53 ACTIVITIES FOR KIDs

The school holiday is almost here and there’s plenty to do with your children – indoor and outdoor, dry or wet, with animals, adults and other kids – in the city or in the suburbs.

Our super cool suggestions for things to do with kids is very inclusive: Children of all ages – from one to 18 years old – will find an activity that suits. There’s everything from the adventure seekers, to the kid who loves arts and crafts or science. We’ve also found places where both parent and child can play.

WATER PARK WITH A DRY PLAY ZONE
Your kids won’t be short of entertainment here. There are five waterslides, including safe play areas for under-6s as well as other attractions such as putt-putt, a jungle gym, zip slide, obstacle course and shaded cafe. The park is the perfect spot for a birthday celebration. You will be allocated a picnic table to set-up the party, and you can bring your own party packs and cake if you want to. Note, the park is only open for the summer season and operates from a well point. For details on prices, dates and times, read more about Waterworld in Strand.
Age Group: Toddlers, young children and pre-teens.
Cost: Starts at R90 per child.

Beach Road | Strand | +27 (0) 21 584 4702 | info@waterslides.co.za

UNDER THE SEA
Discover the diverse marine life found off the southern African coast at the Two Oceans Aquarium. See animals that call the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean their home and the brightly coloured ones that live in the warm Indian Ocean. Read more about the discoveries at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Age group: All ages
What to expect: Discover fascinating microscopic life, have a tactile experience at the touch pool or come face to face with wondrous marine life in the aquarium’s three large-scale exhibits.
Where: V&A Waterfront
Opening hours: Daily 9:30am to 6pm.
Price: Prices range depending on age. Tickets and rates available online. The Aquarium is free for children under 4 and South Africans can enjoy free access on their birthday.

V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 3823

CANOES OR YOUR OWN LAGOON FISHING CHARTER
Imagine: Your own skipper and private pontoon boat for two hours of early-morning fishing on the Sedgefield Lagoon. Or upgrade to a sailing boat, spider dingy or speedboat at Lakeside Lodge & Spa. There are even canoes, wakeboarding and introduction-to-sailing trips for the kids to windsurfing, SUP and a range of boat hire options ideal for groups or couples. And it’s quite affordable. Check out the watersports (and more for families) at Sedgefield’s Lakeside Lodge & Spa.
Cost: Various. Canoes R150 per hour, Two-hour fishing charter R650
Lakeside Lodge & Spa | 3 Lakeside Drive, Swartvlei, Sedgefield | +27 (0)44 343 1844 | info@lakesidelodge.co.za

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK MINI-GOLF
Glowing Rooms SA, with its luminous 3D course, UV lights, 3D murals, disco lights, also has an event room which is available for private functions.
Age group: Everyone, say the owners. “The youngest player we’ve had was one-and-a-half (helped by daddy). The oldest was 84.”
What to expect: 3D illusions. Imported 3D glasses create 3D images.
Where: Milnerton
Hours: Tues–Thurs: 10am–7pm; Fri–Sat: 10am–8pm; Sun: 10am–4pm (last players in an hour before closing time)
Price: An 18-hole course costs R130/p. Specially-themed UV event room costs R230 per person (minimum 10 people). Find out about the 2018/2019 School Holiday special.
Note: Glowing Rooms SA is open on Tuesdays to Thursdays for confirmed bookings of 10 or more people. Closed on Mondays.

Shop 16 | The Gallery | Milnerton | +(0)21-551 22 44

HOLIDAY MOVIE FUN FOR KIDS
The Galileo Open Air Cinema hosts Family Sundays during the December holidays at the Kelvin Grove Club, where child-friendly movies are screened and a variety of activities are provided to keep the children entertained. If you need a snack, there are plenty of food and drink stalls. Check out The Galileo Open Air Cinema’s Family Sundays.
Gates open: around 4pm
Tickets: From R89pp

Kelvin Grove Club, Newlands | +27 (0)71 471 8728 | hello@thegalileo.co.za

FAMILY ECO FARM GETAWAY
Something for kids and parents to enjoy, 100% solar powered – with electric go-karts and racetrack for the kids – and all natural and organic food and living. If you have a weekend or a few days, there’s an ideal family getaway spot in the Karoo with farmyard animals, chlorine-free swimming pool, loads of hammocks and a fun farm-drive experience with plenty of antelope and ostrich to see. Check out family farm accommodation at Njalo-Njalo.
Ages: All
Tip: Pay 10% less by booking directly on the Njalo website.

