Get active at V&A Waterfront's Battery Park

7 things to do with friends or the family, from soccer to swinging

Last update: 19 October 2020

Skate, SUP, scoot and picnic, you can do a lot in Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront – and all of it against the awesome backdrop of Table Mountain. Also, it's wheelchair-friendly. “There’s no use creating a blank space and leaving it there. It’s all about activating it by making activities available for people to enjoy there,” says David Green, V&A Waterfront CEO.

Battery Park connects the V&A Waterfront to the city through a series of scenic pedestrian routes, recreation and retail activities. It’s a green space that forms part of the Canal District, and there's no entry fee to access the area.

1. STAND-UP PADDLING AND WATERSPORTS IN THE CANALS

Spend the day stand-up paddling along the canal. A range of watersport activities are available, from SUP-ing to kayaking and swimming. You could also catch a water taxi between the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront.

2. PRACTISE YOUR OLLIE AT THE SKATE PARK

In a bid to make Battery Park accessible and interesting to all ages, there's a free public skate park. With its picturesque background, it's becoming one of the most Insta-worthy recreational spots in Cape Town. 

3. GO RUNNING IN THE URBAN OUTDOORS 

Grab a coffee nearby and start your scenic run or walk along the pedestrian paths. Or, hop on a bike and explore the area from a different perspective. The basketball court is great for an after-work game and can double up as a soccer field, too. You can also take part in open-air sunset and sunrise free yoga.  

4. TAKE THE KIDS FOR A SWING

The family-friendly area consists of a play park with swings, rocking horses and a scooter path. There's somehting for toddlers, kids, teens, and the young at heart to enjoy. 

5. PACK A PICNIC AND EAT WITH A TABLE-MOUNTAIN VIEW

With plenty of fynbos gardens and benches, the park is the perfect place for a picnic. The views across the V&A Waterfront and the surrounding city streets are remarkable. In fact, it's a good place for the avid observer – you can watch water activities and gaze at Signal Hill as you wander along the water's edge. 

6. GIVE YOURSELF A HISTORY TOUR

The ruins of the historic Amsterdam Battery have been retained in Battery Park as a new heritage site. You can learn more from the heritage storyboards.

7. EAT, DRINK AND WINDOW SHOP

Stop by for something to eat and drink from a selection of eateries that offer a range of fare such as freshly brewed coffee and chocolate croissants. Browse (or just window shop) a range of niche companies, showrooms and specialist stores.

FROM GUNS TO FUN

A battery is typically a fortified place for heavy guns. The Dutch constructed Cape Town’s Amsterdam Battery in 1784 to defend Table Bay Harbour from attack. In 1898, it was disbanded and later partially demolished to make way for the harbour. There are parks in restored former batteries all around the world, and now Cape Town joins the list.

Images courtsey of @dhk Architects

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There are plenty of things to do in the V&A Waterfront.

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