Things to do with kids in Cape Town

The gold-standard family beach — long, gentle, lifeguards, shark spotters and a playground, with the Galley restaurant right next to the beach for ice creams or basic meals afterwards.

Food

Yes · on site

An entrance fee applies in peak season — check before you go.

The iconic huts plus a small sandy beach with a tidal pool — lovely family spot that gets busy.

A hit with toddlers: shallow with a sandy bottom and not usually busy. No bathroom though, so plan around that.

Arboretum and pine forest with wide, mostly pram-friendly paths, picnic spots and easy trails at the foot of the mountain. The arboretum stroll is flat and short; carry on up to Elephant's Eye and it is about 6 km there and back.

Flat, leafy riverside walking trail through Constantia — shady, easy and a much-loved dog-walking route. About half an hour end to end.

Beach walk and exercise routes along the coast. The city's classic pram highway: paved, with playgrounds en route, ending near the Blue Train Park. The paved stretch runs about 7 km from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay, so pick your turnaround.

Local library where you can borrow books and access other resources.

Setting

Indoor

Local library where you can borrow books and access other resources.

Setting

Indoor

Local library where you can borrow books and access other resources.

Setting

Indoor

Free, hands-on museum for little ones. It has a small playground outside too.

Setting

Indoor museum with outdoor play

Hours

Wed–Sat 10–4pm · Public holidays 10–2pm

Free maritime museum filled with ship and submarine models, naval equipment, torpedoes and reconstructed control rooms.

Setting

Indoor museum

The nearby SAS Assegaai display area is free, but guided tours inside the submarine cost extra.

Hours

Mon–Sun 9:30–3:30pm

Free aviation museum with historic aircraft, engines, uniforms and military-aviation displays. Saturday morning is the best family visit because the main aircraft collection is inside the secure part of the base.

Setting

Indoor hangars & displays

Phone ahead because access to the aircraft hangars is controlled by the active air-force base. Bring ID for the gate, and photos are only allowed inside the museum and hangar.

Hours

Wed–Fri 7–3pm · Sat 8:30–12pm

Fun bike track for kids to ride on. It is part of a network of restaurants and stores on the estate.

Food

Yes · on site

No dogs anywhere on the estate. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, then R10.

Wander the leafy family-run garden nursery, say hello to the ducks and chickens, and let the kids loose in the playground — a relaxed, free outing with a coffee cart open (sometimes).

Setting

Outdoor

Open-air beachfront restaurant strip with a sheltered jungle gym, grassed recreation area and Table Mountain views across the bay. Free underground parking.

Food

Yes · on site

This large estate combines gardens, lawns and cycling routes with restaurants and a seasonal weekend market. The Millhouse Kitchen has access to a children's play area, while the market adds food stalls, live music and an interactive fountain. Read more

Food

Yes · Restaurants, cafés & weekend market food

Hours

Fri 5–10pm · Sat & Sun 11–4pm · Market, seasonal

Booking

Check the market calendar · book restaurants directly

This historic estate combines daily tastings and dining with a bike park, pump track and children's play area. The weather-dependent family market adds food stalls, live atmosphere and changing children's sensory-play activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Read more

Food

Yes · Market food & estate dining

Can I see them?

Lawns and play areas surround De Blaauwe Kitchen

Play fee

R100 entry · bike park pass is 2 hours · play areas ages 2–12

The market is weather permitting and no pets or outside food are allowed. In the bike park, helmets are compulsory, closed shoes are needed on the pump track and under-18s need a signed indemnity. The bike park is closed on Mondays.

Hours

Estate: Mon–Sun 10–5pm · market Sat–Sun 9–5pm

Booking

Book De Blaauwe Kitchen directly · market is walk-in

A free-entry farmers' market in its purpose-built Granger Bay home, with more than 100 traders, fresh produce, baked goods and a huge choice of breakfast and lunch food. The new timber market hall is wheelchair-accessible and remains family- and dog-friendly. Read more

Setting

Indoor market hall & outdoor areas

Hours

Wed 4–9:30pm · Sat 8–2:30pm · Sun 8:30–2:30pm · Wed except Jun–Jul

Swim beside African penguins and follow the boardwalks through their protected colony. The local conservation fee is R55 for adults and R26 for children aged 2–11 until 31 October 2026; bring proof of South African residency to claim it. Read more

Setting

Outdoor beach & penguin boardwalks

Hours

Mon–Sun 8–6:30pm · Oct–Nov and Feb–Mar · Dec–Jan 7am–7:30pm

A full Peninsula day with wildlife, fynbos, picnic and beach stops, the Cape of Good Hope and lighthouse viewpoints. The Flying Dutchman Funicular removes most of the uphill walk from the main car park towards the old lighthouse. Read more

Setting

Outdoor national park, viewpoints & funicular

Bring SA ID for local rates. Baboons are present, parking becomes busy and the beaches have no lifeguards; do not swim at Diaz Beach because of strong rip currents.

