The Ultimate Gift Guide: 18 Experiences Kids Will Love More Than Toys

Whether it’s the holiday season, an upcoming birthday or special occasion, many of us find ourselves on the hunt for the perfect gifts for the kids in our lives. But what if you could gift something that creates lasting memories instead of a toy that looses it’s sparkle after a couple of days or weeks? Experiences have a way of sticking with us—they open up new worlds, inspire creativity, and create bonds that outlast any gadget or game. From thrilling adventures to creative workshops, this guide is packed with many unforgettable experiences that kids will carry in their hearts far beyond the single occasion. So, if you’re ready to give the gift of memories and wonder, read on to discover experiences they’ll love more than any toy in the store.

Gift The Experience Of A Fun Workshop

Learning new skills and creating something of your own is always special and so magical. Cape Town offers a lot of wonderful kiddies workshops for children of all ages. Gift the gift of crafting, creativity and the unbeatable feeling of having built something unique and beautiful with your own hands.

Tuft Crowd / Cape Town

Learn how to operate a tufting gun and create your own unique rugs or wall hangings in these fun tufting workshops.

Flower Café / Paarden Eiland

Celebrate beautiful flowers at the Flower Cafe. Join them for workshops, Bouquet Subscriptions, & more! A unique experience for kids & adults

Clay Cafe / Hout Bay

Create your own art and become creative while painting your favourite piece of unfired pottery. Kids absolutely love it and adults can relax.

Gift An Exciting Activity On The Water

If the kid you’re gifting is a huge water fan, then gift an experience on their favourite element. There are many exciting water activities available in Cape Town.

Discover Waterfront Houseboats

Sleep on an actual houseboat at the V&A Waterfront and wake up to the sounds of water and Table Mountain in the background.

Ocean Safari / Waterfront

Experience the beauty of Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline on a 60 minute Ocean Safari at the V&A Waterfront. For kids 13 years and older.

Pedal Boat Cape Town / Waterfront

Hop on a pedal boat with the family and explore the V&A Waterfront by boat. You can cruise along the canal and soak in the amazing views.

The Duck Boat / Waterfront

The Duck Boat lets you experience the highlights of Cape Town by bus and boat in the same vehicle. An awesome adventure for the whole family!

The Jolly Roger Pirate Boat / Waterfront

Head out to the open sea with Jack Sparrow and his fellow pirates and experience a once-in-a-lifetime Pirate Boat Ride on the Jolly Rogers.

Seal Island Boat Trip / Hout Bay

Go onboard a glass bottom boat to drive out to quirky and cute seals on Seal Island! The trip takes approx. 45 minutes and is a lot of fun!

Gift An Exciting Activity Up Above The Ground

The sky is the limit and so are the possibilities in Cape Town when it comes to adrenalin-filled activities above the ground. Whether it’s a scenic adventure or action-packed activity – you can have it all.

Acrobranch / Constantia

With its fun-filled obstacle courses set in lush, scenic treetops, Acrobranch is an ideal activity for families and kids of all ages.

Helicopter Flights Over Cape Town

Experience the most beautiful city in the world from above and take the family on a scenic helicopter flight over Cape Town.

The Cape Wheel / Waterfront

Enjoy panoramic views of the Mother City in the iconic Cape Wheel at the new location at the V&A Waterfront.

Hot Air Ballooning / Cape Town

Make a once-in-a-lifetime experience and book a one hour hot air balloon flight over the Cape winelands! Watch an unforgettable sunrise!

Skydive Cape Town / Cape Farms

Tick skydiving off your bucket list and jump out of an aircraft with the most beautiful views of Cape Town. You won’t regret it!

Sky-HI Ride Free Fall Tower: Thrill Ride 146m above Cape Town (one of only 3 in the world)

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the free fall tower is for you! Drop down at 100km per hour and experience forces of almost 4G’s.

Gift An Exciting Activity On Land That The Kids Will Remember

The action continues on land with an abundance of amazing experiences for kids of all ages. Whether you’re going on a nostalgic train ride, an adrenalin-filled Go Kart adventure or explore the Dunes on a sand board or Quad bike – endless fun is waiting for the little ones.