55 fun games and things to do for kids in Cape Town
It’s not easy finding things to do for kids in Cape Town so we have put together an invaluable list for you.
We have rounded up 55 amazing things to do for kids that will allow for the whole family to enjoy some really fun games together and keep everyone out of mischief.
Listed in Alphabetical Order
Action Paintball
Outdoor thrills for children aged 11+. They can take part in a colourful battle as they attack and defend their self while practicing guerrilla techniques and strategizing with other team members to win.
- (Area 51, Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie/ 021 790 7603021 790 7603/ Open: 09:30-17:00 consisting out of 2x3hour sessions.)
African Penguins at Boulder’s Beach
Outside fun in the sun at a safe beach with penguin viewing and three boardwalks. Picnic in the shade on the grassy lawns beside the beach or enjoy nearby restaurants. Read more about Boulders beach, how to get there and the penguin encounters
- (Boulder’s Beach, Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town/ Boulder’s Visitor Centre: 021 786 2329 / 021 786 2329.)
Aquarium at the V& A Waterfront
Indoor experience of the underwater kingdom. Both Atlantic and Indian Ocean species with penguins at the River Meander exhibit and a play station for kids at the Afrisam Children’s Play Centre.
- (Two Ocean’s Aquarium, V&A Waterfront, CBD/ 021 418 3823 / 021 418 3823/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:30-18:00.)
Art Jamming – painting lessons for children
Indoor creative expression where no painting skills are needed. Canvasses, acrylic paints, brushes and tools are provided. The studio’s artist is always available and sessions last for 2 hours.
- (Cape Quarter, Shop 014, Somerset Road, Green Point, CBD/ 021 421 6129 / 021 421 6129or 16 Cavendish Street, Cavendish Square, Claremont/ 021 683 5050 / 021 683 5050 or The Paddocks, Shop G23, Paddocks Shopping Centre, c/o Race Course & Grand National Boulevard, Milnerton/ 021 552 8772 / 021 552 8772 or V&A Waterfront, Shop M005 (Mexanine Level), Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, CBD/ 021 425 5050 / 021 425 5050 or Willowbridge Centre, Tygervalley/ 021 914 9224 / 021 914 9224/ Open: Mon-Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 14:00-18:00.)
Bird Sanctuary and Wetlands
Outdoor educational activity, ferry rides and 2km footpaths on Intaka Island offer children 16ha wetlands to discover.
- (Intaka Island, Park Lane, Century City/ 021 552 6889 / 021 552 6889/ Open: Mon-Sun 07:30-19:00, Closed on 25/12)
Blue Train Ride at Mouille Point
Outdoor train ride in a miniature train at Mouille Point with views of the ocean. The Blue Train also forms part of a park with climbing rock, tricycle track and jungle gyms.
- (Mouille Point Beach Front, Mouille Point, CBD/ 021 434 4297 / 021 434 4297/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-18:00 weather permitting.)
Bob-sleds at the Toboggan Park
Outdoor sleds race down a 1.2km steel half pipe. Children 8yrs+ can have their own bob-sled while youngsters can ride with an adult. Sleds are made for 2 people.
- (Cool Runnings, opposite Bellville Velodrome, Carl Cronje Drive, Belville/ 021 949 4439 / 021 949 4439/ Open: Tue-Fri 11:00-18:00, Sat-Sun&Public Holidays 09:00-18:00, Mondays open during school holidays)
Bugz Family Play Park
Indoor and Outdoor rides and play areas. Token rides, magic shows, jungle gym, sandpit fun, quad bikes and a choo-choo train. Restaurant and tent kitchen also available.
- Prices for grandparents, kids, mommies and daddies vary depending on whether it’s a weekday, weekend, school holiday or public holiday. For different entrance options please contact them.
- (56 Tarentaal Street, Kraaifontein/ 021 988 8836 / 021 988 8836/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00)
Build-a-bear-Workshop
Indoor workshop where kids can create their very own custom-made teddy bear or stuffed animal.
- (Tygervalley Shopping Centre, Store 76, Tygerberg/ 021 914 3719 / 021 914 3719/ Tygervalley Open: Mon-Sat&Public Holidays 09:00-19:00, Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Butterfly World
Indoor park with incredible variety of butterflies, tropical birds, tortoises and lizards. Also a little restaurant and shop for souvenirs.