Hours

Mon–Sun 6am–6pm · Summer gate hours · funicular 9–5:30pm

A sheltered coastal picnic and braai site tucked among granite boulders, with small coves, clear water and views back towards the Twelve Apostles. Until 31 October 2026, SA residents pay R44 per adult and R22 per child aged 2–11.

Setting

Outdoor coastal picnic, braai & swimming

No lifeguard; swim at your own risk. No alcohol, music, gazebos, freestanding braais or gas cookers, and bring your own braai grid.

Hours

Mon–Sun 8–6pm · Seasonal access · check before travelling

Cape Town's world-class aquarium, home to over 8,000 animals — penguins, sharks, turtles and the famous kelp forest — with touch pools and daily feedings the kids love, plus a playroom and puppet shows. Read more

Setting

Indoor aquarium

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Hours stretch to 9–6pm over the school holidays.

Hours

Mon–Sun 9:30–6pm

Pony rides and riding lessons on Main Road, with gentle, well-cared-for horses and staff who are patient with nervous first-timers. Read more

Setting

Outdoor riding centre and petting area, with an indoor and outdoor café

Pony rides last about 10–15 minutes and need no booking — Mon 2:30–3:45pm, and Tues–Sat 9:30–10:45am and 2:30–3:45pm. They're for ages 2–10.

Hours

Mon 1:30–5:15pm · Tue–Fri 8:30–5:15pm · Sat 8:15–4pm · closed Sun

A sanctuary providing lifetime care to lions and other rescued big cats from abusive captive situations. Families view the animals without touching or performances; the sanctuary does not breed, trade or allow visitor-animal interaction. Read more

Setting

Outdoor big-cat rescue sanctuary

A genuine sanctuary visit: observation only, with no cub petting, breeding, performances or direct interaction. Visitors need to stay quiet around the animals. There is a small play area with swings and a slide.

Hours

Mon–Sun 9:30–5pm · closed 25 Dec

Several operators run short, family-friendly cruises around the V&A Waterfront's working harbour. Read more

Setting

Outdoor harbour cruises

Hours

Daily departures · operator and weather dependent

Pedal boating on the canals at Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront is a great fun activity with kids. It is free in the week of your birthday before 12pm (bring your ID). They are closed when the weather is not great.

Setting

Outdoor canal activity

easy parking, not pram or wheelchair friendly, feeding friendly, no food, no play zones, dog friendly.

Hours

Mon–Sun 11–4pm · closed in bad weather

Three operators run short cruises from Hout Bay Harbour to the Cape fur seal colony at Duiker Island. Trips take roughly 40–45 minutes and are suitable for a quick family outing, although all departures depend on weather and sea conditions. Read more

Setting

Outdoor boat trips

Hours

Daily departures · operator and weather dependent

Ride a wheeled toboggan down the 1.25km rail track, controlling your own speed. Rides start at R110 and children under 3 may not ride.

Setting

Outdoor toboggan track

Closed when raining. Children aged 3–7 ride with an adult aged 15 or older, and riders need to be 1.35m tall to ride alone. Entry and parking are free.

Hours

Mon–Fri 11–6pm · Sat & Sun 9–6pm · public & school holidays 9–6pm

Treetop obstacle courses and zip-lines in the forest, graded from little-kid easy to properly hard. Acro-Twigs (ages 3–6) R170; Monkey Moves (7+) R210; Swinging Tarzan R250; High Flying (9+) R310–R360; combos with the 100m big zip R260–R300; zip only R110.

Setting

Outdoor treetop courses

Hours

Wed–Sun 9–6pm · Sep–Apr · May–Aug 9–5pm

An 18-hole outdoor putt-putt course at Lourensford Wine Estate, alongside the estate's restaurants, weekend market and other family activities — a relaxing afternoon under the trees.

Setting

Outdoor putt-putt course

Those are the summer trading hours — phone ahead in winter.

Booking

Book on 082 560 3866

A hands-on hub with more than 250 interactive science exhibits under one roof.

Setting

Indoor science centre

Hours

Mon–Sat 9–4:30pm · public holidays 10–4:30pm · closed Sun

A vast museum of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora inside the converted Grain Silo, with dramatic architecture and changing exhibitions across multiple floors. Admission is R265 for adults and free for under-18s with ID. Read more

Setting

Indoor contemporary-art museum

Hours

Mon–Sun 10–6pm · last entry 5:30pm

Cape Town's 17th-century pentagonal fort and oldest surviving colonial building, now interpreted through museums and exhibitions covering military, cultural and enslaved histories. Families can explore the courtyards, ramparts and former rooms, with guided tours running daily.

