Tired of hearing “I’m bored” during the school holidays? No problem! We’re here to share a few experiences you should try with the little ones.
From indoor playparks, spying on neighbours and outer space voyages, to adventurous marine stories, rubbing fluffy afros and hopping on an “Old Lady”…
Our list of 10 Things to Do in Cape Town This School Holidays for Under R100, will beat the boredom blues and help you to let the good times roll.
Have hours of Fun at Playstation by Rush
Hip hip hooray it’s time to play!
Playstation by Rush is a safe, fun and exciting way to spend the day climbing over, under and even through everything. This indoor playpark is perfect for children aged 2 to 13.
Slowly creep along a 4m High-Line course, testing bravery, balance, and stomach skills.
Disappear down an adventure maze, blocking your every move with fun obstacles. Slide down a spine-tingling, tons-of-giggling, 4-metre-high slide. Blitz the pump track on a bicycle, or practice playing for Bafana or the Proteas, on the indoor astroturf.
Location: 10 Honeywell Rd, Retreat
Price: From R30
Times: Monday – Thursday 10am–6pm; Friday and Saturday 9am–10pm; Sunday 9am-6pm
Call: 021 683 3841
Visit: playstation.rushsa.co.za/
Take a boat trip around the Waterfront
Spot seals, ships and listen to marine stories while cruising the busy waterways of the Waterfront.
Relax on an open-air boat, while your captain takes you around to eye-popping attractions.
Highlights include the SAS Somerset, the last remaining boom defence vessel in the world, the largest synchro-lift drawbridge southern hemisphere, as well as other exciting attractions.
Note: The cruise is weather dependent and lasts about 25 minutes.
Location: V&A Waterfront
Price: Adult: R64; Child: R35
Times: 10am-5pm
Call: 021 511 6000
Visit: www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town/city-sightseeing-harbour-cruise
Zoom downhill at Cool Runnings
Do you have a need for speed?
Zip down a 1.25km half-pipe in a bobsled, flying through twists and curves at Cool Runnings, Africa’s first downhill tobogganing track.
It’s completely safe, and tons of fun for everyone. But if you’re not up for heart palpitations, go relax and enjoy a boerie roll, burger or pizza at their café.
Note: Closed when raining for safety.
Location: Off Carl Cronje Drive, Tygervalley
Price: Children: from R75; Adults: from R85
Times: Monday – Friday 11am-6pm; Weekends, Public and School Holidays 9am-6pm
Call: 021 949 4439
Visit: coolrunnings.capetown/
Visit Alpaca Loom
Since 2004, Alpaca Loom has grown to over 300 cute and furry animals.
Pop in and rub their little chins and soft woolly afros at the petting zoo. Watch weavers spin the best Alpaca scarves, shawls and blankets, the perfect solution for the cold Cape winters.
Or, have mouth-watering cakes and freshly brewed coffee at the coffee shop, while enjoying views of The Dromedaries and our Table Mountain in the background.
Location: Suid Agter Paarl Road, Southern Paarl
Price: From R20
Times: 9:30am-5:30pm
Call: 084 793 3666
Visit: www.alpacas.co.za/
Play at the Blue Train Park
For more than 60 years, the Blue Train Park has given Capetonians reasons to smile.
Ever wanted to be a train driver?
Well, hop on the “Old Lady”, a Mini Blue Train (not someone’s granny) for a 10-minute fun-filled ride around the park.
When you’re done, enjoy the rest of the park’s facilities. Do kickflips and alley-hoops at the skate park, race a friend around the dirt bike track or hold on tight as you speed down a 30m zip-line and so much more!
Location: Beach Road, Mouille Point
Price: R35 includes one free train ride
Times: Tuesday – Thursday 12pm–6pm; Friday – Sunday 9:30am–6:30pm
Call: 084 314 9200
Visit: thebluetrainpark.co.za/
Skedaddle over to the Ostrich Ranch
Go on a wild adventure at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch.
Book a guided tour, learning fascinating things about the largest bird on earth. Here your guide will also tell you about the anatomy of an ostrich, how they lay eggs, and the valuable products produced by these feisty long-necked fowl.
Snap a few memorable moments with them, or standing on them. (Yup, an ostrich egg can support an adult human’s weight.)
Location: Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia
Price: From R55
Times: 9am-5pm
Call: 021 972 1669
Visit: www.ostrichranch.co.za/
Go on a Marine Walk
The V&A Waterfront has some of the coolest neighbours in town, and you don’t even need an invitation to visit. From otters and sunfish to seals, birds, and jellyfish, these are just some of the animals that also call the waterfront their home.
There are eight lookout points across the area, where you can see how some of these animals live, feed, sleep, play and even breed…will your neighbours let you do that?
You can even help scientists by contributing to the V&A Waterfront’s Project on the iNaturalist app. Download the app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store, and join the V&A Waterfront Project.
Location: V&A Waterfront
Price: Free
Times: 9am-9pm
Call: 021 418 3823 Visit: www.waterfront.co.za/marine-wildlife-walk/
Explore the Planetarium and Digital Dome
The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent.
This state of the art facility brings digital technology to Cape Town, blending art, science and entertainment into an out-of-this world experience. Go on a virtual voyage in their 360◦ cinema, exploring everything from the out layers of the solar system, to the inner layers of the human body.
Location: 25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town
Price: Adults R70; Children R40 with SA ID
Times: Tuesday – Sunday 9am-5pm
Call: 021 148 13800
Visit: www.iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium/
Skate at the Ice Rink
Hit a frosty surface with friends, family and everyone else this school holiday.
Lace-up, grab your bomber jacket and hit the ice for some slipping and sliding, gliding and jiving around an Olympic size arena, with pumping jams and lekker vibes add to an awesome holiday skate session.
Tiny tots can experience a few frozen moments on the dinky rink in the food court, perfect to get their little feet moving and grooving too.
Location: GrandWest Casino, 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Goodwood
Price: From R40
Times: Monday – Tuesday 10am-4pm; Wednesday – Thursday 10am–7:30pm Friday – Sunday 10am–11:30pm
Call: 021 535 2260 Visit: icerink.co.za/
Hit a Hole-in-One at the Kids Village Mini Golf
Up for a round of golf, tiger?
Visit the Tygervalley Golf Village, a course for everyone.
No really, there are 27 holes, each with its own layout and African theme, designed for the smallest member of your family still in nappies to veteran players.
From uphill putting challenges to various bridge crossings and more, the course offers fun for the entire family.
Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville
Price: Adults R50; Kids R40
Times: 8am–6pm
Call: 021 948 5673
Visit: www.thegolfvillage.co.za/kids-village/