TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR CHILDREN IN CAPE TOWN VICINITY
Cape Town offers a variety of exciting attractions for children, including the iconic Table Mountain Cableway for panoramic views, the Two Oceans Aquarium for underwater wonders, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for a nature escape, Boulders Beach to see adorable penguins, and theme parks like Rush Trampoline Park and Grand West Ice Rink for active fun. There's something for every kid, from outdoor adventures to educational experiences and pure entertainment.
Table Mountain Cableway
AMAZING INDOOR PLAY AREAS
Ice Skating in the GrandWest Entertainment World
PLAYALOT AT HAZENDAL
This huge indoor playpark is popular all year round due to its independence of good weather. Children will get plenty of exercise and fun climbing the obstacle courses, rope ladders, huge jungle gyms or jumping on the trampolines. Different areas are designed for the various age groups, and friendly and well-trained staff assist with more difficult equipment. The wall climbing facilities are a big attraction, as is the 3D cinema. With an upstairs that has a pizzeria restaurant, with bistro style meals, and plenty of part booths, PLAYALOT is a main attraction in Cape Town, and is situated between Kuilsriver and Brackenfell in the Hazendal Mall.
Playalot
TOTAL NINJA INFLATABLE PARK
The main attraction is the massive inflatable jumping area. Coaches are everywhere, teaching the kids the fundamentals of prop-based defense. With a variety of obstacle courses, kids can have a blast while improving their balance and coordination! This is a must-have for any celebration, and if you're organized, you can have pre-made cakes and party booth decorations. Foods that are suitable for children, such pizzas, burritos, and burgers, are abundant. There is a first aid facility on hand for emergencies.
Total Ninja
WONDERDAL AT HAZENDAL
The state-of-the-art indoor adventure centre is packed full of educational moments that will have your kids learning maths and science without even realising it. The shop sells top international educational toys.While you are there, also visit the Kleine Hazen adventure putting park, which takes adventure mini golf to the next level!
Or enjoy wine and cheese on the spacious lawns, bought from Hazendal Deli, and overlooking stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. The genuine Cape Dutch Homestead dates to the 17th century.
Wonderdal at Hazendal
BLASTERS AT CAPE GATE
A clean, safe, play area with nets and childminders is available while you enjoy your lunch. The play area is large and there is plenty of variety for children of all ages to choose from. The ball park, slide and climbing structure are a few of the favourites among small toddlers and bigger kids alike. Food portions are generous and reasonable priced. A truly indoor play area, there is also free indoor parking available. Conveniently located near to Cape Gate shopping centre, blasters is a winner for all seasons.
Cape Gate Entrance
SCRATCHPATCH SIMONSTOWN
Collecting your own gems is a quintessential part of the growing up! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity for your child to choose among millions of gems for their own pack of perfect shiny round stones in all colours. Genuine off-cuts from gem manufacturers, this is also an educational outing as kids become familiar with the world of gemstones. The shop is packed full of beautiful collectables made of gemstone. If you are nearer to Cape Town central, consider the Waterfront Scratch Patch. is a winner for all seasons. Children can look for their own treasures in the large pool of real jewels that fill barrels and line the floor during this unique adventure. They fill the various sized bags you purchase to the brim. One is situated at Simon's Town Mineral World, and the other at the Waterfront.
Scratchpatch Treasure Hunt
Start of Advert 1
End of Advert 1
End of Advert 1
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Hiking
BUGZ WATER PARK AND GARDENS
The Cape's version of Disneyland is a true delight for kids; therefore, the admission price is well worth it. This lovely garden, which is close to the Cape Garden Centre in Brackenfell, has a lot of entertaining fair-style attractions, games, and petting zoos for both younger and older kids. There are party booths available, and the food court and other entertainment, including magic performances, are housed under a large tent. When in a water park, kids should always be under the supervision of their parents.
Bugz Train Rides
VERGELEGEN PLAYPARK
The playpark at Vergelegen Wine Farm has a unique design that complements the estate's historic charm. This will release their energy because it has swings, slides, tunnels, and tree houses.The wine estate Vergelegen in Somerset West is one of the best places to take kids because it features a sizable strolling area where you can see different plant climatic zones. Surrounded by well-established gardens are numerous ancient Cape Dutch-style buildings.
