Looking for the best family-friendly things to do in Cape Town? Read on…
Cape Town, also known as South Africa’s Mother City, is consistently listed amongst the best cities in the world. It is endowed with abundant natural beauty, umpteen opportunities for adventure, world-class shopping, delicious food, and captivating history. There are so many places to visit in Cape Town as well as things to do in Cape Town – whether you are a first-time newbie, a resident or a regular visitor.
During the many years of incarceration on Robben Island, we often looked across Table Mountain at its magnificent silhouette … To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return.– Nelson Mandela.
Cape Town’s most famous attraction is Table Mountain, recognized as one of the world’s 7 wonders of nature. This flat-topped mountain is a prominent landmark overlooking the city. The aerial cableway will take you to the top of the mountain. If you’re fit enough, you can also opt to hike up. Once on the mountain, you can see indigenous flora and fauna, and enjoy a picnic high above the city. The panoramic views of Robben Island, the city and the Cape Peninsula, from the top, are stunning. Book your tickets in advance as it is busy.
This is where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years that he was incarcerated. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-do in Cape Town. A ferry will take you to the island, where you can go on a guided tour and even see Nelson Mandela’s former cell. Book your tickets well in advance though as this attraction is very popular.
This is one of Cape Town’s oldest, and most colourful, urban residential areas. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap is steeped in history. The narrow cobbled streets, lined with brightly painted houses are an Instagrammer’s delight. Locals will show you around the area where you can visit the museums and even do learn how to cook Cape Malay food.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most magnificent gardens in Africa and one of the great botanical gardens of the world. It lies at the foot of Table Mountain and is the perfect place for a relaxing family day out. One could easily spend a full day here, admiring the different gardens and other features. Be sure to walk along the tree canopy walkway to get great views of Cape Town.
This is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. It was built in the 1600’s as a defensive fort. It is now a national monument. You can walk around the castle grounds and see the exhibits as well as a live cannon-firing demonstration.
The V&A Waterfront is located in the Cape Town harbour. It is a sprawling shopping centre with many eateries, but there is more to it. It is surrounded by other attractions like the Two Oceans aquarium, a giant observation wheel, markets, museums and boat cruises. The ferries to Robben Island leave from here too.
There are many types of boat cruises to choose from. They include sunset cruises, sight-seeing cruises, harbour cruises and adventurous cruises. You are likely to see seals on many of these cruises. Cruises from Simon’s Town, will take you to Seal Island, home to 75,000 Cape Fur Seals.
Cape Town has many stunning beaches. The Clifton beaches are amongst the best in the world, Camps Bay Beach is the place to see and be seen. Muizenberg Beach and St James Beach have colourful beach huts and there is a lovely walkway between the two. Boulders Beach is a must-visit if you have children. It is one of the only beaches in the world where you can get so close to African Penguins. For a free option, check out Seaforth Beach, next to Boulders Beach where some of the penguins venture.
The City Sightseeing Cape Town hop-on, hop-off bus is a convenient way to see Cape Town and will take you to most of many of the city’s attractions. There are several different routes. A running commentary is provided by earphones in 15 different languages.
Cape Point, a jagged peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical gems, and breathtaking vistas, located within the Table Mountain National Park.
Museums in Cape Town
Experience cutting-edge African art in a converted grain silo at the Zeitz MOCAA.
Uncover the history of South Africa’s diamond industry and see replicas of famous diamonds.
Learn about the country’s natural and cultural history at this museum which also houses the planetarium.
The Simons Town Toy Museum is a quaint museum showcasing an eclectic collection of vintage toys and collectibles from various eras.
Delve into the history of slavery at this thought-provoking museum.
Learn about the first successful heart transplant at The Heart of Cape Town Museum.
Learn about the history of forced removals during apartheid in this poignant museum.
Engage with interactive scientific exhibits ideal for families and children.
Unique Rides in Cape Town
The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat is a themed adventure boat ride at the V&A Waterfront that offers family-friendly cruises with live entertainment and spectacular views.
The Elgin Steam Train offers nostalgic steam train trips through the picturesque Elgin Valley to the Elgin Market on Saturdays (seasonal).
Experience the beauty of the Noordhoek beach on horseback.
Experience the first downhill tobogganing track in Africa at Cool Runnings.
New to Cape Town, the Duck Tour is a unique outing, in a 36-seater amphibious bus, on both land and water. One-third of the one-hour-long tour is on land and two-thirds on water, with a tour guide sharing historical insights. Find them at the V&A Waterfront.
Go hiking in Cape Town
There’s a plethora of places to hike in Cape Town. Try one of these: Newlands Forest, 12 Apostles, Table Mountain, Chapman’s Peak or Lion’s Head.
The Crystal Pools hike is a scenic trail near Gordon’s Bay, leading to natural rock pools and waterfalls within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
Follow trails through fynbos-covered landscapes at Silvermine Reservoir where you can take a dip in water so dark that it looks black.
Cecilia Forest near Table Mountain is a haven for hikers featuring well-marked trails through indigenous trees and leading to picturesque waterfalls.
Abseil Africa offers the highest commercial abseil in the world, with a 112-meter descent down the face of Table Mountain, boasting breathtaking views.
Enjoy the view from this historic memorial on the slopes of Table Mountain.
More active adventures in Cape Town
Try indoor rock climbing in a safe and controlled environment at City Rock indoor rock-climbing gym.
Experience an adrenaline rush by ziplining at locations like SA Forest Adventures at Silvermist Estate where you can soar above breathtaking landscapes for an exhilarating adventure. Take the kids ziplining at Acrobranch Adventure Park in Constantia Nek.
