Cape Town is a city with soul, and you'll not only be kept busy throughout your stay (with endless options for outings and activities), but you will find something for everyone in this city, both big and small. As a Mama of five, with ample years under my belt in Cape Town, I am here to share my Cape Town insider guide with children in tow.
I have designed this guide in the form of day trip options, as it allows you to remove thinking of where to eat and what to do, but rather just copy/paste, day by day. That being said, you can adjust, mix and match, as you see fit.
Before I start sharing, the number one question is 'Where to stay in Cape Town?'. Depending on who you ask and what Airbnb links you find, the options will be plentiful and varied. But if you are asking ME, I always recommend for a family to book an Airbnb in either Noordhoek, Kommetjie, or Scarborough (with a preference for Noordhoek). These are three incredible spots on the Southern Peninsula of Cape Town, all of which are incredibly charming, quaint and immersed in nature, yet still within arms-reach to the city and all the exploring you will want to do.
So with that established, here’s a 12-day family-friendly Cape Town itinerary filled with nature, fun activities, and delicious food. Each day balances adventure with relaxation, ensuring it’s manageable for young children. And at the end, I have listed some additional activities and ideas to pick and choose from, should you be craving more or different things.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploration of Noordhoek
• Morning: Arrive and settle into your Noordhoek (or other) property. Unpack and settle in. Maybe do a quick grocery shop – we recommend heading to Woolworths in Longbeach Mall for that.
• Lunch: Enjoy a lovely meal at The Foodbarn in Noordhoek.
• Afternoon: Hang at the Noordhoek Farm Village. Let the kids play on the jungle gym, and grab everyone a well-deserved ice cream at Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream. If you want to move your legs, head down to Noordhoek Beach and go for a beautiful beach walk – you can even stay for sunset.
• Evening: Grab takeout or eat in at The Aegir Project in Noordhoek. Delicious comfort food and a wonderful, laid back setting, with a little playground.
To Note: On a Wednesday evening, you’ll have the local food market at The Noordhoek Farm Village. It is local and lovely! On a Thursday evening, don’t miss the food market at Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek. One of the most beautiful sunset views you’ll get on your trip (!) and there’s a small playground for children up there too.
Further To Note: If you are staying in Noordhoek, I would recommend a Noordhoek Farm Village stop every morning! It just has an all-around wonderful vibe. Grab your morning juice or smoothie from Faith Juice. Or have a proper breakfast at the Foodbarn. Their breakfasts are great - especially the vegan option (avo on toast etc). And it’s set up right next to the playground. Make sure you also grab fresh bread from the Foodbarn Deli. Their ciabatta and seed loaf are our faves. You’ll find so many other goodies at that Deli too! And if you love yourself a food yoga class, Origin Yoga may just be the best studio in the world!
Lastly To Note: The best take away coffee isn’t at the Farm Village though. You should swing by Guys Coffee at the Noordhoek Garden Emporium for the best take away coffee and cinnamon sticks.
Day 2: Cape Point & Boulders Beach
• Morning: Drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve, via Scarborough. Stop there to have your morning coffee at The Hub. The Hub is a lovely place to stop and grab some snacks or baked goods as well, especially if you want to do a picnic in the reserve (which I would recommend). In the Reserve, take the funicular or hike up to the lighthouse for stunning views.
• Lunch: Have your picnic in the reserve at Buffels Bay, which is a beautiful spot with an ocean pool. Then walk down to Diaz Beach if you are up for some exercise. You’ll see baboons and ostriches and maybe some buk in the reserve, which is fun for the kids.
• Afternoon: After the Reserve, drive down the other side of the peninsula, to Simons Town. Where you will stop for Boulders Beach and go hang with the penguins. Make sure you come dressed for a beach outing and make sure you go at LOW tie. Also, you want to enter at the Bellevue Road entrance. Once you have entered and are in the first bay, continue to climb over/under a few boulders and you’ll be more secluded and enjoy the entire experience so much more.
Optional add on: Just past Simons Town is The Scratch Patch. Awesome little pit stop for kids. You pay about R100 - R150 for a little paper cup, which the kids then get to fill with any gem stones they want – the floor is filled with all sorts of beautiful gemstones. Its fun for them and they also have mini golf, which is always a hit!
• Evening: Dinner back in Noordhoek (take out or easy meal at your Airbnb).
