Things to Do in Cape Town With Kids: A Family Summer Guide

Animals and the sea

• At Boulders near Simon's Town, boardwalks bring children close to a colony of African penguins, and the beach section has sheltered coves among the boulders for a swim.
• Explain the rules before you arrive: the penguins are Critically Endangered, so no touching or feeding, and stay on the boardwalks.
• The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is open daily, with feeding times, puppet shows and presentations on its daily programme, and it is the obvious plan for a windy or grey afternoon.
• Cape Point suits older children who enjoy a walk and a lookout. The funicular saves small legs on the climb, but keep snacks out of sight of the baboons.

Gardens and the mountain

• Kirstenbosch has wide lawns for running about and picnics, and the Tree Canopy Walkway, known as the Boomslang, curves for about 130 metres through the treetops at up to around 12 metres high.
• The walkway's gentle gradient was designed with wheelchair users in mind, which also makes it manageable for small children.
• Kirstenbosch's summer sunset concerts usually run from late November to March. Check the new season's line-up and children's pricing before you book.
• The Table Mountain Cableway's rotating cars are a hit with children, and the paths on top are short. Go early on a clear, still morning and check the live status before you leave.

Beaches and pools for little ones

• St James tidal pool, between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, is a large, gently sloping walled pool with rock pools to explore and the famous painted bathing boxes beside it. Keep away from the wall when waves break over it at high tide.
• Dalebrook tidal pool, a little further towards Kalk Bay, is usually quieter, especially on weekdays. The water is cold, so a wetsuit top helps.
• Muizenberg's Surfer's Corner has gentle waves breaking over a sandy bottom, and surf schools there run beginner lessons with soft boards and wetsuits.
• Muizenberg's painted beach huts are being replaced with new ones in the historic style as part of a beachfront upgrade due for completion by December 2026, so expect some works along the promenade.
• Shark Spotters operate at Muizenberg and other False Bay beaches. Teach children what the flags mean, and swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty.

Winelands with children

• Boschendal, between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, has a Tree House and kids' play area with a playground and pump track, a daily programme for children aged 3 to 12, and picnics on the lawns.
• Babylonstoren's large garden of fruit, vegetables and paths makes a good wander for curious children. Check its visitor information for booking before you go.
• Spier near Stellenbosch offers picnics, and other family-friendly estates have lawns and play areas. Check each estate's website for what is running on your dates.
• Keep a Winelands day with children to one or two stops, with lunch as the centrepiece, and allow for a drive of 45 minutes to well over an hour each way from the city.

Practical tips

• The summer sun is strong, so use high-factor sunscreen, hats and rash vests, and plan shade for the middle of the day.
• The south-easter often picks up during the day, so do beaches in the morning and keep an indoor option such as the aquarium ready.
• South African law requires children under three to travel in a suitable child restraint, so give ages and seat needs when you book every transfer and chauffeur.
• Check age policies before booking restaurants, because several of the top tasting-menu restaurants do not admit young children.
• For evenings out, arrange a vetted babysitter or nanny at the villa in advance, especially over Christmas and New Year.

Having it arranged

• Cohen Concierge arranges airport transfers, private chauffeurs, experiences and villa services, including in-home staffing such as babysitting.
• Send one message by WhatsApp, phone or the website with the children's ages, and every arrangement is quoted first, with the full cost and any fee shown, before anything is booked.

Related guides

• A day around the Cape Peninsula: How to plan a Cape Point day: which way round to go, Chapman's Peak status, the funicular, the Boulders penguins, a Kalk Bay lunch and the wind.
• Cape Town villa stay checklist: What to sort before a Cape Town villa stay: transfers, stocking, a chef, staff, backup power, water, security, wind and which neighbourhood suits you.

Related services

• Experiences
• Villa services
• Airport transfers
• Cape Winelands