Planning a trip abroad with the entire family can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are not sure of what to expect in the destination country. You might have multiple questions spinning around your head like: Is it safe to go there with young children? Will I be able to find everything we need in the local shops? What if we get sick? Go ahead and read the article to find all the answers you are looking for.
First time visitors to South Africa usually have lots of questions, some of which might even put this country off their traveling list. We get asked these questions a lot. And we do understand why: South Africa is a so-called “second world” country far away from most places, and its portrayal in Western media often focuses on challenges rather than its incredible beauty and diversity.
But rest assured: We have experienced Cape Town and South Africa for the past 15 years since we came here and can guarantee you that it is one of the most family-friendly countries in the world! With a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and kid-friendly spots, this city has everything you need for a fun-filled vacation. Here are seven reasons why Cape Town is the ultimate destination for families:
1. Diverse Outdoor Adventures
Cape Town’s natural beauty is a playground for families. Whether it’s hiking iconic Table Mountain (or using the aerial cableway up and down) or strolling through the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, your options for kid-friendly outdoor activities are endless. Aside the typical tourist destinations, Cape Town has always something in store for the little adventurers and you’ll find many fun outdoor activities for kids (and adults) of all ages. Just to name a few, you can go Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Zip Lining, Abseiling, Paragliding, Skydiving…
For water lovers, the city’s beaches are a highlight and lots of water action is waiting for you at the famous V&A Waterfront. A highlight is surely Boulders Beach, where kids can marvel at the adorable penguins, or the calm tidal pools at St. James, perfect for little swimmers. As the Atlantic Ocean is year-round at temperatures around 18 degrees, Cape Town is not the typical beach holiday destination. However, it’s perfect for surfing, kiting, and kayaking and if you’re travelling with older kids, you might want to give it a try and book a fun surf lesson at the beach in Muizenberg.
2. Family-Friendly Restaurants & Wine Farms
We have been travelling a lot and also with our two children, but we never came across a country that offers so many child-friendly restaurants and wine farms as South Africa. Parents can enjoy world-class wines while kids have a blast at Cape Town’s family-friendly wine farms. Places like Spier Wine Farm, Bloemendal, Simonsvlei or Spice Route Destination offer playgrounds, petting zoos, and even kiddies tastings. But these are only a hand-full of examples! There are hundreds of family-friendly places in and around Cape Town and even now we still haven’t seen them all. We venture out almost every weekend and find new places that cater to families and children. Here, you can find all Family-Friendly Restaurants and Family-Friendly Wine Farms that we have visited so far.
3. Interactive Wildlife Experiences
Wildlife adventures in Cape Town are both fun and educational. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium to explore fascinating marine life or head to the World of Birds to meet feathery friends. Or head to the Exotic Animal World to meet lemures, reptiles, owls… some of them even roaming around free. It’s surely entertaining and an unforgettable experience for the children. But there are so many more family-friendly animal encounters, that one vacation to South Africa won’t be enough to experience them all. For something truly unique, check out the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, where kids can learn about these fascinating creatures up close, feed and ride an ostrich and even stand on an Ostrich egg. You’ll meet Gerry the Giraffe at the Giraffe house, walk along crocodiles at Le Bonheur Reptiles or see Lions and Tigers at Vredenheim Animal Park or Drakenstein Lion Park. But you can get even closer to wild and farm animals at many more destinations in and around Cape Town and we want to show all of them to you. Here, you can find a list of all Animal Encounters that we’ve had with our children. Or read this article: Best 11 Animal Parks in Cape Town.
4. Cultural, Historical and Educational Attractions
Cape Town is rich in history and culture, offering kid-friendly ways to explore. Take a family-friendly tour of Robben Island to learn about South Africa’s past or visit the Zeitz MOCAA museum, where kids can join creative workshops while parents enjoy world-class art exhibitions. Whether you are taking a walking tour through the historic city center with the colourful houses in Bokaap, ride the RedCity Sightseeing Bus to visit the most iconic sights in and around Cape Town or visit the interesting Iziko South African Museum: the kids will learn some amazing facts about the country while also enjoying the different activities. There is also a fun Cape Town Science Center which is open to the public and offers lots of experiments, science shows and workshops to young explorers. I highly recommend a visit as you can easily spend a couple of hours in there and the kids – young and old – will love it.
5. Exciting Indoor Activities
Have you ever been to a city which offers 20 different indoor play parks for children? Rainy or windy days are absolutely no problem! Cape Town has plenty of indoor attractions that kids will love. Spend an afternoon at be.Up Park, where climbing walls, a huge maze and trampolines await, or dive into challenging obstacle courses at Total Ninja and bring your Ninja Warrior Skills up to speed. For high-energy fun, head to Rush Trampoline Park. Whatever you and the kids enjoy the most: there will be an indoor play park catering to your needs. Here, you can find a list of Cape Town’s Best Indoor Play Parks.
6. A Variety of Accommodation Options
Finding the perfect place to stay is easy in Cape Town. Unique spots like the bee-themed Airstream trailers at Old Mac Daddy offer a quirky and comfortable stay, while camping sites like Doringlaagte and Skurwekop provide unforgettable outdoor experiences. If luxury is more your style, family lodges cater to every need, ensuring your family feels at home. There are also quite a few Safari Lodges around Cape Town that are absolutely amazing if you and the kids want to see the Big 5 but don’t have time to travel up to Kruger National Park. Another benefit: the Western Cape is Malaria-free, so you don’t need to worry about taking malaria medication and can simply enjoy the experience with the entire family. For another unique staycation, you can sleep in an actual house boat at the V&A Waterfront and wake up with Table Mountain in the backdrop and the splashing of water on your window.
7. Year-Round Entertainment
There’s always something happening in Cape Town. From outdoor markets to family festivals, the city’s events calendar is packed. A highlight is the Elgin Railway Market, where kids can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and parents can indulge in local treats. An old steam train from the Ceres Rail Company will take you to the Elgin Valley and bring you back safely to the Mother City. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one not to be missed.
Ready to Explore Cape Town with Your Family?
Cape Town offers endless possibilities for family fun, from nature-filled adventures to cultural discoveries. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer vacation, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep both kids and parents happy. Start planning your next family trip to Cape Town – it’s time to make lasting memories together!
The answers to the initial questions in the beginning are simple:
- YES, Cape Town is safe if you roam around in the city area and surroundings and don’t venture into any townships. Just be cautious at night and don’t walk around on your own – as in any other city that you are not familiar with. Always keep an eye on your belongings and don’t carry a lot of cash or credit cards.
- YES, you will find anything and everything in the shops. Pharmacies, drug stores, grocery stores and all other stores are open 7 days a week and stock everything you can possibly imagine: baby food, nappies, medicine, anti-histamine… You can basically find the same (or at least similar) things as in your home country.
- In case you or the kids get sick, you can always visit a doctor or private hospital in the country. The medical supply in South Africa is top notch and we have very skilled doctors and the latest equipment in hospitals in case you need medical assistance.