The Stables Restaurant delivers pizza in addition to popular South African specialties like steaks. Restaurant patrons are welcome to enjoy the well-designed playground. For the cost of a modest entrance and a meal out, enjoy this unusual and spectacular park with a breathtaking setting.
Vergelegen Playpark
CANAL WALK
This family friendly mall is flanked by an expansive park with a meandering canal running through it, after which the precinct takes its name. Bird watching is available at the nearby Intaka Island. The food court is huge and contains a games arcade and movie cinema. Visit Canal walk to escape the cold rainy winter weather, or enjoy a stroll in the park in the warmer seasons.
Canal Walk Mall Train Station
GRAND WEST ICE STATION
Throughout load shedding, this massive ice rink is kept at a consistent temperature, which makes it the perfect place for kids to practice skating all year long. Usually, three 1.5-hour sessions take place per day. Numerous hockey teams utilize the rink for practice, and figure skating is supervised by qualified coaches. The modern music and bright lighting will appeal to older children, while the little micro rink is ideal for teaching younger children how to skate. The food court offers a wide variety of takeout options, including Nando's and Burger King. The family may spend the whole day at the rink because there is a movie theater across from it.
Grand West Ice Station
Start of Advert 2
End of Advert 2
End of Advert 2
WATER PARKS
A Park in the Franschhoek Valley
WATERWORLD STRAND
In the hot summer months, kids adore water slides and pools of all sizes. Next door are a putt-putt course and the sea rescue clubhouse, both of which are located on the beach. To accommodate children of all ages, there are pools and slides of different depths. Along with a pizzeria and takeout where a variety of delectable dishes are given at reasonable prices to keep the kids energized, this location also has a sizable wooden jungle gym.
Waterworld Strand
STODELS GARDEN CENTRE
More than just a garden center, this is conveniently located. Children will be entertained by the spacious and well-designed jungle gym while the family has lunch at the Green Leaf Cafe. A large wooden play structure with thatch roof tree houses and large slides, will keep children busy for hours. A face painting and crafts stall is well maintained with trained personnel available to assist. A number of trampolines are always popular. For smaller children there is a play train and jumping castle with sandpit. A farmyard area is home to pigs, geese, sheep and goats, while a large monkey cage provides a jungle like habitat for these active animals. Food is available by the packet for kids to feed the furry friends and have a wonderful time learning about nature while interacting with the animals. Stodels really has a huge variety of things for little children to do, while in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. The wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants on offer, is perfect for any garden enthusiast and offers specials year-round and waterwise options. Located just off the N1 near to the Old Oak turn off, this is a popular leisure venue for Cape Town families on the weekends.
Jungle Jim
GREEN POINT PARK
There is lots for kids to do in this large park. There are lots of traffic-free paths to explore, so bring your bike. The Green Point stadium is clearly visible in the background and is a tourist attraction in its own right. Many interconnecting canals and walkways lead to a large wooden waterwheel that is very photogenic. A large wooden playground area with swings and slides is the main attraction for primary school age children, while older kids will enjoy skate boarding, cycling or walking their dog. Many top restaurants are located a stone’s throw away from the park, as are the beaches around Mouille Point Lighthouse.
Green Point Park
THE WATERFRONT PLAYPARK
Family-friendly activities abound in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Kid's Ahoy is a unique playpark with a nautical theme that offers lots of entertaining toys for kids to play with. One amusement park ride activity is offered by the big wheel.Waterfront Playpark
Start of Advert 3
End of Advert 3
End of Advert 3
SPECIAL KIDS ACTIVITIES
The Wild West Obstacle Course
THE JOLLY ROGER
Get your kids on the Jolly Roger pirate ship at the V & A Waterfront for an experience they won't soon forget. This ship offers kids a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is a genuine 300-year-old vessel revamped pirate vessel. The ship sails daily from Quay 5 in the V&A Waterfront. While they are still young enough to genuinely enjoy it, bring them! 60-minute and 90-minute cruises are available, as well as fantastic part packages!