- (R44, Klapmuts, 38min Drive from CBD/ 021 875 5628 / 021 875 5628/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00, except 25/12)
Camel Riding
Outdoor camel rides at Imhoff Farm. Kids can enjoy a gentle ride upon one of the five camels available. Imhoff Farm also offer horse rides, a snake park, painballing and other exciting activities.
- (Imhoff Farm, M65, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie/ 021 789 1711 / 021 789 1711/ Open: Tue-Sun 12:00-16:00.)
Camps Bay Beach is great for children
Outdoor time on one of Cape Town’s favourite beaches. This beach is easy accessible and close to shops and restaurants. Also accompanied by grassy lawns and shade under trees.
- (Camps Bay beach is parallel to Victoria Road in Camps Bay/ Camps Bay Tourism: 021 437 9709 / 021 437 9709)
Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront
Indoor putt-putt challenge with 18 very creative and even difficult holes. Expect ramps, obstacles and sharp corners. Takes 30 minutes for 2 players to finish one round.
- (Cave Golf, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront/ 021 419 9429 / 021 419 9429/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Ceramic Painting in Hout Bay
Indoor and Outdoor fun at Clay Café where children can choose an unfired bisque and paints to create their own personal crockery. Lovely play area and restaurant also available.
- (Clay Café, Old Oakhurst Dairy Farm, Main Road, Hout Bay/ 021 790 3318 / 021 790 3318/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00)
Cheetah Park in Somerset West
Outdoor experience at conservation and outreach centre for cheetahs and other small predators like foxes, jackals, caracals and servals.
- (Cheetah Outreach, R44, Somerset West, 31min from CBD/ 021 851 6850 / 021 851 6850/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:30-17:00)
Chocolate Making at Rococoa in Woodstock
Indoor chocolate making at Rococoa Chocolate Shop. Children can learn the history of chocolate where after they receive a ball of chocolate dough in the chocolatier’s kitchen to create whatever they desire. Go to Rococoa’s website for more information
- Bookings essential.
- (Rococoa Chocolate Shop, 145 Sir Lowry Road, Palms Centre, Woodstock 073 155 9385)
Culinary Classes for children
Indoor and outdoor activities where children can learn the origin of food in the garden and different styles of preparing food while having fun. Hands-on approach while learning about healthy foods and being equipped to help and take lead in the kitchen.
- (Little Cooks Club, Southern Suburbs 083 292 8062 / 083 292 8062/ Plattekloof 082 771 9379 / 082 771 9379/ Northern Suburbs 082 332 7546 / 082 332 7546)
Deer Park Cafe & playground
Outdoor playground with jungle gyms, slides and swings for children. Wonderful restaurant accompanies the safe and friendly space.
- (2 Deer Park Avenue, Vredehoek, CBD/ 021 462 6311 / 021 462 6311/ Open Mon-Sat 08:00-20:30, Sun 08:00-18:00.)
Frozen Yogurt shops
Indoor deliciousness. The three main frozen yogurt spots in Cape Town all offer top, tasty and interesting flavours that are always great for indulging.
- Marcels has their infamous English Toffee flavour and Blizzardz. (Shop FC6, V&A Waterfront/ 021 425 2633 / 021 425 2633/ Open: Mon-Thu 09:30-22:30, Fri-Sat&Public Holidays 09:30-23:00, Sun 09:30-22:00.)
- Wakaberry is famous for giving one the option to pull the lever at leisure. Frozen Yogurt with toppings are weighed. (Shop 2, 98 Kloof Street, Gardens/ 021 424 5553 / 021 424 5553/ Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-11:00, Closed: 25/12.)
- Myog has made name with their authentic flavours and limitless toppings option. (Lifestyle Centre, Kloof Street/ Open: 08:00-23:00)
Can’t decide which one to go for? Have a read of our Wakaberry vs. Myog piece
Go Kart Racing at Kenilworth karting in Claremont
Indoor racing around a 310m race track.
- (Kenilworth Karting, 10 Myhoff Road, Claremont/ 021 683 2670 / 021 683 2670/ Open: Mon, Wed-Thu 13:00-23:00, Fri 11:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-23:00)
Graceland Venues in Paarl
Outdoor and Indoor activities including water slides, play park, jungle gym and farm animals like pigs, geese, goats, chickens and tortoises up close and personal.