34 Vredefort, Touws River | +27 (0)87 55 00 724 | info@njalosafari.com

ALL-WEATHER THEME PARK 30 MINS FROM TOWN
With plentiful indoor play areas, including soft play, swings, jungle gyms and playhouses for rainy days, as well as on-the-go snacks and a sit-down restaurant, and rides, slides, rowboats, pedal bikes, a free-to-ride choo-choo train and water slides when it’s sunny, there’s loads to experience at Bugz Playpark in Kraaifontein.
Age group: All: rides are age-appropriate marked, from 3 up to 60 years (yes, even grandpa is welcome).
Open: Mon–Sun: 9am–5pm

56 Tarentaal Street | Kraaifontein | +27 (0)21 988 8836 | party@bugz.co.za

MOUNTAIN OR CITY DOWNHILLS ON A SCOOTER
Take in the city on Scootours Cape Town, non-motorised, eco-friendly vehicles are fun for the whole family. Swiss designed to traverse the terrains of the Alps; they are first of their kind in South Africa. The family adventure gurus Scootours have now added Knysna and Stellenbosch to their list of routes. Not to mention that you can now book a number of cool and adventurous activities through them: from paragliding and abseiling to kayaking and swimming with the seals.
Age group: 10 and older. Passengers ages 4 to 9.
What to expect: Freewheeling down the slopes of Signal Hill and Table Mountain and unparalleled views of Cape Town.
Where: Kloof Nek | Table Mountain Lower Information Centre | +27 (0) 82 776 0557
Opening hours: Three daily tour slots; 9am, 12pm and 3pm and the duration of the tours are between 90 minutes to two hours.
Price: A Scootours outing costs R490 p/p and R270 for juniors (four to nine year olds).

PET A CROCODILE, GO BASS FISHING OR HANG WITH THE SNAKES
There are so many unique activities for children (and adults) to do at Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures that it is definitely a way to make sure that the entire family has fun. From the guided crocodile tours that show you the crocs from hatchling to adults and being able to dive with the crocodiles (for kids nine years and older) to exploring the variety of snakes that they have available at their snake centre, or even bass fishing. And, you can eat at their excellent pizzeria, buy something at the gift shop, or stay at one of their self-catering waterfront apartments – the options are endless at Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures
Age group: All ages
What to expect: An opportunity to appreciate various animal forms and learn about the conservation of reptiles
Where: Paarl
Price: Various prices for various activities

Babylonstoren Road | R45 | Simondium | (+27) 21 863 1142 | info@lebonheuradventures.co.za

FURRY FRIENDS, BIG CATS AND A TRACTOR-BACK GAME DRIVE
Expect thrilling (but safe) farmyard animal encounters, huge play areas, tractor rides and fun for the whole family at the big cats park and one-of-a-kind game drive experience at Vredenheim Animal Farm.
Age group: All ages
Where: Stellenbosch
Opening hours: Animal farm: Sat–Sun: 10am–4pm (see their Facebook page for open times during school- and public holidays) | Lion Park: every day: 9am–5pm | Game drives: every day: 10am, 1pm and 3pm.
Price: Animal farm: kids R45, adults R25 | Big Cats Experience: R45 kids, R70 adults | Game Drive: kids R160, adults R210
Vredenheim Farm, Baden Powell Drive | Stellenbosch | Cape Town | carli@vredenheimanimalfarm.co.za | 083 391 5510

PIRATE-THEMED ADVENTURE GOLF
This mini golf course is opened weekly, for the entire family to enjoy. Gear the entire family in their best pirate costumes, and explore the pirate-themed obstacles that are appealing to all ages.
Age group: kids, adults and pensioners too
What to expect: a mini-golf course with adventures of live pirate ships and rafts, as well as a pick of restaurants to choose from.
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm every day of the week
Price: R35/p – R75/p a family pass is R280 per family.

