Don’t let them stay bored at home over the school holidays. Read on to find out our top picks for kids’ activities in Cape Town, including high-energy adventures, learning experiences, and fun family trips.
Boschendal Tree House Holiday Programme
Boschendal Wine Estate runs its Tree House holiday programme across two weeks of the September and October school break, giving children aged 4 to 12 a themed outdoor adventure each day. Activities span farm exploration, nature play and creative workshops, with groups capped at 15 children per session to maintain close supervision.
Families can choose between morning, afternoon or full-day sessions, or book a discounted week-long package covering the Monday to Friday programme with one snack box included daily. Each day follows its own theme, moving from guided nature hunts for younger children through to more open-ended discovery tasks and creative challenges for older participants.
Lunch and snack boxes are available to pre-book in meat, vegetarian and vegan options, though families may also send their own packed lunch. Indoor facilities are available as a wet-weather backup, and children under 4 or showing signs of illness are not permitted to join a session.
Cost: R350 – R750 per child (single day) | R2,900 per child (week package) | Lunch R80 – R160 | Booking available on Quicket.
When: 28 September to 7 October 2026 | Various times
Where: The Tree House at Boschendal, Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
Full Tilt: Zip Zap x School of Rock
Zip Zap Circus School joins forces with School of Rock for Full Tilt, a production pairing 25 young circus performers with 11 School of Rock musicians, aged between 11 and 33. Unlike most circus shows, which run to a pre-recorded soundtrack, the entire score is played live on stage, with performers and musicians responding to each other in real time rather than working to a fixed count.
Zip Zap is a Cape Town circus school founded in 1992, providing free circus training to young people across the city as an alternative form of youth development. Ticket income from Full Tilt goes toward funding these free programmes, and five of the performers in this production came up through Zip Zap’s own youth training before joining its professional touring troupe.
The show runs across seven performances over four days, combining acrobatics, aerial work and live music into a single continuous performance built on trust and improvisation between the two groups on stage.
Cost: R180 – R250 | Booking available on Webtickets.
When: 23 to 26 September 2026 | Wed 6.30pm | Thu-Sat 2.30pm & 6.30pm
Where: Homecoming Centre, 15 Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town
Norval Foundation Holiday Art Club
Norval Foundation runs its school holiday Art Club across six themed sessions, guiding children aged 7 to 12 through a different medium and inspiration each day, drawn from the gallery’s collection and grounds. Each session is led by experienced art educators, introducing techniques spanning painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media.
The programme opens with a watercolour and wax workshop inspired by the sculpture garden’s resident chameleons, followed by an outdoor acrylic painting session set among the garden’s indigenous fynbos and wetland habitat. Later sessions include fabric painting inspired by the Strelitzia flower, a wire and stocking sculpture workshop drawing on Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture, a stained-glass-style spring workshop, and a closing session inspired by the garden’s resident Helmeted Guineafowl.
Each workshop encourages self-expression through hands-on activity rather than a fixed, instructor-led outcome, with children encouraged to bring their own interpretation to the day’s technique and theme.
Cost: R300 – R320 per child, per workshop | Booking available on Webtickets.
When: 28 September to 2 October 2026 | Most workshops 10am to 12.30pm | Wire & Stocking Sculpture Workshop (30 Sept) 2pm to 4.30pm
Where: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
OZCF Kids Workshop: Garden Art
Oranjezicht City Farm hosts a spring holiday workshop for children, led by early childhood educator Isabella Hulme and built around nature-based creative play. Children begin with a treasure hunt across the working city farm, collecting natural elements along the way, before combining the gathered botanical materials into a layered, multi-media art piece.
Hulme’s approach draws on the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy, forest school practice and therapeutic art facilitation, with sessions designed to give children space to follow their own curiosity rather than complete a fixed, predetermined project. All materials are supplied, and the session runs regardless of weather, with children asked to come dressed for any conditions.
The workshop is one of several school holiday sessions the farm runs through its Spring programme, each led by different facilitators and centred on hands-on engagement with the farm environment itself.
Cost: R450 per child | Booking available on Quicket.
When: 28 September 2026 | 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: Oranjezicht City Farm, 87 Upper Orange Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town
Think Camp: MakeCraft (Minecraft)
Think Camp runs a single-day school holiday programme for grades 2 to 5, teaching 3D modelling and redstone engineering concepts through Minecraft. Campers plan builds in three dimensions before constructing fifteen or more different structures and functioning machines over the course of the day, using the game as a practical vehicle for spatial reasoning and basic engineering logic.
