The Best Things for Kids to do this Summer in Cape Town

Cape Town is the most popular city in the world, and Seaside Cottages in Fish Hoek shares that pride! Let's see why ...

1. The "Big 6" Icons

No trip to the Cape is complete without the classics, and these six spots define the soul of Cape Town:

• Table Mountain Cableway - Rising over 1,000 meters above sea level, the state-of-the-art cable cars feature rotating floors, ensuring everyone gets a 360-degree view of the city and the shimmering Atlantic Ocean during the ascent. Reach the top and explore captivating yet easy walking trails, spot local "dassies" (rock hyraxes), and capture the best Instagrammable sunset photos in Africa.
• Robben Island - A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site is a profound experience, once a prison where former President Nelson Mandela spent 18 years. The tours are unique and moving because they are often led by former political prisoners, providing a firsthand account of the history, the lime quarry, and the tiny cell that changed the course of a nation.
• V&A Waterfront - The vibrant heartbeat of Cape Town’s tourism, a working harbour meets world-class luxury. It is a sensory explosion of street performers, high-end shopping, and incredible eateries ranging from artisanal food markets to fine dining. With the Cape Wheel spinning overhead and seals barking from the piers, it’s the perfect place to soak up the city's cosmopolitan energy.

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most magnificent botanical gardens on the planet, showcasing the Cape’s unique fynbos, the smallest but richest floral kingdom on Earth. Don’t miss the "Boomslang" Aerial Tree Canopy Walkway, which lifts you above the trees for a bird’s-eye view of the gardens and the surrounding mountains.
• Groot Constantia - The oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa, dating back to 1685, is a masterpiece of Cape Dutch architecture and heritage. Walk through the grand manor house and the ancient oak-lined avenues as you step back in time. While adults sample world-renowned wines, children can explore the sprawling green lawns and historic buildings of this beautiful estate.
• Cape Point - A vast nature reserve at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is a place of rugged, wild beauty. Hike the jagged cliffs and beach trails, fish from the rocks or boats, swim at picturesque beaches or ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the historic lighthouse.  It’s a breathtaking landscape of vast ocean views, shipwrecks, windswept shores, roaming baboons, and seal colonies.

2.   Totally Free: Fun Without the Price Tag

• Beach Hopping & Ball Games - Whether you love the trendy vibes of the Atlantic Seaboard (Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno) or the warmer waters of False Bay (Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town), our coastline is your playground.
• The Penguin Boardwalk - Skip the entry fee and wander the free boardwalk from Seaforth Beach toward Boulders. You’ll likely spot the endangered African Penguins waddling among the rocks! Note: African Penguin numbers have dropped from 150,000 pairs in 1956 to roughly 21,000 at Boulders today. Let's admire these "jackass" penguins respectfully.

• Green Point Urban Park - A secure, lush oasis perfect for a family picnic. Don’t miss the Biodiversity Showcase Garden (home to 25,000 trees!) or the Outdoor Labyrinth for a bit of zen while the kids run wild.
• Paradise Park in Newlands - Hidden between Newlands and Claremont, this is a local secret! It features the biggest treehouse in Cape Town, complete with ladders, bridges, and a hidden wooden fort.
• Battery Park at the V&A - The ultimate urban hangout. It boasts a free skate park, a basketball court, and a scooter path for the little ones—all with a stunning backdrop of the canal and city.

3.   Small Change, Big Fun: Activities Under R200

• Zinathi Harbour Cruises (R90/child) | See the "Seals on Wheels" and the working fishing fleet from the water. Departing from the Two Oceans Aquarium, it’s a 30-minute thrill for mini-sailors.
• World of Birds, Hout Bay (R145/adult, R60/child) | Walk through aviaries with monkeys, owls, and flamingos. Keep your bags closed—the Squirrel Monkeys are famously mischievous!
• The Shred Indoor Skatepark (R99 for 3 hours) | If your kids live on wheels, this is the spot. Safe, supervised, and featuring the "Eiland Eatery" for a post-skate snack.
• Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard (R20 entry) | Located at the historic Imhoff Farm, kids can pet ponies, cows, and rabbits under the shade of ancient pine trees.
• The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig (R70/hour) | Designed by a pro, this park features berms, bridges, and jumps for all ages (from age 3 on balance bikes!).

