How to Entertain the Kids in Cape Town this School Holiday
December holidays are a time to spend with family, so whether you’re an international or domestic visitor, or just getting to know your own city better, Cape Town has something to offer everyone. While you may want to enjoy some of the city’s gastronomical flavours, tour the wine route, sightsee and relax, there is no need for the kids to get bored with all these great attractions to explore.
Table Mountain with the kids
Encourage your budding scientist
The World of Birds & Monkey Jungle in Hout Bay (Stop 22) is the largest bird park in Africa and an outing for the whole family to enjoy. The sanctuary houses over 3 000 birds from around 400 different species, as well as species of monkeys, meerkats and reptiles. Take a walk through the tropical forests and more than 100 themed aviaries to see exotic and rare animals, and learn some interesting facts as you go.
Even while on school holidays, varied learning experiences are just as important to children and their development. Conveniently, right near the Heart of Cape Town Museum, you will find the Cape Town Science Centre. The centre uses world-class exhibits and activities that are designed to increase learners’ skill and understanding of science, technology, mathematics and engineering, like the awesome life-size replica of Mark Shuttleworth’s Soyuz space capsule!
Science Centre
Speaking of space; after you’ve visited the South African Museum at STOP 14, make a turn into the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome. The dome is the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent and creates an immersive multi-sensory edutainment platform with its 360° cinema. With weekly kids’ shows, your young explorers can discover the inner workings of the human body or head out on virtual voyages of the universe.
Bringing everyone back down to earth, you can quite literally get your hands on the very materials that make up our planet’s surface. Southern Africa is known by some as the “gemstone capital of the world”, making it the perfect origin of the now world-famous STOP 1 an inexpensive attraction, popular with all ages.
Scratch Patch
The kids can ‘scratch’ for tiger’s eye, amethyst, crystal and even some really exotic stones from the thousands that cover the floor. Mom can browse the shops for anything from inexpensive souvenirs to collector’s items and investment gems. Your teenagers can even hang out at the 18-hole, indoor mini-golf course, but don’t be fooled - it is challenging enough to be enjoyed by everyone.
Let your creative spirit soar
Art Jamming at the V&A Waterfront is a unique place for young artists, art students and art enthusiasts. Don an apron, face a blank canvas and unleash your own individual creativity with a menu of easels, a choice of 45 non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, brushes and tools, and 12 different canvas sizes. The best part? No drawing or painting skills required. There are even Messy Play Classes for toddlers to play, paint, sponge or spray. You don’t always have to be arty to be creative though.
Art Jamming
Right next door to Stop 1, you can find another kid-friendly haven at the Waterfront’s PlayDate SuperPark. This extreme indoor play park houses a game arena complete with air hockey, mini-golf, racing, zip line, high line course, halfpipe and a triple-story, 3D maze! These type of parks are great for entertaining groups of kids, or hosting children’s’ parties, and some of them you even get into for free.
Playdate
Looking for some fun in the sun?
Moving just along the road to you will find the V&A Battery Park near the Amsterdam Battery heritage site. Being all about outdoor recreation and entertainment, here you will find a skate park, SUP and scooter rental, picnic area and basketball court-cum-soccer field.
Then there’s the Greenpoint Urban Park (Stop 12) that offers a fitness park with outdoor gym, an adventure park, scenic wetlands area and heritage site for the kids, and flower sellers, fresh produce markets, a tea garden, nursery and picnic area for the rest of the family. At the Blue Train Park in Mouille Point (Stop 12), you can play right on the seaside at the mini skate park, bike track, zipline, jungle gyms, obstacle course, or astroturf soccer pitch.
A little further out of the city, you will find Acrobranch right at the top of Constantia Nek (Stop 21). Located in the forest - this adventure zone has something for adventurers of all ages with a choice of three difficulties of tree-top adventures courses.
Acrobranch @ Stop 21
Do you think your kids are brave enough to try something more? Try Ziplining 155-metres above the ground between a course of twelve platforms through the Silvermist Estate (Stop 21) with SA Forest Adventures. As one of Africas longest and highest Zipline tours, enjoy a thrilling 4x4 drive up the mountain to the start, followed by amazing panoramic views of the city.
When it comes to getting outdoors and active, Cape Town definitely provides a smorgasbord of activities for those adrenaline junkies. You can try anything from surf lessons, kayaking, horse riding, quad biking, sandboarding and so much more. Check out Cape Xtreme Adventure Tours conveniently located near our Long Street Ticket Office and get planning now.
Acrobranch @ Stop 21
FAQs
What activities are available for kids in Cape Town during the school holidays?
Cape Town offers a variety of activities for kids during the school holidays. Families can visit the World of Birds & Monkey Jungle in Hout Bay, which is the largest bird park in Africa, featuring over 3,000 birds and various animals. The Cape Town Science Centre provides interactive exhibits that enhance learning in science and technology. For a fun outdoor experience, the Scratch Patch allows kids to dig for gemstones, while Art Jamming at the V&A Waterfront encourages creativity through painting. Additionally, PlayDate SuperPark offers an indoor play area with various games and activities, ensuring that children have a memorable holiday.
Are there any educational attractions for children in Cape Town?
Yes, Cape Town has several educational attractions for children. The Cape Town Science Centre is a fantastic place where kids can engage with science through hands-on exhibits and activities. The Iziko Planetarium offers immersive shows that explore the universe and human anatomy, making learning fun and exciting. Additionally, the South African Museum provides insights into natural history, while the World of Birds allows children to learn about wildlife and conservation. These attractions combine education with entertainment, making them ideal for school holiday outings.
What outdoor activities can families enjoy in Cape Town?
Families can enjoy a range of outdoor activities in Cape Town. The V&A Battery Park features a skate park and picnic areas, perfect for a day out in the sun. The Greenpoint Urban Park offers fitness facilities and scenic wetlands, while the Blue Train Park provides fun seaside activities like a mini skate park and jungle gyms. For adventure seekers, Acrobranch offers treetop courses, and ziplining at Silvermist Estate provides thrilling views of the city. Cape Town's diverse outdoor options cater to all ages and interests.
Is there a place for kids to play indoors in Cape Town?
Yes, Cape Town has several indoor play areas for kids. PlayDate SuperPark at the V&A Waterfront is an extreme indoor play park featuring a game arena, mini-golf, and a 3D maze, making it perfect for children's parties and group activities. Art Jamming also offers a creative indoor space where kids can paint and express their artistic talents. These venues provide safe and entertaining environments for children to play, especially on rainy days.
What unique experiences can kids have in Cape Town?
Kids can have unique experiences in Cape Town, such as visiting the Scratch Patch to dig for gemstones or participating in Art Jamming sessions where they can create their own artwork. The Iziko Planetarium offers captivating shows that transport children into the cosmos, while the Cape Town Science Centre provides interactive learning experiences. For thrill-seekers, ziplining at Silvermist Estate offers an exhilarating adventure high above the ground. These experiences combine fun with learning, making them memorable for children.
