Are you planning to visit the beautiful Western Cape soon? Well, if you’re wondering about child friendly activities around Cape Town, you’re going to find this Guest Post by the gorgeous Rebecca, very useful. Before we get into the details, here’s the deets on Rebecca. Don’t forget to visit her on social media, links below.
About Rebecca (In these Stilettos)
My name is Rebecca and I’m a blogger over at “In these Stilettos”. I started blogging years ago, “BC” about travel and experience and as life happened my blog evolved more into a “mummy blog”. Documenting my truths as a mother and find things to do and keep my kids busy. If you are looking for activities to keep your children busy, or things to do around Johannesburg (once upon a time it was Cape Town) then head on over to my blog.
Social Media Links:
Blog URL: www.inthesestilettos.wordpress.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/inthesestilettos
Instagram: @rebeccabadrodin
Twitter: @Becksmcwilson
In these Stilettos blog was originally written when I had just had my second little boy and I was a proud mum of “two under two”. I lived in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, Somerset West, just outside of Cape Town and Stellenbosch. A piece of heaven on earth right here in South Africa and an absolute Mecca if you have children, there is just so much to do!
I thought I’d summarize the top places to take children and bear with me as this list is quite long. Joburg you have A LOT to learn when it comes to making things kid friendly. There is an abundance of places to take the kids and almost every farm/restaurant is child friendly. After living in Johannesburg for so long I was really left in awe.
I’m sure this will change as time goes on but for now, here’s my top 15 list (in no specific order).
Top 15 list Child Friendly activities around Cape Town
1. World of Birds – Constantia
This is the largest bird park in Africa and its home to something like 3000 birds and quite a number of reptiles! All of the owls and predator birds are adopted and none of them have been bred in captivity. My toddler was in awe of all the colours and the monkey interaction is entertaining for everyone!
2. Butterfly World – Stellenbosch
Best to go on a sunny day when all the glorious butterfly’s fly about in their element! There are also a number of other animals on display including reptiles (some colourful iguanas), tarantula’s, birds, small monkeys and LOTS of guinea pigs. BEST part is kids under 3 are free!
3. Monkey Town – Somerset West
This place kinda has it all! Yes the park is a little “run down” BUT these places do rely on visitors for funding so go and visit! Not only do they have like 200 different primates, they also have Chimpanzees! (Don’t worry they have been rehabilitated after various horrible stories). Monkey Town also has a small Petting animal section a huge garden with numerous Jungle Gyms AND you can picnic and braai there.
4. The Giraffe House – Stellenbosch
Despite its name the Giraffe house is home to Zebra, Ostrich, crocodile, Jackals and a number of other animals too. We made the mistake of going on a “slight breezy” winters day with a 6 week old baby. Safe to say, dad did the tour with the toddler who was in his element and mum sat in the car for most of the time because the wind was reminiscent of Arctic Gail force winds!
5. Vergelegen Wine Farm (They have the most amazing playground)
Have a lunch at Stables restaurant while your kids play in the most artistic Play area. A little stream for them to splash in, a giants bird nest, and a maze – what more do you need? Oh and they offer picnics in the forest as well.
6. Vergenoegd Wine Farm (Famous for its Runner ducks and kids activities)
Vergenoegd keeps about 1100 Indian “Runner Ducks”. These ducks head out each day into the vineyards and they eat all the snails and harmful pests that destroy the grapes, on their journey the give a little “Parade” which the kids adore! Vergenoegd also has dedicated child minders so you can enjoy your picnic in the most beautiful surroundings while your kids play a number of games and activities.
7. Visit the Penguins
Dependent on which side of Cape Town you are there is the Stony Point Colony at Betty’s Bay and of course the famous Boulders Beach in Simons Town. It’s not often that you get to swim with Penguins, I’ve taken my toddler back 3 times Did you know that there are only 3 land based breeding grounds for African penguins? Well here are two of them! I find Betty’s Bay a little more quiet as opposed to the ever popular Boulders Beach.