To Note: Additional options on your way TO Cape Point Reserve in the morning, is stopping at The Cape Point Ostrich Farm and/or at The Scone Shack (a whimsical, home-grown café in nature that serves up delicious fresh scones). Both are absolute delights for children.
Day 3: Hout Bay & Kirstenbosch Gardens (Plan this day for a Sunday)
• Morning: Stop at Bay Harbour Markets after a slow morning (they open at 9:30am on a Sunday). Shop and potter around, grab yourself a mini snack and enjoy the vibe. After you’ve had enough, head to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you spend the rest of the day. Explore the Boomslang Canopy Walkway and the magical gardens. Bring a ball for the kids to play on the sprawling lawns.
• Lunch: Book a late lunch at Moyo in the gardens.
• Afternoon: Rest or explore the gardens further, and by 16h the gates open for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunsets Concert, for which you will need to have reserved your tickets. Every summer season, the weekly line-up changes, but you won’t be disappointed with any of the music. It is a fantastic evening vibe for the whole family! Make sure you plan ahead and pack a bag of evening snacks, drinks and bring some picnic throws to sit on.
• Evening: Head home after the concert and rest your tired heads.
To Note: Galileo Cinema is an outdoor cinema events group that run regular outdoor movies in amazing locations (like Kirstenbosch Gardens). Worth checking out to see if any movies interest your family and line up with your itinerary.
Day 4: Table Mountain & Sea Point Promenade
• Morning: Take the Table Mountain Cableway to the summit. Short, easy trails make it enjoyable for kids on top of Table Mountain. If you choose to sling your kids into hiking backpacks, Platteklip is a challenging but incredible hike up Table Mountain. You can always hike up if you’re up for a challenge and take the Cableway down.
• Lunch: Grab a hearty meal at Manna Epicure on Kloof Street. Café Paradiso is another great spot on Kloof (where they also offer baking activities for children). But if you want to get Mom’s heart excited and head somewhere trendy , any of these four options in Cape Town are awesome too: Strangers Club, Stellski, Jarryd’s, and The Ladder.
• Afternoon: Option add in before heading to Sea Point Promenade, is to see the BoKaap colourful houses. Then head to Sea Point Promenade. Rent bikes or scooters and let the kids enjoy the parks and splash pads. Green Point Park has some great playgrounds too, just around the corner. Make sure you stop at The Dairy Den or Crumbs & Cream for a frozen treat! Once you’ve had enough, drive home via the Atlantic ocean route (Camps Bay, Bakoven, Llandudno, Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive). Make sure you stop on Chapmans Peak for some photos!
• Evening: This could be the evening where you organise a babysitter for your children and book yourself a wonderful and unforgettable dinner at Chefs Warehouse Tinstwalo. Book well ahead (I am talking months ahead).
To Note: If you prefer a less casual lunch and something more memorable for this day, you can book at The Lawns in Camps Bay. Another option, if you want to hike with your children but Platteklip is too much of a push, is to hike up Lions Head. I would recommend it for ages eight and up, not younger.
Day 5: Hout Bay Adventures (with an optional Llandudno stop)
• Morning: Grab yourself coffee and an almond croissant from the artisanal bakery in Hout Bay called South Yeaster. Visit the World of Birds wildlife sanctuary, where you and your children can see many birds and monkeys up close.
• Lunch: Stop at Wharfette for great fish ‘n chips or enjoy casual bites at Dunes in Hout Bay.
• Afternoon: Take a short boat trip to Seal Island. This is fun for kids. A final stop (optional add on) could be Clay Café in Hout Bay, where the entire café is geared towards children painting their own pottery.
• Evening: Relax back in Noordhoek with a light dinner. You could always head down to Café Roux at The Noordhoek Farm Village for a casual dinner (it is worth checking when Café Roux has their live music evenings, because those are great too!), or grab take-away Village Sushi at De Noordhoek Hotel. Limoncello is also a lovely Italian restaurant that is worth going to. And one of our favourites for dinner at actually The Foodbarn – it transforms into a tapas restaurant at night and every dish is just so delicious.
To Note: Llandudno Beach is located just up past Hout Bay and it is by far, one of our favourite beaches. It is so beautiful and a perfect spot to test out your icy cold water dipping capabilities. It may be too much to build it into your itinerary today (depending on the ages of your children), but worth the effort on the right day!
