School holiday ideas for kids of all ages

Go-karting, pottery, motorcycles, chocolate and 10+ more

Last updated: Tuesday, 17 September 2024

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or nanny, you might be looking for things to do with the kids these school holidays. We’ve rounded up a packed list of ideas for every age group, from a motorcycle or aircraft museum to an indoor play park, creative workshops, and more. From free to affordable, here are 15 things to do in the school holidays. 

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE THROUGH THE WINELANDS 

This miniature train park has a seven minute train ride that spans across 760m, and its flagship locomotive, Doreen, is one of only two steam engines in the world to hold a world record. Winelands Light Railway also has a pet-friendly park and shaded lawns for picnics. You can buy coffee, cold drinks and snacks at the Tractor Shed.

Ages: All ages

Hours: Open for school holidays (21 - 29 September), from 9am to 5pm

Cost: R70 - R120

Winelands Light Railway | 1941 R304 | Stellenbosch | @winelandsrail | Image: Winelands Rail

KIDS CAN PLAY (WHILE THE PARENTS WORK)

Playstation by Rush is an indoor play park with an adventure maze, four-metre high line course, bike pump track, rock climbing walls, and a pitch for soccer and cricket. There’s also a restaurant and work areas with wifi for parents who work remotely. 

Ages: All ages

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am to 10pm

Cost: R200 per person, book via 021 683 3841

10 Honeywell Road | Retreat | @playstationrush | Image: Playstation

SEE OVER 200 CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES

There are more than 200 beautifully-restored classic motorbikes on display (ranging from the early 1910s to 1974) at the Helderberg Motorcycle Museum. There’s also a collection of vintage petrol tanks, helmets, signs, and pumps that celebrate motorcycling through the ages. Plus, you can dine at the restaurant on-site and kids under 12 get in free at Helderberg Motorcycle Museum.

Ages: All ages

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 3.30pm

Cost: Free (kids under 12); R100 for adults, book via Helderberg Museum website

16 Old Sir Lowry's Pass Road | Helderberg Rural | @motorcycle_museum | Image: Helderberg Motorcycle Museum

BUILD YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE BAR

Choco-o-lattes, flash nitrogen ice cream, and build-a-bar experiences… This is what you’ll find at the colourful chocolate store on Buitenkant Street. They’ve got “bon bombs” in flavours like pomegranate molasses in a purple pyramid and pop butter in a tiny pink croissant (filled with a surprise). Plus, you can make your own chocolate bar at Rapt in Cape Town. 

Ages: All ages

Hours: Monday, 9am to 6pm; Tuesday to Saturday; 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 9am to 4pm

Cost: Bon bombs starting from R20

39 Buitenkant Street | Cape Town City Centre | Cape Town | @raptindulgence | Image: Lindsey Appolis

SPEND THE DAY AT A SKATEPARK

The Shred’s layout includes ramps, stair-sets, rails, a quarter pipe and the very popular skate bowl. This accessible neighbourhood spot welcomes all ages and wheels, including skaters, rollerbladers, bikers, and BMX riders (they give lessons too). The Eiland Eatery offers food and there are plenty of daily specials at The Shred. 

Ages: All ages

Hours: Monday, 8am to 6pm; Tuesday to Thursday, 8am to 9pm; Friday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm

Cost: From R50, Whatsapp on 076 198 6268

68 Auckland Street | Paarden Eiland | @the_shred_skatepark | Image: The Shred

VISIT MAGICAL PIXIES AND FAIRIES

This wholesome fairy “village” along the West Coast has become a popular destination among both young and older folks, due to its affordable entry price (it’s’ only R30 for adults and R20 for kids). You can see fairies and pixies scattered around mini castles, and take a seat in a big mushroom at the Pixie and Fairy Village in Jacobs Bay. 

Ages: All ages

Hours: Open daily, 9am to 5.30pm

Cost: R30 for adults; R20 for kids and pensioners

Plot 307 Main Road | Jacobs Bay | @pixie_and_fairy_village | Image: @joannecwilliams

BECOME A SCIENTIST FOR THE DAY

Learning doesn’t have to be a bore for your little one. The Cape Town Science Center teaches science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. Students can actively participate in hands-on experiences, see epic displays, and maybe be inspired to be the next great scientist.

Ages: 3 years and up

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm

Cost: From R40 for pensioners; R80 for kids and adults, book via Webtickets

370B Main Road | Observatory | Cape Town | @capetownscienccentre | Image: Cape Town Science Centre

GO ON A BOAT TOUR, PICNIC AND FISH

Rondevlei Nature Reserve is a wetland wilderness in Grassy Park, known for its impressive birdlife. It’s also the only place in Cape Town where you can see a population of hippos. There are two viewing towers with spectacular scenery and several bird hides. You could also go on a boat tour, picnic, and fish at Rondevlei Nature Reserve.