- (Klein Dennegeur Farm, Lustigan Road, Southern Paarl, 45min from CBD/ 021 863 4109 / 021 863 4109/ Open: Sat 09:00-16:00, Sun 10:00-15:00)
Hout Bay Beach
Outdoor spot for swimming and beach fun. White sand, calm waters and a harbour to discover. Ice cream shops available as well as popular and child-friendly Dunes restaurant with play area.
- (Hout Bay Beach, Chapman’s Peak Drive all the way to Mariner’s Wharf.)
Horse Riding
Outdoor riding at Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding in Noordhoek. Day visitors can take a 30min horse riding lesson. Beach and bush trails available for those 12yrs+ and Pony rides for ages 2-12. You map also enjoy reading about other horse trails in Cape Town.
- (Sleepy Hollow Lane, Noordhoek/ 021 789 2341 / 021 789 2341)
Ice Skating at Grand West
Indoor skating at The Ice Station at Grand West. Kids can learn how skate or either be a spectator. Sessions vary from 2.5 hours to 3 hours. There is also a small ice rink on the side for juniors. Skate shop available.
- (The Ice Station, Grand West Casino, 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood/ 021 535 2260 / 021 535 2260/ Open: Mon-Sun, various 2.5-3h sessions from 09:00-24:00)
Jolly Roger Pirate Ship
Outdoor adventure on the high seas. One hour morning, lunchtime, afternoon or 1.5h sunset cruise on a real pirate ship with a pirate show. Special rate for parties.
- (Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, CBD/ 021 421 0909 / 021 421 0909)
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for picnics & movies
Outdoor botanical garden with ample space for playing, hiking, having picnics and even learning. Restaurants and shops also available as well as yearly musical and film events.
- (Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands/ 021 799 8783 / 021 799 8783/ Summer Open: 08:00-19:00, Winter Open: 08:00-18:00.)
Read more about Kirstenbosch
Lion’s Head
Outdoor challenge for kids with energy. Starting at Signal Hill, this hike twists around Lion’s Head to the top which boasts with views and loads of open surface for picnic. Hike to the top can take from 1h-3.5h. Read more about the actual Lions head hike itself, what to expect and where to start.
- (Lion’s Head, Forestry Road/ Cape Town Travel: 021 487 6800 / 021 487 6800)
Lion Park near Paarl
Outdoor sanctuary for captive born lions. The park consists out of 50 acres of lion habitat. Accommodation in tented camps also available for family outings.
- (Drakenstein Lion Park, R101, Old Paarl Road, Paarl, 35min from CBD/ 021 863 3290 / 021 863 3290/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:30-16:30, Lion Feeding Times: Mon, Wed, Fri 16:00.)
Magic Arcade and Magic Castle at the Grand West Casino
Indoor entertainment at the Grand West. Wide range of video games at the Magic Arcade whilst the Magic Castle offers rides, go-karts and bumper cars.
- (Vanguard Drive, Grand West Casino, Goodwood/ 021 534 0244 / 021 534 0244/ Magic Arcade Open: Mon-Sun 11:00-22:00, Magic Castle Open: Fri-Sat)
Millstone Garden Café and Farm Stall
Outdoor farm style activities like horse riding, feeding pigs and tree house fun at the Oude Molen Farm stall and Eco village. Includes a wonderful coffee shop. Read all about the farm stall here.
- (Alexandra Road, Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands/ 021 447 8226 / 021 447 8226/ Open: Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Monkey town in Somerset West
Indoor and Outdoor educational experience at the Monkey Town Primate Centre. Expect to see monkeys, apes, chimps, birds and small antelope. Restaurant and swimming facilities also available.
- (Monkey Town, Mondeor Road, Somerset West, 40km from CBD/ 021 858 1060 / 021 858 1060/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Movies & cinemas
Indoor cinema experience in one of the many top-notch Cape Town cinemas. All movie write-ups are updated every Friday in our movies section
- V&A Waterfront (Nu Metro/ 021 419 9700 / 021 419 9700)
- Cavendish Square (Ster-Kinekor/ 021 657 5600 / 021 657 5600)
- Canal Walk (Nu Metro/ 021 555 2510 / 021 555 2510)
- Grand West (Nu Metro/ 021 534 0250 / 021 534 0250)
- N1 City (Ster-Kinekor/ 082 16789- Ster-Kinekor Ticket Line)
- Tygervalley (Ster-Kinekor/ 021 914 1773 / 021 914 1773)
- Cape Gate (Ster-Kinekor/ 021 982 3184 / 021 982 3184)
Noordhoek Farm Village
Outdoor playing facilities and activities for children of all ages. Expect Toy shops and restaurants with special kiddies menus.
