Cape Town (and surroundings) with kids: get the most out of it with these tips
There are people, more than enough people in fact, who find it tiring to go on holiday with kids. For that reason, people often choose the 'take it easy' option; a holiday park, something close to home, everything in one place... And a trip to Cape Town, a 'touring country' par excellence, is certainly not an option. Shame? Rather! Why? Because Cape Town is an ideal holiday destination with children: there is no time difference (daytime jet lag) and life is lived during the day (bye bye FOMO). Furthermore, it is still the vibrant city trip with an unforgettable nature and foodie holiday. The city and its surroundings are oohs and aahs for the whole family and 'family first' is an unwritten rule in South Africa that should not be messed with. The wonderful natural beauty, the cheerful people and the impressive animal kingdom ensure that you give your kids (and yourself) a priceless memory - the holiday of a lifetime. The best of South Africa is also outside and those kids prefer to be there now. If you are still hesitant, let us convince you with the tips below: Cape Town (and surroundings) with kids, that's fun!
Want even more tips? We've gathered them in our (e)guides, the guide to your holiday.
First tip: rent a car anyway! DiscoverCars.com is honest and reliable
We're incredibly proud of our Cape Town ebooks. So proud that we don't share every single one of them here on the site. Sure, we share a lot, but if you'd like more (we understand!), then check out Cool Cape Town City and Cool Cape Town Surroundings.
Just over two hours east of Cape Town, just outside Stanford, you'll find the traditional stone cottages and boathouses of Coot Club.
Now, we don't necessarily believe there are truly accommodations where the world slows down or where you can simply unwind just by being there. But still... At Coot Club, the birds sing their first song. when we wake up, and everything here revolves around the ultimate outdoor life. But it's anything but boring! After all, we also want a bit of action. when in (and around) Cape Town. Especially when we have the kids have to entertain… In comes Coot ClubThe accommodations here are the perfect combination of lazy luxury living versus active outdoor living. The boathouses are built with a nod to the sailing and have a stunning view over the lagoon and the mountains. The Stone Cottages are locatedHidden in the woods. No sagging volleyball nets, broken trampolines, or dull bingo nights here, but local wine for the parents and playing in nature for the kidsOutdoor enthusiasts can get their fill of watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Hiking trails are excellent on the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Does Coot Club really have it all? Absolutely: everything is beautiful, and the food is remarkably good throughout the day, with dinner as the highlight: an hour before sunset, they ring the ship's bell and welcome guests for dinner.
If you have the time (take your time!), make the trip to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, if only for the mythical aspect of the place (and the cable car which is very popular with children), the ostriches on the beach and a chance encounter with an antelope or a zebra near Platboom Beach.
Wednesday is for Noordhoek, Thursday is for Cape Point Vineyards. That's when Cape Point Vineyards hosts the Noordhoek Community Market: tempting goods at various stalls and a breathtaking sunset from the lawn in front of the restaurant. A glass of CPV sauvignon blanc in one hand, a crispy pizza in the other. Or the crispy edo sushi with salmon. Born and raised In Jo'burg, Jason and his mother sell these at markets throughout the city. Another day? Arrange a picnic basket and aunwooded Chardonnay. Grass beneath your backside, your head under a white parasol, and the same view of the aforementioned sunset – perfection. Every meal here is a celebration: breakfast, lunch, picnic, dinner, or a wine tasting overlooking Long Beach. But it's definitely not just for a romantic moment with your sweetheart. No, no. There's also a fun playground.
The skilled organization of the restaurant at the vineyard has not won several prizes for nothing.
And then we move from an old favorite to The Ladder.
