Kids Holiday Attractions in Cape Town

Spoil the kids to some of Cape Town’s immersive attractions and activities over the Summer and festive season. There’s a host of interactive experiences for toddlers, tweens and teens – such as great summer stage shows, outdoor movie experiences, activities where they can jump around, test their sharp shooting skills and get creative artistically. It’s all about their enjoyment and finding a unique and thrilling things to do to celebrate the festive season as we head into the New Year. So take the kids out and let them play with their friends at these great events and kid-friendly experiences.

SABMR Movie Night

Experience the magic of movie night under the stars

SA Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is making the most of balmy summer nights with another edition of their popular open-air movie night at Kirstenbosch Gardens. This family-friendly event in Cape Town runs on Monday, 18 December and also includes an evening filled with loads of entertainment.

The majestic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is the ideal setting for this open-air movie night where the Rise of the Guardians (2012) will be screened. This Dreamworks animated movie follows Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, and the Sandman as they join forces to protect the world’s children from the evil Boogeyman.

There’s a live performance by the Ambience Band and exciting lawn games for the children. To get the festive spirit started, Santa Claus will be making an appearance for a meet and greet as well as photo opportunities.

Where: Marquee Lawn, Gate 2, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
When: Monday 18 December, from 6pm. Movie starts at 8pm
Cost: Various, see link below for more information

Unique Events Running at Benguela Cove This Month

Benguela Cove is bringing the outdoor cinema experience to the wine farm for a limited run of movie nights this summer holiday.

The biggest blockbusters and cult classics will be showcased at the fabulous courtyard space for night after night of cinematic splendour and family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Prepare a picnic and your favourite treats or indulge in the on-site licensed bar and candy bar. Plus there’s also a photo booth where you can capture fun new memories. The summer programme includes films; How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Encanto and Pretty Woman.

Both kids and adults can try a dose of competitive fun with the mini golf course that offers plenty of thrills, challenges and laughs. With nothing more than a ball, putter and skill, the aim of the game is to get around the outdoor course in as few attempts as possible. And to work your way through the various pirate challenges that you will encounter on your way.

Pirate Adventure Golf Course is available for kids birthday parties, team-building events, schools or just families looking for fun activities to spend an afternoon in the Winelands. The space is fully licensed, and food and light snacks can be ordered.

Where: Benguela Cove Wine Estate, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Walker Bay, Hermanus
When: Various, see movie times on the link below
Cost: Various, see link below for more information

Test your ninja warrior skills and bounce around for fun

The Total Ninja Obstacle and Inflatable Park in Cape Town is a haven for adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a unique and thrilling experience.

The venue has a ground-floor Café with a spectators’ area, a dedicated Mini Ninja zone for under five-year-olds and Ninja Zone for all other ages, free secure parking for 2 hours and free wifi. In addition to the Ninja Warrior course, the park also offers a range of inflatable challenges.

Bounce your way through inflatable obstacle courses, slide down giant inflatable slides, and dive into inflatable pools. These inflatables provide a fun and exciting experience for both children and adults alike.

Where: The Warehouse, Black River Park, South Park Entrance, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town
When: Monday to Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday, Sunday, School & Public Holidays 9am to 9pm
Cost: R80pp (U-5 for 1h) |R120( U-5 for 2h) | R160pp(6-16 years for 1h) | R240 (6-16 years for 2h)

An Adrenaline Pumping playground for kids

Freedom is a new park specifically designed with fun and safety in mind, featuring a range of indoor park facilities and playgrounds for children aged 2 to 13 years old.

This family venue offers a 50-metre long Adrenaline Pumping Hi-Line Indoor Rope’s Course, with Multiple Climbing Walls, Customised Trampoline Dodgeball Arena, specially designed for kids.

Kids can also enjoy the Dodge Attack, Hi-Dive Leap of Faith, Foam Pit, Nerf Wars (on selected days), Custom Built Play Pods with architectural design elements added to create an environment that is fun, cool and contemporary.

Where: Unit 3A, 333 Main Rd, Retreat, Tokai, Cape Town
When: Tues to Thurs 11am to 7pm, Fri 11am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 9am to 6pm
Cost: U1 free | U3 R50ph | Aged 3-13 R100ph | Free for adults

A majestic spectacle of the circus

The ever-popular and beloved Zip Zap Circus is back with VOOMA! running this festive season from 7 to 17 December 2023. Aptly named, this fast-paced, action-filled circus show is set to deliver another high-octane spectacle that promises to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

This family-friendly event in Cape Town features trapeze acts, acrobatics, unbelievable juggling, and hilarious comedy routines, all performed by an exceptional cast of ordinary kids capable of extraordinary feats. This circus family is bound to transport the audience into a world of wonder, joy, and adventure.