Day 6: Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch (Family Edition)
• Morning: Visit Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. They offer kids’ activities like grape juice tasting and a play area.
• Lunch: Either head to Delicatessen Deli at Tokara where children are so welcome, or head straight to Hazendal Estate and have lunch at Babushka Deli.
• Afternoon: Hazendal Estate truly is a destination for the entire family. Check out the Wonderdal Edutainment Centre with your children.
• Evening: Return to Noordhoek for a quiet evening.
To Note: The Vergenoegd Loew Winefarm has the adorable runners ducks, which children love! If it is en-route for you, it is worth a stop, but they no longer do scheduled ‘running’ of the ducks. The best way to see them is to book breakfast or lunch at Geuwels Restaurant, lunch at Clara’s Barn, or a wine tasting. Another family-friendly wine estate that deserves a mention is Warwick Wine Estate and Vergelegen. At both estates, family-friendly picnics and wonderful play areas are very popular.
Further To Note: The Blaauwklippen Family Market on weekends in Stellenbosch is a must visit. So family-friendly.
Day 7: Muizenberg & Kalk Bay
• Morning: Visit Muizenberg Beach for a fun family surf lesson or paddle in the shallow waters. Rent surfboards and wetsuits at The Surf Emporium or Gary’s Surf School, and make sure you grab a healthy smoothie, juice or coffee at the attached Hang Ten café too.
• Lunch: After an action-packed morning in the waves, head to Kalk Bay and try the famous fish and chips at Kalky’s in Kalk Bay. There will be a line, but it is worth the wait. The children can look at the seals in the water (with an adult) while someone is waiting in line.
• Afternoon: Explore Kalk Bay Harbour and browse the quirky shops. Grab some fresh ciabatta break from The Olympia Café Bakery, stop by Ice Café for handmade ice cream, or have a boozy and well-deserved drink at The Brass Bell. At Soul Design in Kalk Bay, they do offer jewellery making workshops if you or one of your children enjoys this.
• Evening: Return to Noordhoek for a Braai dinner under the stars.
Day 8: Robben Island & V&A Waterfront
• Morning: Take a ferry to Robben Island for a guided tour (shorten it if needed for the kids).
• Lunch: If you like sushi, Sevruga is a great option at the V&A Waterfront. Or grab a casual bite at the Oranjezicht Markets, as mentioned below.
• Afternoon: Do some shopping at the V&A Waterfront (I love finding local goods at The Watershed) and then explore the Two Oceans Aquarium. And/or let the kids play at the Scratch Patch gem-picking centre thereafter, if you didn’t get a chance to head to the Scratch Patch after Boulders Beach the other day. There is also an Artjamming studio at the V&A Waterfront, in case that is of interest. And for toddlers, the Playdate Superpark is great for indoor play.
• Evening: If your parenthood duties allow for it, book yourself a sunset boat cruise from the V&A. And book ahead for dinner at The Grand Café, or just head home if another meal out with children is too much. An alternative to a sunset boat cruise could be ‘Upcycles’- where you rent a bike and cycle along the promenade from the V&A to Camps Bay, which is divine just before sunset!
To Note: If possible, aim to go to the Waterfront on a Saturday, Sunday or Wednesday afternoon. Because then you can get your bite to eat at Oranjezicht Markets, which is right next to the V&A. It is such a nice food market in the city. Further to note, the V&A is also home to the incredible Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Arts Afrika (Mocca). Depending on the ages of your children, and your interests, this may or may not be a stop for you. It is absolutely beautiful.
Day 9: Constantia Valley
• Morning: Grab some take-away treats from The Noordhoek Farm Village, and then visit Silvermine Nature Reserve for a family-friendly hike and picnic by the reservoir/damn. On a side note, if you enjoy trail running, this is a wonderful spot to build in some early morning trail runs before the kids are up. It is close to Noordhoek and has the most wonderful trails!
• Lunch: Head to Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg Estate. The outdoor seating is perfect for families.
• Afternoon: If you have little bicycles for your children, make sure to stop at Constantia Uitsig for a visit to the Bike Park. The grounds are lovely even if you do not head to the bike park, you’ll find another Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream and other treats. Thereafter, visit the Constantia Glen wine farm for a relaxed experience with incredible views. Kids can play while adults enjoy a tasting. Of course Eagles Nest, Buitenverwachting and Groot Constantia are wonderful too, but if you had to do wine tasting at one, I would recommend Constantia Glen.