The camp forms part of Think Camp’s wider Spring 2026 holiday programme, which runs multiple themed day camps across the school break. All equipment needed for the day, including computers, is provided on site, and campers are only required to bring their own lunch, snacks and a water bottle.
The day concludes with a parent showcase, giving families a chance to see the structures and machines each child has built before pick-up.
Cost: From R950 | Booking available on Quicket.
When: 1 October 2026 | 8am to 3.30pm | Parent showcase from 3pm
Where: Rondebosch Sports Club, 52 Park Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Junior Chef Fiesta Cooking Class
François Ferreira Academy hosts a hands-on children’s cooking class built around a Mexican-inspired menu, held in the school’s professional teaching kitchen on the Garden Route. Participants prepare their own Big Mac burritos and apple and cinnamon empanadas under the guidance of the academy’s chefs, working through each recipe from start to finish.
François Ferreira Academy is an accredited culinary arts and hospitality training institute, established in 2004 and based at Mount View Resort in George. Its kids’ cooking classes give younger learners exposure to a working chef training kitchen normally used for the academy’s professional diploma and certificate courses.
The class runs as a single morning session with limited seating, positioned as a hands-on activity rather than a demonstration-only format, with children actively involved in each stage of preparation.
Cost: R480 | Booking available on Quicket.
When: 17 October 2026 | 9am to 12pm
Where: François Ferreira Academy, Farm 208, R102 Airport Road, George
Step It Up Dance Academy: PAGEBOUND
Step It Up Dance Academy brings its student production PAGEBOUND to the Baxter Concert Hall, following a young girl’s journey through worlds of fantasy, mystery and adventure told entirely through dance. The show combines a range of dance styles across the production, featuring the academy’s students alongside professional guest artists.
The production is structured as a storybook come to life, using shifting settings and dance styles to move the central character through different fantastical worlds before returning to an ambiguous close, leaving audiences to decide how much of the journey was real.
As a dance-only production without spoken dialogue, the show relies on choreography and staging rather than narration to carry its story, making it accessible to audiences of different ages and language backgrounds.
Cost: R190 – R320 | Booking available on Webtickets.
When: 23 to 24 October 2026 | Fri 6.30pm | Sat 11am & 4pm
Where: Concert Hall, Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Liberty Promenade Space Rescue
An immersive adventure designed especially for the school holidays, young explorers get to solve space-themed puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and complete challenges for two weeks only at Liberty Promenade. Teamwork and problem-solving skills are needed to complete the mission and find the missing captain, with winners receiving a sweet scoop of ice cream from Two Scoops of Happiness and a chance to win a share of R6,000 in Liberty Promenade vouchers.
Kids are transported to an intergalactic setting with immersive, futuristic décor for twenty minutes of activities, available daily throughout the afternoon. There is no minimum age, although kids must be accompanied by an adult to participate in Space Rescue. Phones are needed for certain puzzles, but some activities don’t require a mobile device. For more information, visit the website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Cost: R20 per child. Bookings can be made at the activation area.
When: Daily | 25 September – 4 October 2026 | 11.30am – 4.30pm
Where: Liberty Promenade (Food District), A Z Berman Dr, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town
SAAO Open Nights
The South African Astronomical Observatory opens its Observatory Road headquarters to the public twice monthly for a guided evening covering the history and work of the facility. Each Open Night includes a roughly 45-minute presentation on an astronomy or physics topic, followed by a tour of the historic McClean telescope building, the observatory museum and library.
The SAAO’s main building sits on the site of the former Royal Observatory and is recognised as a National Heritage Site, housing administration offices and the observatory’s library alongside its public exhibits. Weather permitting, the evening concludes with public stargazing using telescopes set up specifically for visitors, giving attendees a chance to view celestial objects beyond what is visible from most points in the city.
Bookings are compulsory and must be paid in advance, with no on-site payments accepted. Ticket proceeds go toward the SAAO’s education, public outreach and socio-economic development programmes.
Cost: R50 per person | Free for children under 6 | Booking available on Quicket.
When: 1 October 2026 | 8pm to 10pm (vehicles permitted on site from 7:30pm)
Where: South African Astronomical Observatory, 1 Observatory Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Wonderdal
Wonderdal is the first of its kind in South Africa, giving participants aged 5 to 13 the ability to explore important STEM principles while still enjoying a day out.
