An aquarium at the V&A Waterfront featuring sea life from the Atlantic and Indian oceans, including a kelp forest and sharks. An indoor choice for windy or wet days, easily combined with the rest of the Waterfront.
A cable car that lifts you up Table Mountain in a few minutes to the flat summit, with easy paths, viewpoints over the city and both oceans, and a café at the top.
Natural history and regional science add context beyond Cape Town’s outdoor highlights.
A protected beach near Simon's Town, part of Table Mountain National Park, where African penguins can be seen up close from boardwalks. Children love it, and the visit is short enough to combine with a Cape Point drive.
A museum of contemporary African art inside a converted grain silo at the V&A Waterfront, with a dramatic carved-out atrium. Best for older children and teens, as a shorter visit alongside the Waterfront.
Large botanical gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain with sweeping lawns, streams and a raised tree canopy walkway. Great for picnics and letting kids roam, with paths for both short strolls and longer walks.
Cape Town's busy harbour district with shops, restaurants, the aquarium, a Ferris wheel and boat trips. A flexible place to spend a few hours, with plenty of places to eat and take breaks.
A ferry from the V&A Waterfront to the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, with a guided visit to the prison. A powerful history outing best for school-age children and teens.
A drive to the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in Table Mountain National Park, with a funicular, lighthouse viewpoints and dramatic coastal scenery. It makes a full day, and pairs well with the penguins at Boulders.
A bird and animal sanctuary in Hout Bay with walk-through aviaries and a wide range of bird species, plus some small mammals. A mostly outdoor visit that suits young animal fans at a gentle pace.