Cape Town for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
A mountain, two oceans and a table laid for everyone.
A weekend the children will remember and the parents will survive. Short walks between real highlights, a boat or a tram instead of a museum queue, dinners at six, and room to run.
Friday: Waterfront evening
- Cape Wheel at the Waterfront
A 40 metre ferris wheel with a view over the harbour and Table Mountain; children usually ask for a second turn.
- Cape Town Fish Market
A sushi and seafood counter with a children's menu, serving at 18:00 on the quay; plain fried fish for fussy ones.
Saturday: Penguins and a beach
- Boulders Beach
African penguins on a sheltered beach with wooden boardwalks; children can swim in the calm bay with the birds nearby.
- Salty Sea Dog
Fish and chips on the harbour, with a view of the naval ships; the children's plates are cheap and the pace is relaxed.
- Two Oceans Aquarium
Kelp forest and a shark tank; children can touch things in the shallow pool and feeding times are posted by the door.
Sunday: Gardens and a playground
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
The Boomslang canopy walkway is a hit with children, and the lawns are made for picnics; keep to the paved paths with a stroller.
- Silvertree Restaurant
Lunch on the terrace with a children's menu, and the lawn outside to run on afterwards.
- Green Point Urban Park
A flat, free park with a biodiversity garden and a playground, a ten-minute walk from the stadium; return for an early dinner.
Monday: World of Birds
- World of Birds
A walk-through sanctuary where monkeys and owls live near the path; keep a hand on small children in the free-flight aviaries.
- Fish on the Rocks
The harbour classic for fried hake and chips, with seagulls and seals outside; eat early before the lunch crowd.