The daytime business diagonally across from Clarke's (you'll notice, Clarke's is also really a black) is spacious, light and fresh, both in looks and atmosphere as well as the hospitality of the staff. Are you with kids, then not going is not really an option: the spacious layout of the shop makes it quite asshole proof (and running kid-proof) and the play corner at the back of the store is really nice (and you have it as a guest without kids (really no 'trouble' at all in the front). That's also why it's the perfect place to open your laptop: you can work here for hours without feeling self-conscious, the WiFi is lightning fast and they love it digital nomadsThat adds nicely to the international character of the place. Recommendations? The coffee, definitely: you get a cappuccino in a ceramic soup bowl (no lie). And the Chai Tea Latte is so, so, so delicious! Work mode on due.
Eating ice cream with the kids? Of course we wouldn't say no to that. Especially not when it comes to Tadaa! Ice Cream, a cheerful ice cream parlor on Kloof Nek Road. You'll want to go inside just for the bright pink interior and the melting disco ball. But anyway, we came for the ice cream. And it is *very* good. Everything is made on the spot with natural ingredients and there are no fewer than 24 flavors to choose from. From classic vanilla and chocolate to the more exciting combinations like blueberry mascarpone and Vietnamese coffee. And the little ones haven't been forgotten either: especially for them (or for those who just can't choose) there are the almost scoops, or half spheres. That way you can try an extra flavor. Everyone's happy!
At Café Paradiso on the charming Kloof Street in Cape Town, they've really got it right. While you sit back and relax in the lush garden, with a view of Table Mountain and a good glass of wine within reach, the kids get to roll up their sleeves. And right in the kitchen! Baking pizzas, decorating cupcakes, making cookies: here, the kids are the chefs for a little while. And believe us, they can keep themselves entertained for quite some time. Meanwhile, you sit down for an extensive lunch or dinner, with Mediterranean dishes, fresh pasta, and pizzas on the menu. Everyone happy, and we love that.
A visit to Two Oceans Aquarium is practically a must during a holiday with the kids in Cape Town. Located right in the heart of the lively V&A Waterfront, you can dive into the underwater world here without getting a toe wet. Penguins, sharks, rays, and the most colorful fish: there is all sorts of marine life swimming around here. And the name? It refers to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, both of which have their own distinct underwater worlds. The interactive discovery areas, where they learn all about marine life, are especially fun for the little ones. The large aquarium tunnel is also a hit, because how often do sharks and rays swim right above your head? So there is plenty to discover, and it is also a perfect option for a day with less-than-perfect weather. You get those sometimes in Cape Town, too.
Diamonds are a girl's best friendBut give us a floor full of colorful gemstones and we're at least as happy. At Scratch Patch in Cape Town, thousands are there for the taking. Literally! From rose quartz and amethyst to tiger's eye: here, little treasure hunters can search for the most beautiful specimens themselves. Pick a bag or cup, fill it up, and hop, the loot can go home. Not done playing yet? Then there is also Cave Golf, where you play a round of mini-golf among the rocks. You can find Scratch Patch at the Cape Town harbor, close to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and in Simon's Town. Killing two birds with one stone, so to speak, as you can easily combine it with another outing.
An accommodation in Stellenbosch we would love to return to: San Gabriel Homestead. And again. And again. Anyway, we are fans. Especially with the children, because it is wonderfully child-friendly here, without being overdone. Exactly how we like it. The centuries-old farmhouse is gigantic and you can, among other things, the classic Manor House book, with no fewer than four bedrooms and just as many bathrooms. Add to that an amazing kitchen (with a classic farmhouse kitchen island and hanging pots and pans everywhere), a huge living room, a private pool, jacuzzi and braai Step inside and you'll understand why we love settling down here. And then there's the breakfast! The owner gets up at five o'clock to bake fresh bread, and then everyone gathers around a communal table full of bread, pastries, and fresh fruit. Lots and lots of fruit. We could hardly wish for a better start to the day.