The Jolly Roger
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
These gardens are famous around the world, for their biodiversity, unique and endangered plants as well as the spectacular location at the foot of the south side of Table Mountain. The gardens seem to just go on and on, and there are so many pathways and special attractions to explore. Often there is an art exhibition on display, while concerts are taking place on a regular basis, to make things more interesting and add the element of human culture. There are two restaurants to choose from that are very reasonably priced. For 9 months of the year, there is fynbos in flower, although not all the species at the same time. The canopy bridge is located in a thick jungle like part of the park. Many hiking trails start in the garden and lead upwards. Try to go out of season to avoid the rush when overseas guests are enjoying the park. While you can bring your own picnic to public parks and gardens, most wine vineyards do not allow brought-in food. Savour vibrant native plants that bloom at various times of the year while taking in breath-inspiring views of Table Mountain's south face.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
POLKADRAAI FARM
A delightful pastime that helps kids connect with nature is harvesting strawberries. Let the children explore outdoors and learn the true source of their nourishment. Your kids will be engrossed in this activity for an hour.After that, choose from a variety of other activities like adventure golf, pony rides, and tractor rides, and eat lunch at the family-friendly, reasonably priced takeout.
Polkadraai Farm Play Park
Start of Advert 4
End of Advert 4
End of Advert 4
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Vredenheim Sheep Flock
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
Explore the hidden world beneath our oceans by going to the Two Oceans Aquarium. Discover the habitat and behavior of African Penguins and help to maintain our declining populations. See the exhibits of jelly fish and tropical fish, or the enormous shark tank with its enormous rays and eels.Special activities abound for children, such as unearthing a coelacanth fossil, puppet shows, and scuba diving lessons. The kelp forests, I & J predator display, penguin zone are just a few of the many special attractions at the aquarium. This venue will keep kids busy for a whole morning or afternoon. Combine with a visit to other attractions at the water front, such as the Jolly Roger Pirate ship, or digging for gems at the Scratch Patch.
Two Oceans Aquarium
PAARDEVLEI CHEETAH OUTREACH
This important conservation centre provides a wonderful opportunity for children to see wild animals that are well cared for. Cheetah, caracal and cerval are among the big cats that call Paardevlei home. This conservation effort partners with Cheetah ambassadors from around the world to increase the population through captive-born breeding programs and also raises awareness to protect Cheetahs that live on farms in South Africa. These are the fastest wild cats and extremely elegant and memorable to behold. Meerkat, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and leopard tortoises are also on view.
Paardevlei Cheetah
VREDENHEIM ANIMAL PARK
This unique location, a children's paradise situated in front of a historic Cape Dutch Manor house, allows parents to unwind while watching their kids participate in the many activities offered in a secure setting. This is a recent addition to this lovely wine farm's many other breathtaking features. Highlights also include the restaurant with its stunning view of the gardens and lawns, the showcase of antique cars, and the cages housing lions and tigers, which are home to big cats. An activity that the whole family will enjoy.
Vredenheim Animal Park Play Ground
EXOTIC ANIMAL WORLD
Once dubbed "Butterfly World," the expansive atrium and numerous side exhibits will astonish children with the wide array of living organisms that call Exotic Animal World home. about halfway between Paarl and Stellenbosch on the R44.
A Green Iguana lizard
VREDENHEIM BIG CATS
A delightful pastime that helps kids connect with nature is harvesting strawberries. Let the children explore outdoors and learn the true source of their nourishment. Your kids will be engrossed in this activity for an hour.After that, choose from a variety of other activities like adventure golf, pony rides, and tractor rides, and eat lunch at the family-friendly, reasonably priced takeout.
A Tiger at Vredenheim
WORLD OF BIRDS – HOUT BAY
Enter into a world filled with bird aviaries. The extent of this wildlife sanctuary is staggering and sure to exceed your expectations. Many other animals also make their home here, including a wonderful monkey enclosure where humans can interact with these friendly animals. Birds of prey, eagles and owls are among the most majestic attractions. The duck pond has many colourful varieties of water-loving birds. There is so much to see and do at the Hout Bay World of Birds!
Red Bishop
BIRDS OF PREY – AT SPIER
Owls, eagles and other birds of prey are rescued and bred at this important sanctuary for their preservation in South Africa. Join the feeding times to see them in action. Children will love to come into contact with nature, and there is so much for them to see and do at Spier gardens and lake as well.
