Arranging a family outing or holiday can feel like navigating a maze -thankfully, Cape Town has a host of fun activities to entertain the whole family.
With an array of attractions and activities waiting to be explored, boredom will be the last thing on your mind! Here is our list of family-friendly things to do in Cape Town:
Art Jamming, V&A Waterfront
Spend a day at Art Jamming at the V&A Waterfront. Here, you can create your own art masterpieces, whether you want to splash some paint around with artistic flair or draw one-of-a-kind artworks. Grab some paintbrushes and choose your canvas, select your paint colours, and let your creativity flow. Your little ones will also enjoy the newly introduced SlimeTime, where they can prepare and decorate their own slime. Art jamming also hosts events like Paint & Sip, art classes, kids’ holiday classes, and creative workshops.
Price: From R99
Website: artjamming.co.za/
The Company’s Gardens
Known as the oldest garden in South Africa, The Company’s Gardens offers many open spaces for children to run free. You can also purchase a bag of peanuts from vendors at the entrance to feed the squirrels (be sure to maintain a safe distance as they may bite). Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens and stop for refreshments at the Company’s Garden restaurant or opt to pack a picnic basket to relish on one of the lawns.
Price: Free
Website: www.thecompanysgarden.com
Cape Town Science Centre
Children are naturally inquisitive, so a trip to the Science Centre will prove very enlightening for them. There are interactive displays, a fun building site where kids can build houses, puzzles to solve, insights into gravity, brainwaves, and so much more!
Price: From R95
Website: www.ctsc.org.za
Cave Golf
The Cave Golf course at the V&A Waterfront (at the Scratch Patch, near the Aquarium) features an 18-hole mini-golf layout that is fun to play. Despite being relatively short and compact, it’s well-designed and challenging enough to be enjoyed even by regular golfers. The best part is that it is indoors and can be enjoyed in any weather.
Price: R40 per player
Website: www.scratchpatch.co.za/cave-golf/
Scratch Patch
The Scratch Patch and Mineral World, located at the V&A Waterfront, is a fun way to dig for your own beautiful gems. You get to immerse yourself in all the stones that quite literally cover the floor, then visit the gem exhibitions and shops afterward.
Price: From R35
Website: www.scratchpatch.co.za
Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome
Love stars and planets? The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is one of the most advanced digital planetariums on the African continent. This world-class, multifunctional facility serves as a hub for innovation and discovery, where art, science, and entertainment meet. Not only does the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome offer an immersive multi-sensory edutainment platform for artistic production, but it is also utilised for cutting-edge scientific research, enhancing South Africa’s eResearch and data visualisation capabilities.
Price: South African adults: R70, children aged 5 to 17, pensioners, and students: R40
Website: www.iziko.org.za
Oranjezicht City Farm
The farm is a non-profit project, connecting the community through food, culture, and urban farming. Families can shop for fresh produce together and enjoy some of the cooked foods at the communal tables. The market is open on Saturdays, from 8:15am to 2pm, and on Sundays, from 9am to 2pm.
Price: Meals start from R50
Website: www.ozcf.co.za
The Blue Train Park
The Blue Train Park with its miniature blue train captures the youthful fantasies of both young and old. Operated by the Sea Point Rotary Club and around for 60 years, this fun train trip offers some incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head, and Table Mountain.
Price: R45 pp, which includes entrance + 1 train ride
Website: www.thebluetrainpark.co.za
Green Point Urban Park
A unique space in the heart of an urban environment, the Green Point Urban Park is a fantastic, family-friendly place for a picnic, walk, run, or simply lazing around.
Be sure to visit the new 3D dome, part of the City of Cape Town’s Experiential Education Garden (EEG). This new development celebrates heritage and biodiversity. There is also an outdoor gym, a play park, an adventure park, and an outdoor labyrinth. Access to the park is via Bill Peters Drive, Bay Road, or Helen Suzman Boulevard.
Price: Free
Website: bit.ly/3OWUMEf
The Blueberry Bar
The Blueberry Bar is a one-stop shop for blueberry lovers. From blueberry picking (perfect for all ages) to blueberry treats and smoothies, you can enjoy it all. There is also a Blueberry Tasting experience, where you can sample five unique blueberry juice flavours. Blueberry punnets, preserves, and ice creams are also on sale.
Price: From R60
Website: blueberrybar.co.za/
Museum of Dogs
The Museum of Dogs is the first of its kind in the world, celebrating all things dog related. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 5pm, visitors can learn more about dogs through captivating stories and interactive displays. Events are held monthly, and the best part is that you can bring your dog along!
Price: R100 for adults, R50 for children under 16, and free for children under 10.
Website: bit.ly/4gjcbmn
Playrock Adventure Park
For the young-and the young at heart – Playrock Adventure Park is the ultimate fun zone! With an indoor playpark, trampoline zones, a mini-golf course, and an outdoor mini-soccer pitch, this adventure-packed park promises hours of excitement for everyone. When you’re not bouncing through circuits, unwind with drinks and meals at the Restaurant & Bar. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the venue is also available for private events.
Price: From R60
Website: www.playrock.co.za/
Polkadraai Strawberry Farm (Seasonal)
Strawberry picking is just one of the fun activities you can enjoy at Polkadraai Strawberry Farm. This family-friendly attraction is perfect for a day out, offering everything from tractor rides and pedal karts to a bike park, mini golf, and a food court.
Price: From R25
Website: www.polkadraaifarm.co.za/
The Alpaca Loom
If you love all things alpaca, this location is a must-visit. The Alpaca Loom, created as a labour of love by Dietmar Keil and Kerstin Heisterkamp, has a petting zoo, a play area for the kids, and a coffee shop and gift shop for the adults.
You can also watch weavers at work in the Alpaca Loom studio, or enjoy a barn tour where you will meet the resident alpaca herd, including the youngest crias, and learn more about alpacas in a fun and informative way.
Price: From R30
Website: www.alpacas.co.za/
The Bike Park
For a little thrill or to practice your bike skills, The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig is worth visiting. Designed and built by former South African mountain bike champion Chris Nixon, the bike park is suitable for all ages and skill levels. The park has specific areas that focus on different skills, such as berms, drop-offs, A-frames, rock gardens, bridges and jumps. Enjoy lap after lap of fun, with some of the best views.
Price: Access to The Bike Park and all tracks costs R70 per hour or R95 for a day permit
Website: bikeparkatuitsig.co.za/
