10 top child friendly things to do in Cape Town

Child-friendly places that are adult-friendly too

Your daughter is talking fashion, friends and more with an inanimate Bratz Doll. Your son's eyes are turning alarmingly square, from watching too much Ben10 on the box. It's about time you all went out. Choosing child-friendly things to do in Cape Town can often be a challenge, but we've found some places with enough fun for the whole family.

1 - Little Picasso's Café
Little eyes will grow wide at the sight of the gigantic water slide, petting zoo, jumping castle and more. Mom will have an equally heavenly afternoon reading her favourite magazine and nibbling treats from the menu. Eat, play, love at Little Picasso's Cafe.
4 Northumberland Way | Parklands | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 557 7950

2 - Spier
In Spier's Wine Tasting Courtyard parents can happily taste the estate’s private collection as well as their signature wines.  Afterwards the whole family can encounter rare wildlife, such as cheetahs and eagles. 
R310 | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 809 1100

3 - Clay Café
Grab a paint brush, some pots of washable paint and bring a ceramic duck to life. This quaint café will also throw in homemade cakes, toasties and a mean cup of coffee—all served on gorgeous hand-painted crockery. We'll show you the way to Clay Café.
Old Dairy | Oakhurst Farm | Main Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 3318

4 - Big Blue Fishing Charters
Just the activity for father and son—climb aboard a catamaran at Simon's Town harbour  and enjoy a spot of inshore game and reef fishing. With the help of expert skippers, you could catch yellowfin tuna, skipjack, dorado or even the occasional marlin.
13 Victoria Way | Simons Kloof | Simons Town | +27 (0)83 777 1048

5 - Team Spirit
Alleviate stress by banging on a drum, join in on regular circles and bring the little ones along. Who knows, they could become musicians. Read more about the benefits of drum circles.
+27 (0)84 515 9101

6 - Aquila Private Game Reserve
Stay in a spacious family cottage with attic rooms for the children. You'll wake up to a generous  buffet breakfast at the reserve’s restaurant before revving up your 250cc quad bikes to meet the Big Five. Read more about overnight stays and quad biking safaris at Aquila.
Touwsrivier | Ceres | +27 (0)21 431 8400

7 - Café Roux
Relax outside with contemporary South African cuisine and your favourite wine, while your kids let off steam at a nearby play area. The restaurant not only has a kiddies’ menu, but there's even a pets’ menu too. Read more about Café Roux.
Corner of Main Road and Village Lane | Noordhoek |+27 (0)21 789 2812

8 - The Blue Train
The iconic miniature train chugs along the 7-km of Sea Point’s promenade. Enjoy a family picnic at the nearby park, while your kids play on the jungle gym.
Mouille Point Beachfront | Mouille Point | +27 (0)21 434 4297

9 - Full Moon Hike
After an adventurous clamber up chains, ladders and rocks, you'll get a real sense of 'we've made it,' when you’re rewarded with the stunning views of the city and its coastline. Enjoy a family picnic by the setting of the sun and the rise of the moon. Read more about our Full Moon Hike.

10 - Iziko Planetarium
Children respond to visual stimulation, so take them to this domed auditorium where projectors transport you through the wonders of the night sky.
25 Victoria Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 481 3900

By Lisa Nevitt

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