Fun and Cheap Activities to Enjoy with Kids in Cape Town

When it comes to school holidays in Cape Town, there are plenty of free or inexpensive options to keep the kids entertained. I’ve personally tried and tested these places, and they have been a hit with parents like you. Let me share some exciting places you can visit without breaking the bank!

I’m at that point in my life where a lot of my friends have kids. Even though I don’t have any children myself, it still affects me. Whenever we try to plan something, we have to find a place that’s kid-friendly. Or they ask me for ideas on where to take their kids because they think being a travel writer means I should know all the good spots.

So, I decided to do some research and find out where parents can take their kids in Cape Town. Budget is always a concern, so I made sure to include activities that are either free or reasonably priced (under R50). I know times are tough for most of us, so I hope this list helps. Have a fantastic holiday!

(Not in Cape Town? No worries! Check out our other lists of fun things to do with your kids during the school holidays in Joburg, Durban, and the KZN Midlands.)

Here are some more articles you might find interesting:

– Activities To Do With Your Family In Cape Town

– Things To Do In Cape Town

– Things To Do During School Holidays in Cape Town, Gauteng, and Durban

Free Activities for Kids During the Holidays

1. The Book Lounge, City Centre

Every Saturday at 11:00, you and your kids can head over to The Book Lounge in Roeland Street for a free story telling session. It’s perfect for kids between the ages of 3 and 8. They also have other fun activities during the school holidays. While your little one enjoys the magical tales, you can relax downstairs and grab a cup of coffee or explore their wide selection of interesting books. It’s a good idea to book in advance, so give them a call or visit their website for more information.
Contact: Tel 021 462 2425, email [email protected], www.booklounge.co.za

2. Company’s Garden, City Centre

If you’re looking for a great free spot for families, The Company’s Garden is the place to be. You can have a picnic on the lush green grass, play ball games, and even feed the squirrels and pigeons. Just be careful, those squirrels have sharp little claws! I’ve seen a few kids cry when one of those cute little critters decides to climb up their bare leg in search of peanuts. But don’t worry, there’s more to enjoy at The Company’s Garden. They have a fantastic restaurant in the park that serves delicious meals. And guess what? The kids will absolutely love the weaver’s nest chairs there. It’s a unique experience they won’t forget. You’ll find The Company’s Garden located at Queen Victoria Street, right at the top end of Adderley Street. So go ahead, bring your family and make some beautiful memories at The Company’s Garden!

Contact: Tel 021 400 2521.

3. Bishopscourt Village Park

A mom recommended this park to me, and it sounds like a magical place! It has a stream to splash in, rocks to climb over, and trees to conquer. Not many people know about this secret spot – it’s one of those hidden gems you have to be in-the-know to find! To discover this hidden garden paradise, drive all the way to the end of Upper Noreen Avenue and park along the road (just make sure not to block anyone’s driveway). There are two entrances: one on the left as you drive down the road, marked by a green information board, and the other is near the end of the road, across the lawn, under the trees. It’s a great place to have a picnic too, with tables and benches available.
Contact: You can email [email protected] if you need more information.

4. Green Point Park

I love this park, and I’m sure you will too. It’s called Green Point Park, and it’s a great place to spend the day with your kids. The best part is, entrance is free! So bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. There are play areas for little kids and bigger kids, so everyone can have fun. And if you’re feeling active, you can try out the outdoor gym equipment. But if you just want to relax, there’s plenty of space on the lawn or at a table. Dogs on leashes and bicycles are also welcome here.
Contact: Tel 021 417 0101.

5. Noordhoek Farm Village

Noordhoek Farm Village is a great place for kids. They have lots of free and fun things to do, like playing on age-specific playgrounds. The playgrounds are safe and have activities for different age groups. While the kids play, parents can relax and have breakfast or lunch at Café Roux. They even have a menu just for kids and they do birthday parties too. To contact them, call 021 789 1317, email [email protected], or visit www.noordhoekvillage.co.za.

Now, let’s talk about some inexpensive activities for kids to do during the holidays.

6. Cool-Runnings, Durbanville

When it comes to tobogganing, Cool-Runnings-style takes it to a whole new level. Picture this: you plop down on a bob-sled, and whoosh! Away you go, hurtling down a 1.2-kilometer track made of sturdy steel pipes. It’s like you’re riding a roller coaster, but without the loops and spins.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Is it safe?” Well, let me put your mind at ease. The speed of the toboggans is controlled by a super-smart braking system, so you’re always in control. Plus, they’ve taken extra measures to make it safe for everyone, especially kids. Children under eight years old need to have an adult with them, ensuring they have a blast while staying out of harm’s way.