4.   The "Serious Spoil": Unforgettable Experiences

• Kids’ Jam Cooking Classes (R450) | Let them become mini-chefs in Salt River! From Mochi-making to Mexican Fiesta days, they’ll learn to cook (and eat) like pros.
• Playalot Holi-Yay Club (R300/day) | A 4-hour supervised workshop in Durbanville featuring slides, climbing walls, and lunch. Perfect for when parents need a "cappuccino break."
• Two Oceans Aquarium (R120–R195) | Come face-to-face with ragged-tooth sharks and explore the magical Kelp Forest. Time your visit for the penguin feeding—it's a highlight!
• Robben Island Festive Tours (R210/child, R400/adult) | Take the special 08:00 sunrise or 17:00 sunset ferry. A moving experience led by guides who lived the island's history.
• Volea Sports Padel City (R400/hour) | Join the fastest-growing sport in the world! Located in the "Deep South" at Imhoff Farm, it’s great for high-energy family competition.
• Volea Sports Putt-Putt (R50) | A creatively designed miniature golf course that’s perfect for a casual afternoon challenge or a birthday vibe.
• Surfing at Muizenberg | Rent a board and hit the "Surfers Corner" for a lesson in the world-famous gentle swells.

• Table Mountain Sunset Special | Take the cable car up as the sun dips below the Atlantic—the ultimate "spoil" for any age.
• Kirstenbosch "Boomslang" Walk | Walk above the trees on the Canopy Walkway for a bird's-eye view of the most beautiful garden in Africa.

Ready to make some memories? Which of these activities is topping your list this summer? 

The perfectly balanced 3-day "Mother City Magic" itinerary.

Combine iconic sights with high-energy play and budget-friendly stops to experience the best of Cape Town without the stress!

Day 1: Icons & Urban Adventures (V&A & City) 

• Morning: Marine Magic - Start at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Aim to be there by 11:30 AM to catch the feeding times—the kids will love the "waddle" of the penguins!
• Lunch: Picnic at Battery Park - Grab some takeaway fish and chips and walk over to Battery Park. Let the kids burn off energy at the free skate park and jungle gym while you soak in the views of the canal.
• Afternoon: Harbour Views - Hop on the Zinathi Harbour Cruise (just R90 for kids). It’s short, sweet, and gives you a front-row seat to the seals sunbathing on the harbour buoys.
• Late Afternoon: Green Point Zen - Head to Green Point Urban Park. Explore the Biodiversity Garden and let the kids tackle the Outdoor Labyrinth before a sunset stroll.

Day 2: The Wild South (Hout Bay & Imhoff Farm) 

• Morning: Feathered Friends - Drive the scenic coastal road to World of Birds in Hout Bay. Spend a couple of hours in the walkthrough aviaries and don't forget the Squirrel Monkey jungle!
• Lunch: Farm Style at Imhoff Farm - Head over "Ou Kaapse Weg" to Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie. Grab lunch at the Blue Water Café while the kids play.
• Afternoon: Animals & Action - Visit the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard (only R20!) to feed the goats and bunnies. If the family still has energy, book a 60-minute Padel court or a round of Putt-Putt at Volea Sports right on the farm.
• Evening: Sunset at the Beach - End the day at Noordhoek Beach or Long Beach for a run on the sand as the sun goes down.

Day 3: Forests, Flowers & Wheels (Southern Suburbs) 

• Morning: Two-Wheeled Thrills - Kick off the day at The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig. Whether they are on balance bikes or MTBs, the pump track is pure fun. (Spectators are free, so bring the camera!)
• Lunch: Newlands Picnic - Pack a cooler and head to Paradise Park in Newlands. This is the ultimate "local" spot—the kids can disappear into the giant treehouse and hidden forts while you relax under the ancient trees.
• Afternoon: Botanical Wonders - End your trip at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Walk the "Boomslang" Canopy Bridge and let the kids roll down the massive grass lawns. It’s the perfect, peaceful finale to a Cape Town summer.

Pro-Tips for Your Trip:

• Sun Safety: The Cape Town sun is legendary. Pack "rashies," hats, and SPF 50+—you'll need it by 10:00 AM!
• The Wind: If the "South Easter" wind is blowing hard, stick to the False Bay side (St James or Kalk Bay), as it's often more sheltered.
• Bookings: For the Cooking Classes or Robben Island, be sure to book at least a week in advance, as they fill up fast in December!

Book your self-catering cottage today at Seaside Cottages.