10 Things to do in Cape Town with Kids

There are cities that have all the elements for family enjoyment and Cape Town, South Africa is an ideal destination for traveling with children, because it offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for everyone. From paradisiacal beaches to nature reserves, museums and aquariums. There are options for all tastes and ages.

Among the best things to do in Cape Town with children is a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium to see tropical fish, white sharks and other marine animals. Also, the Wildlife Sanctuary and more adventures like penguin watching, or rides on the tour bus. Here are some of my favorites.

If you want a fun and educational activity to learn about marine diversity with your children, a good option is to tour the Two Oceans Aquarium. It is one of the many options to learn about the wonders of the ocean without getting wet.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Its name comes from the fact that it exhibits species from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, located at the southern tip of the African continent. In this place, adults and children can see more than 3,000 animals, including penguins, sharks, jellyfish, crabs and seaweed.

With tickets to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium you will live a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family. Children will be able to enjoy the different exhibition halls and observe the animals up close to learn about their habitats, feeding, reproduction and threats. They can also participate in interactive activities, such as touching starfish or feeding the penguins.

This aquarium is not only entertainment; it is education and conservation. Its objective is to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of caring for the environment and respecting marine species. In addition, visiting it is a way to teach children about research projects and species rescue, as well as the actions they can take to contribute to the protection of the ocean.

Information of interest

• Price: the entrance fee for adults is around 8€.
• Hours: from 09:30 to 18:00 hours every day of the year.

For one of the best views of Cape Town and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, you can't miss the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. This impressive flat-shaped mountain is the symbol of the city and an ideal place to visit with children, as they will love the experience of climbing in a rotating cabin and observing nature from the heights.

It is also a fun, comfortable and safe way to see one of South Africa's most iconic landmarks. In addition, it is an opportunity for the little ones to learn about the history, geology and ecology of this unique mountain in the world.

The Table Mountain Cable Car takes you from the base of the mountain, at 363 meters above sea level, to the top, at almost 1,100 meters, in just three minutes. During the ride, you can admire the scenery of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and the neighboring mountains of Lion's Head and Signal Hill. In addition, the cabin rotates slowly, giving you a 360-degree panoramic view.

So, if you are short on time and want to enjoy Cape Town in 3 days with the little ones, this is a way to see and explore the city from different angles. You can also go hiking to discover the rich flora and fauna of Table Mountain National Park, which is home to more than 8,700 species of plants.

Information of interest

• Price: the most expensive round-trip ticket is around 23€; children under 4 years old get in for free.
• Hours: the first trip departs at 8:00 a.m. and the last trip is between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on the month.

The Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park is an ideal destination to enjoy with children, as it offers the possibility of interacting with animals in contact areas, where adults and children can feed them with vegetables. In addition, children can learn about the diversity and conservation of species.

The Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park is an adventure for nature and animal lovers. It is located in Hout Bay, a suburb of Cape Town. This park is home to more than 400 species of animals, including some 330 species of birds.

With tickets to the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park in Cape Town you and your children can observe a variety of penguins, rheas, waterfowl, eagles, owls, pelicans, flamingos, pheasants, parrots, hornbills, turacos and weavers. Most of the birds are exhibited in aviaries that can be visited on foot, allowing you to appreciate them up close and in their natural habitat. In total, there are more than 100 aviaries that occupy an area of 4 hectares.

In addition to the birds, the park is also a good alternative to visit with children because there is a diversity of mammal and reptile species, such as monkeys (baboons, marmosets and tamarins), meerkats, porcupines, green iguanas, monitor lizards and turtles. If this experience appeals to them, consider joining one of the safari tours in Cape Town, which are another way to learn about and explore nature with children.

For a unique and fun experience with your children, I recommend a tour of the Cape Peninsula and a visit to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. This is one of the most popular attractions in Cape Town, as it allows you to observe these cute animals in their natural environment and learn about their biology and conservation.

Visiting the Cape Peninsula and Boulders Beach is an ideal activity to do with children and one of the best excursions from Cape Town because it will allow them to learn about the natural and cultural richness of this region of South Africa. In addition, they will be able to interact with the penguins and learn about their behavior, diet, threats and ecological importance.

At Boulders Beach you will be able to see more than 2,000 penguins walking, swimming, feeding and breeding. You can approach them through wooden walkways that respect their space and tranquility.

For its part, the Cape Peninsula is an area of great natural beauty, where you can enjoy spectacular scenery such as:

• The Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of the African continent.
• The Cape Point Nature Reserve, where you can see antelopes, zebras, ostriches and baboons.
• The Cape Point Lighthouse, from where you will have breathtaking views of the ocean.

An African adventure without leaving the city is to visit and interact with wild animals in the Aquila Game Reserve. This activity is ideal to do with children, as it will allow them to get up close to the so-called "Big Five" (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards), as well as other species such as giraffes, zebras, hippos and ostriches.

AquilaGame Reserve is the closest game reserve to Cape Town, home to Africa's most iconic wild animals. It is located about two hours from the city in the semi-desert Karoo region. It also has more than 10,000 hectares of land where the animals live in freedom and harmony.