Enjoy an entire performance of enticing thrills and spills that will leave you in awe and amazement whilst supporting our local communities and their children.

Where: Zip Zap Dome, 10 Jan Smuts St, Cape Town
When: Running from 7 to 17 December 2023, every evening at 6pm
Cost: R125pp, book via Quicket

Making the learning experience fun and exciting

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 forms part of a wide range of non-classroom initiatives aimed at improving the quality of science understanding and science 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 experiential driven programmes.

The centre hosts a Saturday learner enrichment school, as well as robotics workshops and tournaments, chess workshops, Science Out Loud science talks and maths and science exam preparation lessons. Birthday party bookings can also be made for a fun and enriching experience at the centre’s Partycle. An enclosed area for exclusive use is provided and it includes tables and chairs. Bookers have access to the party room for two hours but guests can spend as long as they wish in the Cape Town Science Centre as tickets are valid for the whole day.

Where: 370B Main Road, Observatory
When: Mon – Sat 9am to 4.30pm | Public holidays 10am to 4.30pm
Cost: R80 | R40 pensioners

Take to the lanes and bowl away for a strike

Let’s Entertain U is a one stop entertainment and team building venue where it creates an environment which is conducive to fun and entertainment for all.

One of the offerings is Let’s Go Bowling which has 10 lanes and BOSS scoring, with facilities for both kids and adults alike. Let’s Go Bowling also has the latest technology which is sure to entertain guests, synthetic lanes, Edge Qubicaamf String machines and an entertainment scoring system that will delight the young ones.

Kids Play is also available and caters for toddlers in the soft play area as well as the “older” kidz on our super-sized jungle gym, all in a safe and supervised environment.

Where: Stadium on Main, Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town
When: Daily | Mon to Sat 9am to 10pm | Sun 10am to 8pm
Cost: From R80 | R200 kids party package

Get ready for some outdoor laser tag

Battlefield Live SA offers an exhilarating outdoor laser tag experience ideal for team-building events, kid’s parties and bachelor parties.

With two venues to choose from, one in Durbanville and one in Wynberg, the award-winning experience includes a two-hour stimulation that uses state-of-the-art laser weapons, five gaming scenarios and optional extras.

As the weapons shoot infrared bullets instead of tangible ammunition, Battlefield Live SA is a safe and exciting experience for children’s birthday parties. These parties can be booked with themes such as Fortnite, Pokemon or Call of Duty.

Where: Altydgedacht Wine Estate Tygervalley Road, Durbanville
When: Refer to website | battlefieldlive.co.za
Cost: Costs vary according to bookings

Get creative and let your artistic side shine

The Clay Cafe is a longstanding venue popular with adults and children alike. Choose from a vast array of unfired bisque and a wide selection of colourful paints to create crockery that is both personal and completely unique. Not to mention fully functional as all items once fired are then ovenproof, dishwasher safe and microwave safe.

Guests at the Clay Cafe can spend a leisurely day painting in a relaxed environment with friendly staff on hand to assist with any painting techniques and ideas. There is also a spacious garden area where children can play and have fun while enjoying the artistic activities.

Where: Clay Cafe, Main Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: Various, Booking required
Cost: Various

Get messy, enjoy the activities and have fun with a burst of colour

The kids-orientated Colour Festival returns bigger and better than ever, offering a chance for everyone to spray water and coloured powder over everyone else.

The day is filled with fun activities for all age groups including giant inflatables, giant water slides, colour powder, space rocket, bungee mechanical bull rocket, foam party and many more.

Where: Greenpoint Athletic Stadium, Vlei Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
When: 2 December 2023 | 12pm to 6pm
Cost: R120 (adults) | R140 U15 | U4 free (proof required). Early bird discounts

Get paddling and enjoy a unique water activity

SUP Cape Town provides introductory lessons in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), as well as board rentals and long-term rentals for holiday trips.

Lessons are an hour long and include water safety, stability, balancing, and paddling strokes. Rentals vary in duration and include all the necessary equipment as well as a short lesson. No experience required.

Where: Battery Park, Alfred Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
When: Daily | 9am to 5pm
Cost: R200 (30 min Rental ) | R250 ( 1h Rental) | R550 ( 90 min Rental with Instructor)

Gear up and get skating

Rollercade is the newest addition to Cape Town’s must-do activities list. It is the first indoor roller-skating park in the city and provides a safe environment for roller-skating and other entertainment.

Apart from the roller-skating rink, Rollercade also offers pool tables, a gaming arcade, and music for the entire family. They also have dedicated party areas for events and special occasions for the whole family and friends.

