Cape Town is a city with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. There are countless activities for families to enjoy, from traditional tourist attractions to hidden gems that only locals know about. Here are some of the best activities to do with your family in Cape Town.
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Explore the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of entertainment options for families. You can take a ride on the Cape Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean. You can also visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, which has a variety of marine life exhibits, including penguins, sharks, and rays. For a unique experience, you can take a boat trip to Robben Island, and learn about the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
Website: https://www.waterfront.co.za/
Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and a great place for families to spend the day. The garden features a variety of indigenous plants and trees, as well as a treetop canopy walkway that offers stunning views of the garden and the surrounding mountains. There are also several hiking trails that lead through the garden and into the adjacent Table Mountain National Park.
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Go on a Cape Town Food Tour
Cape Town is known for its delicious cuisine, and a food tour is a great way for families to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene. You can visit local markets, try traditional South African dishes like biltong and boerewors, and sample some of the city’s best wines. Some food tours also include a cooking class where you can learn how to make some of the dishes yourself.
Explore the Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap is a historic neighbourhood in Cape Town that is famous for its brightly coloured houses and Cape Malay culture. You can take a guided walking tour of the neighbourhood to learn about its history and sample some of the local cuisines. The Bo-Kaap Museum is also worth a visit, as it showcases the history and culture of the area.
Go to the Beach
Cape Town has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and they are a great place for families to spend the day. Some of the most popular beaches include Camps Bay, Clifton, and Muizenberg, but there are also many lesser-known beaches that are worth exploring. Scarborough Beach, for example, is a quiet beach that is great for surfing and swimming, while Llandudno Beach is a secluded beach that offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope is a historic fort that was built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. It is one of the oldest buildings in South Africa and a great place for families to learn about the city’s colonial history. You can take a guided tour of the castle and visit the museum, which showcases the history of the fort and the city.
Website: https://www.castleofgoodhope.co.za/
Take a Walk on the Sea Point Promenade
The Sea Point Promenade is a beautiful walkway that runs along the ocean and offers stunning views of the city and the mountains. It is a great place for families to take a leisurely walk or bike ride, and there are several parks and playgrounds along the way. You can also stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the promenade for a bite to eat.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Cape Town is one of the best places in the world to see whales, and a whale-watching tour is a great way for families to experience these majestic creatures up close. The best time to go whale watching is between July and November when the southern right whales migrate to the coast of South Africa to breed and calve. You can book a boat tour from the nearby town of Hermanus, which is known as the whale-watching capital of South Africa.
Go on a Robberg Nature Reserve Hike
The Robberg Nature Reserve is located in the nearby town of Plettenberg Bay and offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals and dolphins, and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The hiking trails vary in difficulty, so there is something for everyone.
Visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum is located in the historic Silo District at the V&A Waterfront and is housed in a converted grain silo. It features a collection of contemporary African art from all over the continent, as well as temporary exhibitions by international artists. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Website: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/
Cape Town offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy, from traditional tourist attractions to hidden gems that only locals know about. By exploring the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty, families can create unforgettable memories and gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s past and present.
