Kids

FUN FOR THE YOUNG, AND THE YOUNG AT HEART

ACROBRANCH

1 HOUT BAY MAIN ROAD, CONSTANTIA NEK 086 999 0369, acrobranch.co.za Take to the trees with fun activities for the whole family. There are two courses for the little ones, while adults and teens can tackle a slightly more thrilling elevated experience. All three courses combine the adventure of zip lines, moving planks, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and more. The park caters for kids’ birthday parties and corporate team building too. From R150–R280

ALPACA LOOM

SUID-AGTER PAARL ROAD, SOUTHERN PAARL 084 793 3666, alpacas.co.za Kids are in for an interactive experience at the alpaca petting zoo, where they have the chance to get up close to these animals. If they still have some energy left after, they can let loose on the jungle gym while parents park off for a cuppa at the on-site coffee shop and browse the woven scarves, shawls, blankets and rugs made from the alpacas’ wool. Barn tours, where you can learn about the alpaca and the processing its fibres undergo to become yarn, take place daily every hour on the hour. Entry is free; tours are R70 for kids, R100 for adults

BE.UP PARK

GARDENER PLACE, ROSE INNES STREET, PINELANDS 087 057 1400, beuppark.co.za The ultimate fun stop for kids and adults alike, be.UP Park offers a number of activities and a cafe for some nibbles. Let the younger ones explore the kids’ maze and have fun in the trampoline zone, while older children and adults can enjoy the climbing walls and an obstacle course inside a netted cage, suspended five metres above the ground. R85–R130, depending on height

370B MAIN ROAD, OBSERVATORY 021 300 3200, ctsc.org.za The Cape Town Science Centre is a world of discovery under one roof. Young minds can challenge themselves with more than 250 exhibits, puzzles and fun science games, including the human gyroscope and an inflatable planetarium. Each month, the centre offers a roster packed with activities, and weary parents can grab a coffee in the iCafe while their kids explore. R75 for kids and adults

CAVE GOLF

DOCK ROAD, V&A WATERFRONT 021 419 9429, scratchpatch.co.za This indoor 18-hole mini-golf course is deceptively difficult, and challenges players with steep ramps, sharp corners and other obstacles. Since the course takes around 30 minutes to complete, it also serves as the perfect activity to do before you head off for lunch at one of the many eateries at the V&A Waterfront. R30 pp, discounts apply for groups of 10 or more

CLAY CAFE

OPPOSITE BOKKEMANSKLOOF ESTATE, 177 MAIN ROAD, HOUT BAY 076 810 5120, claycafe.co.za Arty kids (and even arty grown-ups) will love Clay Cafe. Let the children choose a blank piece of pottery as their canvas, grab some paint and unleash their creativity, after which it will be fired and glazed, and ready for collection in a few weeks. Parents can relax with a cappuccino, knowing all the mess will be taken care of. R40 studio fee (includes three paints, firing and glazing); pottery is individually priced

COOL RUNNINGS TOBOGGAN FAMILY PARK

CARL CRONJE DRIVE, TYGER VALLEY 021 949 4439, coolrunnings.capetown Whoosh down the slope at up to 40 km/h in a custom-made toboggan. The 1.25 km ride on a special steel track is hair-raising fun for the whole family. Rides from R60 each. The park is closed when it’s raining

THE GIRAFFE HOUSE WILDLIFE AWARENESS CENTRE

CNR R304 (TOWARDS STELLENBOSCH) AND R101 (TOWARDS PAARL) 021 884 4506, giraffehouse.co.za This wildlife education centre runs daily interactive encounters (at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm), with its residents including giraffes, warthogs, antelope, jackals, foxes, snakes and blue cranes (South Africa’s national bird). R45 for children 2–15 years old, R65 for adults GRANDWEST

1 JAKES GERWEL DRIVE, GOODWOOD 021 505 7777 suninternational.com/grandwest ‘I’m bored’ is unlikely to cross any child’s lips when they take in all that GrandWest has to offer – whether it’s hours spent gliding across the ice rink, beating opponents at laser tag or getting lost in the fun of arcade games. It offers fun for the whole family too: Buy tickets to see a movie at the CineCentre cinema on site, or hire a lane at the tenpin bowling alley. Activities are individually priced

GREEN POINT PARK

1 FRITZ SONNENBERG ROAD, GREEN POINT 021 444 4258 This 60 ha green oasis in the shadow of Cape Town Stadium is a splendid place for kids to work out their energy in the play areas, while parents enjoy a picnic on the lawns. Various indigenous plant zones and educational signboards make this a learning space as much as a playground. Entrance is free

THE ICE STATION

GRANDWEST CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT WORLD, 1 JAKES GERWEL DRIVE, GOODWOOD 021 535 2260, icerink.co.za Spend a fun afternoon at GrandWest’s Ice Station: Rent a pair of skates, go whizzing around the rink, then catch an ice-hockey match or a figure-skating show. Wear thick socks, and dress in layers. R60 for the main rink (R50 with own skates) and R30 for the mini rink