Martial Eagle
DRAKENSTEIN LION PARK
The king of the jungle is also one of South Africa’s big five. A social animal, lions love to socialize and hunt in groups of four to ten individuals. See lions living in conditions very near to that in the wild. This is an important centre for wildlife conservation in the Western Cape. Located between Franschhoek and Paarl, the Drakenstein Lion Park is conveniently located for children to learn about these amazing creatures.
The Lion Park
LE BONHEUR REPTILE WORLD
These ferocious reptiles include crocodiles, snakes and iguanas. View nature like you never have before, amid fishing, biking and other great family activities. The restaurant has wonderful wood fired pizzas, in all the most popular flavours. Located between Paarl and Franschhoek, le bonheur Reptile World is a centre for adventure and getting children acquainted with the great outdoors.
Nile Crocodiles
GOAT TOWER AT FAIRVIEW
It is a very peculiar sight to find a goat peering out of a tall tower. That is exactly what awaits children at this inviting cheese shop and restaurant. The many fountains and shallow pools make for safe splashing, and a relaxed atmosphere. The nearby Spice Route is often visited in the same tour by local families.
Goat Tower
IMHOFF FARM
The farm dates to 1743 and contains a genuine Cape Vernacular farmstead. Imhoff Farm is an excellent location for parents who want to educate their kids how to ride horses. The farmyard has plenty of small animals for children to feed. The lake and green areas, create an idyllic backdrop for patrons of the restaurant. It is located on the route to the Cape Point nature reserves, and locals and tourist alike will usually combine the two in one day tour. The playground welcomes children, while dogs on leads are also welcome. Handmade mementos and gifts are for sale at the farm stall. Three restaurants offer top local and international cuisine.
Imhoff Farm Seesaw Fun
GIRAFFE HOUSE
This is as near to a zoo as Cape Town gets. See a wide variety of wild African and foreign animal species to spark your child's curiosity about biology, science, and environmental preservation.
Giraffe House
STELLENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
There are many different niche habitats for children to explore and learn about nature. The lily pond is a memorable attraction, and something not to be missed when visiting this historical town.
Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens
POLKADRAAI STRAWBERRY FARM
Pony rides, miniature golf and the large wooden jungle gym are some of the many attractions to be enjoyed at this venue. Aside from that picking of strawberries is always a hit!
Polkadraai Strawberry Farm Jungle Gym
CAPE GARDEN CENTRE - R44
Calling all plant enthusiasts and mini adventurers! The Cape Garden Centre, located on the R44 near Stellenbosch, is a blooming paradise with a twist! Not only does it boast a garden nursery bursting with all things green and glorious, but it also has a coffee shop with both indoor and outdoor seating. And the best part? The outdoor area has a super fun playground for little ones to run wild while you sip your latte in peace (or maybe join in the fun!).
Cape Garden Centre Outdoor Playground
Start of Advert 5
End of Advert 5
End of Advert 5
KID FRIENDLY WINE FARMS
Tokara
TOKARA
The Tokara Tree House, located on the Tokara wine estate, is a unique and exciting experience for children. It's a charming play structure built into trees, offering a whimsical escape for young ones to climb, explore, and enjoy the outdoors amidst the beautiful scenery of the wine estate.
Tokara Tree House
BABYLONSTOREN
This is more than a wine farm… with so many gardens and features to explore, the kids will learn about nature while having absolute fun.
Babylonstoren Garden Walkway
VERGELEGEN PLAYPARK
The playground is located outside the Stable Restaurant at Vergelegen Wine Estate.
The Vergelegen Playpark
SPIER SENSORY GARDEN
The innovative design combines playground equipment with landscaping using only indigenous plants. Tucked away in a secluded area it is like finding a secret garden right next to the main park area in the farm.
Spier Sensory Garden
WELTEVREDE
See an authentic Cape Dutch home, while you enjoy pizza amidst an expansive zone of playground equipment.
Weltevrede Play Park
WARWICK
The playground equipment overlooks a large lake, with plenty of umbrellas and benches available. Food should be purchased from the restaurant which has a great selection of chef prepared options and picnic hampers.
Warwick Play Park
BLAAUWKLIPPEN
The large wooden jungle gym with zip line, makes this a great place to keep kids active while enjoying the great wines, cheeses and views of genuine Cape Dutch architecture as well as modernized Cape Dutch marvels. The expansive verdant lawns provide a lush and prosperous atmosphere where you can relax from a busy week at work. The cycling track is a great place to get kids energy out while having plenty of fun.
