Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Cape Town has more to offer than the views and scenery it’s so well known for. Tucked away in spots around the city are venues that cater to family adventures, creativity and children’s fun. We hope you find the perfect hidden gem from this list of the best activities for kids in Cape Town, as well as ideas for day trips and family outings.
Total Ninja – Observatory
Obstacle courses are a great way for your kids to learn new skills and develop their fitness, and at Total Ninja they’ll do just that. The courses are divided into age-appropriate zones for kids under 5 or under 15 and tickets purchased for the little ones include an adult to accompany them on their adventure.
The café is situated within viewing distance of the obstacle courses, so parents can see their kids conquering their fears and living their best lives in this energetic environment.
One hour for Mini Ninjas is R80 and Total Ninjas is R160. Visit www.totalninja.co.za for more information.
Valley Feeds – Hout Bay
The farmyard at Valley Feeds is home to a host of rescue animals your kids will love getting to know in the intimate setting. From Sweet-Pea the potbelly pig and John-Boy Grey, the African grey parrot to the guinea pigs and rabbits.
There are splash pools and a playground to sweeten the deal and parents will appreciate the mountain views, coffee kiosk and gardens.
Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Visit www.valleyfarmhoutbay.co.za for more information.
Acrobranch – Constantia
This outdoor activity park has something on offer for kids aged three and up. From balance challenges to swinging through the treetops like Tarzan, this is a thrilling experience, but parents can rest assured that safety is a main concern – belay systems and harnesses are mandatory. Essential skills like midline crossing, decision making and proprioception are also key benefits, but your kids will only be focused on the fun they’re having. Adults have also been known to join in on the fun, so why not make it a day out for the whole family?
Prices start at R150 per session. Visit acrobranch.co.za/kids/ for more information.
Bugz Play Park – Kraaifontein
This is essentially a theme park built especially for younger children, with rides for kids ages three and up as well as huge indoor and outdoor playgrounds.
The Worm Train, Splash Zone, rowing boats and train are just some of the rides and activities your kids can enjoy outdoors. There is also a petting zoo at an additional cost and the soft-play indoor area is a blessing on rainy days. Of course, the restaurant will keep bellied full and energy up.
Kids under three enter free (excluding rides) and passes start at R55. Visit www.bugzplaypark.co.za for more information.
Rush – Claremont
This is a trampoline park to remember. Catering for everyone from toddlers to teens and adults, rest assured there is fun to be had in a safe and engaging environment.
The toddler area is separate from the main jumping area and there is also a closed-off dodgeball setup for the brave at heart. Diving boards into a foam pit and music to keep rhythm to are just some of the elements that keep kids going back. Rush also offers kids’ gymnastics lessons.
Prices start at R150 per jumper. Visit www.rushsa.co.za for more information.
Wonderdal at Hazendal – Stellenbosch
Learning through play is the most effective way to encourage your child’s natural thirst for knowledge, and that’s just what this edutainment centre is all about. With seven learning stations available, including the Tinker Workshop, where kids can safely investigate electrical circuitry, or the marble run and wind tunnel to learn where renewable energy comes from. Other highlights include the Tree of Light and Wonder Garden, which are sure to bring back your own childlike sense of wonder.
Prices start from R85 for a fully supervised, two-hour session. Visit www.wonderdal.co.za for more information.
CityROCK – Paarden Island
Go as a family and have some fun with you child who’s older than five, or take things a little more seriously with kids’ courses that will take them from beginners through to more advanced, depending on their abilities and age.
Climbing is an ideal way to encourage your child’s hand-eye coordination, concentration and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.
The kids’ climbing area is quite expansive, but bookings for kids under 13 is required. All kids under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult or coach and belay tags are issued for kids to be able to climb independently.
A two-hour climb for your child starts at R140. Visit www.cityrock.co.za for more information.
Clay Café – Hout Bay
While Clay Café is known for offering the chance to paint unique homeware items and ornaments, their new home on 2.5 acres of land in Hout Bay has much to offer the whole family.
Now with a jungle gym and play area as well as a veggie garden (that helps create the delicious salads and Buddha bowls on offer), the food is freshly prepared and the mountain views are everything you would want from a Cape Town venue. Take the chance to spend the day in this gorgeous setting that’s truly ideal for the whole family while creating one-of-a-kind pieces with your little one.
Standard rate of R40 studio fee (includes 3 paints, firing and glazing), plus the value of the selected item/s. Visit www.claycafe.co.za for more information.
Playalot – Kuils River
This indoor play park is zoned according to ages and each contains age-appropriate activities and safety precautions. From trampolines and push bikes for toddlers to mazes and ball pits for slightly older kids, this is ideal for your older child to gain physical skills and strength while your tot has the chance to learn and grow through play.
The Playalot Café has a varied menu and the self-proclaimed best coffee in town when sleeping in is just not an option.
Entry starts from R60, plus R50 for grip socks. There’s no need to book, but you will need an online profile before entry. Visit www.playalot.co.za for more information.
The Base at The President Hotel – Bantry Bay
If you’re looking for something you can do with your kids that’s a little more high-end and “adult friendly”, this is the place. Set in Cape Town’s stunning Bantry Bay, this gourmet pizza bar can be found on the pool deck of the prestigious hotel.
While you tuck into wood-fired, artisanal pizza, your kids will have the chance to make their own (kids eat free on Fridays, so don’t forget to book), before they venture to the play area while you enjoy a sundowner or two. Or, you can all tuck into some delicious desserts like cake pops and waffles.
Kid’s pizzas start from R70 and adults from R150. Visit www.presidenthotel.co.za/food-and-drinks for more information.