AN ADVENTURE AND PLAY PARK
The Root 44 Market promises a “world of adventure” every weekend. Children can climb, race and slide at the designated kids’ park while parents enjoy the market. Parents enter at a lower fee than the kids.
Age group: 3 to 12
What to expect: A pedal cart track, climbing wall, indoor and outdoor jungle gyms, undercover mini-golf, a mini zip-line, a 30m double slip-n-slide and a splash park.
Where: Stellenbosch
Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 5pm.
Price: R90 p/p for unlimited play (ages 3 to 12) all day. R35 p/p for unlimited mini-golf only. Parents pay a R20 entry fee.
Route 44 Market | Corner of R44 & Annandale Road | Stellenbosch | + 27 (0) 21 881 3052

A BIKE PARK FOR ALL AGES
The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig open to cyclists of all ages and skill, and features a variety of tracks totaling 2.8km. Bike party hire facilities are available too.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Beginner jump lines, expert drop-offs, a suspension sky bridge (that tracks the canopy of the trees) and many more laps of fun.
Where: Constantia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm.
Price: R65p/p per day (no charge for spectators). Pay R40 during off-peak hours between 8am to 9am daily!

Spaanschemat River road | Porter Reform Estate | +27 (0)81 833 4488 | bikeparkuitsig@gmail.com

SEE AFRICAN PENGUINS ON THE BEACH
Boulder’s Beach Penguin Sanctuary is a sheltered beach that’s great to take the kids because it’s windless. They will also love seeing Africa’s only penguin colony. Best times are early morning or late afternoon, particularly in January.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Seeing African penguins in their natural habitat.
Where: Simon’s Town
Opening hours: December to January, daily 7am to 7:30pm. February to March, daily 8am to 6:30pm. Opening hours change according to the season.

Kleintuin Road | Simon’s Town | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 786 2329

POOL-SIDE AT A BEACH CLUB
Shimmy Beach Club is the perfect summer playground for kids. Your kids can swim and play all day long: There’s two pools (one being an infinity pool at water’s edge), a jacuzzi and sandy areas.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: A relaxing day by the pool. The designated kids area has a jungle gym, ball pit, and arts and crafts station run by childminders. There’s kids foods menu too.
Where: V&A Waterfront
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11am – 4am. Sunday 11am – 2am. Kitchen closes at 11pm.
Price:The kids menu ranges from R25 to R75.

12 South Arm Rd | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 200 7778

WALL-TO-WALL TRAMPOLINES
Rush Indoor Trampoline Park is home to the “largest foam pit in the world”, says the owner of the Claremont branch. It’s exhilarating for kids and parents. They also get snacks, coffee and free Wi-Fi.
Age group: All.
What to expect: 1700 square metresmof interconnected wall-to-wall trampolines, two dodgeball courts, three basketball slam dunk lanes, two long trampoline lanes perfect for doing flips, a battle beam (a ledge on which two participants battle it out using beams over the foam pit).
Where: Claremont
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 9pm. Friday to Saturday 9am to 10pm. Sunday 9am to 8pm.
Price: Prices range depending on age. Tickets and rates available online.

Stadium on Main | 104 Main Road | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0) 82 460 5388

RACE CARS IN KENILWORTH
At Kenilworth Karting speed racers can do 10 laps around a 310m racetrack. There are lightweight 140cc vehicles for the kids.
Age group: Kenilworth Karting doesn’t specify an age group, but requires drivers to be a minimum height of 1.5.
What to expect: The mini Killarney racetrack replica offers high adrenaline and maximum fun in their indoor facility, with each car featuring hydraulic brakes for a safe race around every lap.
Where: Kenilworth
Opening hours: Daily from 10:30am to 11pm.
Price: Prices range depending on age. Bookings and prices can be found online.
10 Myhoff Road | Claremont | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 683 2670 | faizal@karting.co.za

IF YOU LOVE SCIENCE
The Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory keeps young minds engaged with ions of cool experiments and exhibitions.

