Exploring Cape Town with kids doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Whether you’re here for a week or a weekend, the city has loads of places where children can run, learn, explore, and just be kids. From cable cars and penguins to playgrounds and science museums, there’s something for everyone. Here is a guide to navigating Cape Town with kids of all ages.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway 🚠
Riding to the top of Table Mountain is something the whole family will talk about for ages. The rotating cable car gives everyone a clear view (no elbows in the way), and the ride up is just the right kind of exciting. Bonus: kids under four go for free. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak in Cape Town with kids in tow.
At the top, the walkways are wide and flat, making them easy for little legs. You can explore at your own pace, spot some funny-looking dassies, and take in the amazing views. It’s a simple way to mix sightseeing with fresh air and let your kids enjoy Cape Town’s nature!
Table Mountain, Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (varies by season)
Address: Tafelberg Road, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://www.tablemountain.net/
Contact Number: 021 424 0015
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony 🐧
Boulders Beach is one of the best spots for a fun and totally unique Cape Town family outing. It’s home to a large colony of African penguins, and kids will love watching them waddle across the sand or slip into the water. The wooden boardwalks make it easy to walk through the area without getting too close, so the penguins stay safe and the kids stay engaged.
There’s also a small, sheltered beach nearby where kids and parents can swim and relax. Sometimes with penguins paddling just a few meters away. The water is calm, making it great for younger swimmers, and the experience of sharing the shore with real wild penguins is something the whole family will remember.
Boulder’s Beach, Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm every day
Address: Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995
Two Oceans Aquarium 🦈
This place is a lifesaver on a rainy day or when you’re looking for a hands-on Cape Town activity with kids. The Two Oceans Aquarium is right at the V&A Waterfront, so you can pop in for a few hours or stay all day. Inside, you’ll find sharks, turtles, jellyfish, and a touch pool where kids can get their hands wet (literally). The aquarium has over 8,000 marine animals, including predators, penguins, and ocean exhibits.
The aquarium keeps things moving with feeding times, little shows, and interactive exhibits. It’s not just about staring at fish; kids can learn, play, and explore at their own pace. The Penguin Experience is a popular choice among visitors. It offers a chance to meet the aquarium’s rockhopper penguins face-to-face. If you’re feeling peckish, the on-site eateries and snack stops provide ample meal options, from refreshments to filling lunches.
Entry: R115 to R250
Two Oceans Aquarium, Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm
Address: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: https://www.aquarium.co.za/
Contact: 021 418 3823
Iziko South African Museum 🖼️
Need a low-key day with your kids in Cape Town? The Iziko South African Museum in the Company’s Garden is a great option. It’s full of big dinosaur skeletons, stuffed animals, and ancient fossils that’ll catch your kids’ attention. The dinosaur exhibit is very popular with kids and keeps them entertained for a while!
The planetarium is a surprise hit too. The space shows are made for kids, so it’s not too long or too complex, just enough to spark their curiosity. It’s a good mix of learning and fun, without feeling like a school trip. These shows are especially fun and light-hearted during the morning slots when they offer adventurous, multi-sensory educational entertainment. A trip to the planetarium can keep the whole family entertained, especially when combined with a visit to Iziko’s South African Museum.
Entry: R40 to R60
Iziko South African Museum, Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm & Saturday and Sunday, 8.30 am to 4 pm (Planetarium is closed on Mondays)
Address: 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum/
Contact: 021 418 3823
Cape Town Science Centre 🔭
The Cape Town Science Centre engages kids through hands-on learning. Everything is touchable, buildable, and pushable. They can enjoy exhibits such as Lego building, robotics programming, physics experiments, and more. It is the ideal stop for families, especially for children, and a fascinating experience for people of all ages.
One of the best parts is the dedicated planetarium and space exploration exhibit, which features interactive displays about planets, stars, and space missions. Other popular exhibits include the human gyroscope, where your young ones can experience anti-gravity! It’s indoors and packed with stuff to do, which makes it great if the weather’s not playing along. They also run workshops and holiday programs, so check the schedule before you go.