- (Corner of Main Road & Village Lane, Noordhoek/ 021 789 2812 / 021 789 2812)
Ostrich Ranch
Outdoor and Indoor encounter with ostriches. Guided tours, curio shops and restaurant available.
- (West Coast Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia off N7, 30min from CBD/ 021 972 1669 / 021 972 1669/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Planetarium – Cape Town CBD
Indoor experience of the night sky in a domed auditorium. Offering fun educational audio-visual shows for children. Read more about the amazing planetarium and what to expect.
- (25 Queen Victoria Street, CBD/ 021 481 3900 / 021 481 3900/ Open: Daily, Closed: 1/5, 25/12 and first Monday of every month excluding holidays.
Planet Kids in Muizenberg
Indoor and Outdoor play. Jumping castles, climbing walls, slides and other innovative activities. Café also available.
- (3 Wherry Road, Muizenberg/ 021 788 3070 / 021 788 3070/ Open: Wed-Sun&Public/School holidays 10:00-18:00)
The Playshed in Pinelands
Indoor play area for kids and toddlers. Jungle gym, slides and play stations for different ages. Snacks, light meals and beverages also available.
- (Oude Molen Eco Village, Alexandra Road, Pinelands/ 021 801 0141 / 021 801 0141/ Open: Thu-Sun 09:00-17:00, Holidays Tue-Sun.)
Public Swimming Pool in Sea Point
Outdoor splashing at the Sea Point public swimming pool is great for hot summer days. Facilities include 1 main pool, 1 kiddies pool, 1 diving pool and 1 fun pool and 4 changing rooms with toilets, lockers and showers.
- (Lower Beach Road, Sea Point/ 021 434 3341 / 021 434 3341/ Summer Open: Mon-Sun 07:00-19:00, Winter Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Putt – Putt in Tygervalley
Outdoor putt-putt scene with 27 holes. Three 9 hole colour-coded courses that grow in difficulty. Expect interesting holes with ramps, bridges, uphills and a variety of other creative obstacles.
- (Bell’s Golf Academy, Mega Putt Putt, Carl Cronje Drive, Tygervalley/ 021 948 5673 / 021 948 5673/ Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-19h30, Sat-Sun&Public Holidays 08:00-19:00,)
Ratanga Junction
Outdoor theme park with more than 30 different fun rides. Some rides include the Cape Cobra Rolling Coaster, Monkey Falls Log Flume Rides and the Congo Queen Swinging Boat. Also Live shows, restaurants and souvenir shops.
- (Ratanga Junction, Century City/ 021 550 8504 / 021 550 8504/ Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00, Schedules change depending on season and weather.)
Rock Climbing in Observatory
Indoor rock climbing and adventure. Climbing courses also available.
- (City Rock, 21 Anson Street, Corner Collingwood Road, Observatory/ 021 447 1326 / 021 447 1326/ Open: Mon-Thu 09:00-21:00, Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun&Public Holidays 10:00-18:00.)
Science Centre in Observatory
Indoor education and fun at the Cape Town Science Centre with more than 250 interactive exhibits and puzzles.
- (370B Main Road, Observatory/ 021 300 3200 / 021 300 3200/ Open: Mon-Sat 09:00-16:30, Sun&Public Holidays 10:00-16:30, Closed on 25/12 and 01/01)
Scratch patch in Simon’s Town
Outdoor and Indoor scratching between tumble-polished South African gemstones. Calming effect on children. Two outlets.
- (The Scratch Patch, Dido Valley Road, Simon’s Town/021 786 2020 / 021 786 2020 or Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, CBD/ 021 419 9429 / 021 419 9429/ Open: Mon-Fri 08:30-16:45, Sat-Sun&Public Holidays 09:00-17:30)
Sea Point Promenade
Outdoor relaxation and fun on a 3km stretch. This piece of paved walkway lies along the Atlantic Seaboard coast with large grassy areas for picnics and play time with activity parks and a putt-putt course available.