Ages: All ages

Hours: Daily, 7.30am to 5pm

Cost: Free entry

Perth Road & Fishermans Walk, Pelikan Park, Zeekoevlei | Website | Image: @momsen_wild

ADMIRE LIFE-SIZED BRONZE STATUES

You might’ve seen this before, but don't know what it is. Close to Canal Walk Shopping Centre is an exhibition with 100 life-sized bronze statues of South African struggle figures (the largest of its kind in the world). Long March to Freedom offers guided tours that bring the stories of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and more to life. 

Ages: All ages

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm

Cost: Children under 6, free; South African citizens unguided tour R20; Guided tour R75; book via Webtickets

Century Boulevard | Century City | @longmarchtofreedom | Image: Long March to Freedom

TRY YOUR HAND AT RESIN ART

Enjoy arts and crafts at this resin workshop where you can mix, colour, pour and create your own resin art. your own designs. Using epoxy as a coating, you can make items like jewellery holders, a cake stand, cheese board, and more. Pretty Bits hosts workshops at various locations, such as Wetton, Goodwood, and more; be sure to check their socials for updates. 

Ages: TBC

Hours: Varies

Cost: From R390, book via 083 441 1311

Various locations | @prettybits_serve_in_style | Image: Pretty Bits

BIKE FOR THE DAY OR PLAN AN ACTIVE GETAWAY

It’s only an hour from Cape Town and is the first bike hotel in Africa. Trail's End Bike Hotel has something for every age, like biking, trail running, swimming, wellness treatments, a climbing wall, Bicycle Museum, hiking trails, and more at Trail’s End Bike Hotel.

Ages: All ages

Hours: Daily, 8am to 5pm (day visitors)

Cost: From R1 650 per night, book via Trail’s End Bike Hotel website 

Worcester Street | Swannie River | Grabouw | @trailsendbikehotel |  Image: Trail's End

RACE IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS

Kids 10 and up can race against each other at Extreme Go Karting. With posters of Formula One racers lining the walls, flags from around the world, and chequered flags, this is a great indoor activity for kids (and parents) to enjoy. Supporters can watch from the sidelines with benches and tables. 

Ages: 10 years and up

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday (and public holidays), 10am to 8pm; Sunday, 10am to 7pm

Cost: From R150 for a five-minute session (no extra cost for venue hire or corkage)

Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | Mezzanine Level | Facebook  | Image: Extreme Go Karting

LET THE BABIES GET MESSY

The Messy Hub has various locations across Cape Town, including Newlands, Green Point, Hout Bay and Constantia. Here the littles ones can get messy and creative with sensory play. The classes are aimed at developing cognitive skills, fostering creativity and promoting independent play. 

Ages: 6 months and up

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Cost: From R200, book via The Messy Hub’s website

5 Baviaanskloof Road | 7 Broughton Close | Hout Bay | @the.messyhub | Image: @kellyabrahams1

RACE UP 16M HIGH ROCK CLIMBING WALLS

This is one for the kids and adults to enjoy together. Try your hand at climbing 16m high walls, 5m bouldering walls, a speeding wall and more at CityRock. There’s also a dedicated kids section, introductory classes for beginners (or anyone wanting to brush up on their climbing skills), and yoga and pilates classes. 

Ages: 5 years and up

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11am - 9pm; Friday to Sunday, 9am - 6pm

Cost: R180 for an adult day pass; R140 for a child day pass (gear extra rental), book via CityRock.co.za

The Island | 9 Milner Street | Paarden Eiland | @cityrock_cpt | Image: City Rock

GO TO AN AIRCRAFT MUSEUM FOR FREE

For kids and parents who love all things aviation, visiting the Air Force Museum should be on your school holiday to-do list. You can see old aircrafts, uniforms, and a library filled with aviation books and magazines. If you go on a Saturday, it’s free. Plus, there are free tours on Saturdays at the Air Force Museum.

Ages: All ages

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm; Saturday, 9am to 2pm

Cost: Free entrance on Saturdays

Piet Grobler Street | Ysterplaat Airbase | Cape Town | Image: @chloehuttonxx

By Sarah Williams & Khadeeja Adams

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EXPLORE MORE WITH THE KIDS

From painting to skating, we’ve compiled 65+ kids activities. 

A nature reserve with hippos, and more affordable ideas for the family.  

Stay indoors but not at home with these indoor activities for kids.

There’s always something to do with this guide to the week(end).

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