Entry: R95
Cape Town Science Centre, Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 4.30 pm
Address: 370B Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Website: https://www.ctsc.org.za/
Contact: 021 300 3200
Kayak with Penguins 🛶
If your kids are a bit older and up for some adventure, kayaking with penguins in Simon’s Town, Cape Town is a must-do. It’s not every day you get to paddle alongside wild African penguins in their natural habitat. This colony at Boulders Beach is one of the few land-based penguin colonies in the world, and seeing them from the water adds a whole new level of fun.
The tours, run by Kayak Cape Town, are beginner-friendly and fully guided. You don’t need experience, just a sense of adventure. Over the two-hour trip, you’ll cruise along the coast, spot penguins darting through the water, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a seal or two. It’s an awesome way to combine wildlife, ocean time, and a bit of physical activity. Ideal for tweens and teens who want something a little different from the usual beach day.
Entry: R400 to R450
Address: Simons Town Jetty, Wharf St, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Website: https://kayakcapetown.co.za/
Contact: 065 707 4444
Green Point Urban Park 🛝
Green Point Urban Park, located close to Cape Town Stadium, was one of the legacy projects of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This park does everything right. It has multiple play areas, paved paths for scooters or bikes, and plenty of space for a picnic. It’s clean, open, and easy to get to. Plus, it’s free.
There’s also an educational garden area that’s cooler than it sounds. Kids can check out local plants and learn a little about the environment while they play. If you’re nearby, pair it with a stroll along the Sea Point Promenade or a visit to the lighthouse. This park is a popular spot for families with its dedicated section for children, complete with playgrounds and interactive installations!
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Address: Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005
Contact Number: 021 444 4258
Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre 🦒
If you’ve got animal lovers in the family, Giraffe House is a solid pick for a half-day outing. It’s only about 30 minutes from Cape Town, and you get to see animals like giraffes, zebras, and even a few reptiles – without needing to trek out to a full-on game reserve.
The space is laid-back and easy to get around, which makes it good for families with kids of different ages. There are scheduled feeding times and short educational talks, so it’s not just a walk-and-look kind of place. Pair it with a stop at a nearby wine farm (some have playgrounds and kid menus), and you’ve got a pretty great day out that keeps everyone happy.
Entry: R50 to R80
Giraffe House, Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)
Address: R304 & R101, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch, 7600
Website: http://www.giraffehouse.co.za
Contact Number: 021 884 4506
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary 🦚
World of Birds is home to thousands of birds, monkeys, and small animals, and the layout means you can walk through aviaries and get really close to the action. This bird park, set in Hout Bay Valley, is the largest of its kind in Africa, with over 3000 birds and small animals across more than 400 species! This avian haven covers 4 hectares and offers encounters with a number of fascinating creatures (over and above the birds), such as monkeys and reptiles. It is the ideal spot for bird lovers to explore Cape Town with their kids!
The monkey jungle is the real standout. Squirrel monkeys might hop right up next to you (or on you). It’s shady, not too big, and feels more like a forest walk than a zoo trip. The open-air aviaries are designed to mimic natural habitats and offer an easy stroll through!
World of Birds, Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: Valley Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Website: https://worldofbirds.co.za/
Contact: 021 790 2730
The Alpaca Loom 🦙
The Alpaca Loom is more than a weaving studio; it is a whole experience! This farm is located just outside Paarl (an hour’s drive from Cape Town) and operates as a coffee shop and petting zoo. The Alpaca Loom team will provide you with a cup of feed for a close-up experience with these fluffy friends! You can sit back, pet some alpacas and enjoy delicious coffee, cakes and pies with a beautiful view of Table Mountain.
The Alpaca Weaving Studio offers a variety of arts and crafts, from luxurious, hand-woven scarves and blankets, to ponchos and shawls! You can also watch the resident weaver artisans craft these items, all having the alpaca’s natural colour, from browns to greys. These colours make alpaca fibres very unique. So grab a cozy gift for yourself whilst the kids take part in the petting zoo
The Alpaca Loom, Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Address: Suid Agter, Paarl Road, Southern Paarl
Website: https://www.alpacas.co.za/
Contact: 084 793 3666
Exploring Cape Town with kids doesn’t have to be a checklist of tourist traps. The city has so many places that are genuinely fun, easy, and even educational. Whether you’re feeding giraffes, watching penguins waddle by, or just kicking a ball around at a park, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. No stress, no pressure. Just pack some snacks, grab the sunscreen, and see where the day takes you.
