December 2020

The 2020 school year is finally over.  With schools ringing the bell for the last time this year, it’s time to plan the upcoming holidays.  Cape Town offers so many family-friendly options for children of all ages.  The last thing you want to hear about these holidays is ‘I am bored…’ so we have researched for you and have listed ten options below which we believe offers a variety for all ages.

• Acrobranch Kids in the Constantia Valley

Located in the Constantia Valley (on our Purple route) Acrobranch is a treetop experience dedicated to offering kids and adults a unique adventure as they move from tree to tree in lush, green forests. Allowing your kids to swing through trees, dangling from branches, balancing in the air, this is the perfect outdoor adventure for kids, young and old. All safety protocols are in place and the kids are securely fastened into a snug-fitting harness, whilst being hooked into secure lines throughout the course.  Let the kids ‘hang about’ while the parents can enjoy a coffee and relax.

Acrobranching fun

• Art Jamming

Located at the Waterfront (Stop 1) above the Toy Kingdom, Art Jamming offers a fantastic way to release that inner artist in you and is suitable for all ages.  Their holiday workshops will be running between 7-22 December and then again 11-22 January. The schedule is run daily from Monday to Friday and includes the likes of how to draw & paint cartoon people, slime and canvas, “paint like the greats” workshop,  a fun foam workshop, and learning how to draw and paint animals.

All their studios comply with social distancing requirements and very stringent hygiene protocols are in place. The studios are sanitized regularly throughout the day and strict hygiene protocols are followed at all times.

• Boulders Beach Family Fun

Boulders Beach located in Simons Town is the perfect spot for children as huge boulders shelter the cove from currents, wind, and large waves.  Get there early to get a good spot and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, all whilst watching the little African Penguins frolicking in the water.  This beach also can be accessed via our full day Peninsula Tour.

Boulders Beach Fun in the Sun

• Cool Runnings Toboggan Family Park

Located only 20 minutes out of the city, join Cool Runnings for a thrilling ride. The 1.25 km track includes a cruise through the 17 corners, S-bends, and even a tunnel, before the sled automatically slows down at the bottom of the course, safe and sound.  It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s safe.  Kids over the age of 3 can ride along with their parents.  From the age of 8 kids can ride alone as long as they are 1,35m or taller.

• Harbour Cruise

For the kids in your family that love the sea, boats, and ocean life, join us onboard the Harbour Cruises in the Waterfront.  This 30-minute ride departs from the jetty next to the Two Oceans Aquarium.  Along the way, you will see iconic landmarks, Table Mountain as a backdrop, and a variety of different vessels that move around the harbour.  Be sure to look out for the many seals that call the V&A Waterfront home.

Family Cruising Fun

• Double-Decker Open Top Bus

Hop on one of our Red Buses and explore Cape Town on any of our 3 routes.  Relax on board, then jump on and off at one of the 30 stops along the way, allowing you to explore all that the city and surrounds have to offer, including major attractions, hidden gems, and our beautiful beaches. For the parents, no need to find parking, and for the kids, enjoy the fresh air as well as fun kids channel onboard. The first bus departs from the V&A Waterfront at 9 am and every 30 minutes after that.  Select the Red Urban Safari, the Blue Scenic Safari, or the Purple Constantia Winelands Route.  All COVID-19 protocols are in place and busses are sanitized at every stop as passengers get on and off.

About to begin the adventure on board the red bus

• Deer Park

If you are looking for a beautiful park in the middle of the city, you should definitely visit Deer Park and its aptly named Deer Park Café. Situated on the upper slopes of Vredehoek overlooking the city, this café style restaurant is great for all ages. The décor is natural and stylish yet funky offering indoor and outdoor seating, which has magnificent views over the park. This well maintained fenced park offers swings, jungle gyms, and plenty of grass.  A great place for the whole family, where parents can enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine, whilst the kids can run around in fresh air and have fun.

• World of Birds

Located in Hout Bay, Stop 22 on our Blue Route, enjoy a fun and educational outing to the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park. The park is home to more than 3,000 birds and 400 different species of animals. The avian haven is also a conservation effort and serves as an animal hospital caring for injured birds and animals. The kids can watch the feeding times of various animals, play on the jungle gym, and interact with the monkeys.  If you are feeling a little hungry, The Robin’s Nest Café offers drinks and snacks as well as light meals.

World of Birds

• Farm Fun

Located in Kommetjie, Imhoff Farm is one of the Cape Peninsula’s original farms, and is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for families and offers something for everyone.  Experience the Milkwood Maze which offers an exciting and educational 3D experience.  This gives you a tour of Southern Africa, travelling to the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique – each destination is represented by a flag.  Look out for different animals from each country and learn all about African animal conservation along the way.  At the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farm Yard on the property let your kids interact, touch, and feel an array of domestic farm animals including ponies, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, emus, rabbits, and a variety of feathery friends.  Parents can enjoy a coffee or meal at the Blue Water Café which is in sight of the farmyard.

• Quad Biking in the Dunes

An activity for the older kids, located just 30 minutes outside the city, visit the Atlantis Dunes where you can hit the dunes on a 4-wheeled quad bike. Twenty-seven square kilometres of pure white sand dunes, a protected and unspoiled area, offering dunes that sometimes reach the height of a six-story building. Be prepared for an adrenalin-filled day even though you might be covered in sand!

Fun in the sun

Make a list, tick off a few, and have fun this festive season with the whole family.