Cape Town is the ideal destination for kids as there’s plenty to do. The trick is to enjoy each outing to the full, rather than packing too much into a day.
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Morning
If the weather’s perfect, pack the beach umbrella, buckets, sunscreen and hats and head for your favourite beach. Kids are happier before it gets too hot, so make the most of the early morning. Families love Bakoven, St James and Boulders for their smaller beaches and protected coves, as well as the tidal pool at St James.
Take a picnic lunch if you go to Boulders, and afterwards visit the penguin breeding area.
Afternoon
Everyone loves the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. The predator exhibit feeding takes place at 15h00 daily and shark feeds are at 15h00 on Sundays. The African penguins are delightful to watch during feeding times (11h45 and 14h30 daily), as are the rockhopper penguins (11h30 daily).
If it’s cool or raining, the Scratch Patch is just across the road. Let the kids crawl around, filling buckets with pretty semi-precious stones or minerals. There’s also a fascinating range of unusual stones and gems on display.
Evening
Eating with kids is easiest at one of the many child-friendly restaurants at the V&A Waterfront or at the cafes along the Camps Bay beach promenade. Locals head for pizza with a view at Col’Cacchio’s. On hot summer evenings the windows are wide open to give you a full view of the sunset and the fresh sea air.
Wide-awake teens will enjoy stargazing in the suburb of Gardens at the Iziko Planetarium, a celestial theatre utilising the complex Minolta star machine and multiple projectors to transport you into the wonders of the universe. Recline in the comfy chairs and be prepared for a fascinating audio-visual experience.
The Planetarium is also an excellent rainy day option for kids; they have family shows at 13h00, 14h00 or 14h30, depending on the day of the week.
More info
Contact Cape Town Tourism for suggestions at +27 (0)21 487 6800, or visit www.capetown.travel.