Dirty hands, paint on your nose, and sand in places you didn't even know it could go. At Play By Nature, they think it's all just fine. In fact, the messier, the better! This isn't a standard indoor playground, but a place where the kids can really let loose. Painting, crafting, messing around with all kinds of materials, and above all, doing whatever they feel like. And the best part? You don't have to clean up afterwards. Ha! There are various play sessions and creative workshops for different age groups, so even the littlest ones can have a great time here. You can find Play By Nature in Westlake, Cape Town, and Stellenbosch, among other locations. Just be sure to reserve a spot in advance!
Turquoise water, snow-white beaches, and a landscape that makes you want to pull out your camera. And no, we haven't ended up in the Maldives, but are still right here in South Africa! West Coast National Park lies about an hour and a half's drive from Cape Town, and believe us: you'll want to set aside a day for this. The Langebaan Lagoon, in particular, is picture-perfect, with water that turns a vibrant blue in some spots. Pack a picnic basket, roll out your towel, and let the kids play by the water. Prefer some action? You can also go kayaking, cycling, and hiking, and might just spot an ostrich or antelope along the way. Moreover, in the South African spring, the park is bursting with wildflowers. In short: bring your swimwear, don't forget the sunscreen, and go!
Want to step back in time to when no one had ever heard of iPads, phones, or Wi-Fi? At Soetmelksvlei, part of the beautiful Babylonstoren, you can step right into 19th-century farm life. And it is anything but boring! At this historic farm, situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, everything revolves around life as it used to be. Milking cows, taking a ride in an ox cart, watching the blacksmith at work, and seeing how grain is milled the old-fashioned way. The kids will certainly be entertained here for a while. And then there are the farm animals, a large outdoor play area, and a playhouse for the little ones. Meanwhile, you can settle down at the Old Stables Restaurant for an extensive lunch featuring fresh farm produce. Be sure to set aside a few hours, because there is more than enough to experience. And let's be honest: a day without screens doesn't sound so crazy!
Cape Town and its surroundings are a dream destination for families. But it is also a long journey, far from home with a different climate and different traffic rules. That is precisely why it is best to arrange a few things before departure, so that once you arrive, you can focus all your attention on the adventure. And with a long-distance trip with the family, things are just a little different than with a week in the South of France. Ten points for the travel insurance for the whole family from Interpolis (and their tips), with which you insure everyone at the same address at once.
What you should particularly pause to consider:
- Your coverage. South Africa is outside Europe, so you need worldwide coverage. Don't have this yet? No problem, you can easily upgrade it at Interpolis all year round.
- Medical assistance: Even while traveling, you may fall ill or have an accident requiring immediate care. Interpolis is happy to explain. which insurance covers which medical costs during a holiday abroad.
- Save the emergency center number in your phone: the Interpolis number is available 24 hours a day, and it is best to call it before you incur unexpected costs.
- On the road with the children. If you are heading out with a rental car, make sure you have good child seats and keep in mind that they are in South Africa drive on the leftThat certainly requires extra concentration, especially at the beginning. Good to know: damage to a rental car is not covered by your travel insurance, not even with Interpolis. You insure that with the rental company itself.
- Valuable items. Naturally, make sure to lock everything properly and never leave valuables unattended during your trip. Additionally, it is wise to take out supplementary baggage coverage; you can check the Interpolis website to see in which cases you are insured.
This way you go on an adventure well prepared and there is more time left for the .
“No, we're definitely not going on a long trip because we have a baby/small kids and it's such a hassle…” Wrong! Then you have never heard of the South African Anew Leasing. Without exaggeration, a life saver For anyone traveling to Cape Town and the surrounding area with the little ones. You can rent absolutely everything your little one needs for long or short periods (even a few days). Stroller (for any age)? Check. Baby bath? Check. Playpen or crib? Check, check. Baby carrier (yes, even one of those beautiful Artipoppe ones!), breast pump, car seat? Check, check, check!
And it gets even better: communicate your travel dates and location(s), and the people behind Anew Leasing will make sure everything arrives on time and is picked up again when it's time to leave. And yes, they even deliver to the airport, which is very convenient for that car seat, of course. It's child's play, because they have everything ready for that too.
