As parents, you want to ensure that your child is exposed to as much adventure as possible. However, it can sometimes be challenging to find activities and excursions on which to take your children. In this article, we will provide you with a list of things to do in Cape Town with kids that will keep them active, entertained, and even allow them to learn something.
The Importance of Getting Kids Out of the House
Before we delve into all of the wonderful places where you can have adventures with your child, let's consider why it is important to take your child on these excursions.
For children that are homeschooled, it is important to make an effort to get them out of the house. Involving them in outdoor activities will allow them to explore new environments and will give them the opportunity to make friends with other children their own age. As they interact with other children, they will learn some important social skills.
Some of the activities we will be listing today are also designed to educate your child, which can invoke a love for learning.
Therefore, it is important to get your child out of the house and into an environment where they can explore and develop an inquiring mind, as often as possible.
With this in mind, let’s get to all the fun activities that await you and your child!
The Little Optimist Sailing
Sailing is a fun physical activity that can become a life-long hobby, and you can get your kids started by taking them to Little Optimist Sailing located at the V&A Waterfront. Here, kids will learn how to sail their own Optimist dinghy. The feeling of being the captain of your own boat will definitely give your child a satisfied and excited feeling of achievement.
Not only will your child learn the basics of sailing but they will also be educated on ocean health, plastic pollution, and water safety.
You can find out more about Little Optimist Sailing by visiting their website here.
Green Point Park
If you are in the mood for a relaxed day in nature, then Green Point Park is the perfect location. Take a picnic basket and relax in nature while your kids explore, or take a nature walk as a family. You can even walk through a beautiful labyrinth with your kids. However, if you are in the mood to have some grown-up time, there is also a gated lot playground where your children could have fun on the swings, jungle gym, tunnels, and slides while you watch and enjoy some sun.
You can read more about Green Point Park and its biodiversity here.
Waterfront Charter Boat Cruises
While chartering a boat might seem excessive, it’s actually quite affordable and very fun! If you head over to the Waterfront, there are a variety of boats (small and big) to choose from, that you can book a trip on. From a seal cruise to a sailing excursion, there is sure to be something for everyone and your kids are sure to feel as if they are heading out on an adventure.
You can view their variety of cruise options here.
Battery Park and Rollercade
If your child loves skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, or anything else with wheels then the Battery Park and Rollercade is the perfect activity for them! With a fully-fledged skate park and other areas to whiz around in, your kids will have a ball. They also have an arcade with games and other activities should the weather suddenly take a nasty turn.
Find out more about the park here.
The Blue Train Park
A train is always a fun experience for the little ones. They will love this form of exploration as the train goes through tunnels, passes the Atlantic Ocean, and provides breathtaking views. The train will take them on two laps around the park, after which they can enjoy the large and diverse playground. Here, you will not only find a jungle gym. This playground also includes a zipline, dirt bike track, rock climbing, and more.
You can find out more about this experience by visiting their Facebook page.
Cape Kayak Adventures
If you feel like having a bonding experience with your child then Kayaking is the perfect activity. At Three Anchor Bay Beach, you will be able to book a kayak and head off into the ocean on an adventure-filled journey. Here, you will have beautiful views of the city and be able to see some marine life. If you are worried about doing this alone, you can rest assured that an experienced guide leads these trips.
You can visit the Cape Kayak Adventures website to find out more.
Cape Town Ziplines
If your child is already a bit of an adrenaline junky, then Cape Town Ziplines might just be a fantastic option for you. In the forests of Hout Bay, you will find one of the longest ziplines in Africa. With a beautiful view and an exhilarating trip, this will definitely be an experience to remember.
You can read more about this adventure here.
Acrobranch Constantia
If ziplining is a little too adventure filled for your child, but they are still craving an outdoor adventure in the treetops, then Acrobranch is the outdoor destination for you. Here, your kids can complete a variety of treetop obstacle courses. They will be locked into safety gear the entire time, so safety will not be an issue. Now they too can safely and comfortably climb trees the way their parents used to in the past.
You can find out more about this fun activity by visiting Acrobranch’s website.
Picnic in the Park
At Picnic in the Park, you and your kids can have a day filled with creativity in nature. Designed to inspire imagination, kids can paint, decorate giant cookies, and learn to make their own slime. After they have enjoyed being creative, you can settle down to have a lovely picnic and children can even enjoy the playground.
The Riding Center and Stable Cafe
If your kids love horses and animals, then a trip to The Riding Center is a must. Here, your kids will be able to have a pony ride and interact with a wide variety of farm animals including pigs, sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens, and more. You can also sit down for a spot of lunch at the Stable Cafe while your kids enjoy the playground.
You can find out more about this horse heaven by visiting their website.
Connecting with Other Parents in the Homeschooling Community
While we are sure that your child will be making friends in no time when partaking in these activities, it can also be useful to connect with other homeschooling parents in your area to meet up for a fun day out. When you connect with other parents, you will be able to set up a play date for your child. The best part is, you will already have something in common; homeschooling!
There are a few online support groups for homeschooling parents in Cape Town.
- The Table View Moms Facebook Group can be viewed here
- The C.T Northern Suburbs Home Educators Facebook Group can be viewed here
- The Tygerberg Homeschoolers Facebook Group can be viewed here
If you want, you can also become a member of the CambriLearn Facebook Group and ask whether there are any other parents in your area that want to meet up. You can find our Facebook Group here.
Now all that is left to do is to go have fun experiencing all the outdoor activities for kids in Cape Town. You are sure to have a ball of a time!