• Evening: Either you would have grabbed an early light dinner at Constantia Glen, or you grab a light dinner at home. And if you want to REALLY embark on a memorable dinner experience, get yourself a babysitter and book at La Colombe for dinner. A remarkable experience in every sense of the word. But with any of the sought-after restaurants, make sure you book ahead.
Day 10: Woodstock, then Camps Bay & Clifton Beaches
• Morning: Note that in order to start your day with the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, this has to be a Saturday. It is a vibey and memorable food (and craft) market and we do recommend going! Thereafter, with some food in your tummies, drive on over to Camps Bay and enjoy a relaxed morning at Camps Bay Beach or the quieter Clifton 4th Beach. Bring beach toys for the kids.
• Lunch: Dine at The Bungalow for a late lunch, offering delicious food with ocean views.
• Afternoon: Spend the last few hours soaking up the sun or exploring nearby tidal pools.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles Hotel, where kids are warmly welcomed. Or go back to The Foodbarn in Noordhoek for tapas (definitely do this is you haven’t yet gone!).
Day 11: Franshoek (Family Edition)
• Morning: Drive out to Babylonstoren to start your visit of their brand new Soetmelksvlei (book ahead). This is a 4-hour outing that will be adored by both young and old! A reconstructed working-farm from the late 1800’s, where you will learn so much and have endless fun.
• Lunch: Eat lunch either at the Soetmelksvlei Restaurant, or book ahead to eat at the well-known Babel at Babylonstoren (book ahead well in advance). The Greenhouse is a more simple, alternative option where it is first come, first serve.
• Afternoon: Explore the sprawling and impressive gardens of Babylonstoren.
• Evening: My recommendation is to book an overnight stay at Boschendal Wine Estate, or find a lovely BnB in Franshoek itself. Either way, you want to stay 1-2 nights in Franshoek to make the most of it.
Day 12: Franshoek continued (Family Edition)
• Morning: Explore the grounds of Boschendal. Rent bikes and do their 5km loop, or throw on some trainers and go for a run. You can go horseriding too!
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Werf Restaurant, where the neighbouring jungle gym and sprawling lawns keeps children happy. You can also book your children into the child-minding facility called The Tree House, and enjoy a child-free lunch at The Werf.
• Afternoon: Stroll through the charming main strip of Franshoek town itself. Shop and enjoy yourself. And stop at Motherdough for a baked treat! An alternative is you are seeking a child-friendly activity, could be the Giraffe House.
• Evening: This could be another chance to organise babysitters for your children and book yourself in at Epice for an unforgettable dining experience. Alternatively, there is also a Chefs Warehouse in Franshoek, as well as La Petite Colombe. All phenomenal restaurants.
To Note: The Bakery at La Motte Wine Estate is incredible, if you can make it there – go!
Further To Note: If my winelands recommendations don’t tickle your fancy, here is a great article which lists a few child-friendly options for you and your family in the winelands, or you want more info on child-friendly activities in Cape Town, this link lists most of what I have spoken about in a list-approach.
More Ideas/Mentions:
Bakeries: If you are a pastry fiend like myself, you’ll be on the hunt for incredible baked goods wherever you go. My absolute favourite bakeries (and I have listed some in the itinerary above) are La Motte and Motherdough in Franshoek, C’est la Vie in Fish Hoek, South Yeaster in Hout Bay, The Foodbarn Deli in Noordhoek, The Hub in Scarborough, Jason Bakery in Greenpoint, Olympia in Kalk Bay (more for nostalgia), Proof Bakery in Claremont, Backerei in Somerset West, Oswald’s Bakery in Gardens, or Pain Africain all the way out in Stilbaai! Also, The Montebello Design Centre and The Gardeners Cottage in Newlands is a special spot to enjoy, if you are in that area.
Brunch: I have built in some wonderful foodie spots in the itinerary above, but to list a few more options for wonderful brunches: Pajama’s & Jam (in Strand), Strangers Club, Our Local, Stellski, Jarryd’s, The Ladder, and New York Bagels. Swan Café is gorgeous too, as is Judd’s Local, Maggy Lou’s, Between Us, Kleinsky’s and Egghead Diner.
