be nothing short of spectacular.

The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig is open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

Opening hours: Daily from 08:00 to 18:00.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Outdoor cycling is more fun in fair weather.

Visit: Spaanschemat River road, Porter Reform Estate (view in Google Maps )

Website: bikeparkatuitsig.co.za

Kirstenbosch is one of the places to see in Cape Town. Children in particular enjoy the Tree Canopy Walkway. Watch out for the Summer Sunset Concerts to watch local talent perform outdoors.

Opening hours: Daily in summer from 08:00 to 19:00 and 08:00 to 18:00 in winter.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: It is best to visit the outdoor gardens in fair weather.

Visit: Rhodes Drive, Newlands (view in Google Maps )

Website: sanbi.org/kirstenbosch

Rush, an indoor trampoline park, provides a jumping rush for kids and parents.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 13:00 to 21:00. Fridays and Saturdays from 09:00 to 22:00 and Sundays from 09:00 to 19:00. Extended hours during school holidays.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: Stadium on Main, 104 Main Road, Claremont (view on Google Maps )

Website: rushsa.co.za

The Cape Town Science Centre offers fun for everyone. Stimulating experiments and exhibits are on offer.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 16:30, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 16:30.

Ideal ages: Ages 3 and up will enjoy the experience.

Weather notes: Indoor venue so suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: 370B Main Road, Observatory (view on Google Maps )

Website: ctsc.org.za

The be.UP Park is all about fun and adventure. It offers an array of climbing and jumping opportunities for active youngsters.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Fridays and Saturdays from 09:00 to 22:00. Open on Sundays from 09:00 to 19:00. Extended hours during school holidays.

Ideal ages: Suited to children from the age of three and up.

Weather notes: Suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: Gardener Place, Rose Innes Street, Pinelands (view on Google Maps )

Website: beuppark.co.za

Grand West Casino offers The Magic Arcade with games and rides. There is also The Ice Station, ten pin bowling, laser tag and cinemas to keep kids entertained for hours.

Opening hours: All hours.

Ideal ages: Suited to children from the age of five.

Weather notes: Suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Goodwood (view in Google Maps )

Website: suninternational.com/grandwest

The Century City development features Intaka Island, a 16-hectare wetland. Here you can view rare birds and majestic flora. Take a ferry ride or stroll along 2km long footpaths. Special holiday programmes make this a great place to visit with kids.

Opening hours: In summer from 07:30 to 19:00 and in winter, from 07:30 to 17:30.

Ideal ages: All ages.

Weather notes: Best enjoyed in fair weather.

Visit: Park Lane, Century City (view in Google Maps )

Website: intaka.co.za

Cool Runnings is South Africa's first downhill tobogganing track. This 1,2km track hauls sleds up the mountain before letting it loose on its track down the slopes.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, weekends and Public Holidays from 09:00 to 18:00.

Ideal ages: Children between 3 to 7 years ride with an adult. Children may ride alone from 8 years and upwards.

Weather notes: Closed in rainy weather.

Visit: Opposite Bellville Velodrome, Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville (view in Google Maps )

Website: coolrunnings.capetown

Bugz Playpark is a fun all-weather theme park with plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas and water slides. It is also a great party venue.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.

Ideal ages: All ages, but particularly great for toddlers and children under 10. Individual rides indicate suitable ages.

Weather notes: Suited to all weather conditions.

Visit: 56 Tarentaal Street, Joostenbergvlakte, Kraaifontein (view in Google Maps )

Website: bugzplaypark.co.za

Cheetah Outreach

Visit the Cheetah Outreach for a chance to meet majestic wild cats and some other animals too.

Opening hours: Daily from 09:30 to 17:00, encounters at 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00.

Ideal ages: All ages, age restrictions apply for certain encounters.