Age group: Ages 3 and up.
What to expect: Explore daily workshops during the school holidays and winter science camps, explore the life-size replica of the Soyuz space capsule Mark Shuttleworth went to space in, the Lego room, or the giant chess set as well as experiments and exhibitions.
Where: Observatory
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 4:30pm.
Price: R38p/p.

370B Main Road | Observatory | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 300 3200 |info@ctsc.org.za

GET STARSTRUCK
At the Iziko Museum Planetarium you can view the stars and constellations from a state-of-the-art celestial theatre.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Lots of educational shows. Older kids learn about stargazing and local astronomy.
Where: Gardens
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. The planetary dome shows take place at 2pm on Mondays to Fridays, and on weekends the shows are at 12pm for children and at 1pm and 2:30pm for adults.
Price: Tickets cost R60 p/p for adults and R30 p/p for kids under 18, SA students and pensioners.

25 Queen Victoria Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 481 3800

BE THE NEXT IDOL
School of Rock teaches kids through performance and the stage, and features over five-age specific courses that scholars can choose from.
Age group: 11 to 17.
What to expect: Music instruction, including lessons on harmonies, musicianship, stage performance and more. Students also get access to weekly private music lessons on guitar bass, keys, vocals, bass or drums.
Where: Claremont
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. Saturday 9am to 3pm. Closed on Sundays.
Price: Programme rates differ depending on the course. More information is available online.
Suite 202 | 2nd Floor Standard Bank Galleria | 120 Main Road | Claremont | +27 (0)21 671 9580

EXOTIC CREATURES
Butterfly World in the winelands has a greenhouse that houses butterflies and a garden full of tropical animals.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Butterflies from as far as Costa Rica and the Philippines, and spiders and scorpions. There’s also free-roaming ducks, chickens and goats.
Where: Klapmuts
Opening hours: open all year round from 9am to 5pm
Price: R88p/p for adults and R49p/p for children.

R44 | Klapmuts | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 875 5628

WATCH THE HISTORY OF RUGBY
The Springbok Experience Rugby Museum has archives of interesting rugby history. It’s also where kids can sharpen their rugby skills as they learn by participating.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Wii-like games that teach kicking, passing, fitness and reaction challenges, led by a virtual coach on large screens. Explore this interactive rugby-themed game to add even more to the experience.
Where: V&A Waterfront
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm. Last entry is at 4:30pm.
Price: Prices range depending on age. Rates available online.
Portswood House | Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 4741

EVERYBODY GETS A ONESIE
At aFREAKa Clothing kids get to pick their own unique onesie. There are over 100 designs, from animals and cartoon suits.
Age group: Sizes will fit babies from 6 months to full-grown adults
What to expect: Fun, unique and cosy onesies for the whole family
Where: Gardens
Opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12pm to 4pm. Fridays and Saturdays by appointment only. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Price: Onesie prices range from R500 to R1000.

Unit 1 Canterbury Studios | Corner Canterbury Street and Wesley Street | Gardens | Cape Town

A TREASURE HUNT
Scratch Patch lets kids take part in a treasure hunt in the quest to find the shiniest crystals and prettiest gems.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: An array of gems and crystals to pick from.
Where: Simon’s Town
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:45pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9am to 5:30pm.
Price: R17 for kids to fill up a small bag and R95 for takes to overload a big bag.
Dido Valley Road | Simon’s Town | +27 (0)21 786 2020

PLAY WITH PAINT
Art Jamming’s studios lets kids imagination run wild by giving them canvases and a rainbow array of colours. They call it “paintertainment”.
Age group: From 8 months and upwards
What to expect: A painting experience where kids can learn creative skills, as well as express themselves in a care-free environment
Where: Tygervalley (as well as branches in Green Point, Cavendish Square and the Paddocks Shopping Centre in Milnerton)
Opening hours: All branches are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and on Sundays from 2pm until 6pm.
Price: A session, which includes paints and tools, plus the studio’s artists on hand, costs from R95p/p for a 10 x 10 canvas up to R600p/p for a 35 x 48 canvas.
Willowbridge Centre | Tyger Valley | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 914 9224 | info@artjamming.co.za

ALL PIRATES ABOARD
The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat sets sail every day in the late morning, at lunchtime and at sunset for a cruise around the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s manned by a team of “pirates”.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Apart from the sightseeing (dolphins, whales in season), there’s an entertaining pirate show and an experience of being out at sea.Where: V&A Waterfront
Opening hours: Morning, lunchtime, afternoon and sunset cruises
Price: A morning or afternoon ride costs R85p/p for kids and R170p/p for adults, and a sunset cruise costs R140p/p for kids and R280p/p for adults.

