We absolutely fell in love with this town. Capetown has everything, nice views, culture, amazing food. We wanted to travel slowly and took out a whole week discovering this town. Of course, you can do the highlights in 4 days or so, but we found it worthwhile to take time to really feel at home in this town.
Activities for your family
Here’s how we spent our time:
Table mountain
Table mountain, you can ofcourse hike the table mountain, but the route is really steep and long therefore not safe with a kid. Our Airbnb host also told us only to go hiking with a guide. Taking the cable car is a joy in itself as it offers breathtaking views. Once you are on top, there are plenty nice walking paths who offer a 360degree view of the city.
Tip: it can become very crowdy so I recommend to go before 9:30 + buy your tickets online to skip already the counter line.
Kidtip: take a baby carrier along with you to walk on the tabletop.
Two Oceans Aquarium
We even came back when it rained to go and visit Two Oceans Aquarium which was Astor’s favorite activity as a baby. Although he was only 5 months old at the time, seeing so many colors made him so happy. Even for us, sea life was really large and contained certain species we hadn’t seen yet. Make sure you walk underneath the tunnel which is an amazing experience.
V&A waterfront area :
stroll around and watch the ambiance and live music on every corner at the V&A waterfront. Have lunch with a view on the harbor at one of the many restaurants or terraces. And, of course, we couldn’t resist seeking out the sunbathing sea lions – a real treat for our little one!
Tip: The sea lions, lounging somewhere at the waterfront, can be found by listening for their occasional "barking" sounds as they communicate with each other.
Signal hill/ Lions Head
Go to Signal hill right before sunset. It is a beautiful viewpoint to see the sun go down there but also to see lions head. You can go hike lions head. It is apparently doable by going halfway as the top will be too dangerous with a baby. We didn’t had time to do this as we only arrived right before the sunset on signal hill but we really enjoyed the epic view from here.
Boulders beach (pinguins)
Boulders Beach, down by Cape Town in South Africa, is famous for its adorable African penguins! You can actually hang out with them on the beach – they’re all over the place, waddling around and doing their thing. Plus, the beach itself is gorgeous, with these big rocks and little coves perfect for chilling out or taking a dip in the ocean. And there’s this sanctuary nearby where you can learn all about how they’re keeping these penguins safe and happy. It’s such a cool spot for a day out!
Tip: Like the name says, you need to boulder/climb a little bit on and between rocks to further and have a better view of the beach with the prettiest rock formations while also being closer to pinguins. We had to pass our little one to one another as climbing with a baby carrier is not recommendable.
Robben island
We decided to do Robben Island on a rainy day which fitted perfectly with the vibe that holds the history. We did a tour with an ex political prisoner which was really interesting as he told stories about his difficult days there and he also explained how it is still actual in this city.
Beach day
When it is sunny, go and have a relaxing day at one of the beaches (Muizenberg, Camps Bay, Noordhoek beach) or when it is a little bit too windy, stay at an Airbnb with a jacuzzi like we did.
Kaap de goed hoop
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kaap de Goede Hoop, where rugged cliffs meet the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, offering unparalleled vistas and opportunities for exploration. Delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark, once hailed as the “Cape of Storms” by early explorers, now beckoning travelers with its dramatic scenery and captivating allure. You have different point to stop and to go to the beach. Just be careful when you step out of your car as in certain areas there are baboons so it is best not to bring food with you.
KidsTip! Make sure you take a carrier bag for your baby or toddler as the small hikes up and down beaches is not buggyproof.
Kirstenbosch
It is a lovely botanical garden but also especially the view is pretty as you are really looking over a hill. Check out activities as the large garden offers also their location for cinema or concerts. Especially an outdoor cinema can be lovely with little kids!
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most breathtaking coastal roads in the world. Stop at designated viewpoints to admire panoramic views of Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tip: drive this route morning or late afternoon. This is typically when the sunlight illuminates the scenic route, enhancing the breathtaking views of the coastline and mountains.
Bay harbour market
Rainy days offer the best things to explore inside! Bay harbour market had amazing food stands so come around lunch while you could enjoy the live music. There are a lot of really cool stands with arts and crafts. We felt as if it was not really touristy yet. Make sure to check opening hours as it isn’t always open.
Daytrips or shortrips from Capetown:
- Wineregion: Stellenbosch/Franschhoek. Here you can find our activities we did in this area.
- Take a trip to the wineregion which is nearby: Just a short drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are renowned for their picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries. Enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and gourmet dining experiences amidst stunning scenery.
- Aquila game reserve: Want to go on safari while staying in Capetown? It can! And it is super childfriendly. Aquila game reserve is less than 2 hours from Capetown and it offers safaris with small children. Stay for the night for a better experience!|
- Betty’s Bay: If you can’t get enough of the pinguins on boulders beach, Betty’s Bay is less crowded
- Hermanus: Known as one of the best places for land-based whale watching, Hermanus is approximately a two-hour drive from Cape Town. Visit between June and November to catch a glimpse of southern right whales frolicking in the waters of Walker Bay. We weren’t lucky enough to see them as we visited Capetown in April.
Depending on how old your kid(s) are, there are enough fun things to do with your kids in Capetown. This city has so many things to offer, we hope you have as fun time with your family as we did!