Looking for activities to keep the kids busy this holiday? Cape Town is bursting with family-friendly activities that combine fun and adventure. From icy thrills to playground adventures, there’s something for every age, interest and budget. Whether you’re planning a day out or a whole week of activities, this guide will help you create unforgettable memories with your kids. Here are the best things to do in Cape Town to keep kids entertained.

Canal Walk Holiday Ice Slides

Image source: Canal Walk

Slip and slide into holiday fun, with Canal Walk’s Holiday Ice Slides. Ideal for little ones and adventurous toddlers, these icy thrills deliver 45 minutes of pure entertainment. From fun rides to joyful laughs, it’s an activity that cools down hot summer days.

Location: Canal Walk Centre Court (Closest entrance – Entrance 10, roof parking.)
When: 6 Dec 2024–12 Jan 2025 (closed on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 2024)
Time: 10h00–20h45
Cost: R35–R120 | *Tickets available from the on-site box office. The box office will be open from 09h00 to 20h30 every event day. | Book tickets
Good to know: Sessions last 45 minutes and start every hour on the hour. The last session starts at 20h00.
Contact: 021 529 9699

canalwalk.co.za

The Ice Station – GrandWest

Image source: Sun International

Whether they’re first-timers or figure-skating pros, The Ice Station at GrandWest will be a hit with teens and toddlers. Kids can twirl on the big rink or enjoy the mini rink. With helpful marshals ensuring safety, parents can relax while their kids have a blast.

Location: Grand West Casino, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Acacia Park, Cape Town
Hours: First session: 10h00 | Last session: 21h00 (ends at 23h30) | Time slots are subject to change. | View available time slots
Cost: Hire skates: R70–R95 | Own skates: R60–R85 | Non-skaters: R10 *Prices depend on age and time slot. | Mini rink: R40 per child for hire skates (kids below 1.3 m).
Good to know: Ice marshals are available
Contact: 021 535 2260

suninternational.com

Two Oceans Aquarium

Image source: Two Oceans Aquarium

Experience the wonders of the sea at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Young explorers will be enchanted by everything, from majestic sharks to African penguins. This hands-on, child-friendly space is perfect for curious minds. Bonus? Your day pass lets you revisit exhibits all day long, making it a must-visit for marine lovers.

Location: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Sun: 09h30–18h00
Cost: Free entrance for children under 4 | R115 for kids between 4-13 years old | R185 for teens between 14 and 17 years old | R250 for adults | Book tickets
Good to know: Day tickets provide all-day access to the aquarium.
Contact: 021 418 3823

shop.aquarium.co.za

Boulders Beach

Image source: South African National Parks

Treat the kids to a day with Cape Town’s cutest residents – the African penguins! Boulders Beach offers a unique chance to observe these waddling wonders up close. The calm, clear waters are ideal for paddling, while the sandy beach is perfect for play. Arrive early to snag a parking spot and enjoy a peaceful picnic alongside your feathered friends.

Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Sun: 08h00–17h00
Cost: South African citizens and residents: R50 (Adults 12 years and older); R25 (children between 12 and 11 years).
Good to know: Limited parking is available so arrive early during peak summer months.
Contact: 021 786 2329

sanparks.org

Total Ninja

Image source: Total Ninja

Let your little warriors bounce, climb and conquer Cape Town’s largest indoor obstacle course. Total Ninja is a paradise for energetic kids, with sections to challenge all ages. From toddlers to teens, everyone can have fun and burn off excess energy.

Location: Black River Park, South Park Entrance, 2 Fir St, Observatory, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10h00–21h00 | Sat & Sun: 09h00–21h00 (closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day)
Cost: Children aged 0-3 years: R80 for 1 hour; R120 for 2 hours | Children aged 4+ and adults: R160 for 1 hour; R240 for 2 hours. | To access the course, participants must wear Total Ninja-branded safety and hygiene socks; sold separately for R45. | Book tickets
Good to know: Visitors must sign indemnity forms, which can be completed before arrival.
Contact: 021 745 3089

totalninja.co.za

 Babylonstoren Gardens

Image: supplied

Roam the beautiful Babylonstoren gardens. This sprawling estate is a botanical playground, offering everything from stunning rose arches to the indoor spice garden to mazes and farmyard encounters. Extend your visit with a leisurely lunch under the shade of ancient oaks and enjoy delicious food at their deli.

Location: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium
Hours: Mon-Sun: 09h00–17h00 (last entry 16h00; access to the garden will be extended until 19h00 from 13–23 December 2024) | Closed on Christmas.
Cost: R150 per adult | Free entry for children under 18 | Payable at the ticket office.
Good to know: Your pass is valid for up to a year. | Browse tours
Contact: 021 863 3852 | Email

babylonstoren.com

Blueberry Bar

Image source: Blueberry Bar Instagram

For a fun yet relaxing outing, head to Blueberry Bar SA in Paarl. Kids can enjoy the U-Pick experience, collecting fresh berries straight from the bush. While they snack on their harvest, parents can sip on refreshing drinks and take in the picturesque surroundings. It’s a sweet escape for the whole family, plus you can take home the tasty blueberry snacks.