CRAFT YOUR OWN CERAMICS
At Clay Café you paint masterpieces on unfired bisques (ready made pottery pieces). After design time, kids can run around in the garden and playground or snack on cakes, cookies and sandwiches from the arts and craft centre restaurant.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: A great selection of colours and tools to work with. You also get to take home your personal and unique piece.
Where: Hout Bay
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5pm.
Price: It costs R30p/p for three colours of paint, firing and glazing. The individual bisques to be painted range in price from R15 to R220 per item.

Old Oakhurst Dairy Farm | Main Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 3318

THE AMAZING MAZE
The double-story Maze World is at the top of the historic and charming Imhoff Farm. The maze installation is like a tour of Southern Africa.
Age group: Imhoff doesn’t specify an age, but as it is a maze, kids older than 5-years-old would best enjoy this activityWhat to expect: A fun-filled day of learning about conservation efforts in Southern African countries. In the maze you get to learn about different countries and animals.
Where: Kommetjie
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.
Price: R40p/p

Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie Road | Kommetjie | info@mazeworld.co.za

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
Cool Runnings is South Africa’s first tobogganing track. A 1.2-km track to take the sled ride of their life. Your sled is hauled up the mountain before you hurtle down the slopes.
Age group: 8 years and up can ride their own sled. Younger must ride with a guardian.
What to expect: A thrilling and adventurous experience for the speed demons at heart, with a curvy track and fast ride down.
Where: Bellville
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm and on weekends from 9am to 6pm. Cool Runnings is closed on Mondays, except during school holidays, and on rainy days.
Price: Rates depend on age and number of rides. Tickets and rates available online.

Opposite Bellville Velodrome| Carl Cronje Drive | Bellville | +27 (0)21 949 4439 | ops@cool-runnings.co.za

THE SIMPLE LIFE
The Noordhoek Farm Village, with its free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds and child-friendly restaurants, is the ideal Saturday destination.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Parents enjoying laid-back breakfasts and lunches as the kids frolic on the nearby lawns and jungle gyms.
Where: Noordhoek
Opening hours: The village shops are open from 8:30am to 5:30pm in summer and from 9am to 5pm in winter.
Price: Free activities for kids.

Cnr Main Road & Village Lane | Noordhoek | +27 (0)21 789 2812 | info@noordhoektourism.co.za

BE A SPORT
Sporting Chance trains our future Springboks, Bafana Bafana and Proteas players by giving them rugby, cricket, soccer and hockey workshops. They also host birthday parties.
Age group: 4 to 13
What to expect: An involved and active extramural programme for kids interested in sport as a hobby or possible career path.
Where: Newlands
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Price: From R150p/p to R580p/p, depending on the number of days and age. Weekly afternoon coaching clinics during school term cost R450p/p.
1 Mariendahl Avenue | Newlands | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 683 7299

FARM LIFE
Millstone Garden Café and Farm Stall, on the site of South Africa’s first windmill, has an idyllic garden with a huge tree and offers horse rides for their patrons.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: A scenic and fun activity for the kids, along with horse rides that accommodate disabled kids, and a backpacker’s hostel.
Where: Pinelands
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Price: R10 for a horse ride.