Lunch/Dinner: There are endless incredible eateries in and around Cape Town. The above itinerary suggests good dinner options for families planning to stay in the Southern Peninsula during their stay. But Cape Town is oozing with so many amazing food options that aren’t mentioned above. Which is a shame for anyone choosing to stay closed to Sea Point or the City Bowl. So here are a few more names of wonderful restaurant options for lunches or dinners: Codfather (Fish & Sushi), The Cousins (Italian), Ariel (Modern Italian), The Nines (Rooftop & Cocktails), The Black Sheep (European), Club Kloof (Italian-ish), Ouzeri (Greek), Don Armando (Argentinian), Blondie (Bistro), Brash (Burgers), Alfi (Pizza), Lievita Pizza (Pizza), Obi (Sushi), and Tang Cape Town (Sushi).
Hiking: If you want to go on some hikes, a beautiful and accessible hike is the Chapman’s Peak Hike. There’s an easier route up/down, which is more child friendly and accessible for everyone, starting from the middle of Chapman’s Peak Drive. Such beautiful views over Hout Bay and Noordhoek! Another easy hike to do with the entire family is Elephant Eye Hike from within the Silvermine Nature Reserve.
Beaches: Our favourite beaches on non-windy days are Noordhoek Beach, Kommetjie Beach (Long Beach), Llandudno, Glencairn and Scarborough Beach. On windy days, where the southeaster is blowing, Kommetjie Beach, Boulders and the Clifton 4th Beach are all good options. For surfing with kids, stick to Muizenberg Beach (or Glencairn for bodyboarding with kids), but the options are ample if you are a competent surfer and have the right wetsuit! And lastly on beaches, a few hidden gems are Windmill Beach and Water’s Edge close to Simon’s Town, Bakhoven Beach (for sunset picnic) and Saunders Rocks Beach closer to town, and Diaz Beach in Cape Point Nature Reserve.
For bad weather/indoor activities: There’s Rush Trampoline Park in Claremont, Total Ninja obstacle course in Century City, and City Rock climbing gym in Paarden Eiland. There’s the Cape Town Science Centre and the Planetarium in the City Bowl. And for younger children, theres also the Freedom Adventure Park and Playstation in Tokai.
Great Activities not mentioned in the 12 Day Itinerary:
§ Imhoff Farm: This is a lovely stop for families spending time in the Southern Peninsula. The kids will love the Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard and playing on the nature-inspired playground at Bluewater Café.
§ Horseriding: Horseriding on Noordhoek Beach is an absolute must for for horse lovers. Or you can have your children ride ponies at The Riding Centre in Hout Bay.
§ Kayaking from Simons Town: An incredible outing, where you’ll most likely see penguins in the ocean, seals and dolphins. Appropriate for children 8 and older.
§ Acrobranching and Ziplining in Constantia.
§ An afternoon High Tea at the Belmond Mount Nelson. Absolutely divine.
Nannies/Child-Care: Try AuPairs SA if you are in and around Cape Town, and Wineland Nannies if you are in the winelands. Both are reputable nanny agencies.
If you are wanting to hire baby paraphernalia locally for your trip, rather than bringing it with you from home (i.e. strollers, car seats, travel cots, even toys…), I highly recommend Anew Leasing. High quality products and brands you will recognise from overseas.
My Cape Town Insider Guide blends Cape Town’s natural beauty with child-friendly attractions and dining, ensuring the whole family has a memorable trip! And captures, what we believe, to be some of the highlights when visiting Cape Town (with or without kids!). But there are so many incredible places close to Cape Town, which are worth building you’re your itinerary is time allows for it. Below is a short list of some ideas to get you started:
§ Grootbos in Gansbaai
§ Farm 215 in the Overberg
§ Churchhaven (You can find rentals on Perfect Hideaways)
§ Cederberg
§ De Hoop Nature Reserve
§ Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve (5 hours drive from Cape Town)
§ Gondwana Private Game Reserve (5 hours drive from Cape Town). If you stay at their Ulubisi House, you’ll be able to take your little people (under age 6) on game drives.
§ If you plan to do The Garden Route, you can build some of the above into that trip. Here is a fantastic and very detailed guide on The Garden Route, written by another Mama.
And because I know you are going to ask for more insights into family-friendly safari options, I am going to point you in the direction of someone a lot more competent than myself. Her name is Polly, and she is the owner and founder of Journey South. You can contact her on hello@journeysouth.travel and let her know that Stella referred you.
With that, I wish you incredible travels and adventures ahead in Cape Town and beyond.
Stellarize your life!
