The Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Cape Town

Cape Town has plenty on offer when the weather’s good, but what to do when the great outdoors is not an option? Don’t let the weather rain on your parade – there are loads of indoor attractions to keep children busy.

Whether they tend towards the creative and fantastical or the active and exciting, we’ve got something to amuse kids of all ages – from the littlest tots to teenagers – as well as outings that offer something for the whole family.

For toddlers and little kids (under 8)
For older kids and tweens (8-12)
For teenagers (13+)
For the whole family

Looking for weather-wise activities to do as a couple or with friends? Check out our list of Things To Do in Cape Town When it Rains.

For toddlers and little kids (under 8)

Playstation by Rush

Not that Playstation – this indoor adventure park swaps screen time for real-life games and challenges for younger kids aged 2 – 10. Toddlers will make a beeline for Little Kids City (where they can pretend to be a fireman or grocer, play on soft structures and in a ball pit). Older children can burn off energy on an enormous vertical adventure maze with swing bridges and slides, a netted high-line course and climbing wall, mini BMX track and indoor soccer/cricket pitch, plus there are puzzles and games galore for a mental workout. All this fun is supervised by trained staff so the adults can relax in the café (free wi-fi, wide-screen TVs, coffee and food).
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 6pm; Sunday until 5pm
Note: During school holidays it opens at 9am all week
Cost R90 per hour
R99 for two hours (midweek off-peak)
R180 for three hours (weekends only)
Toddlers (under 2 years): R40 per hour (first hour free for babies under 1)
Drop & Go (6 years and older): R110 per hour
Grip socks: R50 (or bring your own)
Contact 021 683 3841; [email protected]
Where to find it 10 Honeywell Road, Retreat, Cape Town
Book Now

Crafty Chameleons

Your child can become a proud mini-maker of all kinds of things, while secretly learning valuable life skills (fine motor coordination, problem-solving, focused attention, logical and creative thinking, socialising). Karen Norman’s creative crafting classes are based on science, technology, maths, engineering and art – using a variety of materials (clay, paint, paper, recycled objects, fabric and more) – and always result in something practical to take home. This could be anything from a bookmark, game or musical instrument to a clay object, lamp, robot and more. From a parent’s perspective, it’s hassle-free, with all materials supplied and the clean-up taken care of.
Good to know You can sign up for weekly classes for a school term, join the holiday sessions (60 – 90 minutes) or book a single pop-in class.
Opening times Monday, 2.30 – 3.30pm (4 – 12 years)
Tuesday, 3 – 4pm (6 – 12 years)
Wednesday, 1 – 2pm (4 – 6 years)
Thursday, 12.45 – 1.30pm (Grade R); 1.30 – 2.30pm (Grade 1); 2 – 3pm (Grade 2)
Cost R200 per class
Contact 082 772 9355; [email protected]
Where to find it Various venues in Hout Bay, Cape Town
Book Now

Build-A-Bear Workshop

A magical experience for children of all ages, but especially the little ones, where they get to custom create a cuddly “fur-ever friend”. They choose their bear (or puppy, kitten, bunny, unicorn or other animal character) and proceed to the workshop, where the plush toy is stuffed (to just the right “huggable-ness”) and brought to life with a special heart ceremony. Optional extras such as sounds, scents or a realistic heartbeat device can also be added before it’s stitched up. Each furry friend gets a name and birth certificate. Then it’s ready to be dressed up in anything from tuxedos, dresses and hoodies to hi-top sneakers, caps, sunglasses and jewellery. The choice of “bears” is vast: Disney, Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Paw Patrol, dinosaurs, fairies, trolls, penguins, exotic animals like capybaras and axolotls…
Opening times Daily, from 9am
Cost From around R200 for the bear
Accessories/add-ons from around R90
Contact 021 418 0722; [email protected]
Where to find it Inside Toy Kingdom, Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Also inside Toy Kingdom at Canal Walk, Cape Gate, Somerset Mall and Paarl Mall and at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre

