May 2021

With so many places to explore and things to do in Cape Town, planning a day out that doesn’t break the bank is not as hard as it may seem. Although South Africa’s Mother City is well-known for its trendy hotspots, luxury experiences, and upmarket restaurants, you don’t have to spend money to have fun. Families on a budget have many exciting options for fun things to do in and around the city.

Kids Travel For Free With City Sightseeing

Spend time with the family and explore Cape Town while taking advance of our Kids Travel Free family packages. These packages are ideal for families of 4. Each package includes 2 adult tickets and 2 kids tickets, which are valid for a full day. Here are our 3 Kids Travel Free packages:

●        Kids travel free - Bus: Explore over 30 stops along our 3 routes, Red, Blue and Purple. With many fun attractions along our stops, you’ll be spoilt for choice and the little ones will stay entertained for hours. Priced at R490 and tickets can be purchased online.

●        Kids Travel Free - Boat: Priced at only R120 you can hop on either the Canal Cruise that travels from the V&A to City Centre or cruise along the V&A Harbour.

●        Family Bus & World of Birds: Spend the day out learning about new bird and reptile species at the much-loved family attraction, World of Birds. This package included the bus tickets and entrance to the World Of birds. Priced at R750 and tickets can be purchased online.

There is nothing better than letting your kids run wild, lay on the lawns, have a picnic in the park, and just enjoy being kids, right?  There are many gardens in and around Cape Town that offer free entry.

●        Paradise Park in Newlands is the back garden any family would dream of. This hidden garden is located between Claremont and Newlands and is home to the biggest treehouse in Cape Town.  A kiddie's dream playpark, with the treehouse, that stretches across several large trees. It consists of platforms, ladders, and a bridge which is a perfect area for the little ones’ imaginations to run wild, and even go in search of the wooden fort that is hidden by trees and leaves. There are two playgrounds, where you’ll find swings, slides, roundabouts, balancing beams, climbing structures, see-saws, a wooden plane, and even another smaller treehouse.

Taking a walk in the forest

●        The Company’s Garden (easily accessed by Stop 5 or 15) is a great free spot for families. You can picnic on the grass, play ball games and feed the squirrels and the pigeons.  A firm favourite amongst young and old.

●        De Waal Park is located on Camp Street (walking distance from Stop 15), in Oranjezicht, you will find De Waal Park. This lovely old park is close to a major reservoir. Famous for its dog-friendly facilities that include a fountain made lovingly by local dog owners who bring their fur babies along. There are lots of benches, lawns, and areas to play ball, take a walk or just sit and relax.

●        Explore Cape Town Biodiversity at Green Point Urban Park - explore the biodiversity garden and let the kids run free at the impressive playground at the Green Point Urban Park (Stop 12).   There are play areas for little ones and the older kids too, so everyone can have a good time. Adults can get some exercise in on the outdoor gym equipment, or just sit on the lawn or at a table and relax.

For the kids who love animals, we recommend two amazing experiences.

●        Experience the Simple Farm Life - Renowned for long white sandy beaches, vast wetlands, and ancient milkwood forest, Noordhoek offers a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle that is sought after by many.  You therefore won’t be surprised to find horses, pigs, cows, hens, ducks, and rabbits roaming the gardens and open public spaces at The Noordhoek Farm Village. Free, fun activities, age-specific playgrounds, and child-friendly restaurants are all on offer.

This little piggy stayed at home…

●        Spend some time with furry friends - Animals are the greatest companions we could ask for, and what better way to help them than volunteering to make their world a little better? There are lots of local animal shelters and charities that would greatly appreciate your kiddie's time. Make a donation if you can or simply spare a few hours of your time to walk them, groom them, and play with them. You’re guaranteed lots of licks, tail wags, and wet doggy kisses in return!  Visit DARG in Hout Bay, Uitsig Animal Rescue or Fallen Angels near Melkbosstrand, TEARS in Noordhoek, Lucky Lucy between Philadelphia and Malmesbury on the West Coast.

Make a new furry friend

For the avid readers and the kids who love a good storytelling session, why not visit the below?

●        The Book Lounge, City Centre - Every Saturday at 11:00, The Book Lounge in Roeland Street (walking distance from Stop 5) has a free storytelling session, perfect for 3-8 year-olds.  While your little one is fascinated by magical tales and favourite stories, you can sit downstairs and enjoy a cup of coffee or take some time to browse through the countless, interesting, and sometimes unusual books.

It’s storytime

For the active kids, experience a walking tour or an adrenalin-filled skating experience at the below:

●        Walking Tours of The City - Learn more about the city, its history, interesting facts, and take in the beautiful sights with Cape Towns’ free walking tours. Explore the City Centre with a historic tour, or a tour of the Bo-Kaap highlighting the Malay history of the Mother City. Each one offers a unique perspective of the city and starts at our offices in Loop Street (Stop 5).

●        Get Active in Battery Park - this urban park, located at the V&A Waterfront, Stop 1, is designed with fun in mind, from a free skate park to a basketball court that doubles up as a soccer field and a BMX facility.  The elevated park area offers views across the V&A Waterfront and the surrounding city streets. This family-friendly area consists of a jungle gym, swings, rocking horses, and a scooter path. Pack a picnic and make a day of it at Battery Park.

Skateboarding fun

Something to also keep in mind, and plan ahead, is that you can celebrate your birthday at one of Cape Town’s top attractions for free.

●        Free Birthday Experiences - The Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Mountain Cable Way as well as the Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront all offer free entry on your birthday.  In addition, enjoy a free bicycle road from the Waterfront to the Sea Point promenade with Up Cycles.  For all of the above, be sure to bring a copy of your kid's birth certificate.

With all of the above ideas, let your kids explore the city, and be one of the cool kids with amazing stories to tell their friends of the activities enjoyed and new places discovered.

Be one of the cool kids