Educational consultants, developers, and learning space designers carefully curate the space to keep children engaged while stimulating creativity and promoting knowledge across a variety of topics and themes. There are seven zones, each with its own activity and little world to explore.
There is a series of brain teaser games that teach problem-solving skills, a story cave filled with books and cosy nooks where children can read and listen to podcasts, a healthy kitchen for learning how to cook nutritious meals, a gardening experience with information on seeds and plant growth, a tinker workshop for playing with child-safe electrical circuits, and several sprawling climb and clamber areas dotted around the space.
Parents and teachers needing a well-deserved break are always encouraged to let children explore Wonderdal and its range of activities and learning zones. With help from the supportive staff and the always-playful Amuki, kids get to experience a one-of-a-kind space that is ideal for a family-friendly adventure in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Cost: R140 per child (weekdays for two hours) | R210 per child (weekends for two hours). The full pricing and ticket information, including month-long membership packages, are available on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 5pm
Where: Wonderdal Edutainment Centre, Hazendal Wine Estate, 60 Bottelary Road, New entrance from Ronelle Street via Kruis St, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Find out more about Wonderdal Edutainment Centre
Rollercade
Rollercade is the premier indoor roller-skating amusement park in Cape Town, where families can enjoy a safe, welcoming environment to experience the joy of roller-skating, play a game of pool or at the arcade, or just sit back and enjoy the music.
The main event sees skaters take to the rink for a safe social skating experience, whether they’re seasoned veterans doing tricks or newbies trying not to fall over. Roller-skating sessions last 2 hours, with skate hire and free safety gear included with each booking, and skates available in many shoe sizes to ensure everyone can join in on the fun.
The arcade offers even more games beyond the rink, with a variety of vintage arcade machines for those wanting a nostalgic gaming session and several pool tables for anyone wanting to show off their skills with a cue.
There are dedicated party areas available for birthday parties or team-building events. Finally, the Roller Café is stocked with all snacks and refreshments, and sweet slushies for the truly authentic roller-skating experience.
Cost: R180 (2-hour session, includes skate & safety gear rental) | R100 (bring own skates) | R40 (spectator fee). Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Wednesday – Sunday | 1pm – 3pm (Wed & Thu) | 1pm – 9pm (Fri) | 10am – 9pm (Sat) | 10am – 6pm (Sun)
Where: Rollercade (Table Bay Mall), cnr Berkshire Boulevard & R27, Sunningdale, Cape Town
Rush Trampoline Park
Rush Extreme Sports involves more than just jumping. Rush is an innovative activity and entertainment centre for all ages, featuring adrenaline-pumping trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls and much more.
Grab a coffee and chill out in the designated seating area, while the kids jump and play to their heart’s content.
Cost: R160pp (one-hour all-access ticket); R200pp (one-hour parent-and-toddler all-access ticket); R100pp (additional hour all-access) | Book using the website.
When: Mon – Thurs: 9am – 7pm | Fri & Sat: 9am – 8pm | Sun: 9am – 6pm (school holiday times)
Where: Stadium on Main, corner Main Rd and 25 Stegman Rd, Claremont, Cape Town
Our Favourite Things About Rush
Total Ninja Obstacle & Inflatable Park
The largest inflatable obstacle course in Africa, Total Ninja challenges both adults and kids to climb, balance, jump, and swing across a range of Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacles. The layout is well-designed to cater to people of varying skill levels, ensuring that people of all ages and ninja-like abilities can enjoy their time while putting their agility to the test.
Safety is a top priority, with trained staff overseeing each section and ensuring adherence to proper safety protocols. The facility is equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable seating areas, an affordable cafe, and clean facilities, providing a pleasant experience for attendees.
Whether it’s a fun day out with friends or a genuinely engaging exercise, Total Ninja is an ideal destination for anyone trying to prove themselves as a “ninja warrior”.
Cost: R160 per person per hour | Various offers available. Bookings can be made using the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 10am – 9pm (Mon – Fri) | 9am – 9pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: Black River Park (South Park Entrance), 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town
Museum of Illusions in Kloof Street
Change your perspective with the mind-bending Museum of Illusions. Turning reality on its head, this museum uses optical illusions to transform the world around you. It’s a thrilling blend of fun and learning, where guests explore human perception, celebrate what makes us unique, and share unforgettable, laugh-out-loud moments.