Soar through the sky with an experienced paragliding pilot. There are launch sites at Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.
Freefall over the Mother City and land near the scenic coastline as you skydive over Cape Town. There are a number of companies that offer this.
Hot air balloon flights in Cape Town provide a serene and picturesque experience, offering panoramic views of the city, vineyards, and mountains at sunrise.
Soar above Cape Town’s scenic beauty with a microlight flight, offering a unique aerial perspective of the city.
Atlantis Dunes is an outdoor adventure destination near Cape Town known for its white sand dunes, popular for sandboarding, quad biking, and 4×4 driving.
Water activities
Llandudno, Muizenberg, Off the Wall, Long Beach, Big Bay and Scarborough Beach are some of the best spots. Get surfing lessons at Muizenberg Beach.
Explore the ocean in a unique way with on an adventurous water-bike tour.
Paddle your way through the waves by hopping on a kayak or joining a guided kayak tour on the ocean.
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing underwater world through snorkeling or scuba diving in Cape Town’s pristine waters, and enjoy astonishing underwater views.
Find balance and tranquility as you glide across the water on a stand-up paddleboard, enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Eat and drink in Cape Town
The Cape Winelands regions are home to picturesque berry farms like Polkadraai Farm where you can pick a variety of berries, including strawberries and blackberries.
The steam-punk style Truth Coffee was named the world’s best coffee shop for two consecutive years by the The Daily Telegraph!
Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay and Kalky’s Fish & Chips in Kalk Bay are some of the most popular spots.
Visit this vibrant market and cultural hub, especially on Saturdays.
Animals and sanctuaries in Cape Town
Take a leisurely stroll through this historic garden in the heart of the city where you can feed the squirrels
Visit Hout Bay Bird Park, the largest bird park in Africa, which has over 400 species of birds.
Rondevlei Nature Reserve is a pristine wetland sanctuary offering diverse birdlife, indigenous vegetation, and a chance to spot hippos in their natural habitat.
The Alpaca Loom in Paarl offers a unique experience to interact with and learn about these charming and woolly creatures in a picturesque farm setting
Spot whales on the False Bay coastline between June and November. Southern right whales are the most common, but you may also see humpback whales and Bryde’s whales.
Entertainment in Cape Town
Catch a classic film under the stars at various venues across Cape Town with Galileo Open Air Cinema
Cape Town boasts a vibrant cultural scene with theaters like the Fugard Theatre and Artscape Theatre Centre, offering a diverse array of performances.
Unique experiences in Cape Town
Embark on an underground adventure with Cape Town’s cave tours which explore the intricate formations and ancient history of Cape Town’s caves.
Experience local life and culture on a township tour- but do go with a reputable guide. (Khayelitsha / Langa/ Imizamo Yethu)
The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel is home to the only designer Rooftop Airstream Trailer Park in the world with 7 genuine Airstream trailers.
Day trips near Cape Town
Cape Town, and the area around it, has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The best way to see it is to rent a car and take long drives along the coastline. Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Hout Bay, where you can eat fresh fish, or take a drive to the following destinations.
The Cape West Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the Western Cape province comprising a chain of small towns and fishing villages, including Paternoster, and Yzerfontein, which is home to South Africa’s longest beach .
The West Coast National Park is a scenic South African national park and nature reserve with a diverse range of plant, bird, and animal life.
Citrusdahl is a small town known for its citrus orchards and natural hot springs.
Hermanus is known as the whale watching capital of South Africa, and is even recognized by the WWF as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. See more here.
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most picturesque areas, and it makes an amazing road trip and holiday destination– for the whole family. See the best things to do in the Garden Route.
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a spectacular 36 000 ha reserve in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Read more about it here.
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. There is a beautiful lighthouse there too.
As you can see, a trip to Cape Town will include many different experiences. I would recommend staying there for at least a week.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Cape Town, here are some hotels I’ve personally stayed at and would highly recommend.
The 12 Apostles Hotel is where many royals and celebrities from around the world choose to stay when in Cape Town. If you can’t stay there, then go for high tea or sun downers while you watch one of Cape Town’s most breath-taking sunsets. Read about our stay at 12 Apostles Hotel.
If it’s proximity to the seaside combined with affordable family-friendly comfort that you’re looking for, then look no further than The President Hotel, situated in Bantry Bay, between Sea Point and Clifton. Read about our stay at The President Hotel.
A luxurious halaal hotel located at the beginning of the Bo-Kaap district, close enough for one to immerse oneself in the culture and colour of the neighbourhood but not enough to encroach on its ambience. Read about our stay at the Hyatt Regency Cape Town.
Tintswalo at Boulders is a luxurious boutique villa with the most dramatic views and direct access to the Boulders Penguin Colony via a meandering boardwalk. Read about our stay at Tintswalo at Boulders.
For a Cape Town city experience, stay at the Taj Cape Town. It is housed in two historic buildings in the heart of Cape Town, across the historic Company’s Gardens. The hotel offers a fascinating complimentary walking tour for guests. Read about our stay at Taj Cape Town.
The Pullman Cape Town hotel is a centrally located hotel in the CBD near the bustling Bree and Long Streets. The hotel is housed in the granite-clad Triangle House, a 104-metre tall architecturally-accoladed skyscraper.
Hotel Verde is Africa’s greenest hotel. It is conveniently located near the airport. The hotel features advanced recycling technologies and other green features, and has won many awards worldwide. Read about our stay at Hotel Verde.
Find more budget-friendly accommodation.
If you live in Johannesburg, a road trip to Cape Town is a great way to go there.
Download the GPS guide here.
Click here for the best things to do in Johannesburg.
What are your favourite things to do in Cape Town ? Let me know in the comments below.
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Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
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