Surrounding Area | Cape Town

Our Top 5 Family-Friendly Activities In Cape Town

Looking for the perfect family day out? Cape Town is bursting with fun-filled kid-friendly options, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 5 picks, each one guaranteed to bring laughter, adventure and plenty of memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

Two Oceans Aquarium

There’s nothing quite like watching your child’s face light up as they come nose-to-fin with a ragged-tooth shark or a waddling penguin. At the Two Oceans Aquarium, you’ll explore the fascinating underwater world of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans with exhibits that feature over 3,000 fascinating marine creatures. Kids will love the touch pool, where they can gently interact with starfish and other rock-pool creatures under the guidance of friendly staff. You can even catch live feeding sessions which are always a crowd favourite and often spark conversations about caring for our oceans, making it both a fun day out and a gentle nudge towards conservation.

Price: Adults - R250pp | (SA ID) Pensioners - R185pp | (SA ID) Student - R185pp | Children (14-17 years) - R185pp | Children (2-13 years) - R115pp | Children (3 and under) - FREE
Operating Hours: Open daily, 09:30 - 18:00
Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront Cape Town, South Africa

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is more than just a pretty backdrop for family photos. Pack a picnic for an alfresco lunch beneath the shade of towering trees and let the kids run free on the lawns, or take a stroll on the Tree Canopy Walkway (also known as the “Boomslang”) for a bird’s-eye view of the lush gardens below. Keep an eye out for seasonal events, like the ever-popular summer sunset concerts that transform a garden stroll into a festive evening outing that kids and parents can dance along to.

Price: Adults - R320pp | (SA ID) Adults - R100pp | (SA ID) Student - R60pp | Children (6-17 years) - R40pp | Children (under 6 years) - FREE
Operating Hours: Open daily, 08:00 - 19:00
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735

Boulders Beach

Home to a charming colony of African penguins, Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town is a must-visit if you’ve ever dreamt of sharing a shoreline with these charismatic little birds. Because the natural granite boulders protect the bay from large swells, the water here is typically calmer making it safer for younger ones to paddle and play. You can wander along the boardwalk to find the best penguin-spotting vantage points, but please remember to be respectful of the penguins’ personal space; they’re cute, but they’re also wild animals. Beyond penguin watching, the beach itself is a relaxing spot for a family picnic, with plenty of rock pools for budding marine biologists to poke around in.

Price: (SA ID) Adults (12+ years) - R50pp | (SA Citizen) Children (2-11 years) - R25pp | Adults - R215pp | Children (2-11 years) - R105pp
Operating Hours: Open daily, 08:00 - 17:00
Location: Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, Cape Town, 7995

The Iziko South African Museum

If you’re looking for an educational adventure that still feels fun, head over to the Iziko South African Museum, situated in the historic Company’s Garden. Dating back to 1825, it’s a treasure trove of fossils, dinosaurs, ancient rock art and massive whale skeletons suspended in mid-air. Wander among exhibits showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage of South Africa, and if you have time, pop into the adjoining Planetarium for an immersive journey through the stars. It’s a wonderful way to combine learning and leisure for the whole family. After the museum, there’s nothing like strolling through the leafy Company’s Garden right next door, where friendly squirrels and scenic paths encourage a bit of easygoing exploration before you head back to the bustle of the city.

Price: Adults - R60pp | (SA ID) Adults - R40pp | (SA ID) Pensioners - R20pp | (SA ID) Student - R20pp | Children (14-17 years) - R185pp | Children (2-13 years) - R115pp | Children (3 and under) - FREE
Operating Hours: Open daily, 09:00 - 17:00
Location: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

Cool Runnings

Looking for something a little more action-packed? Cool Runnings in Tygervalley offers Africa’s only toboggan track that’s guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping! It’s suitable for both kids and thrill-seeking grown-ups. Picture a stainless-steel luge weaving down a hillside, with twists and turns that make for a giddy rush as you zoom toward the bottom. The best part is that you control your speed, so older kids can chase a bit of an adrenaline boost, while more cautious riders can go at a gentler pace. Younger children are welcome to share a sled with an adult, meaning nobody has to miss out on the fun. Between rides families often hang out at the picnic tables, chatting over snacks and comparing “who went the fastest” stories before hopping back on the track for another go.

Price: Adults (15+ years) - R100 per ride | Children (3-14 years) - R90 per ride | Happy Family Combo (any age) - R880 for 16 rides | Adults (15+ years) - R280 for 3 rides | Children (3-14 years) - R240 for 3 rides.
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:00 - 18:00 | Sat-Sun, 09:00 - 18:00
Location: Toboggan Family Park (Pty) Ltd., t/a Cool Runnings, Off Carl Cronje Dr, Tygervalley, Cape Town, 7530

We hope these family-friendly suggestions help you create lasting memories here in Cape Town. We know you’ll find plenty of reasons to smile, explore and enjoy quality time together. Safe travels and happy adventuring!

**Please note: Cape Town offers a wide range of fun activities and while the information provided is accurate at the time of publication, Old Bank Hotel cannot be held responsible for any changes or inaccuracies. We recommend checking the websites directly for the most up-to-date details before setting off on your family adventure.

Old Bank Hotel | reservations@lionroars.com | +27 (0)21 424 1530