Cost: R250pp (adult) | R200pp (children aged 4-12 and seniors) | R790 (family bundle – 2x adults & 2x children). Tickets are available for purchase on the website.
When: Daily | 9am – 7pm | Slots are scheduled 20 mins apart, but each visit is estimated to take between 45 and 60 minutes.
Where: 10 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
All the Info on the Museum of Illusions
Minions & Monsters
The latest film in the iconic kids franchise sees the minions in 1920s Hollywood, as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.
The all-star voice cast includes Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, and Zoey Deutch.
When: Opens in theatres on 26 June 2026
Where to watch: Screening at Nu Metro and SterKinekor cinemas nationwide.
Artjamming
Artjamming is an experience for kids (and adults) to express their creativity by creating a unique, full colour piece of art in a relaxed and creative environment.
Artjammers (from age 5+) are provided with a menu of canvasses, easels, non-toxic acrylic paints, brushes and tools to paint, sponge, spray or simply splash with. No skills are required, but for those who would like a helping hand or some inspiration, there are qualified artists at the studios to assist.
Book your kid’s birthday party at Artjamming and let the little ones run wild with their creativity.
Cost: R185 – R1 200pp (event-dependent). More info on the website.
When: Daily | 9am – 6pm (V&A Waterfront) | 9am – 5pm (Somerset West)
Where: V&A Waterfront (above Toy Kingdom) | Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Hint Hunt
Operating since 2012, Hint Hunt is one of the first Live Escape Games to open globally. They have been considered a pioneer in the industry and played a role in the Escape Game craze that became a phenomenon many years ago.
Still a favourite in Cape Town, Hint Hunt offers a wide range of experiences from escape rooms (online and outdoor) to amazing races and mobile escape games. Ideal for team-building or simply a fun activity with friends, participants can choose from an extensive list of options categorised by difficulty, number of players, and estimated time to plan the perfect day out.
Cost: Escape rooms starting at R390 per person. Bookings available on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 10am – 7pm (Mon – Thu) | 10am – 8.30pm (Fri & Sat) | 10am – 5.30pm (Sun)
Where: The Watershed, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
The third cinematic release for the beloved PAW Patrol franchise, The Dino Movie, sees the group stranded on an unknown world filled with dinosaurs. The ensemble voice cast includes Carter Young, Terry Crews, Jennifer Hudson, Bill Nye, Paris Hilton, and Snoop Dogg.
The PAW Patrol crash-lands on an uncharted tropical island filled with dinosaurs after their ship gets caught in a mysterious storm. They meet Rex, a pup who has been stranded for years and has become an expert in all things dino-related. When the Patrol’s archrival, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly mining to exploit the island’s natural resources, he inadvertently causes a huge, dormant volcano to erupt. The pups are thrown into a series of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues bigger than anything they’ve done before, as they must stop Humdinger before everything on the island goes extinct.
When: PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie opens in theatres on 7 August 2026
Where to watch: Showing at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
Freedom Adventure Park
Located inside Canal Walk, Freedom Adventure Park promises an exciting day out for kids of all ages. The park hosts South Africa’s first-ever Freedom Ninja Run Obstacle Course, as well as multiple trampolines, rope courses, zip lines, and more. If work calls, the park offers private work pods free of charge, so guests can attend to last-minute emails or conference calls in a quiet, comfortable space.
Freedom Adventure Park is the perfect place to let the kids run wild this holiday season, with deals taking place on most days.
Cost: R150/hour (full park access) | R85/hour (toddler area) | R400 (full day pass) | non-participating individuals get free entry.
When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 9pm
Where: Freedom Adventure Park, Level Two Canal Walk Shopping Centre, 490 Century Blvd, Century City
The Ice Station @ GrandWest
A favourite among kids in the winter months, this indoor ice-skating rink is great for both experienced skaters and complete newcomers. It features an Olympic-sized ice skating rink and a mini supervised ice rink for children under 5, so that no one is left out of the fun.
The venue is great for birthday parties, and there are various lessons throughout the holiday season for beginners to master the fundamentals of skating.
Skating sessions can be booked during any one of their daily available slots.