Tots n Pots

Allow your little ones to get in touch with their inner Nigella (Lawson) or, heaven forbid, Gordon (Ramsay) at these culinary classes for different ages. The Sticky Fingers lessons (2 – 3 years old) allow them to have fun while touching and tasting new food textures; the Little Chefs (3 – 7 years old) enjoy a baking workshop where they can take home their creations; while the Master Class (8+ years old) teaches children how to make simple and nutritious meals by themselves. Not only are these sessions fun, the kids also learn more about healthy food and, best of all, next time they make you breakfast in bed, it might be rather nice.
Good to know You can sign up for a regular schedule of classes or join school holiday or once-off themed “flash” classes.
Cost R200 per workshop
Contact Constantia: Olivia Pieterse: 063 717 4921; [email protected]
Claremont: Diana Taylor: 076 606 5830; [email protected]
Table View: Sade Chhana: 081 209 3111; [email protected]
Where to find it
Constantia Enquire now
Claremont Enquire now
Table View Enquire now

Imagine Play Village

This immersive role-play village – all candy coloured and mini-sized – is the antithesis of the usual playparks to burn off energy. It’s a calming, safe space where children (boys up to 5 years old and girls up to 7) can enter the world of their imagination, exploring different scenarios – from a vet’s clinic (with stuffed animals), hospital ward (with baby dolls), classroom and barnyard to a beauty salon, chef’s kitchen, florist, construction site (with foam bricks) and farmers’ market. There’s even a police station with a prison (and a tunnel to escape through), plus vendor stands where they can assemble play-play burgers and pizzas, as well as sell hotdogs, candy and ice creams. All the toys (over 1 000 of them) are handmade of wood, from the microscopes and blenders to gym weights. This is “unplugged” play and early learning at its best. There’s a coffee bar for parents to relax in (delicious drinks, pastries, light meals and snacks) and a dedicated sensory play pod for babies.
Good to know During peak times, specific time slots allow for a half-hour cleaning session in between.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 4pm
Peak times: Friday – Sunday + school and public holidays, 9am – 11am; 11.30am – 1.30am; 2pm – 4pm
Cost R120 (one hour); R150 (two hours)
R180 (two hours, peak times)
R100 (babies’ sensory pod)
Contact 082 615 1510; [email protected]
Where to find it 1st Floor, Cavendish Close, 11 Warwick Street, Claremont, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Giggles and Grow

This picture-book cute play studio, custom-designed for babies, toddlers and children up to age seven, is filled with imaginative spaces where everything is shrunk down to their size. The toys range from dollhouses, train and tea sets, puppets and puzzles to miniature versions of everyday objects for playing chef or doctor or going grocery shopping. Little adventurers will love the mini climbing wall, the mini castle jungle gym, slide, ball pit, rocking horse and retro Kombi. And with play stations rotated and changed around every few months, kids can always find something new. Parents can relax in the café (with free wifi) and enjoy a good coffee; plus a menu of light meals, snacks and sweet treats for everyone.
Good to know That venue hosts regular events, from arts and crafts to character play. There are also special workshops, such as Slime Play and crafts for older kids, and Mommy & Me structured play classes (2 months to 3 years). The space can also be booked for parties.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 6pm (Note: call ahead to check it’s not closed for a private event)
Cost R180 for one hour
R260 for two hours
Contact 082 663 7372; 076 251 1152; [email protected]
Where to find it Table Bay Mall (outside), corner Berkshire Boulevard and R27, Sunningdale, Cape Town
Book Now

