The Museum of Childhood: A Free, Thoughtful Outing Worth Knowing About

The Cape Town Museum of Childhood holds the distinction of being the first museum of its kind on the African continent. Located at 3 Milner Road in Rondebosch, it exists to document, celebrate, and interpret childhood itself — not as a subject observed from behind glass, but as something families are invited to engage with directly.

The museum operates as a project of the Centre for Early Childhood Development, and — worth stating plainly — entrance is entirely free. No ticket booth, no per-child admission fee. Visitors are simply welcome to walk in. Donations are welcome, though and much appreciated by the community.

What’s inside

Rather than a static display of historical curiosities, the museum is designed as an interactive space, meaning children are encouraged to engage hands-on with much of what’s on offer. Among the standout exhibits is the “Madiba and Children” room, exploring Nelson Mandela’s relationship with children — a quietly affecting exhibition that tends to prompt more thoughtful conversation on the drive home than one might expect from a weekday outing.

There is also an ongoing exhibition on the state of children in South Africa, addressing a serious subject in a way that remains genuinely accessible to families rather than feeling academic or dense.

For those unable to visit in person, both exhibitions are also available as virtual tours online — a useful option for previewing the museum before a visit, or for engaging with the content from home.

Story Time

Once a month, storyteller Bomikazi Nomzanga hosts a Story Time session at the museum, running from 11:00am to 11:45am. The sessions are suitable for children of all ages, and adults are welcome to attend as well — it’s an unhurried, low-key addition to a weekend morning.

As the museum is only open Wednesday through Saturday, it’s best planned as a weekday or Saturday outing rather than a spontaneous Sunday activity — perhaps timed to coincide with a Story Time session where possible.

For schools and ECD centres

The museum also offers group visits for schools, held on Tuesdays and best suited to Grade 3 and 4 learners, with visits capped at 30 children. These visits are free, though donations are encouraged to help support access for schools with fewer resources. Worth mentioning to your child’s teacher if it hasn’t already come up.