- (Sea Point Promenade, Mouille Point right through to Bantry Bay.)
Snake Park in Kommetjie
Outdoor and Indoor look at snakes up to 3.5m long. This reptile sanctuary and rehabilitation centre is part of the Imhoff Farm which also offer many other outdoor activities like paintballing, horse and camel rides. Restaurant and shop also available.
- (Imhoff Farm, M65, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie/ 083 643 3103 / 083 643 3103/ Open: Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00, during School Holidays open everyday.)
Sporting Chance
Outdoor sports coaching and development for children over the holiday season. These sports clinics are fun and professional and includes field hockey, astro hockey, rugby, soccer and cricket.
- (1 Mariendahl Avenue, Newlands/ 021 683 7299 / 021 683 7299/ Open: Weekly afternoon coaching and holiday clinics.)
Squirrels and Picnics in the Company Gardens
Outdoor lawns and fresh air at the Company Gardens in CBD. Children can feed birds and squirrels and throw a coin in the wishing pond. Restaurant also available. Read more about The Company Gardens here.
- Free entrance.
- (19 Queen Victoria Street, CBD/ Open: Mon-Sun 07:30-20:30)
Strawberry Picking between Stellenbosch & Somerset West
Outdoor strawberry picking at the Mooiberge Farm. Pay for strawberries per kilogram picked. Mooiberge Farm Stall is also available for food and treats.
- (Mooiberge Farm, R44, Between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, 35min from CBD/ 021 881 3222 / 021 881 3222/ Open: Sat-Sun&Public Holidays 09:30-16:00)
Surfing Lessons in Muizenberg
Outdoor surfing with trained instructors in the waters of Muizenberg. Must be aged 5+ for lessons.
- (Gary’s Surf School, 34 Balmoral Building, Beach Road, Muizenberg/ 021 788 9839 / 021 788 9839/ Open: Mon-Sun 08:00-17:00.)
Table Mountain
Outdoor hiking to one of the highest peaks in Cape Town. Various hikes can take from 2h-8h to complete. The cable car is also another bonus to this adventure and kids can enjoy encountering the tame dassies at the top. Read more about all hiking trails in Cape Town.
- (Table Mountain Cable Car, Tafelberg Road, CBD/ 021 424 0015 / 021 424 0015/ Open: Mon-Sun 08h30-16h00.)
Ten-pin Bowling in Claremont
Indoor fun with a touch of competition. Special bookings and packages are also available.
- (Stadium on Main, Main Road, Claremont/ 021 671 1893 / 021 671 1893)
Warrior Toy Museum
Indoor museum breaks away from more traditional museums. Children get to see a display of over 4000 model cars, 500 dolls, teddies, Meccano and two operating railroads to name a few. Find out more about the Toy Museum, entrance fees and what to expect.
- (St George’s Street, Simon’s Town/ 021 786 1395 / 021 786 1395/ Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:00, Closed: Fridays.)
Water World in Strand
Outdoor splashing at Water World in Strand. Expect an array of water activities that include slides, rides, pools, and jungle gyms. Play park, grassy lawns and cafés are also available.
- (Beach Road, Strand, 36min from CBD/ 021 854 4702 / 021 854 4702/ Open: Mon-Fri 12:00-18:00, Sat-Sun&Public/School Holidays 10:00-18:00.)
Wonderland Entertainment in Canal Walk Shopping centre
Indoor fun and amusements with arcade machines, jukeboxes, kiddie rides, pinball machines, pool tables and prize machines.
- (Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century Boulevard, Century Centre/ 021 555 1557 / 021 555 1557 or Stadium on Main, Main Road, Claremont/ 021 671 1893 / 021 671 1893 or N1 City Mall, Louwtjie Rothman Avenue, Goodwood/ 021 595 1725 / 021 595 1725.)
World of Birds
Outdoor viewing of over 3000 birds and small animals. World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa and has 400 different bird species. Also playground and picnic area in park. You may enjoy also reading our Day Trip guide to The World of Birds.
- (Valley Road, Hout Bay/ 021 790 2730 / 021 790 2730/ Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00.)
Source: Show Me Cape Town