Location: Klapmuts Simondium Road, Paarl
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08h00–16h30 (Blueberry Bar) | Sat-Sun: 08h00–16h00 (Blueberry Bar & U-Pick)
Cost: R75 per bucket for adults | R65 per bucket for kids
Good to know: Drinks and snacks are sold at the Blueberry Bar
Contact: 082 325 5424

blueberrybar.co.za

Intaka Island

Image source: Intaka

With guided walks, paddle boarding, reptile shows and various adventure packages, there’s plenty to keep curious kids engaged at Intaka Island. Bring binoculars for some bird watching action or sign up for an overnight sleepover for a truly unique experience.

Location: Grand Central Precinct, 2 Park Ln, Century City
Hours: Mon-Sun: 08h00–19h00 (October-April) | Mon-Sun: 08h00–17h30 (May-September) | Closed on Christmas.
Cost: Day visitor entrance: R21–R32 | Entrance and guided walk: R32–42 | Entrance and boat ride: R85–R95 | Entrance, boat ride and guided walk: R95–R106 | *Price differs for children, adults and pensioners. | Book tickets
Good to know: They also offer adventure packages, and host parties and sleepovers.
Contact: 021 552 6889

intaka.co.za

Cool Runnings, Toboggan Family Park

Image source: Cool Runnings

Zoom through Africa’s only downhill toboggan track. Cool Runnings promises adrenaline-pumping fun for kids. Whether it’s their first ride or their fifth, the thrill of speeding down the track is unmatched! With combo deals and family-friendly rides, it guarantees a day of excitement. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Cape Town.

Location: Off Carl Cronje Dr, Tygervalley, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11h00–18h00 | Sat & Sun, public and school holidays: 09h00–18h00
Cost: Children (aged 3-14 years): R90–R720 | Adults (15 years and older): R100–R850 | Combo deals: R330–R880 | *Prices depend on the number of rides selected. | Book tickets
Good to know: Children below 3 and persons shorter than 1.35m are not allowed to ride. The circuit will be closed when raining for safety reasons.
Contact: 021 949 4439

coolrunnings.capetown

Bugs Playpark

Image source: Bugz Playpark

From colourful rides to interactive play areas, Bugz Playpark is a dreamland for little ones. Younger children can explore jungle gyms, mini zip-lining activities, treehouses, rowing boats and more. There’s even a petting farm – perfect for animal lovers! Keep up to date with upcoming events for more fun times.

Location: 56 Tarentaal Rd, Joostenberg Vlakte
Hours: Weekends: 10h00–16h00 *Open during school holidays & public holidays | See the full list of dates and times.
Cost: Free entry for kids under 3 years (excludes certain rides) | Kids 3–12 years: R190.00 per person | Adults & teenagers 13 years and older: R60.00 | Pensioners: R45 | Petting farm: R25 plus entrance *Special workshops/events excluded from all entry options.
Good to know: Pre-bookings are only allowed for certain events. General tickets are sold at the entrance. Water activities are operations from October until April. Certain outside areas will be closed during rain. Only kids aged 3–12 years are allowed to use the rides; younger kids can access other play areas.
Contact: 021 988 8836

bugzplaypark.co.za

Blaauwklippen Family Market

Image source: Blaauwklippen

Spend a sunny weekend exploring Blaauwklippen’s Family Market, where kids and parents can browse artisanal goods and relax. This outdoor market offers everything from live entertainment to kid-friendly food stalls. For added holiday magic, don’t miss the Twilight Christmas Market. Trust us, this is one of the best things to do in Cape Town.

Location: Strand Road, R44, Stellenbosch
Hours: Sat & Sun: 10h00–16h00 | *Operational hours are weather dependent.
Cost: Free entry | Artisanal goods, food and drinks for sale.
Good to know: Blaauwklippen will host a Twilight Christmas Market from 19–22 Dec.
Contact: 021 880 0133

blaauwklippen.com

The Iziko South African Museum

Image source: Iziko

Take your young explorers on a journey through time at The Iziko South African Museum. From prehistoric fossils to amazing artefacts, this museum makes history and science come alive. It’s an educational outing that sparks curiosity, perfect for children who love discovering the wonders of the natural world.

Location: 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens, Cape Town
Hours: Mon-Sun: 09h00–17h00 | *Closed on Christmas Day and Workers’ Day
Cost: School groups: R15 per person | Children aged 5 to 17 years: R20 | Students and pensioners: R20 (free entry on Fridays; must show valid cards) | Adults: R40–R60 | Non-South African residents: R60 per person
Good to know: Free entrance for local citizens on commemorative holidays.
Contact: 021 481 3800

iziko.org.za

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Image source: Table Mountain

Reach new heights, with a ride on the Table Mountain Cableway. Ideal for families, the cable car offers breathtaking views and quality bonding time. At the top, explore gentle hiking trails or enjoy a snack, while soaking in the scenery.