Alexandra Road | Oude Molen Eco Village | Pinelands | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 447 8226

A WETLAND IN THE CITY
Intaka Island, in the middle of the Century City development, is 16 hectares of wetland, with rare and abundant birds and majestic flora. They have special programmes during the holidays.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: You and your kid can take a ferry ride, a leisurely self-guided stroll along the 2km of footpaths, or be guided by the field along the route.
Where: Century City
Opening hours: 7:30am to 5:30pm during winter (May to September) and from 7:30am to 7pm during summer.
Price: R12,50p/p for adults and R7,50 for children under the age of 12.
Park Lane | Century City | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 552 6889 | info@intaka.co.za

SLEEP WITH LIONS
The Drakenstein Lion Park in the winelands is a sanctuary for rescued lions. You can go for a day visit or choose to sleep over in their tented camps.
Age group: All.
What to expect: See lions, including a rare white lion. They also have adopted chimpanzees. The tents sleep two and each has a private bathroom. There’s one that sleeps four.
Where: Paarl
Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 to 5pm
Price: R25p/p for kids and R50p/p for adults for just the lion sanctuary. Combo admission to the lion sanctuary and chimp haven is R40p/p for children and R80p/p for adults.

Old Paarl Road | Paarl | info@lionrescue.org.za | +27 (0)21 863 3290

ACTION-PACKED PAINTBALL
Action paintball gives kids the opportunity to live out their war-like strength. Kids keen for this faux battle will have loads of fun dodging and diving to avoid being hit by the colourful ammo.
Age group: Kids older than 11
What to expect: Action-packed fun and adventure for kids and teens.
Where: Kommetjie
Opening hours: Daily sessions are scheduled from 9:30am to 1pm and 1:30am to 5pm.Price: R160p/p per session, which includes a gun, face mask, throat protector, jacket and 100 paintballs. Additional paintballs cost R35 per 100. Kids younger than 11 years can take part in laser tag for R150p/p.
Area 51 | Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie Road | Kommetjie | +27 (0)21 790 7603

TOY STORY
The Warrior Toy Museum has a wonderful array of vintage toys, like model cars, teddy bears, miniature dollhouses and two fully functioning railroads.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: A world of miniature and life like vintage toys, model cars, dollhouses and more.
Where: Simon’s Town
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 10am to 3:45pm.
Price: R50p/p.

St George’s Street | Simon’s Town | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 786 1395

SLIP AND SLIDE
Graceland Venues is an all-in-one fun house for super active children. There is a swimming pools, a ball pond and a wiggly worm; plus, they have farm animals roaming around for up-close encounters.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: Waterslides, jungle gyms and other indoor activities.
Where: Southern Paarl
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.
Price: Entry costs R75p/p for children and either R90p/p or R50p/p for adults, depending on whether you want to participate or not.

Klein Dennegeur Farm | Lustigan Road | Southern Paarl | +27 (0)21 863 4109

TRULY KID FRIENDLY
Planet Kids’ is a children’s wonderland designed to accommodate kids with disabilities. It also has an indoor and outdoor play area.
Age group: 2 to 13-years-old
What to expect: A librabry with books educating the kids on disabilities, fufi-slide, jumping castles, ramps with a space slide, intergalactic ball walls and more.
Where: Muizenberg
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday and during school and public holidays from 10am to 6pm.
Price: Entry for children aged between 2 and 13 costs R35p/p for the first hour or R60p/p for two hours, for little ones under the age of two.

3 Wherry Road | Muizenberg | +21 (0)788 3070 | info@planetkids.co.za

A WIN FOR GAMERS
The Magic Arcade area at GrandWest Casino is great for indoor entertainment. Kids can keep busy playing all kinds of video games, and there are lots of great prizes to be won.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: All the festivities of a fun fair, featuring rides, go-karts, bumper cars and more.
Where: Grandwest Casino, GoodwooodOpening hours: The arcade is open seven days a week during the school term, but the Magic Castle is only open on Friday 4pm to 11pm and Saturday 11am to 11pm.
Price: Various costs depending on games and tokens.