When: Monday – Sunday | From 10am | Schedule is available on the website
Where: Grand West Casino, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Acacia Park, Cape Town
Let’s Go Bowling
Let’s Entertain U is the one-stop shop for entertaining activities in Cape Town. Featuring pool tables, an arcade, a kids play area, and the iconic bowling lane, their mission is to provide entertainment for all.
The popular Let’s Go Bowling has 10 lanes and BOSS scoring, with facilities for both kids and adults. Let’s Go Bowling also has the latest technology sure to entertain guests, synthetic lanes, an entertainment scoring system, and more.
Cost: From R90pp. Book online.
When: Mon to Fri from 10am to 10pm | Sat from 9am to 10pm | Sun from 10am to 9pm
Where: Stadium on Main, Main Rd, Claremont, Cape Town
Visit the Iziko Museum
Founded in 1825, Iziko South African Museum is the country’s oldest museum. The museum has exhibitions of more than 1.5 million specimens, accumulated over almost 200 years, including ancient fossils and stone tools, rock and meteorite samples, lifelike recreations of South Africa’s indigenous people, as well as marine and wild animal displays and features. The museum also has on display the Wale Well, a unique collection of whale skeletons, including a giant 20.5-metre blue whale skeleton.
A small entrance fee applies.
Where: 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens, Cape Town
Times: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm | Saturday and Sunday 8.30am – 4pm
Moana
A live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney animation, Moana follows the titular character as she leaves her home island of Motunui for the first time. Accompanied by the demigod Maui, she undertakes a voyage aimed at recovering the well-being of her community.
The film stars Catherine Laga’aia in her film debut as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his role of the fan favourite Maui.
When: Opens in theatres on 10 July 2026
Where to watch: Screening at SterKinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide. Bookings are not yet available.
Bounce World
Opened in 2015, Bounce World is the largest indoor inflatable play area in South Africa. Suitable for kids aged 1 – 9, it is the perfect place for the young ones to let all their energy out as they bounce around the inflatable venue. Bounce World also offers a variety of party packages, such as the Cricket/Soccer Party, the Astro Soccer Party, the Double Party and the Bounce World Party.
Overseen by trained staff, Bounce World is a safe and exciting play experience for young kids.
Normally only open on the weekends, the Bounce World team have opened their doors daily during the school holidays, to ensure fun every day of the week.
Cost: R130pp (walk-in) | Parties start at R2750. More info here.
When: Saturday & Sunday | 9am – 6pm
Where: Montague Action Arena & Bounce World, 15 Montague Drive, Montague Gardens
Two Oceans Aquarium
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cost: General entry allows you to see the animals. R280 (adults), R210 (pensioners, students, and children age 14-18), R130 (children 4 – 13 years). FREE for children aged 3 and under. Book general entry here.
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Opening times: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 6pm
Learn more about the Two Oceans Aquarium Holiday Programme
Skate at the Rollercade
Rollercade is the first premier indoor roller-skating amusement park in Cape Town, where families can enjoy a safe, welcoming environment to experience the joy of roller-skating, play a game of pool or at the arcade, or just sit back and enjoy the music. The main event at Rollercade Cape Town sees visitors take to the rink for a safe social skating experience, whether learning on the go or showing off their skills on eight wheels.
Cost: R180 per person. Book now on their website.
When: Wednesday – Sunday | 1pm – 6pm (Wed & Thu) | 1pm – 9pm (Fri) | 10am – 9pm (Sat) | 10am – 6pm (Sun)
Where: Rollercade Table Bay Mall, Corner of Berkshire Boulevard and R27 Sunningdale, Cape Town
The Shred Indoor Skatepark
The Shred is one of Cape Town’s most trendy indoor skateparks, bringing the best of extreme-sport culture and the local community together in one setting.
The experienced staff members also host one-on-one and group skating lessons for kids and older riders. The team are on hand to provide safe and enjoyable skating activities, guiding kids through the basics of skateboarding.
Cost: From R80 per session (two hours). More info on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8am – 6pm
Where: The Shred, 68 Auckland St, Paarden Eiland Cape Town
Visit Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures
A visit to Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures allows the daring to get close to various cold-blooded creatures, from snappy crocodiles to sneaky snakes.
Explore Le Bonheur Reptiles & Adventures this summer season with a variety of events, including:
- Cage Dives: Take things to the next level with the crocodile cage diving experience by sharing a pond with Africa’s top apex predator, the Nile crocodile. Spend around 20 minutes in the crocs’ watery habitat and get to observe how these ambush predators behave in their element. The crocodile cage diving experience is both underwater and at surface level. Takes place daily at 2pm.