Blaauklippen Play Park
PLAISIR
Situated between Paarl and Franschhoek, this splendid historical farm, is one of the best places to enjoy cycling with your kids. The trails are well marked, and there is a large supply of rental bikes available. Phone first to avoid disappointment.
Plaisir Cycling Trail
LOURENSFORD
Art jamming and minigolf are some of the activities available. A water fountain gives kids the opportunity to cool off. Adults will enjoy the market with live music and plenty of take out style eateries. Local produce is on offer. The art exhibition and sculpture gardens add interest to the idyllic venue. Located in the Helderberg Basin.
Lourensford Fountain Fun
Start of Advert 6
End of Advert 6
End of Advert 6
FAMILY FAVOURITE BEACHES
St. James Beach
MUIZENBURG
This surfer’s paradise has plenty of shops and takeaways lining the beach, and is always one of the most popular beaches with families in Cape Town.
Muizenberg Surfing
GORDON’S BAY
The slightly shallower water in False Bay makes the water warmer than at other beaches. This is a favourite swimming beach and has lots of parking and a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. Shady slopes abound on the southern side.
Gordon's Bay Beach
STRAND
The long beach just goes on and on so there is always plenty of space. The mini golf and water-world slides provide extra activities for enjoyment of the whole family.
Strand Beach
CAMP’S BAY
Closer to Cape Town central, this is always going to be a favourite holiday beach. The string of palm trees provides a tropical atmosphere and plenty of shops and eateries are available.
Camp's Bay Beach
BLOUBERG BEACH
No list of beaches is ever complete without this one… which has the classic view of Table Mountain in the background. The water is cold from the Atlantic currents, so you will need a wet suite. Kite surfing is one of the main activities here.
Blouberg Beach
SEAPOINT PARK
The giant spectacles sculpture is iconic, and the playground equipment is surrounded by superb views of the ocean and Lion’s Head Mountain. Purchase ice cream from one of the travelling vendors or sit down for lunch at one of the meany eateries available.
Seapoint Park Spectacles Sculpture
Start of Advert 7
End of Advert 7
End of Advert 7
RESTAURANTS WITH JUNGLE GYMS
Skilpadvlei Restaurant
SKILPADVLEI
A favourite for kids birthday parties, the restaurant is surrounded not only by fabulous views of the Winelands, but also trampolines and jungle gyms that are sure to keep kids amused.
Skilpadvlei Jungle Jym
BOSSA SOMERSET WEST
The relaxed atmosphere and huge playground equipment, will keep the whole family in high spirits as you relax on the weekend. Healthy and well-prepared meals are the order of the day, at the famous Cape Town franchise.
Bossa Somerset West Outdoor Seating and Playground
MONDEOR
Located within the garden centre of the Helderberg, this is one of the restaurants that has the greatest variety of things for children to do. The shallow paddling pool, trampolines and jumping castles are some of the activities on offer, aside from all the climbing equipment. Pizza is one of the specialties.
Mondeor Play Ground
Start of Advert 8
End of Advert 8
End of Advert 8
RAINBOW LEARNER
EARLY LEARNING
EARLY LEARNING
LAUNCHING SOON
The Rainbow learner series is based on exposing children to literacy as early as possible through the use of large print and captivating pictures. Fun stories, like “Pup had a Bib” and “Pig had Fun,” will move your child from alphabet knowledge to three letter words during heartwarming bed time stories that parents and kids will remember forever.
Rainbow Learner Maths Workbooks have been designed in such a way that the exercises build on each other step by step, and guide kids in creating useful mental pictures. This novel approach enables children to learn sophisticated concepts younger than expected!
“Rainbow Learner - Teaching Children to Draw,” is a book soon to be launched on Amazon.com, that breaks up realistic drawing into 4 key concepts. This enables children to draw realistically from a young age, based on a systematic approach that will give them a great foundation in art. Expressive works are encouraged and follow on naturally from this basis.
The Rainbow Learner Series of educational books and workbooks is under development, and is planned to be launched on the Amazon.com platform early in 2025.
Keep a lookout for the latest developments on the official RAINBOWLEARNER website, at the highlighted link.