Location: 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
Hours: First ride up: 08h00 | Last ride up: 20h00 | Last ride down: 21h00 *Operational hours are weather and dependent.
Cost: R60–R1050 | Book tickets
Good to know: Children under 4 travel for free.
Contact: 021 424 0015

tablemountain.net

Zeitz MOCAA Museum

Image source: Zeitz MOCAA Museum

For budding artists and creative minds, a trip to Zeitz MOCAA is a must! This world-class museum celebrates African art with exhibitions that captivate all ages. Visit on Wednesdays for free entry and an opportunity to engage with the continent’s rich cultural heritage.

Location: Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10h00–18h00
Cost: from R250 per person | Book tickets
Good to know: African Citizens get free entry on ‘Africa Wednesdays’, every week from 10h00–13h00, on presentation of a valid ID/Passport.
Contact: 087 350 4777

zeitzmocaa.museum

Clay Café

Image source: Clay Café

Unleash creativity at Clay Café, where kids can paint pottery. With locations in Cape Town CBD, Hout Bay, and Paarl, it’s a convenient and artistic outing. Kids will love choosing from a variety of items to paint, and you’ll treasure the keepsakes they create.

Locations: 199 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre (Cape Town CBD) | Main Rd, Hout Bay (Hout Bay) | Groot Parys Lifestyle Estate, Jan Van Riebeeck Dr, Paarl (Paarl)
Hours: Closed Mon; Tues: 11h00–18h00; Wed-Fri: 11h00–22h00; Sat: 09h00–22h00 & Sun: 09h00–18h00 (Cape Town CBD) | Mon-Sun: 09h00–17h00 (Hour Bay & Paarl)
Cost: Studio fee of R45 per person, plus the price of your chosen item(s). | For larger groups, medium items are R175 (item of R125 + R45 studio fee) and large items are R190 (item of R145 + R45 studio fee) | Make a reservation
Good to know: Colours (maximum of three) and tools are included in the price. Visitors will be notified when their painted items are ready for collection.
Contact: 061 917 4191 (Cape Town CBD) | 076 810 5120 (Hout Bay) | 064 656 6165 (Paarl)

claycafe.co.za

Stek-Kinekor – Throwback Cinema

Image source: Supplied

Whether seeking Christmas classics like Home Alone or cinematic masterpieces like Interstellar, this is the ultimate way to bond with your kids during the holidays without stretching your budget. Don’t miss this chance to watch iconic films the way they were meant to be seen – on the big screen, with a bucket of popcorn in hand!

Locations: N2, Somerset Mall, Centenary Dr, Intersection of N2 & R44 Somerset West  (Somerset West) | 16 Tokai Rd, Blue Route Mall, Dreyersdal (Blue Route) | 101 Dreyer St, Cavendish Square, Claremont (Cavendish) | Louwtjie Rothman St, N1 City Mall, Goodwood (N1 City) | Dock Rd, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre (V&A Waterfront) | 0A Waterfront Street, Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, Bellville Park (Tygervalley)
Hours: Depends on location and available time slots.
Cost: R50 per ticket | Book tickets
Good to know: The promotional price is only valid for selected movies at certain Ster-Kinekor cinema branches.
Contact: 086 166 8437 (Somerset) | 086 166 8437 (Blue Route) | 086 166 8437 (Cavendish) | 086 166 8437 (N1 City) | 086 166 8437 (V&A Waterfront) | 086 166 8437 (Tygervalley)

sterkinekor.com

Galileo Open Air Cinema

Image source: Galileo Instagram

For a truly magical holiday activity, pack a picnic and head to The Galileo Open Air Cinema. Screening under the stars at various picturesque venues around Cape Town, this outdoor cinema experience is perfect for families looking for a fun evening out. With a mix of animated classics, family-friendly blockbusters and festive favourites, there’s a movie for everyone. There’s no better way to enjoy the warm summer nights than with your loved ones, a movie and the beauty of Cape Town as the backdrop.

Locations: 0A Rhodes Ave, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town (Kirstenbosch) | 19 Dock Rd, Battery Park, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront | Central Park, Century City
Hours: View line-up for dates and times | *Note: Movie screenings at Central Park and Battery Park are only on selected dates.
Cost: Standard ticket: R145 per person | Comfy ticket: R155 (includes backrest) | Warm & Comfy: R165 (includes blanket and backrest) | View VIP packages | Book tickets
Good to know: Arrive early to enjoy delicious food stalls, lawn games, and the scenic surroundings before the movie starts.
Contact: 071 471 8728 | Email

thegalileo.co.za

Want more festive fun? Host a cookie party. 

*All prices were correct at the time of publishing, but are subject to change.