Best Reasons To Take The Kids On A Family Vacation In Cape Town

Cape Town is rightly dubbed the “Mother City” of South Africa, as it was here the settlers first landed. These days the city is a modern Mecca, but still has its roots in the past, with colorful places to explore its history. Meanwhile, Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard offer endless, beautiful sandy beaches for fun in the sun. Moreover, the city is backed by the amazing Table Mountain, known around the world for its picture postcard images. As a destination for a family vacation, Cape Town and its surroundings have endless fun and exciting things to do for kids of all ages.

Climb Table Mountain in Cape Town

Table Mountain stands 1,086 meters (3,563 feet) over the City Bowl and is the most recognized and iconic landmark in South Africa. Heading up to the summit of this beautiful mountain is something everyone should do at least once in their lives. Meanwhile, there are a couple of ways to do this.

For families with older children, Table Mountain’s plateau can be reached on foot via several hiking trails. Normally, hiking from the base of the mountain to the top takes anywhere between one and three hours, with views all the way. You can even see Robben Island, Nelson Mandela’s former prison home, on the horizon.

For those families with small children or elderly parents, the Table Mountain Cableway is a great way to get to the top. As it moves upwards, the cable car rotates, offering 360-degree views of the city. Once at the top, the family can relax and enjoy the views, or join a guided walk in the Table Mountain National Park. Alternatively, pick one of three trails that start at the Upper Cable Station to explore the beautiful plateau. Once you are ready to head back to your hotel, catch the cable car down to the bottom.

Visit the V&A Waterfront

In 1860, Cape Town established a working harbor, which is still in operation to this day. However, these days, it has been extended into the V&A Waterfront, with shopping, restaurants and entertainment throughout.

Sailing cruises are available here, taking the family out into Table Bay, where you can capture those same picture postcard views of Table Mountain. Alternatively, sail to Robben Island to visit Mandela’s former prison.

Other attractions include the Maritime Museum, a helicopter tour, or a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium. As the name suggests, here you can see marine species from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. While there, the little ones can see the comical penguins, and various sea creatures like Knysna seahorses, giant spider crabs, yellowfish, clownfish and more. Meanwhile, it is fun to take them to the Predator Exhibit where the sharks swim around.

Head to the beach in Cape Town

When it comes to beaches, the family can always find something to suit every family. Close to the City Bowl, Clifton Beaches are an excellent choice and have Blue Flag status. A little further down the coastal road, Camps Bay is an excellent choice and an upmarket suburb, with excellent restaurants and bars. However, both these options do get crowded in the summer months.

Drive out of the city to Bloubergstrand Beach, renowned for its views of Table Mountain and an excellent location for kitesurfing. A little further from the city center, Hout Bay is a beautiful sport for a day on the beach, with excellent fish restaurants close by.

Bear in mind that this is a brief introduction to Cape Town, South Africa, as the city has many more exciting attractions, both in the City Bowl and the surrounding areas. Watch this space for more information coming soon.