Cape Town, South Africa, is a place of urban excitement nestled amidst magnificent natural beauty. The image of Table Mountain presiding majestically over the city and the coastline enraptures visitors. From the history to the water sports to the wildlife, Cape Town and its surrounding region are eager to give families a memorable and picturesque trip to Mother City.
The most famous inhabitants of Boulders Beach know how to draw crowds. The penguin colony lives on the protected habitat, but visitors get a kick out of them waddling along the white sand beach.
No trip to Cape Town is complete without learning about the apartheid history that still shapes life in Cape Town today. A visit to Robben Island helps tell the story, especially through the lens of anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned on the island. Ferries depart from the V&A Waterfront throughout the day.
Situated behind one edge of the city is one of the world’s most recognizable mountains. For outdoor adventure and a chance to stretch your legs, hike one of the TK trails to the top of Table Mountain for incredible 360-degree views. You can also take the cable car to the summit for a more leisurely ascent.
This winery outside Cape Town in the nearby city of Paarl is fun for the whole family. More than just a winery, it’s a gathering of diverse artisans that celebrates the Cape’s cultures with a chocolatier, brewery, pizzeria, glass-making shop and more.
Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coast between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Along the route, be sure to make stops for Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.
The ever-popular V&A Waterfront has several kid-friendly attractions: Cape Wheel, Hamleys Toy Store and the Aquarium to name a few. There’s an energy and buzz to the Waterfront that can’t be missed.
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town is formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It’s known for its brightly-colored houses and quaint cobblestone streets. Bonus: The colorful district makes for a fun family photo op!
Nature lovers can retreat to these gardens, situated on the other side of Table Mountain from the city center. Little ones will love the cycad amphitheater: Dotted among the cycads are life-sized dinosaur sculptures. Kids can also walk along the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway — affectionately known as the Boomslang — a steel-and-timber bridge snakes its way through the trees of the Arboretum, providing stunning views of the Garden.
Cape Town’s beaches are world-renowned, so spend a sunny afternoon in the sun and sand at Muizenberg Beach. It’s easily accessible and has great waves. Kids — and adults — can take surf and paddleboard lessons.
By Bridgette Langdon
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