Maison Play Cafe

Cape Town’s newest play zone looks like it’s been transported straight out of an arty, animated French film, beautifully curated and colour-coordinated with a slightly retro feel. (So, a happy place for both kids and grown-ups, who can make themselves comfortable in the cafe.) It’s tactile, sensory and gently stimulating, with touchscreens incorporated into some of the fantasy spaces. There are nine little “worlds” to enjoy, from shopping at the Maison Mart (think soft-toy fruit, veg and pantry items) and playing dress-up in the Maison Boutique to tinkering in the mechanic’s workshop (complete with a car up on a hoist). There’s an inviting sandpit that looks like snow, a Lego and crafts space, and a padded baby-and-toddler space with a mini slide, ball pit and other fun things to explore.
Good to know There are no timed sessions or watching the clock – you can stay for as long as you like. The cafe menu includes pizzas, toasties, pastries, sharing boards (savoury and sweet) and kids’ bento boxes, plus a great variety of coffees.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 6pm
Cost R260 (weekday); R290 (weekend)
Babies: R120 (weekday); R150 (weekend); under six months free
Free for 2 adults per child; R50 per extra adult
Maison socks: R40 each
Contact [email protected]
Where to find it Paddocks Shopping Centre, Racecourse Road, Milnerton, Cape Town
Book Now

For older kids and tweens (8–12)

Total Ninja

If you’ve ever watched Ninja Warrior on TV, you’ll know what to expect at this indoor adventure playpark. Not just a cool name, it also has the coolest combination of obstacles and inflatables to conquer. The black-and-red colour scheme, industrial aesthetic and funky lighting set the mood for some seriously fun action. Total Ninja will have kids of all ages (even grown-up ones) climbing, swinging, jumping, balancing, sliding and negotiating everything from cargo nets, monkey bars, see-saws, wonky ladders and bridges to the wrecking ball, gladiator pit, Wipeout and Warped Wall – plus there’s the Strike Arena for competitive ninjas. It’s a full-body workout, and no matter what happens, there’s always a soft landing.
Good to know It’s all supervised and guided by trained professionals, with age-limited zones, including for “mini ninjas” (under 4 years). The cafe serves all the family favourites, plus great coffee and even mocktails. Offerings also include fully supervised parties and school outings, plus Holiday Clubs over school holidays.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Cost R160 (one hour); R240 (two hours)
Mini Ninja: R80 (one hour); R120 (two hours)
Spectators/non-ninjas free
R45 (compulsory socks)
Contact 021 745 3089; 063 052 3089 (WhatsApp); [email protected]
Where to find it Black River Park (South Entrance), Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town
Book Now

Freedom Adventure Park

This mega indoor playground is a bit like being inside a space-themed video game, and caters for all ages with a vast range of activities. Think trampolines galore (including duo reaction gaming), a Leap of Faith onto a massive airbag, 22-metre-long extreme race slides and 8-metre-high drop slides, a 30-metre zipline and a 50-metre via ferrata (clip-and-climb) rope course. There’s also a pedal-kart track, a Ninja Run with 11 obstacles and Astro soccer and basketball. On Friday nights from 6pm, it’s all UV-lit. There are work pods with wi-fi for adults to use, plus a pizzeria and Bootleggers coffee to fuel up.
Good to know There is a dedicated Toddler Zone (age 4 and under).
It is advisable to prebook online over weekends, school and public holidays to avoid disappointment.
There is a smaller Freedom Adventure Park in Tokai that is specifically for younger kids. Freedom Adventure Park Somerset West is due to open end-July 2026.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 9pm (note: sessions start every half hour)
Cost R150 (one hour); R300 (two hours); R400 (all-day pass)
Toddler Zone: R85 (one hour); R150 (two hours)
R200 (one adult + one walking toddler, one hour, all access)
R50 (grip socks, or bring your own non-slip safety socks)
Cosmic Glow Fridays: R250 (3 hours)
Note: There are longer sessions for less on First Thursdays, First Saturdays and Sunday nights.
Contact 010 900 5028; [email protected]
Where to find it Level 2, Canal Walk Mall, Century Boulevard (off N1), Century City, Cape Town
Book Now