8. Two Oceans Aquarium
Aquarium – enough said! Sharks, Penguins, Turtles and Sting rays, what more does a kid want? Right in the heart of the V+A Waterfront its pays tribute to both the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. Visit at about 3pm daily and the kids will get a chance to see the raggies being fed!
9. Cheetah Outreach Program
2 minutes from my doorstep, and you can take your toddlers in to stroke the Cheetahs! The Cheetah Outreach is an organization that is working to preserve Cheetah in the wild. Many farmers use traps, poison and hunting techniques to keep the cheetahs away from their farm and livestock, as a result, the cheetah population is dwindling. Here you learn about Cheetah conservation and the Famous Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, These are very, VERY large dogs that are used as Shepard dogs and protect livestock
10. Spier Wine farm and the Eagle encounters
Another famously Child friendly wine farm. Spier wine farm offers literally the FULL experience. For non-wine drinkers like us they offer grape juice tasting, 2 awesome restaurants and a range of activities for the kids. Best part is the Eagle encounters where you can learn more about these glorious predators and get to see them up close.
11. Green Point Park
Seriously, This is where Joburg Parks needs to catch a wake up! Green Points playground is insane! You can visit green pint for a picnic, walk or run, there’s an outdoor gym, a play park and an adventure park for the kids (with about 7 different slides). Evening and Morning Yoga and a whole Zen garden section. Did I mention its free?
12. The Blue Train and Mouille Point Park
Probably one of Mouille Point’s oldest attractions, a ticket on the blue train costs just R15 and takes you on two trips around the park. The Blue Train Park borders The Mouille Point park which has a lovely jungle gym and play area for the kids. The blue train park offers yet more play areas as well as a mini ice rink! My toddler loved the choo choo with the sea-side views! Afterwards you can ride your bikes and have an ice cream and walk along the famous Green Point Promenade!
13. Table Mountain Cable Way
It’s not Cape Town without Table Mountain. My husband was the most apprehensive about going up Table Mountain with 2 small kids. We pre booked out tickets online (MUST DO) so the line wasn’t that tedious (I think about 45 minutes?) By the time we got to the front my 2-year-old was so impatient to go on the “Plane” (the cable car) that the kind lady in front scanned us through to the next leaving cart. (If you read this THANK YOU!). Much to my husband’s delight there were no sheer drops for the pram to roll off at the top. There was entertainment in the form of a live bank which the toddler loved and we even got to appreciate the views! We managed to get a concierge service of the cable car on the way down to the lift and skipped the exit line
14. Root 44 Market
Great Food, Live bands, artesian food and craft and to a huge world of adventure for kids! No less than 5 play areas for kids, a massive indoor soft play area, water activities and putt putt. SERIOUSLY – Root 44 offers a BUSY day! OPEN EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10:00 – 16:00 Tel: 021 881 3052 Email: info@root44.co.za Audacia Wines, Corner of R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, 7600
15. The Beaches!
All of them! There is no explanation needed! Water + Sand is a great combination for any child and it offers free entertainment for hours! The Western Cape offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
I must also make honorary mentions to the following places: Tokara Estate (unique little playground and they have heaps of toys around the restaurant for kids to play with), Polkadraai Strawberry Farm for strawberry picking, Helderberg plaas (one of the oldest farms in the region and it has a cute petting farm for the kids to feed the animals).
Western Cape – I am not finished with my explorations and I cannot wait to uncover all that you have to offer (though I don’t think I’ll ever get through it all!)
Are there any places you would mention?
Rebecca, thank you very much for this Guest Post! I think it’s great ideas for places to visit with kids. I visited almost all of them but not when we were parents, so your post has made me wishful to go to the Western Cape again, this time with our son.
If you enjoyed reading this, don’t forget to leave a comment below…
This is really very helpful post!