From raising and entertaining children in Cape Town for the past 12 years (and counting!), I’ve come to know the city and the winelands very well—especially when it comes to family activities. From farmyards to delight toddlers to adrenaline-pumping activities for older children and teenagers, we’ve tried and tested most of them! I’ve also learned the hard way which beaches are blissful and which are best avoided when the infamous Cape Town wind, the South Easter, picks up during the summer months. Hopefully this guide with our top picks will help keep all members of the family happy during your stay in Cape Town and inspire you to make the most of this beautiful corner of South Africa.
For families with younger children (8 and under)
Active outdoor adventures:
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Newlands): Bring a picnic and enjoy the lawns and the Boomslang canopy walkway.
- World of Birds (Hout Bay): A walk-through aviary where kids can see parrots and monkeys up close.
- Seal Island Boat Trips (Hout Bay): Short, fun cruises where you can see seals basking and frolicking.
- Jolly Roger Pirate Boat (V&A Waterfront): Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure on a real pirate ship.
- Cape Point Ostrich Farm and Scone Shack (Cape Point): Visit the ostriches and indulge in freshly baked scones.
- Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard at Imhoff Farm (Kommetjie): A delightful petting farm with animals children love.
Indoor adventures:
- Two Oceans Aquarium (V&A Waterfront): A firm favourite, with large tanks showcasing marine life, including sharks and penguins.
- Scratch Patch and Cave Golf (Simon’s Town): Hunt for semi-precious stones and enjoy a round of mini-golf, perfect if weather not great.
- Wonderdal (Stellenbosch): An interactive edutainment center that combines learning and play.
- Planetarium (City Bowl): A journey through space in a captivating dome theater.
- Art Jamming (waterfront): Let kids unleash their creativity with painting fun.
Wine farms:
- Spier Wine Farm (Stellenbosch): A family-friendly environment with picnic options and a play area.
- Groot Constantia (Constantia): Spacious grounds and a welcoming vibe, eat at Jonkerhuis, it’s ideal for families.
- Boschendal (Franschhoek): Offers great picnics, and farm animal interactions, horseriding and treehouse play area.
- Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate (Stellenbosch): Famous for its quirky duck parade that delights everyone!
- Warwick Wine Estate (Stellenbosch): Known for family picnics and well-equipped play areas.
- Cape Point Vineyards (Noordhoek): A breathtaking view paired with child-friendly lawns.
Restaurants/cafes
- Dunes (Hout Bay): A beachfront restaurant with a kids’ play area and sea views.
- The Company’s Garden Restaurant (City Bowl): Relaxed dining with open lawns and friendly squirrels.
- Café Paradiso (City Bowl): A child-friendly restaurant offering baking activities.
- Deer Park Café (Vredehoek): A family favorite adjoining a park with a playground.
- Café Roux (Noordhoek): A laid-back family café with a fantastic play area.
- Blue Water Café (Kommetjie): Enjoy delicious farm-style food with camel rides and a petting zoo.
Older children (over 8) and teenagers
Active outdoor adventures:
- Hiking Lion’s Head or Platteklip Gorge (City Bowl): Safe, adventurous trails with rewarding views.
- Surfing at Muizenberg Beach (Muizenberg): One of the best places to learn to surf in the world, so have a go!
- Kayaking from Simon’s Town (Simon’s Town): Paddle alongside penguins and dolphins in calm waters.
- Sandboarding in Atlantis Dunes (Atlantis): Glide down the dunes in this adrenaline-filled activity.
- Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach (Noordhoek): A scenic beach ride for confident riders.
- Acrobranch (Constantia): Ziplining and treetop fun for active adventurers.
- Constantia Bike Park (Constantia): A fun spot at Constantia Uitsig for kids who are into biking – you can rent bikes and helmets.
- Robben Island Tour (Departing from V&A Waterfront): Explore a piece of South Africa’s history, great for curious children!
- Electric Scooters along Sea Point Promenade (Sea Point): A unique and eco-friendly way to explore the mountain
- Silvermine Dam and Elephant’s Eye Hike (Tokai): A moderate hike leading to stunning views and a cave.
- Scootours on Table Mountain (City Bowl): A thrilling way to descend the mountain.
- Cape Town Ziplines (Constantia): Exhilarating ziplining through lush forest scenery.
Indoor adventures:
- Total Ninja (Century City): Obstacle courses for active teens.
- Jewelry Making at Soul Design Studio (Kalk Bay): Learn to create wearable art in a creative workshop.
- Clay Cafe (Hout Bay): Family friendly restaurant and pottery painting
- City Rock (Paarden Eiland): Indoor climbing walls.
- Rush Indoor Trampoline Park (Claremont): High-energy fun with trampolines and foam pits.
Food Markets:
- Noordhoek Village Market (Noordhoek): A vibrant spot with great food and live music – Wednesday evenings
- Cape Point Vineyards Market (Noordhoek): Delicious eats paired with spectacular sunset views – Thursday evenings
- Bay Harbour Market (Hout Bay): A bustling indoor market offering artisan foods, crafts, live music, and a lively weekend vibe -Weekends
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market (Waterfront): A foodie’s paradise with fresh produce, gourmet meals, and stunning waterfront views – Weekends
Beaches
Best beaches on non-windy days for beach fun:
- Noordhoek Beach (Noordhoek) Not ideal with very small children as have to walk a few hundred meters to get to the sea.
- Glencairn Beach (Glencairn) Great for swimming. It has a lovely tidal pool there too
- Muizenburg Beach (Muizenburg) Great for all ages
- Llandudno beach (Llundudno) A picturesque beach ideal for beach lounging.
- Clifton 4th Beach A trendy beach where teens can soak up the sun, play beach volleyball, and enjoy sunsets.
Best beaches on windy days:
- Clifton Beaches (Clifton): Sheltered coves ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
- Boulders Beach (Simon’s Town): Famous for its penguin colony and calm waters.
- Kommetjie Beach (Kommetjie): Kommetjie can be a good option if the south easter is blowing
Best beaches for surfing/bodyboarding:
- Muizenberg Beach (Muizenberg): The place to come for surf lessons, wetsuit and board rentals.
- Glencairn Beach (Glencairn): Great for bodyboarding
- Fish Hoek Beach (Fish Hoek): Gentle waves and a family-friendly vibe.
Best beaches by restaurants/cafes
- Camps Bay Beach (Camps bay) You have the Camps Bay ‘Strip’ by the beach with an array of places to eat and drink!
- Muizenburg beach (Muizenburg) Lots of options to eat after a surf/boogie board
Hidden gem beaches:
- Water’s Edge Beach (Simon’s Town): A serene beach ideal for swimming.
- Windmill Beach (Simon’s Town): A snorkeler’s paradise with calm, clear waters.
- Diaz Beach (Cape Point): Remote and stunning, best for adventurous teens.
- Buffels Beach (Cape Point Nature Reserve): Turquoise waters with a tidal pool but keep an eye on the baboons.