Setting

Indoor and outdoor heritage site

Hours

Mon–Sun 9–4pm · closed Christmas Day & New Year's Day

This combines ceramic painting with a landscaped garden and outdoor playground, so children can move between a table activity and active play. The R45 studio fee includes three paints, tools, glazing and firing, and you then pay for the ceramic item you choose. Read more

Setting

Ceramic-painting studio, garden & outdoor playground

Hours

Mon–Sun 9–5pm

Booking

Essential at busy times

An art studio offering fluid bear painting, slime-making and tufting workshops for children and adults. Slime design sessions suit ages 4+, while younger children can join fluid bear workshops with a parent. Read more

Setting

Indoor art studio

Wear clothes that can get messy and arrive 15 minutes before your session.

Hours

Mon–Thu, Sat & Sun 10–4pm · Fri 10–12pm & 2–4pm

A process-art studio for children, where the point is the making rather than the finished thing. Lots of different mediums to explore, permission to paint the walls, and no instructions to follow — children experiment and make it entirely their own. Read more

Setting

Indoor process-art studio

Alongside free-play sessions there is an after-school club — ages 4–8 on Tuesdays, ages 5–10 on Thursdays — plus holiday clubs and parties.

Hours

Scheduled sessions; check the booking calendar for available dates and times

PlayStation by Rush suits ages 2–12 and is one of the bigger indoor options, with a little city, climbing, slides, a high-line course, a pump track and trained staff watching the play areas. There is a full family restaurant where you can sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Read more

Setting

Indoor

Supervision

Trained staff monitor the play areas

Can I see them?

The café has a clear line of sight to the play areas

Hours

Mon–Fri 10–6pm · Sat 9–6pm · Sun 9–5pm · Term-time hours

Booking

Recommended · book ahead for weekends and holidays

Oude Molen Eco Village spot with indoor and outdoor play areas, pony rides, and farm animals across the road — best for ages 1–6. 0–4 months free; 5–11 months R55 p/h; 1–2 years R60 p/h; 3+ R65 p/h.

Setting

Indoor & outdoor

Hours

Tue–Sun 9–5pm · Term-time hours · Mon–Sun 9–5pm in school holidays

Large indoor trampoline and activity park with foam pits, dodgeball and a ninja course. One-hour access is R160; the parent-and-toddler ticket is R200, and activity-specific height rules apply. Read more

Setting

Indoor

Hours

Tue–Thu 11–7pm · Fri & Sat 9–8pm · Sun 9–6pm · Term-time hours

The picnic lawns are open again for summer.

Buitenverwachting is an easy Constantia wine-farm outing with Coffee BloC for breakfast or lunch, a takeaway deli and broad lawns where families can enjoy picnic-style platters in the warmer months. Bring your own blanket; self-catering, lawn tables and pets are not allowed. Read more

Food

Yes · Coffee BloC, takeaway deli & picnic-style platters

Lawn picnics depend on the weather, and no self-catering is allowed — the platters are bought on the farm.

Hours

Mon–Sat 8–4pm · Coffee BloC kitchen closes 3pm · Sun closed

Booking

Coffee BloC booking advisable · wine-tasting tables essential

This large estate combines gardens, lawns and cycling routes with restaurants and a seasonal weekend market. The Millhouse Kitchen has access to a children's play area, while the market adds food stalls, live music and an interactive fountain. Read more

Food

Yes · Restaurants, cafés & weekend market food

Hours

Fri 5–10pm · Sat & Sun 11–4pm · Market, seasonal

Booking

Check the market calendar · book restaurants directly

It has big open lawns for playing and is great for picnics. The tree-shaded picnic lawns slope down to the lake, with pre-booked adult, vegetarian, braai and children's baskets, while the Manor House restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Read more

Food

Yes · Restaurant, pre-booked picnics & braai baskets

This listing is for the lawns and picnics, not a confirmed dedicated play area. No outside food, drinks, cooler boxes or pets are allowed on the picnic lawns.

Hours

Restaurant: Mon–Sat 7:30am–11pm · Sun 7:30am–5pm · summer picnics 12–5pm

Booking

Essential for picnics · restaurant booking recommended

Mooiberge is the iconic scarecrow farm, where you can pick your own strawberries, visit the farm stall and eat at the Thirsty Scarecrow restaurant. Picking runs from Oct–early Jan on weekends and public holidays from 9:30–4:30pm, and daily during the December school holidays. Read more

Food

Yes · on site

Booking

Confirm this season’s picking dates, times and price before visiting

A working farm with old-world charm: established trees, shaded forest walks, a bamboo grove, and hiking and mountain bike trails up past the vineyards to a panoramic viewpoint. Read more

Setting

Outdoor working farm, forest walks, playground and picnic areas

Open every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Dogs are welcome on a lead once registered, with a once-off permit from the Tea Garden. Animal feed is sold there too. Strawberry picking runs Oct–Dec, not on Sundays.

Hours

Mon–Sun 8–5pm

A family flower farm in Ashton growing ranunculus and seasonal blooms alongside citrus, apricot, guava and macadamia orchards. Their flowers go to local markets, events and Spar. They are open for flower picking.

Setting

Outdoor flower farm and orchards

Ashton is about two hours from Cape Town, so this is a weekend-drive listing rather than a local one.

Hours

Flower picking on weekends