Fun Activities For Kids In Cape Town

We've compiled a list of 16 fun and educational activities for kids in Cape Town for the next time you're wracking your brain on how to have a fun-filled day for the entire family.

In this day and age it's extremely likely to see the younger generation zoned out behind an iPad or some sort of electronic device rather than getting down and dirty outside. It's way easier to keep your kid occupied by putting them in front of a screen and sometimes parents struggle to find a ground to interact with their kids on. But it's definitely better for their emotional and physical well-being to be outdoors running around and learning all about the world, hands on, with you ideally getting involved somehow.

Strawberry Picking at Polkadraai Farm

Polkadraai Farm offers strawberry picking between September to January.  Each person entering the strawberry fields must purchase a container available in-store; the size of the container determines the price. The kids will have an exciting time choosing and picking their juicy strawberries and at the end, the picking container as well as the strawberries can be taken home. Other fun activities Polkadraai offers is tractor rides, pony rides, mini golf, face painting, a playground and a food court. Let the picking begin!

Polkadraai Farm, M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, Stellenbosch

Gary's Surf School

Surfing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Cape Town. We have many beaches to choose from, but for the kiddies and beginners, Muizenberg Beach is one of the better options. Gary's Surf School is the oldest surfing school in the country. The minimum age to attend surf classes is 4 years old and all students must bring their own swimsuits and towels.

34 Balmoral Building, Beach Road, Muizenberg

Horse Riding at Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding is the oldest operating horse riding business in the peaceful and beautiful Noordhoek Valley in Cape Town. Not only can people of all ages embark on scenic rides on the beach, but the little ones can go for lessons to get comfortable on the majestic animals.

Sleepy Hollow Lane, Noordhoek

Imhoff Farm

For a real country feel, Imhoff Farm is the place to be. Both adults and kids can enjoy all the facilities, from unique stalls and restaurants, to animal encounters and face painting. Enjoy camel or horse rides and explore the friendly animals in the farmyard. If your kid loves a more thrilling experience, take them to the snake park, for paint balling or on an off-trail 4x4 ride.

Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie

GrandWest Casino

Settle down, parents. We are not encouraging you to take your kids gambling. Instead, at GrandWest Casino, there are fun-filled, age-suitable activities for them to do. At The Ice Station, hire out a pair of ice skates and let them wizz around the Olympic-sized ice rink. For the less experienced kiddies, start them off at the mini supervised ice rink for kids under 5 years old. If they'd prefer to be on stable ground, take them to Magic Bowling where they can have fun with tenpin bowling. But wait, the fun doesn't end there. GrandWest also offers laser tag, a magic arcade, a cinema and a creche for kids under 10 years old. Yes, that means you can have some fun at the casino or bars while your kids are safe, sound and having fun.

1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Goodwood

World Of Birds

World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa with over 3 000 birds and small animals. Walk through the aviaries and gardens with your kids while they marvel at all the birds and animals. When you get hungry, there's a restaurant with drinks, snacks and light meals, or enjoy a picnic at the Flamingo Terrace, situated right next to the Flamingoes. The kids can also let loose at the playground while Mom and Dad have a bit of a rest.

Valley Road, Hout Bay

Bugz Family Play Park

This is the biggest play park in the Western Cape. With 2 large sandpit areas, colourful jungle gyms, slides, a petting zoo, swings, water slides, play houses, tree houses, a castle and obstacles, your kids are guaranteed a great day!

56 Tarentaal Rd, Joostenberg Vlakte

Let's Go Bowling At Stadium On Main

This is great fun for all ages with a bowling alley, a bar, pool table and arcade in the same venue. Let the kids have their fun while you relax at the bar, or perhaps you'd rather join in on the games?

Stadium on Main, Main Rd, Claremont

The Scratch Patch

Purchase a bag at the entrance and scratch through thousands of polished gemstones to take home with you. Kids will have loads of fun learning about these stones and admiring their unique beauty. There are 2 Scratch Patch's in Cape Town. The one at the Waterfront also has mini golf.

1 Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront
or Dido Valley Rd, Simons Town

Butterfly World

Butterfly World is comprised of a tropical garden in a 1000 m2 greenhouse. It is a sanctuary for small animals, with their main feature being the butterflies. You will be able to get up close and personal with a wide variety of tropical butterflies as well as other animals such as reptiles, tarantulas, birds, marmosets, meerkats and more.

​Route 44, Paarl

​Scootours® Cape Town

Embark on a 5 km track which will take you on an adventurous off road track down the side of Signal Hill, and then continue the fun by on a single track going down Table Mountain. The scooters are non-motorised and are propelled by gravity, making them eco-friendly. All trips are guided by professionals and your kid's and your safety are taken care of. Adults and kids over 10 years book Solo Tickets and Children 9 years and under can double up with mom or dad.

209 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve)

Two Oceans Aquarium

Introduce your kids to the wonderful world of the ocean at The Two Oceans Aquarium. Explore the variety of exhibits, especially at feeding time - you'll get to see the animals up close in their frenzies and have an opportunity to be educated by one of the knowledgeable staff members. Get even closer to sea life with a penguin encounter, or the TouchPool where you can touch and hold a variety of sea animals and plants. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat or a glass of wine at Cafe V.

Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront

Oude Molen Eco Village

Oude Molen Eco Village is a group of small businesses utilising land in order to address socio-economic challenges such as job creation, youth development and food security in the region. The village comprises of a diverse community consisting of numerous metal, wood and craft enterprises, social projects, food gardens, a public swimming pool and recreation facilities, a frail care center, a farm stall café, horse-riding activities, backpacker accommodation (Riverlodge Backpackers; click here to view our rates & availability), artists, musicians and film industry services. Make a day out of the facilities - take the kids for drumming, to the play centre or horse riding!

Alexandra Rd, Pinelands

Ratanga Junction

Ratanga Junction is an amusement park that has something for everyone, from kiddy rides to thrilling rides for the more adventurous individuals. Ratanga makes for a perfect day's excursion filled with excitement, entertainment and adrenaline rushes.

Cape Theme Park, Century Blvd, Century City

Cape Town Science Centre

The science centre contains more than 250 interactive science exhibits and mind-boggling puzzles. They offer science shows, curriculum-based hands-on workshops, holiday programmes, science camps, science theatre, travelling exhibitions, hands-on experiments, excursions, experiential driven programmes, Saturday learner enrichment school, robotics workshops & tournaments, chess workshops & tournaments, Science Out Loud popular science talks, maths and science exam preparation lessons, educator enrichment workshops & educator forums, computer courses, and mini-exhibitions on topical science events. Wow! What a great place to keep a kid occupied.

370B Main Rd, Observatory

Planetarium

The Planetarium is housed in the South African Museum building and is a celestial theatre utilising the Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to transport the audience through the wonders of the universe. The planetarium host shows for children, learners and adults and provides both entertainment and education.

25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre

 If you enjoyed this article and want to read more about the exciting things we get up to in Cape Town, follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page. If you'd love to have your own Cape Town experience, contact us at Riverlodge Backpackers to book accommodation, or book online.