- Africa’s Deadliest Snake Show: Learn about the most dangerous snakes in Africa and see them in the flesh with this immersive snake show.
Cost: From R160 per person (reptile combo tour). Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 5pm
Where: LeBonheur Adventures, Babylonstoren Rd, Paarl
Everything About Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures
Cape Town Science Centre
With more than 250 interactive science exhibits and mind-boggling puzzles, the Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC) is a world of discovery under one roof. It is part of a wide range of non-classroom initiatives aimed at improving the quality of scientific understanding and literacy in South Africa. The CTSC offers science shows, curriculum-based hands-on workshops, holiday programmes, science camps, science theatre, travelling exhibitions, hands-on experiments, excursions and experientially driven programmes.
Every Saturday this April, the Science Centre is hosting a Young Engineers Lab, where young minds are challenged to design and build real-world solutions to real-world problems. From constructing sturdy structures and wind-powered vehicles, participants discover how science and mathematics come together to shape the world around us.
Cost: R95 | R45 (pensioners) | R340 (family ticket for 4) | Book on Webtickets.
Where: 370B Main Road, Observatory
When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 4.30pm (Mon – Sat) | 10am – 4.30pm (Public holidays)
Read more about the Science Centre
Experience the Magic of LEGO
Cape Town has a vibrant and engaged Lego community, and no better time than the holidays to get kids building. Check out Canal Walk’s Lego Store or Kiddiwinks to get started on your Lego journey, or visit Brick Haven for second-hand Lego sets. Mini-Me also allows you to create your own Lego minifigure, based on your own appearance or that of a friend or family member.
Lego is also a great educational tool, with sets like Technic and Mindstorms showcasing just what you can do with bricks. Finding a Lego League is a great way for children to take their love of building to the next level while learning useful skills. Programmes are open to ages 4-16 and teach kids problem-solving and STEM through hands-on learning. You can learn more about getting involved on the FIRST SA website.
Learn more about LEGO in Cape Town
Scratch Patch
The original – and now world-famous – Scratch Patch is a place where visitors can have loads of fun “scratching” for their favourite tumble-polished gemstones.
Visitors purchase a bag, then sift through and collect thousands of polished stones that literally cover the floor. The selection of stones includes a wide variety of tumble-polished gemstones, mostly popular Southern African stones such as Tiger’s Eye, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Jasper, Agates, and Crystals.
Cost: Bags start at R30. More information available on the Waterfront website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 9am to 4.45pm (Mon – Fri) | 9am – 5pm (Sat & Sun)
Where: Dido Valley Rd, Simon’s Town, Cape Town | 1 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Race your friends at Extreme Go-Karting
Extreme Go-Karting is a thrilling destination for kids who love motorsport and F1. Located in the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, this state-of-the-art karting facility offers an exhilarating experience for individuals of all ages and skill levels. With an indoor go-kart track, high-quality karts, and real-time leaderboards.
In 2025, the company introduced “Double Karts”, a type of kart that allows passengers to experience the thrill of racing without having to control the car. This allows anyone, particularly children and those with disabilities, to participate in races and join in on the fun. Kart racers must be 10+.
Cost: From R150 for 10-15 laps. Booking in advance is essential; use WhatsApp at 072 999 0290 or email [email protected].
When: Monday – Sunday | 9am – 8pm (Mon – Sat) | 9am – 5pm (Sun)
Where: Mezzanine Level, Tyger Valley Center, cnr Bill Bezuidenhout Ave & Willie Van Schoor Dr, Bellville Park, Cape Town
Take a Family Trip to Robertson
Robertson is a great family destination, offering a variety of kid-friendly activities that will keep children engaged and entertained. Enjoy the water slide and activities at Avalon Springs, visit some furry friends at the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, or gallop through biodiversity with Robertson Horse Adventures.
Allow kids to explore the beautiful area of Robertson while having fun.
Learn more about Kids Activities in Robertson
Skateboarding with Kent
Born and bred in Cape Town, Kent Lingveldt is a father, boardshaper and photographer, as well as the revered ‘godfather’ of Cape Town’s skateboarding community and the founder of Alpha Longboards at 18 Buiten St in the Cape Town CBD.
