Things to do in Cape Town with kids

If your kids love nature and wildlife, head to the well presented World of Birds, the largest bird park in Africa. It’s a big site and it’s fun to explore with plenty to see, do and learn.

Located in the beachside town of Hout Bay at the foot of Table Mountain, it’s about a 25 minute drive from central Cape Town or you can get here on the red City Sightseeing buses.

On arrival, you’ll find over 100 different walk-through aviaries and over 3000 birds to see and learn about. There’s also an interactive monkey jungle with a big enclosure you can walk through to get close to the 38 resident squirrel monkeys.

Kids will love getting up so close to them. They are cheeky so make sure you have all your personal belongings packed away.

There are so many different birds to get up close to including those indigenous to South Africa. There are ostriches, pelicans, parrots, falcons, eagles, cormorants and more.

You can also get close to meerkats, baboons, porcupines, reptiles and penguins. There are show times to see things such as penguin feeding.

If you get hungry, there is a café on site with snacks and light meals.

Robben Island

by Rai of A Rai of Light

V&A Waterfront 

by Kenny of Knycx Journeying

V&A Waterfront is an upscale shopping and entertainment complex in Cape Town, as it has an array of retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. The area is generally safer for family visitors to have a great day out and explore.  

First off, the mall offers a great view of Table Mountain from the harbor. Look for the giant yellow frames that capture the mountain in the background on a sunny day.

Then have a walk in the outdoor areas, where you will not only find souvenir stores but also a number of attractions from the South African Rugby Museum, Two Oceans Aquarium, to Chavonnes Battery Museums that is educational to children.

After spending time indoor, get outside for something active, go seal spotting, or hop on a Jolly Roger Pirate Boat. More, visitors can sign up for a range of leisure activities that are suitable for all ages. 

Enjoy live music in the amphitheater, explore the weekly farmer’s market, and view the sunset on the Cape Wheel in the evening. Move back to the shopping center and sample the many local cuisines, or international dishes of your choice for dinner.

For example, the Karibu Restaurant is an African-style restaurant offering authentic African dishes; the Quay Four next to the Wheel serves oysters and quality seafood in good value. 

 

Take the Cable Car to Table Mountain

by Alya from Stingy Nomads

Table Mountain is one of the most recognizable attractions in Cape Town. The 1084-meters mountain dominates the city landscape and offers some of the best panoramic views from the top.

Getting to the top of Table Mountain is a not-to-miss activity for travelers with children. The easiest and quickest way of getting up Table Mountain is by cable car. The exciting ride from the Lower Cable Car station to the top takes a couple of minutes.

The floor of the cabins is rotating clockwise during the ride offering 360° views of Cape Town and the surrounding area. Children of all ages will enjoy the breathtaking ride.

On the top of Table Mountain, there is a lot to explore for children: hiking trails, lookout points, bizarre rock formations, and even lakes. Travelers with older children can take the cable car one way and walk up or down following one of the Table Mountain hiking trails.

Besides stunning views, visitors can see some animals: many dassies, baboons, tortoises and lizards, occasional mongooses, porcupines, and elands.

Cable Car runs every day between  8 am and 7.30 pm. Early morning and evening is the best time for this family activity.

Hout Bay

by Rai of A Rai of Light

Hout Bay, famous for its scenery, fresh fish, friendly locals and grand harbour, is a picturesque valley about 15km south of Cape Town. Often referred to as the Republic of Hout Bay by locals, it is located in a valley on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula.

This little harbour village is surrounded entirely by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. It makes for a great option as a day trip from the city or even as a base from which to explore the rest of the region.

The history of the town goes back to pre-colonisation and to this day it remains a working fishing village, with the harbour, full of lively fisher boats, being the main attraction.

Its eccentric culture, laid back atmosphere, and scenery makes it a sought after attraction for both local and international visitors. This seaside neighbourhood offers something for everyone and kids will delight in the multitude of things to do.

Popular activities include the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkey Park, a visit to the Hout Bay Museum and a trip to seal island. Children will also enjoy the Bay Harbour weekend market that hosts live entertainment and a number of arts and crafts on sale from local traders.

The best option to get here is by car, on a road trip by driving over the pass from Constantia along the west coast of Peninsula.

What are your favorite things to do in Cape Town with kids?

Have you been exploring Cape town with children yourself? What were your favorite spots and things to do? Comment below!