Roller-skating time slots, group and individual rates vary. So be sure to check out available times on the website, rollercade.co.za

Where: P3 (Parking Floor 3) at Battery Park, Entrance off Alfred or Dock Rd, Waterfront, Cape Town
When: Tues to Thurs & Sun 10am to 6pm | Fri & Sat 10am to 9pm
Cost: From R150

Dip into some of Cape Town’s most beautiful tidal pools

Cape Town has some world famous beaches but if you are looking for a salty swim somewhere a bit more sheltered, there are numerous tidal pools to visit along the coast that provide safe, family-friendly places to swim and play.

Kommetjie De Kom Tidal Pool that lies at the edge of the catwalk along De Kom. It is designed with concrete steps and a handrail for easy access. There are neat grass patches with shade from Milkwood trees making it conveniently suited for picnics. Take a dip at Maiden’s Cove Tidal 1&2, which is renowned for their splendid views of both the mountain and the sea, both pools also have braai and picnic facilities nearby, making them popular for gatherings.

There’s a host of tidal pools to enjoy this Summer. Such as Saunders Rock tidal pool – a hugely popular pool built into a rocky crevice next to Saunders Beach. The granite rocks create a wind barrier, giving it shelter on windy days. Visitors can also swim at Woolley’s Tidal Pool located between Kalk Bay and Clovelly offering spectacular views across the bay. There are two pools, of which the smaller one is perfect for younger kids to paddle in. The flat rocks offer an ideal perch on which to sit and view whales in season, or simply enjoy the crashing of the waves.

Whether you’re going out to swim, relax, have a beach side picnic or braai, or just take in the amazing scenery. There’s so much to choose from and offers something unique for the whole family. See more tidal pools in the link below.

Where: Various
Cost: Free

A two-day experience interactive gaming and arts experience

PLAYTOPIA guarantees an unparalleled African celebration of gaming and technological artistry with a curated selection of local artworks and games, alongside contributions from international counterparts.

At the heart of PLAYTOPIA lies the main exhibition arcade – a curated collection of games, immersive encounters, and interactive narratives. This showcase embodies a gathering of the most ingenious, dynamic, and emotionally resonant games from the recent past. Encompassing a mix of titles hailing from South Africa and around the globe, this exhibition encompasses lauded indie releases and hidden treasures that deserve more recognition.

The festival aims to capture the essence of the future of entertainment, showcasing a convergence of creativity and technology. This year’s programme includes a 2-day conference, featuring inspiring talks from a hand-picked selection of trail-blazing game developers, interactive artists and playful creators.

The Super Friendship Arcade (SFA) offers game jams and workshops celebrating games that are approachable, easy to engage with, and promote shared moments that unite people. SFA represents an ever-expanding coalition of friends who employ games as a means to influence people creatively.

You can also check out a selection of interactive and immersive art installations by local artists will be on exhibit. Creatives who embrace technology to express themselves will exhibit their artworks for festival-goers to experience.

Where: Homecoming Centre (Former Fugard theatre), Corner Buitenkant St & Caledon St, District Six, Cape Town
When: Running on 8 & 9 December 2023, various times
Cost: From R300pp for a day pass, book via Quicket

A locally-inspired festive tale

V&A Waterfront is keeping both kids and grown-ups entertained over the summer holiday break with Naledi’s Dream, an exciting new live musical show running at the popular destination in Cape Town from 16 to 23 December 2023.

This production will be staged inside a purpose-built theatre over the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre for an immersive indoor theatrical experience.

Naledi’s Dream follows the story of Naledi and along her local adventure, you’ll meet some of Santa’s helpers all the way from the North Pole.

Where: Amphitheatre V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
When: From 16 to 23 December 2023, daily at 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm
Cost: R100pp, book via Webtickets

Spark your creativity this festive season

In this fun and colourful class at Willowbridge Kitchen located opposite PNP, a friendly expert will guide the little ones step by step on how to assemble their own little mansion and then decorate it with an array of sugary treats.

The DIY gingerbread house kit includes everything needed to assemble and decorate from sweets to chocolates, liquorice, jelly beans, marshmallows and much more. It also includes pre-made buttercream icing in a piping bag with a nozzle. The playful workshops are a stunning way to make new memories and spend quality time with the family and kids while making a special gingerbread house for the Christmas tree.

All cake panels are handcrafted and baked with love and include Gingerbread Walls and Sweet Cement (Royal Icing). Kids will learn how to pipe icing to give the edible houses a classic Christmas look, as well as create a cute front garden and path if their creativity allows. Parents can take advantage of the bonding opportunity and help the younger ones throughout the session.

Where: Willowbridge Shopping Centre (opposite Pick n Pay), 39 Carl Cronje Dr, Bellville, Cape Town
When: From 15 to 22 December 2023. Daily sessions run at 45 minutes each, slots include 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Cost: R150pp per child, book via Quicket