If you are traveling with kids, get ready to be entertained as there is a multitude of family friendly things to do in Cape Town. Come rain or shine there’s something for everyone with the perfect blend of indoor or outdoor and educational or adventurous activities to choose from.

From the winelands, to the top of the mountain, the options are endless if you are looking for family friendly things to do in Cape Town.And as the parent there is no need to compromise and miss out on the must-see places in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From the top of Table Mountain down to one of the many beaches, you can still visit the hot spots while your youngsters will have a whale of a time. You can even go wine tasting.

Family Friendly Things to do in Cape Town

Experience and explore the best the city has to offer with these family friendly things to do in Cape Town and give your whole family a taste of South Africa through its cultures, food, people and the iconic landmarks.

Table Mountain Cableway

Head to the top of Table Mountain in a cable car with rotating floors, giving you 360° views.A mountain in the middle of the city and a place everyone wants to see. You can go up either via different hiking trails (not recommended for the unfit or young kids) or with a rotating cable car to the top of Table Mountain. At the summit there are hiking trails, beautiful city views, a restaurant, a shop for souvenirs, and you can join a free guided tour, abseil or send a ‘wish you were here’ postcard from the top.

Two Oceans Aquarium

Get a glimpse into the underwater world of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at Two Ocean's Aquarium.Another family favorite is the Two Oceans Aquarium. Here young and old can explore the underwater world in an educational and entertaining way through exhibits, the penguin feeding and the ever popular Skretting Touch Pool where they can feel different types of seaweed. There is also a play center with activities and a daily puppet show.

The Company’s Gardens

Have a quick escape into the tranquil greenery of the Company's Garden, right in the heart of the Mother City.Take a leisurely stroll through the Company’s Gardens. This green heart in the middle of the city has the ultimate cute factor: squirrels. And you and the kids can feed peanuts to these tiny fluffy-tailed creatures (buy the peanuts from local vendors).

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a must-visit for the whole family with restaurants, shops, a market, live performances and loads of activities - from a skate park to boat rides - to keep everyone busy.The V&A Waterfront is one of the most visited places in Africa, and besides all the glorious dining and shopping opportunities, it is home to plenty of family friendly things to do in Cape Town.Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Cape Wheel, play a game of Cave Golf (18-hole mini-golf), or head to the Scratch Patch to pick your own gemstones. For those with extra energy there is an indoor activity park – Super Park – with a high line ropes course and a maze, and Battery Park is for the skaters, scooters and BMX’ers. Say ‘ahoy matey’ and climb aboard the Jolly Roger Pirate Boat for an ocean cruise, and if your youngster is a boat fanatic you can always visit the Iziko Maritime Museum.

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for its beauty and biodiversity, and covers five of South Africa's biomes.Visit South Africa’s pride and joy when it comes to botanical gardens and head out for a picnic, a walk on one of the multitude of paths, view the Sculpture Garden and go onto the treetop Boomslang walkway.

Beach Time

Boulders Beach is the epitome of picture-perfect, and on top of its beauty, it is also home to a breeding colony of African penguins.Cape Town is home to more than 70 beaches and even though the water can be a bit cold, you can always visit the penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach (you might even get to swim with them). Or go to Muizenberg where you can hire surf boards and wet suits; during the South African school holidays there are holiday surf camps in Muizenberg for children.

Go Wine Tasting

Sip, savor and see Stellenbosch through its vineyards and excellent variety of wine.It would be a shame if you’ve come all the way to Cape Town without doing a wine tasting. At Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch there are Segway Tours, eagle encounters and a children’s grape juice tasting.

Pick your own Strawberries

Get a different taste of Stellenbosch with a hands-on activity for the whole family; grab a bucket and fill it with big, juicy and sweet strawberries.If you are in Stellenbosch for a wine tasting, why not go strawberry picking at Mooiberge or Polkadraai? Polkadraai also has tractor rides, mini golf, pony rides, a playground and arts and crafts on offer.

Up to Signal Hill

See how the city transforms from day to night when visiting Signal Hill, or going up Lion's Head.There are plenty to do around Signal Hill. If you are a family of avid and surefooted hikers, go up to Lion’s Head or get a glimpse of the city and catch a sunset from Signal Hill. Experience the Noon Gun that has been in operation since 1806, and hop on an eco-friendly scooter with Scootours and freewheel down into Bo-Kaap (suitable for children aged 4 and up).

Educational

There is a great deal of family friendly things to do in Cape Town that are also educational. Go listen to a kids’ book reading at The Book Lounge. Explore our universe at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and go to the Cape Town Science Centre to see interesting experiments and exhibitions.

All Aboard the miniature Blue Train

The Blue Train is a miniature railway that has been choo-chooing since 1956. It is located near Mouille Point Lighthouse and other than train rides, there is also a mini-skate park and an outdoor synthetic ice-rink.

Tobogganing at Cool Runnings

Those with a taste for adventure, and a need for speed, should go down Africa’s first downhill tobogganing. At Cool Runnings you can brave the twist and curves down a half-pipe in a bobsled on a 1.25 km track. Children between 3 and 7 should be accompanied by an adult.