To visit this complex, you can join a safari excursion to Aquila Game Reserve as a family. Most of these experiences include transportation, lunch and a safari guided by an expert ranger. The best part is that it is done in an open vehicle, which allows you to have a privileged view of the animals and hear their sounds.

In addition, it is an opportunity to learn and have fun with your children, who will be able to see, touch and feed some of the animals in the contact areas. They can also enjoy other activities such as horseback riding, quad biking or relaxing in the swimming pool.

If your children enjoy cycling, a bike tour is one of the different, healthy and ecological ways to get to know Cape Town. This way, you will take a family ride through the most emblematic places and live an unforgettable and fun experience with your children.

In addition, touring Cape Town by bike is a way to discover the history, culture and nature of this South African city, which combines colonial charm with cosmopolitan modernity.

There are several tour options, from renting one on your own to hiring a tour guided by an expert. Some of the most popular tours are as follows:

• The historic center route: takes you through the oldest and most representative buildings of the city. For example the Castle of Good Hope, the Town Hall, St. George's Cathedral or the Parliament. You can also visit the District 6 Museum.
• The promenade route: is to enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. You will be able to see the famous Cape Town Stadium, where the 2010 World Cup was held, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Waterfront food and craft market.
• The Cape Peninsula Route: will take you along the south coast of the city, where you can admire spectacular scenery, such as the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, and more.

A guided tour of Cape Town will allow you to get to know the main attractions of the city and is an ideal activity to take the kids and enjoy with the family, as it offers fun, education and adventure.

If your trip is planned to spend at least 5 days in Cape Town, with this activity you can discover its charms, learn about its history and experience in a short time the mix of cultures, landscapes and flavors with the little ones of the house. A guided tour of this city is a fun and enriching experience that will allow you to get to know the most emblematic and fascinating places.

Some of the main attractions of the city are:

• Table Mountain: It is a table-shaped mountain that dominates the skyline. You can climb to the top in a revolving cable car and enjoy spectacular views of the city and the ocean.
• The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden; one of the most beautiful in the world, where you can admire the native flora and walk along an elevated walkway through the treetops.
• Cabo San Lucas Arch: a natural rock formation where you can see the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. In addition, you will be able to spot marine animals.

Children enjoy watching animals and being in contact with nature, so if you are traveling with the little ones, you cannot miss the opportunity to take a boat tour from Cape Town and admire the incredible diversity of marine life that inhabits the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

It is an ideal activity to enjoy as a family, as both children and adults will be fascinated by the species they will see, such as whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, sharks and many more. In addition, it is a unique experience that will allow them to learn about the marine ecosystem and its conservation.

You will also be able to appreciate the beauty of the South African coast and its landscapes, such as the famous Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of the African continent, or Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

There are different options for boat tours from Cape Town, depending on your preferences and budget. You can choose between a boat tour, or a private fishing tour, which will give you the opportunity to catch your own dinner.

Discovering the attractions of Cape Town on a sightseeing bus tour can be quite an adventure with the kids. This is because the city is one of the most beautiful in the world and, if you go as a family, it is a cost-effective way to get to know it in a fun and dynamic way.

Children will enjoy getting on and off the double-decker bus as many times as they want and as many times as you allow. They will also be able to explore the most emblematic places of the city at their own pace. There are three different routes for the tour: the red route, which will take you through the historical and cultural center of Cape Town; the blue route, which will show you the spectacular coastline of the peninsula and the Table Mountain nature park; and the purple route, which will allow you to taste the best wines of the Constantia Valley.

In addition, the bus has an audio guide in several languages, so that children know the history and curiosities of each place. This is a way of getting to know the city that you and your family will love. You will discover the cultural, natural and gastronomic richness of this wonderful South African city and you will take unforgettable memories with you and your family.

Information of interest

• Price: the price per adult starts from approximately 15€ and for children from around 7€.
• Duration: depends on the line. The shortest trip is estimated in 30 minutes and the longest in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

If you are looking for an activity to do with children and family, I propose an excursion to the Cape of Good Hope from Cape Town. It is an adventure that combines culture, nature and fun, and that will allow you to discover one of the most emblematic places in South Africa. It is also an ideal getaway for week-long visits and a way to discover Cape Town in 7 days.

The Cape of Good Hope is a place steeped in history, as it was explored by Portuguese and Dutch navigators in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is also a natural reserve that is home to a great variety of flora and fauna, such as ostriches, antelopes, baboons and penguins. On the tour, you will see South Africa's spectacular Atlantic coastline and will be able to take pictures and make stops at places of interest. Highlights include:

• Hout Bay Harbour; known as Forest Bay is a stunning natural site with a diversity of wildlife.
• Camps Bay Beach; one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Cape Town.
• Chapman's Peak; a tourist road of great beauty with 114 curves in 10 km.

There is also the Cape Point Lighthouse and Boulders Beach. At each stop you can admire the views, take pictures, interact with the animals and learn about the culture and history of the country.