Kids in Cape Town

Kids in Cape Town are rarely at a loss for entertainment or distraction, and expat parents will find little effort is often needed to keep the little ones occupied. There is plenty of open space and natural attractions, plus all the trappings of Western mall culture for those rainy days or difficult teen years.

In short, if you’re moving to Cape Town with kids you will be mercifully free of the drastic adjustments required of expats families to Saudi, Libya or China. Cultural adjustments are few, and provided you speak English your children have the advantage of being understood by the locals. Additionally there are plenty of international schools, and excellent English-speaking local schools to help minimise disruptions to your children’s education.  

 

Kids in Cape Town can choose from numerous hikes on Table Mountain, or take the cable car to the top for one of the world’s best views. Around the mountain, areas such as Kirstenbosch, False Bay, Silvermine and Cape Point are perfect for a day out in splendid nature with long walks and plenty of wildlife to appreciate. There are also lots of gentle and flattish bike tracks on the mountain and at Cape Point.

Then there are the beaches, which are scenic, clean and free. Another way to enjoy a hot day with the family is to head off to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which has safe and expansive lawns for children to run around on and lots of gorgeous scenery and splendid greenery. For those lacking energy, just hop on one of Cape Town's open-air sightseeing buses and take in the sights in comfort.

If it’s windy (summer months) or cold and wet (winter) go to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront where craft markets, boat rides and restaurants will keep the kids happy. The world-class Two Oceans Aquarium is also found here and provides a fascinating and educational experience for children of all ages.

For eating out, check out the family-friendly Spur, which combines reliable steakhouse food with indoor playgrounds, video games, colouring-in books and helium balloons for youngsters.

 

Share the boulder-strewn beach with a giant colony of curious Jackass penguins.

 

Cape Town's only theme park has some exciting rides headlined by the Cobra, and some water-themed shoots that provide a welcome dousing in summer.

 

This enormous tropical greenhouse is home to thousands of exotic butterflies flying freely in the humid interior. Tread carefully! There is also a spider room, a collection of anacondas and a reptile room.

 

www.scratchpatch.co.za
Let the kids loose to search for precious stones, minerals and gems – they get to keep what they find.

Africa's biggest (and loudest) collection of bird and primates proves a reliable delight for young children. A well-equipped play area and good tearoom rounds completes the experience.

 

Head out to Duiker Island for astounding views and a close-up experience of a large seal colony; also popular with Great White sharks which patrol the waters.
 

www.suninternational.com/Destinations/Casinos/Grandwest/Family/Pages/GWFamilyEntertainment.aspx
With ice-skating, ten-pin bowling, Lego World, Barbie World, bumper cars and more, the kids won't be bored. Let them loose while you enjoy a meal or try your luck at the casino.