Visitor’s Guide to Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and we think it is a very family friendly one too! Cape Town Kids will guide you through the jungle of information, straight to the best tips on where to eat, play, shop and stay with your kids while visiting the ‘Mother City’. We will show you which places you don’t want to miss, give you tips for great outings with different themes and make sure you go home with some very special memories!
Whether you are a family with four children in different ages or a single parent traveling with twin babies, whether you are visiting Cape Town for the first time or returning because you loved it so much, we want you to enjoy your stay! From experience, we know that parents like to plan ahead when traveliing with their children, because we know that things can change and it makes life easier to know that there is a Plan B. This is where you find a quick guide to great places to eat, play, shop and stay in Cape Town, and if it is not here on the site, we will be happy to help you find it.
MAGICAL FAMILY HOLIDAY MEMORIES ARE MADE AT MOUNT NELSON HOTEL
Mount Nelson Hotel is the ideal family resort destination. Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s cultural centre, the hotel’s nine acre exotic garden setting makes it perfectly suited to accommodating grown-ups craving the luxury of seclusion and serenity, and little ones who need a secure and spacious place in which to play and explore.
For international families visiting Cape Town, they have created an accommodation package which can be viewed on their website. Click here to find out more.
- Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg and his team have developed a themed menu with little tummies in mind.
- For resident hotel guests under the age of 12, an exciting Festive Season Programme is offered under the skilled supervision of trained child minders, and includes a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.
- The Nellie & Nelson Activity Centre is well equipped with educational games, DVDs and toys, a blackboard wall, a Nintendo Wii, cosy carpets, beanbags and child-friendly furniture. Organised activities from group games to storytelling, take place throughout the day, and healthy snacks from a mini-bar keep hunger pangs at bay. For breathing space, an enclosed outdoor area leads out from the play area, and a custom designed bathroom and baby-changing facility is also available.
- The Children’s Concierge will also put together a specially designed family holiday itinerary including child-friendly excursions to places of interest close to the hotel, as well as day trips to destinations around the Cape Peninsula.
- On the parent-friendly side, this hotel makes sure that moms and dads can explore the romantic side of Cape Town by offering a 24-hour babysitting service.
Other services offered at the Mount Nelson:
- Legendary Afternoon Tea is served all year round in h elegantly appointed lounge or in the garden under the trees.
- Librisa Spa offers a heaven-scented urban sanctuary and treatments for the whole family, being the only spa in South Africa to offer Spa Treats for Young Adults - treatments specially designed for little girls.
- Ease into Sunday with a Sunday Jazz Brunch at the laid-back poolside Oasis Restaurant, served from 11h30 to 15h00.
CITY CENTRE EXPERIENCES
- Take a tour with the topless City Sightseeing Bus and let the kids be a VIP in the Kids Club!. On this tour, you can hop off and back on at any of the stops and find great experiences for the whole family:
- The St Georges Cathedral stop gives you access to the city centre and Company’s Garden - a beautiful green area with many Museums and Galleries. Children enjoy the Iziko Planetarium
- Amble through the gardens up to the legendary Mount Nelson for High Tea and a leisurely play on the lawns
- Hop off at the Table Mountain Cable Way for a trip to the top if the weather is clear
- From the Sea Point stops, you can stop for lunch at Primi Piatti or stroll down to the Promenade for some fresh sea air and a play
- Visit the Two Ocean’s Aquarium and the V&A Waterfront
VISIT THE WINELANDS WITH KIDS
The Cape Winelands are famous worldwide, obviously for the fabulous wines, but what you might not know is that there are so many other activities that can be added to make your visit a family-friendly experience. Just remember to designate a driver for your trip! Here is a selection of great things to do in the Winelands.
- Constantia Valley is the closest to Cape Town centre and has a variety of wine estates with family friendly restaurants and rolling lawns for lazy afternoon picnics.
- If you head out towards Paarl and Stellenbosch on the N1, there are a few possibilities for fun activities on the way
- Ratanga Junction and the MTN Sciencentre at Century City, or Bugz Kiddies Playpark with lots of fun for the little ones
- Fill up your picnic basket at Joostenberg and cross the road to the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre for a fun and educational introduction to South African animals
- On a hot summer’s day, Graceland Venues is fabulous with their giant water slides and picnic area
- If you enjoy a leisurely hike, Devon Valley and the Stellenbosch Wine Route would be a great destination.
And then, of course - the wine farms!
Some of our wine estate favourites so far with small children are Groot Constantia in Constantia, Fairview in Paarl and Spier in Stellenbosch, as well as Haartenberg for their great picnics.
MORE TIPS AND ITINERARIES TO COME!
Useful Links
- Cape Town Tourism: Cape Town's official Tourism website with lots of tips and ideas. If you need help with booking your stay or activities in Cape Town, contact them!