So, how much does this thrill ride cost? It’s actually pretty affordable. For kids up to age 14, it’s only R35 for a single ride. Adults can join in on the fun too, with each ride costing R40.

Now, if you’re itching to hop on a toboggan and give it a whirl, here’s how you can get in touch: Give them a call at Tel 021 949 4439 or shoot them an email at [email protected]

7. Experience the Magic of Rainbow Puppet Theatre at Constania Waldorf School

Step into a world of wonder at the Rainbow Puppet Theatre, the only permanent puppet theater in South Africa, located within the enchanting confines of the Constantia Waldorf School’s Kindergarten building. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing realm of puppetry, brought to life by a team of talented puppeteers and accompanied by captivating stage lighting, a diverse collection of glove, rod, and shadow puppets, and even live musical accompaniment. Every month, a brand-new fairytale unfolds on the stage, offering an hour of enchantment and delight for audiences of all ages.

The shows take place on Saturdays at 10:00 AM and 11:15 AM. Admission is priced at R20 for both adults and children, and tickets can be conveniently acquired at the door. While the recommended age for the performances is 4 and up, everyone is welcome to experience the magic of puppetry. No need to pre-book your spot, unless you’re interested in hosting a birthday party at the theater.

If you’d like to learn more about the Rainbow Puppet Theatre or have any inquiries, please feel free to contact Alison at 021 783 2063 or via email at [email protected]

8. Discover the Vibrant V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront has a lot of cool stuff for kids to do, especially during school breaks. They organize special activities just for children, and there’s even a play area near the food court. It’s awesome because they have pirate ships and jungle gyms to play on!

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable adventure, you should definitely check out the Scratch Patch. It’s a place where you can search through heaps of gemstones, like Amethysts, Tiger’s Eyes, and Jaspers. It’s great for kids and adults alike!

Another budget-friendly option is Cave Golf. It might sound simple, but trust me, it’s not. The mini-golf course has tricky ramps, sharp corners, and surprisingly challenging holes. It’s a real test of skill and patience. The Scratch Patch is open from 9:00 to 18:00, and Cave Golf from 9:00 to 17:00.

If you want more information or have any questions, you can contact them at 021 419 9429. Have a blast!

9. Mini Train, Mouille Point

Hey there! Did you know that even adults can have a blast on this mini train? It’s so adorably small, but the fun is endless! Jump aboard and get treated to breathtaking views of ships sailing by and Robben Island in the distance. When you’ve had your fill of the sights, get off and let the little ones loose in the park. They’ll love racing around the tricycle track, climbing on jungle gyms, and conquering rock walls. The best part? It’s only R20 per person per ride. Isn’t that amazing? If you need to get in touch, here’s their contact info: Tel 021 434 4297 or Email [email protected]

10. Plinka Plonka Play, Gardens

Hey, let me introduce you to the fantastic world of Plinka Plonka Play in Gardens. It’s an absolute haven for kids, where their imagination and energy can run wild! At Plinka Plonka Play, they’ll find a range of exciting activities to keep them entertained for hours on end. From jumping on trampolines and sliding down giant slides to exploring a thrilling obstacle course, there’s never a dull moment here. So, if you’re looking for a place where your kids can have the time of their lives, Plinka Plonka Play is the place to be. Swing by and let the adventure begin!

Hey there! Looking for a super fun place for your kids to burn off some energy? Well, look no further than this awesome indoor play area on Buitenkant Street in Gardens. Trust me, your little ones will be completely worn out after just an hour or two here! They’ve got everything you can imagine – slides, a giant doll’s house, a climbing wall, a shipwreck sandpit, a dress-up castle, Lego, books, balls, and more! Sometimes they even have shows for the kids. And don’t worry, parents, you can relax and enjoy some coffee and cake while still keeping an eye on the whole play area. The best part? It’s free for babies under a year and only costs R40 per hour for toddlers and kids over a year. How awesome is that?
Contact: Give them a call at 021 465 0503.