Guests meet Kent at the Queen’s Beach parking lot in Sea Point, from where they can easily access Sea Point’s famous promenade – a spot beloved with skateboarders, which also offers a scenic backdrop for those wishing to get photographic evidence of their skateboarding achievements.
With 30 years of experience, Kent is a skilled, gentle instructor who is experienced with all levels. In this lesson he spends an hour with the guests, teaching the basics of longboard skateboarding, or intermediate skills as required.
With all boards and safety equipment provided, make sure to book your slot and learn the basics of longboarding against the beautiful promenade backdrop.
Cost: R350 per person. Tickets available on the website.
When: Monday – Sunday | 8.45am – 9.45am
Where: Meet at Queen’s Beach Parking Lot, Sea Point
Explore Cape Town with the Waterfront Duck
The Waterfront Duck Co. presents an exciting combined bus and boat tour in Cape Town that takes you along some of the city’s top scenery. This amphibious city and waterfront bus trip is the country’s first and only all-in-one land-and-water trip that combines bus and boat exploration in a single vehicle. Trips take you through the Waterfront, Green Point, a section of the city, and the harbours of Cape Town.
Cost: R395 per person (adults) | R295 per kid (12 & under) | R95 for infants. Book via Quicket
When: Monday – Sunday | Various slots from 9:30am to 5pm
Where: Meet opposite Zeitz MOCAA museum, V&A Waterfront Silo District, S Arm Rd, Waterfront, Cape Town
Learn more about the Waterfront Duck
Giraffe House
See and feed the animal kingdom’s tallest creature at Giraffe House. The centre provides easy access to some of the continent’s wildlife and bird species.
Focusing on African wildlife, Giraffe House aims to provide a place for people to enjoy the outdoors, whilst experiencing and learning about animals and why they are special.
As well as giraffes, animals at the centre include meerkats, caracals, crocodiles and porcupines, among others. Bring a picnic and make a day out of viewing some of nature’s most incredible wildlife. More information here.
Cost: R85 adults | R55 children | R60 seniors
When: Daily | 9am – 5pm
Where: Cnr R304 & R101, Muldersvlei, Cape Town
Take to the Water
Soak up the last few weeks of the sun in Cape Town with various water-based activities. Explore the coastline on a stand-up paddleboard with SUP Cape Town, teach the kids to surf with Surf Emporium in Muizenberg, or let the kids play in the pool at the iconic Sea Point Pools.
Cape Town’s iconic coastline provides many opportunities for the family to explore the ocean and all it has to offer.
Learn more about Water-Based Activities in Cape Town
Visit Tyger Valley Shopping Centre
Tyger Valley offers a range of exciting activities for kids of all ages. Join a sing-along or watch a performance at the Barnyard Theatre, use your brainpower and teamwork to crack the code at ESC Rooms, or take on your friends in the ultimate race at Extreme Go Karting. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food options at the mall.
All About Tyger Valley
Sky Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
The Sky Hi Ride is an epic free fall that hits speeds of up to 100 km/h, with almost 4G’s of force. If heart-pounding thrills are your thing, this is your ride. Located on the 28th floor of Hotel Sky, 146 meters above Cape Town, this adrenalive activity in Cape Town offers you a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most stunning cities. It’s one of only three of its kind globally—and the first in Africa.
After your wild ride, swing by the Sky-Hi Boutique to grab your action-packed video and some cool merch as a memento.
Cost: R50 – R200. Tickets available on Webtickets.
When: Tuesday – Sunday | 9am – 9pm (weather-dependent)
Where: Hotel Sky, 4 Lower Long St, Foreshore, Cape Town
More About the Hotel Sky
Beach Horse Rides
Explore the southern tip of Africa with The Dunes riding stables, that promise an exhilarating way to see the coast. The horses love the water and willingly walk through the breaking waves while you look out to sea to spot passing whales, dolphins and seals. You can amble along the tide line or splash through the shallow seasonal lagoon bordering the sand dunes.
The Dunes Kakapo Horse Trail takes you all the way along Noordhoek Beach to explore the broken ribs and rusted boiler of the Kakapo shipwreck, still visible in the soft white sand after more than 100 years.
To top off the best beach horse ride ever, advanced riders may choose to gallop down the race-horse sand track, to get a feel of what it is like to ride a winner!
Cost: R950 for 1 hour ride. Book here.
Where: 26 Protea Rd, Noordhoek, Cape Town
