Western Cape is South Africa's most visited province, home to the iconic Table Mountain, world-renowned Cape Winelands, the spectacular Garden Route, and the vibrant city of Cape Town. It offers a unique Mediterranean climate, diverse landscapes ranging from dramatic coastlines to semi-desert Karoo, and a rich cultural tapestry blending Cape Malay, Khoikhoi, Dutch, and British heritage.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape Town's world-class aquarium at the V&A Waterfront showcases marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with a touch pool, turtle rehabilitation centre, and daily feeding shows that captivate children and adults alike.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Africa's most accessible African penguin colony allows remarkably close encounters with the wadding birds from boardwalks. The sheltered beach is also excellent for swimming and the experience delights all ages.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
The world-renowned botanical garden with the Boomslang treetop walkway offers a magical day for families. Children love the TreeTop Walkway snake shape and the garden's lawns make perfect picnic spaces.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Cape Point Day Trip
The Table Mountain National Park at the Cape Peninsula's tip features baboons, ostriches, and stunning scenery. The Flying Dutchman funicular to the lighthouse is popular with children, and the dramatic cliffs and crashing Atlantic provide unforgettable memories.
Duration: Full day
Seal Island Boat Trip, Hout Bay
A short boat trip from Hout Bay harbour visits Duiker Island and its colony of 6,000+ Cape fur seals, which perform playful acrobatics and come very close to the boat. Most children are absolutely thrilled.
Duration: 45 minutes
Muizenberg Surf Lesson
Cape Town's most iconic surf beach at Muizenberg has gentle waves and several certified surf schools ideal for beginners including children from about 8 years old. Most children can stand up on their first lesson.
Duration: 2 hours
Ostrich Farm Visit, Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms offer close encounters with the world's largest bird including feeding and (optionally) riding. Children are captivated by the giant birds and the experience provides great insight into South African agriculture.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Cango Caves Heritage Tour
The spectacular limestone cave system near Oudtshoorn with its enormous chambers and dramatic formations is a geological wonderland that captivates children and adults. The guided Heritage Tour is accessible to most ages.
Duration: 1 hour
Table Mountain Cable Car
The rotating cable car up to the Table Mountain summit plateau gives extraordinary 360° views over Cape Town. Older children love exploring the summit paths and spotting dassies (rock hyraxes). Book online in advance.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Whale Watching from Hermanus
From June to November, Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay can be watched from Hermanus cliff paths for free. Seeing an 80-tonne whale breach metres from shore is an experience children will remember for life.
Duration: 3-4 hours (including drive)
Zip-lining at Tsitsikamma
The Tsitsikamma Adventures zip-line course through the ancient forest canopy above the Storms River gorge is thrilling for older children and teens, with multiple runs including the famous 216m flying fox.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
One&Only Cape Town
The One&Only's Kids for All Seasons programme offers childcare and age-specific activities, and the island spa and Nobu restaurant give parents their own luxury while children are entertained.
Family features: Kids club, childcare, family suites, connecting rooms, island setting with supervised activities
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
The spectacular mountain setting between the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic is magical for families. The hotel has family suites and an excellent children's menu.
Family features: Family suites, children's menu, mountain hike access, Pink Flamingo cinema on-site
The Marine Hermanus
Perfect family base for whale watching season, with comfortable family rooms, a pool, and cliff-path access for whale spotting right outside the hotel.
Family features: Family rooms, cliff-path whale watching, pool, whale season June-November
Southern Sun Waterfront
Well-located at the V&A Waterfront with comfortable family rooms, the aquarium just a walk away, and good family dining options throughout the precinct.
Family features: Family rooms, central V&A Waterfront location, family-friendly restaurants on doorstep
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Cape Town restaurants welcome children - even upscale Camps Bay restaurants
Ocean Basket and Spur Steak Ranches are reliable child-friendly chains throughout Western Cape
Children under 6 eat free or very cheaply at most breakfast venues
The V&A Waterfront has an excellent food court and family restaurants with high chairs
Picnics on Kirstenbosch lawns are a wonderful family experience
Kids menus typically $5-10 at casual restaurants
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
The V&A Waterfront is the safest and most family-friendly precinct in Cape Town
Book school holiday accommodation very early (December-January is peak season for South African families)
Cape Town's beaches are safe but the Atlantic Ocean is cold - Muizenberg and Boulders on the False Bay side are warmer
Rent a larger car or 4x4 for families - Cape Town parking can be difficult with strollers and luggage
Medical facilities in Cape Town are world-class at private hospitals - always carry travel insurance
Children need sun protection in excess - SPF50+ reapplied regularly and rash vests for beach days