Vanguard Drive | Goodwood | +27 (0)21 534 0244

HANG WITH GIRAFFE’S
The Giraffe House is not only home to the tallest animal in the world, but also the smallest and biggest antelope and many other buck, birds and reptiles as well.
Age group: 2-years-old and up
What to expect: Bring a picnic any day of the week (except Christmas Day), and arrive for one of the exciting animal encounters (they’re at 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily).
Where: Muldersvlei
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5pm.
Price: R50p/p for adults and R30p/p for children aged 2 to 15-years-old.
Cnr R304 and R101 |+27 (0)21 884 4506 | giraffehouse@gmail.com

BIRDS OF PLAY
The largest bird park in Africa, World of Birds has over 3 000 birds and small animals, 400 different bird species and 100 walk-through aviaries; plus, there’s a playground and picnic area right next to the flamingos.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: An incredible chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful birds, as well as a playground and picnic area for the kids.
Where: Hout Bay
Opening hours: Daily, all year 9am to 5pm (keep an eye out for feeding times)
Price: R120p/p for adults and R45p/p for children.

Valley Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0) 21 790 2730 | info@worldofbirds.org.za

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Cheetah Outreach, a conservation and outreach centre, gives your cubs the chance to encounter one of our most majestic wild cats.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: See the endangered cheetah, while supporting this education and community based programme. It’s also home to small predators, like servals and foxes, and Antolian Shepherd dogs.
Where: Somerset West
Opening hours: All week from 9:30am to 5pm.
Price: R10p/p during weekdays and R5 on weekends; though, the rehabilitation centre does have separate prices for personal encounters with adult cheetahs and cubs and for public runs.
R44 | Somerset West | +27 (0)21 851 6850 | cheetah@intekom.co.za

ADVENTURE JUNKIES
Kids with a thrill-seeking streak will be tamed by all the amazing activities at Downhill Adventures.
Age group: 6-years-old and up
What to expect: The extreme sports hub’s highly trained staff lead sandboarding, surfing, mountain biking excursions and much more.
Where: City centre
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm.
Price: Book half, full or multi-day adventures and two activity combos; prices start at R595p/p.

SNAKES CHARMING
Imhoff Snake Park, a reptile sanctuary and rehabilitation centre, makes for a great day trip. It’s home to fascinating snakes, like a 3.5-metre yellow anaconda, Mozambique spitting cobra and the African Rock Python.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: A chance to see the African rock python, the California King (which feeds on venomous rattlesnakes) and learn more about some of the most incredible reptile species.
Where: Kommetjie
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Price: Entry to the snake park costs R60p/p for adults and R40 p/p for learners.
Imhoff Farm | Kommetjie Road (M65)| Kommetjie | +27 (0)83 643 3103 | bodingtontracey7@gmail.com

HORSING AROUND
Even if you’re just visiting for a day you can still get a horse riding lesson at Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding for once off riding lessons for 30 minutes, or weekly lessons to improve your riding skills.
Age group: 12 and above
What to expect: R250p/p for half an hour; otherwise, you can get weekly lessons for the young cowboy/gal for R1 767 per school term.
Where: Noordhoek
Opening hours: Offices are open from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm.
Price: R270p/p for half an hour. R2 540 for weekly lessons per group of ten There are also 2 hour beach trail R580/p and can be booked in advance.

Sleepy Hollow Lane | Noordhoek | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 789 2341 | sleepy@intekom.co.za

WATER BABIES
The excellent coaches at Gary’s Surf School, which is the oldest surf school in the country, will have your kids standing from their first lesson and loving every second of it.
Age group: 5 years old and up
What to expect: A fun day out in the ocean learning a new skill of surfing, during surf camps and making new friends.
Where: Muizenberg
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5pm, lessons based on the tide.
Price: R280p/p for a two-hour children’s lesson and R400p/p for a lesson and full-day equipment rental.