11. Iziko Museums, Cape Town

I’ve got another great idea for you! If you’re in Cape Town, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the South African Museum and the South African National Gallery. They’re located right in the City Bowl, in the beautiful Company’s Gardens. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful and thoughtful family day out. The Museum has everything from dinosaur fossils to incredible rock art. And the National Gallery? Well, it’s a treasure trove of contemporary artworks, traditional beadwork, and textiles. It’s a total feast for the culture buffs in your family! Want to know the best part? Entry to both the South African Museum and the South African National Gallery is super affordable. Kids aged 6 to 18 years just pay R15, and adults pay R30. Kids under 5 get in for free! And if you’re a family of four, you can snag a Family Ticket for only R75. Now that’s a sweet deal! Make sure to check out their website at www.iziko.org.za for more details or give them a ring at 021 481 3800. They’d love to hear from you!

12. Butterfly World, Klapmuts

Hey there, fancy taking a little trip out of Cape Town? Hop in the car, roll down the windows, and let’s head over to Butterfly World on the N1. Trust me, it’s worth it! As soon as we arrive, we’ll be greeted by an enchanting paradise filled with butterflies from every corner of the globe. Can you imagine that? It’s like stepping into a fairy tale!

Now, I know you’re thinking, “But what if the kids get bored?” Well, don’t you worry! Butterfly World has plenty more to offer. Alongside those delicate, fluttering creatures, we can observe meerkats, ducks, goats, and even chickens! Oh, and did I mention the other creatures? You won’t believe your eyes! Iguanas, scorpions, and spiders are waiting to be discovered.

Here’s the best part – admission prices won’t break the bank! For us adults, it’s only R72, and for the little ones, it’s just R41. Can you believe it? Such an incredible experience for such an affordable price. It’s a win-win!

Feeling excited? I sure am! If you want to find out more or plan your visit, you can contact Butterfly World at Tel 021 875 5628 or shoot them an email at [email protected] . And hey, don’t forget to visit their website at www.butterflyworld.co.za for all the juicy details.

13. Intaka Island, Century City

If you’re looking for a fun day outdoors, Intaka Island is the place to be! Situated in the heart of Century City, this 16-hectare wetland paradise is a haven for birds and plant life. With its beautiful footpaths stretching 2 kilometers, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. If you prefer a guided tour, our experienced field rangers are happy to show you around.

During the holidays, Intaka Island offers special programs just for kids, making it a great family destination. And don’t worry about breaking the bank – our affordable admission prices are adult R15, kids under 12 and pensioners R9. We also offer combo tickets that include a boat ride!

To plan your visit, give us a call at Tel 021 552 6889 or visit our website www.intaka.co.za. We can’t wait to see you at Intaka Island!

14. Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands

Hey there! I recently hung out with one of my mommy friends at this awesome place called The Playshed. Man, let me tell you, the kids were going crazy on the jungle gym and zooming down the slides. And while they were having a blast, we mommies got to relax with a nice cup of coffee and a yummy toasted sandwich. They even had magazines on the tables for us to read and chill. And let me tell you, the food was totally affordable, so no need to break the bank. After our little break, we took the kids for a pony ride, which was super exciting. And get this, it only cost R10 per ride! How cool is that? The little ones will absolutely love this place. Aside from the pony and horse rides and all the fun at The Playshed, there are also chickens and dogs. It’s like a mini-farm right in the middle of the city! Oh, and if you don’t feel like eating at The Playshed, there’s a separate restaurant too. So many options!
Contact: Give them a call at Tel 021 801 0141/2, or shoot them an email at [email protected] You can also find out more at www.theplayshed.com/

15. Cape Town Science Centre, Observatory

Hey there! Looking for some awesome indoor family fun in Cape Town? Look no further than the Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory. It’s the perfect place to nurture your child’s inner nerd while having a great time together. Trust me, the holidays can be educational and exciting at the same time!

Prepare to have your mind blown by the mind-bogglingly cool and informative exhibits at the Science Centre. From hands-on workshops to fascinating science shows, there’s something for everyone in the family. And guess what? They even have special activities just for moms! Who says moms can’t have fun too?

Feeling hungry? Don’t worry, they’ve got you covered at the SciCafe. With a menu full of delicious and healthy options, you won’t have to worry about anyone going hungry. Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi available, so you can stay connected and share your awesome experience with friends.

All this excitement comes at an affordable price. Entry to the Science Centre is only R50 per person. That’s a small price to pay for a day filled with wonder, learning, and family bonding.

If you’re ready for an unforgettable experience that combines fun, education, and quality family time, then the Cape Town Science Centre is the place for you. For more information or to book your visit, you can contact them at Tel 021 300 3200 or email [email protected] If you want to learn more, you can also visit their website at ctsc.org.za/.