IMHOFF FARM

KOMMETJIE ROAD, KOMMETJIE 021 783 4545, imhofffarm.co.za This charming farm-stall-turned-fun-dayout has something for everyone. Visit the Higgeldy Piggeldy farmyard to meet the friendly animals, and check out the reptiles at the snake park before enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants. You will also find a maze, an equestrian centre, a paintball area, and a range of arty shops and lifestyle stores. There’s even a yoga studio for the fitness inclined. Activities are individually priced

INTAKA ISLAND

2 PARK LANE, CENTURY CITY 021 552 6889, intaka.co.za Enjoy nature and birding at this 16 ha wetland reserve in the centre of Century City. From fun boat trips and guided trails to educational activities and picnic spots in the indigenous garden, Intaka provides an ideal family-friendly day outdoors. R15 for kids 0–12 years, R25 for adults IZIKO PLANETARIUM AND SA MUSEUM

25 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, CBD 021 481 3800/3900, iziko.org.za With regular astronomy shows on offer year-round, you can explore outer space and learn about the stars in our southern-hemisphere skies from the comfort of your seat beneath the domed ceiling of the planetarium. Then, explore natural and cultural history at the adjoining South African Museum and see 700-million-yearold fossils. Planetarium: R30 for kids, R60 for adults (includes museum). Museum only: R15 for kids, R30 for adults

JOLLY ROGER PIRATE BOAT

QUAY 5, V&A WATERFRONT 021 421 0909, yacoobyachts.co.za Ahoy, me hearties! If you think you have what it takes to sail the seven seas, then climb aboard the Jolly Roger. Cruises depart from the V&A Waterfront quay and include face-painting, a treasure hunt and other themed activities. From R100 per child

LE BONHEUR CROCODILE FARM

R45 (BABYLONSTOREN ROAD), SIMONDIUM 021 863 1142, lebonheuradventures.co.za So, you reckon you’re not afraid of big, scaly reptiles? Then Le Bonheur in the Winelands is the place to test your mettle, with more than 1 000 crocs of all sizes. Join one of the guided interactive tours every 45 minutes or, to get even closer to these toothy predators, book a crocodile cage dive with African Croc Dive. Tours: R42 for kids, R68 for adults. Cage dives: R1 000 for kids over 9 and adults

MOUILLE POINT PUTT-PUTT

BEACH ROAD, MOUILLE POINT

021 434 6805, puttputtcapetown.co.za Two 18-hole courses of different difficulties will keep everyone entertained. Once you have sunk your ball, get lost in the hedge maze, hop aboard the Mini Blue Train or explore the iconic Green Point Lighthouse, built in 1824, for a bird’s-eye view of the glistening Table Bay. R32 pp for a round of putt-putt

DOCK ROAD, V&A WATERFRONT 021 419 9429 DIDO VALLEY ROAD, SIMON’S TOWN 021 786 2020, scratchpatch.co.za A must-visit for tots who like to explore and discover things with their hands. Buy containers of various sizes and let your kids fill them with tumble-polished gemstones that are theirs to take home at the end of the day. From R25

DOCK ROAD, V&A WATERFRONT 021 418 3823, aquarium.co.za This underwater nature reserve is home to an enchanting kelp forest and world-class displays. Small kids will love the interactive touch pools for a hands-on experience of shells, anemones and urchins. Stop by at noon and 2 pm for the Ocean Exhibit feeding, or at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm daily to watch the African penguins being fed. R95 for kids 4–13 years old, R150 for kids 14–17 years old, R200 for adults

ST GEORGE’S STREET (ATTACHED TO THE TOWN HALL), SIMON’S TOWN 021 786 1395 An impressive collection comprising more than 4 000 model cars, and lead soldiers, trucks, aeroplanes and boats – as well as a functioning train set – will have kids of all ages in their element. There is also a hefty (500-strong) display of dolls, including an impressive collection of vintage Barbies. Entry is free WORLD OF BIRDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND MONKEY PARK

VALLEY ROAD, HOUT BAY 021 790 2730, worldofbirds.org.za There are more than 3 000 birds and small animals in this tropical-landscaped wildlife sanctuary with its walk-through labyrinth of cages. You can also make friends with inquisitive little squirrel monkeys in the Monkey Jungle. R50 for kids, R130 for adults

BUTTERFLY WORLD ZOO

R44, KLAPMUTS 021 879 4044, butterflyworld.co.za Be transported to a magical garden where a vast assortment of pearlescent-winged butterflies flit around you. The 1 000 m2 greenhouse is also home to blue duikers, parrots, guinea pigs, iguanas and exotic spiders, so there’s lots to see! Visit the tortoises and meerkats outside before heading home. R49 for kids, R88 for adults