subject: Family Holidays in Cape Town [print this page] What makes a great family holiday destination? You want lots of activities and adventures that the entire family can enjoy together. And, as important, enough fun activities to keep children occupied while the parents enjoy local attractions on their own. Excellent weather also helps.
With amazing beaches, hiking trails, parks and mountains, Cape Town is a playground for children of all ages.
Beach life
Cape Town is famous for the quality and variety of its beaches. Take the family to Clifton and Camps Bay for chic sunbathing on sugar-white sand at one of the most beautiful beaches on the plant.
For a more active beach experience, check out Muizenberg. Nice waves and warmer water make this a beach ideal for bathing, with lifeguards keeping a watchful eye. This is a good beach for Frisbee or beach volleyball, but the preeminent sport here is surfing.
Boulders offers a unique beach experience your family won't forget. Located near Simon's Town, this beach is home to a colony of penguins. Swim with the penguins or climb the large granite rock formations that give the beach its name.
The great indoors
The Two Oceans Aquarium, at the V&A Waterfront, will have children happily gawking at the galleries for hours. The aquarium's Atlantic and Indian Ocean galleries, among others, provide a superb survey of the aquatic life off South Africa's coast. And if you're feeling brave, you can even dive in the predator tank. An emphasis on ecology and conservation make this an unusually educational day out.
The wondrous World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa. It houses over 400 species of birds in walk-through aviaries. Come face to face with exotic bird species in this nature haven in Hout Bay. There are also mammals and reptiles, and few kids fail to be delighted by playing with the squirrel monkeys.
Wine and dine
A daytrip to Spier wine estate is a great excursion. A wine farm doesn't sound like a promising family destination, but Spier is not your typical wine farm. Take a lakeside walk or go horse riding then see cheetahs up close at the cheetah outreach programme! Spier hosts Africa-themed Moyo restaurant, offering an experience that's as fun as it is delicious. And children will be thrilled by Moyo's tree house dining.
Shop till you all drop
The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town's premier destination for shopping, with much more to do besides. There are boutiques selling luxury men's and women's fashion and there are toy shops, surf stores and other essentials for children and teens. After shopping, grab a bite at the food court or enjoy a gourmet meal at a fine restaurant. End the day off with a movie either of two cinemas.
From the Waterfront you can take a sunset cruise in the harbour. For a more serious and historically engaging nautical experience, take your children to Robben Island, to get a unique insight into South Africa's past.
This is a small sample of the array of fun activities available to kids and adults in Cape Town. With accommodation to suit all budgets, and families of any size, your family holiday in Cape Town will be an experience of a lifetime.