34 Balmoral Building | Beach Road | Muizenburg | +27 (0)21 788 9839 | gary@garysurf.com

SWIM WITH THE FISHES
White Shark Diving Co. offers cage dives for children aged 12 years and under all year round and breaching tours from May to September.
Age group: 12-years-old and under.
What to expect: View the sharks in the water or from the deck and get a adrenalin pumping experience, seeing one of nature’s most powerful creatures up close and personal.
Where: Gansbaai
Opening hours: Diving trips are a duration of 1 day. Bookings can be made online.
Price: R1050 p/p for kids under 12. R1850 for adult divers. R400 for transport.
9 Kusweg | Kleinbaai Harbour | Gansbaai | +27 (0)82 559 6858

TRICKY PUTT PUTT
Cave golf, with its quick, yet deceptively difficult holes challenge older children and future golfers, offers a trying indoor option for little kids attached to a nine iron.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: 18-hole mini golf of vertical ramps, sharp corners, obstacles and a unique golfing experience inside a man-made cave.
Where: V&A Waterfront
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5:30pm.
Price: R20/p, groups of 10 are R18/p. A deposit of R20/p will be required.

V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 419 9429

TINY TRAIN ON A TRACK
The Blue Train Park in Mouille Point has been running for over five decades. It’s overlooking the sea, passing ships and Robben Island.
Age group: 1 to 12 years of age.
What to expect: The train runs on a track in a park complete with a climbing rock, jungle gyms and a tricycle track.
Where: Mouille Point
Opening hours: The train runs every day – weather permitting – from 9am to 6pm.
Price: General park access costs R25p/p, includes 1 free train ride. Kids under 1 enter free, however must be accompanied by a guardian, for whom normal fees apply.

Mouille Point Beach Front | Mouille Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 434 4297

BATTLEFIELD LIVE SA
Battlefield Live SA hosts exhilarating, no-pain-all-gain laser tag battles in Cape Town. This military game is perfect for groups and is held at various venues, including Wynberg Park and Altydgedacht Wine Estate in Durbanville.
Age group: 7 to 80 years
What to expect: Pain-free action using state-of-the-art bluetooth laser tag equipment for thrilling adventure in a battlefield scenario.
Where: Wynberg Park and Altydgedacht Wine Estate, or a venue of your choice for an extra fee.
Opening hours: Book for any day of the week. Bookings can be made online at www.battlefieldlive.co.za or by contacting Renar Wheeler via renar@battlefieldlive.co.za
Price: Rates depend on packages and are available at battlefieldlive.co.za

Various venues |+27 (0)84 364 9979 | Renar@battlefieldlive.co.za

HIGH-TECH PLAY
High flyers and space lovers will love the Cape Town Model Rocketry Club. You watch kites launch into the sky before they descend with the help of a parachute.
Age group: 12 years and up. Kids under 12 should be assisted by an adult.
What to expect: Build your own rocket and watch it take off into the sky. Plus, you can install a GPS system and cameras to ensure your well-built machine doesn’t get lost.
Where: Kits can be purchased online, all necessary information can also be found on the Rocketry SA website.
Price: R200 to R500 for an entry level kit. R600 to R1000 for a complete starter set.

+27 (0)82 746 5892 | ctrc@webmail.co.za

ALL PLAY
The Playshed is a one-stop shop for parents keen to give their kids some quality playing time. The ideal spot for kids to play, jump and slide all day long.
Age group: 12-years-old and under.
What to expect: A jungle gym, ball pond and slides, as well as different play stations for the little ones, light lunches and early breakfasts too. Nannies get a free cup of coffee or tea and a muffin between 9am and 12pm on Thursdays.
Where: Pinelands
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm during the school term, and open every day of the week during school holidays.
Price: Free for babies 0 to 6 months old. R40p/p per first hour for babies 7 – 12 months; R45p/p per first hour for toddlers 1-2 years and R50p/p per first hour for kids 3-12 years.

Oude Molen Eco Village | Alexandra Road | Pinelands | +27 (0)21 801 0141 | playshed@gmail.com

WILD THINGS
Panthera Africa is sanctuary for big cats and two hours outside of Cape Town.
Age group: All ages
What to expect: See one of Africa’s most beautiful wildcats. They have tigers, leopards, lions and jackals, too. They also run educational programmes.
Where: Stanford
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 1pm to 4pm
Price: R240p/p for adults and R150p/p for children under the age of 13. Families of 4 qualify for a 10% discount

Stanford | Western Cape | +27 (0)76 974 3088/ +27 (0)84 866 2665 (visit Panthera Africa’s website for directions)

Source credit: www.capetownmagazine.com