Kids can dive into an underwater adventure at The Two Oceans Aquarium this school holidays, with a variety of events, competitions, and activities to keep them busy. With a dedicated Children’s Play Centre, daily animal feedings, and an after-hours preview event, here’s everything parents, kids, and guardians need to know.

Feeding Time Fun at the Two Oceans Aquarium

One of the most exciting times at the Two Oceans Aquarium is Saturdays at noon, when scuba divers enter the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit, right in front of the iconic main window, to feed the ragged-tooth sharks. The viewing experience is one of the most dynamic parts of any Aquarium visit, with young visitors allowed to ask questions about the animals as they dive for food.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at noon, it’s time for the rays, musselcrackers, and tropical fish to get their food, with onlookers seeing some of the Aquarium’s most unique animals. Finally, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at noon, kids and guardians should head to the Kelp Forest exhibit, where the smaller sharks (including gullies and pyjama sharks) and fish get their daily meals.

Penguin lovers can also enjoy a Penguin Experience – a chance for up to two people to join one of the Penguin Keepers for an informative, fun, and exhilarating face-to-face experience with the Surf’s Up stars. During this time, you can learn how the penguins are cared for at the Two Oceans Aquarium, discover their stories, and have the chance to meet the penguins behind the scenes. Find out more on the website.

Kids’ Activities and Entertainment at The Two Oceans Aquarium

The Children’s Play Centre offers a variety of fun, ocean-themed crafts for the little ones to enjoy and take home. This school holiday, little ones can let their imagination run free with the Aquarium’s Art of the Ocean colouring-in sheets and other arts & crafts.

The daily puppet shows are back: kids get to meet the Aquarium’s mascots, including Bruce the Shark, Tinks the Tortoise, Sally the Seal, and Peter the Penguin in educational, interactive experiences. The shows take place daily at the I&J Play Centre at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Special Offers at the Two Oceans Aquarium

Free birthday entry: Guests can enjoy a free visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium anytime during their birth month. All interested parties should bring an SA ID to show their birth date.
Membership Upgrades: Families who love visiting the Aquarium can buy a year-long membership that includes exclusive perks, outings, discounts, and unlimited free entry for an entire year. Memberships can be bought separately or on-site after buying a ticket, at a discount.

Special After Hours

Members can also join the annual special upcoming Aquarium After Hours event, where attendees see the Aquarium, its exhibits, and animals in a completely new, after-dark atmosphere.

Even more intriguing for Aquarium members is the chance to experience a guided preview of the all-new penguin exhibit opening later this year, with participants encouraged to meet the team and hear the vision for the new space.

Cost: Memberships are R670 per year (adults) | R330 (kids 4-13). Email [email protected] or buy online.
When: 2 October 2026 | 6pm – 9pm

Special offer

Anyone who buys a day ticket online during the school holidays, from 24 September to 5 October, is automatically entered into a special draw. Winners receive tickets to the first-ever Penguin Experience in the redone penguin exhibit, becoming the first to experience the new space and meet the penguins in their fresh habitat.

Those wanting an additional entry into the raffle can upgrade their day ticket into an annual Aquarium membership, while existing members can enter into an entirely separate Members-only draw for an additional Penguin Experience for two.

Winners will be contacted directly, and Penguin Experience participants must be aged 8 or older.

Interested parties can learn more via the terms and conditions.

When: Competition runs from 24 September – 5 October 2026

The Two Oceans Aquarium has a ton to offer kids this school holiday. Whether it’s a special preview of an upcoming exhibit, daily arts & crafts, or meeting the animals, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of Cape Town.

As with most school holidays, the Aquarium is also extending its opening hours this week, staying open late so everyone can get in throughout the day.

Cost: R130 per child (4 – 13 years) | R210 per child (14 – 17 years & students). Get tickets online.

Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening times: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 6pm

Website: www.aquarium.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @2oceansaquarium
Facebook: @TwoOceansAquarium

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