City centre sightseeing
One of the best ways to see the sights of the city is via bus. Riding the bus is often a novelty for children and can make the activity a lot of fun whilst seeing the main sights. There is even a topless bus which will add to the experience. It is possible to jump on and off the bus anywhere on its route around the city and you can see St George’s Cathedral, the gardens of Mount Nelson, stroll along the coast or even do a spot of shopping.
Company’s Garden
In the heart of the city is this huge green space where you can picnic with your children, feed the squirrels, play ball games or even enjoy a meal and a drink in the restaurant within the park.
The Book Lounge
This venue is also in the centre of the city and offers a free story telling session for all children between the ages of three and eight. The session is held every Saturday morning at eleven and there are additional activities in the school holiday.
Bishopscourt Village Park offers trees to climb, rocks to clamber on even a stream to splash around in. This spot is frequently by the locals and does not appear on many tourist information maps. You can access the park from Upper Noreen Avenue.
Cool-Runnings in Durbanville
This park offers the opportunity to bobsled down a 1.2km long track. Your children will love the experience and you can control the speed through the onboard brake. Kids under eight will need to be accompanied.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain offers a fantastic view of the whole of Cape Town and the sea beyond. To the other side are the wide open plains and the possibility of seeing some of Africa’s wildlife running across the plains. The best and easiest way to visit is via the cable car; you can enjoy the views on the way up as well as when you are at the top.
Wine farms
These venues may not seem like the idea place for children but they are simply part of your trip. You can experience the beauty of the farms and sample the wide choice of wines whilst your children meet the animals and even indulge in giant water slides at Graceland Venues. There are also plenty of places where you can take a picnic and go hiking for the day; simple family fun.
Rainbow Puppet Theatre
Every Saturday there are two shows in the morning, with a different show every month. The shows are performed by five full time puppeteers. Tickets can be purchased at the door and the show is recommended for anyone over four.
Mini Train Mouille Point This train ride allows children and adults to enjoy the passing ships and see Robben Island whilst stopping for children to try rock climbing, jungle gyms and even a tricycle track.
Plinka Plonka Gardens
The Plinka Plonka Gardens are an indoor play area which has giant slides, a giant doll’s house, a climbing wall and even a shipwreck sandpit. The gardens also feature Lego, books and balls as well as a dress-up castle. Your children will be exhausted after a couple of hours while you sit and enjoy a coffee in the café.
The two museums; the South African National Gallery and the South African Museum will give you the opportunity to see everything from rock art to fossils as well as contemporary works of art. This is a chance for the family to unwind with a more traditional style day out.
No matter what age your children are or what budget you have, you will never be bored in this amazing city! Cape Town has a bit of something for everyone. It packs amazing greenery and lush recreational parks, but also fascinating attractions and historical centers to help its travelers get to know more about its tumultuous history and cultural background. By Peter Smith and CapePortfolios.com!