Wonderdal Edutainment Centre

A world where learning meets play and imagination leads the way. This state-of-the-art edutainment centre blends creative design, educational resources and world-class technology in a 1 000-square-metre interactive space. Children aged 5 – 13 years journey through seven zones, exploring science, nature, nutrition and more. It’s an exercise in immersive fantasy, designed to make children feel part of a story – as they explore, they will be accompanied by the Amuki, the virtual inhabitants of Wonderdal. They can only be seen and interacted with if you’re wearing a special magical bracelet – and they love to pop up unexpectedly from their secret corners.
Good to know Each session lasts one or two hours and is fully supervised, so parents are free to go and enjoy Hazendal Wine Estate’s other attractions while the kids play.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost Weekdays: R100 (one hour); R140 (two hours)
Friday – Sunday + holidays: R160 (one hour); R210 (two hours)
R40 (compulsory safety socks, reusable for future visits)
Note: Parents accompanying children pay the full ticket price
Contact 021 205 5624; [email protected]
Where to find it Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road (M23), Stellenbosch
Book Now

Museum of Illusions

This must-see attraction is a space where science, art, psychology and wonder collide in the most fascinating ways. Like Alice in Wonderland, you can grow bigger or shrink right down; or clone into dozens of versions of yourself – to infinity even; or lose your head (literally) and swap it with someone else’s. There are more than 60 mind-bending exhibits to explore, from immersive rooms and interactive installations to holograms, shape-shifters, puzzles and classic optical illusions. It’s the perfect time-twisting adventure, and a brilliant way for tweens to learn about science and the power of the mind. The gift shop is also full of cool “illusion” toys and games to take home.
Good to know Booking online is recommended; numbers are controlled and entry is every 20 minutes. The museum is cashless.
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 9am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday, 9am – 10pm
Cost R200 (children 4 – 12 years + seniors 60 years or older)
R250 (adult)
R770 (family ticket: 2 adults + 2 children)
Contact 021 541 0744; [email protected]
Where to find it 10 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book Now

Rush Extreme

This spacious indoor adventure park offers loads of activities for children to unleash their boundless energy – diving into a foam pit, bouncing off wall-to-wall trampolines and angled walls, jousting on the Battle Beam, soaring five metres high on the Super Tramp or testing their limits on the Air Walk. Other activities include trampoline-based dodgeball and slam-dunking (basketball), plus a ninja warrior course, climbing walls and UV-lit dark tower. Trained staff are on-hand to provide instruction and watch over children, and there are dedicated Toddler Time slots. If you’re not keen to join in, there is a coffee shop for light snacks, with free wi-fi and charging stations.
Good to know Cosmic Rush – a glow-in-the-dark experience with music and disco lights – takes place on Friday and Saturday nights (6pm to 8pm). There are discounted sessions on Wednesday and Sunday, and Unlimited Rush all-day jump tickets on weekdays during school holidays.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 11am – 7pm (holidays from 9am, including Monday)
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 8pm; Sunday until 6pm
Cost R160 (one hour); R260 (two hours)
R200 (parent + toddler, one hour)
R215 (unlimited time, weekdays in school holidays)
R50 (grip socks, or bring your own)
R200 (Cosmic Rush)
Contact 021 683 3841 ext 2; [email protected]
Where to find it 25 Stegman Road, Claremont, Cape Town
Book Now

Artjamming

On a rainy day, skip the puddles and make a splash of a different kind at Artjamming. Just walk in (no reservations needed), choose a blank canvas (12 sizes available), pop it on an easel, don an apron and get going on your masterpiece. This is an excellent activity for kids whose energy needs to be calmed and channelled. There’s an array of drawing materials and a rainbow of acrylic paints to choose from, as well as stencils, sponges, spray nozzles and even hairdryers (good for artistic effects and for drying paint). There’s also a Splash Zone (think freestyling like Jackson Pollock), Messy Play for toddlers and an onsite café for cooldrinks, snacks and coffee.
Good to know Kids can custom-make their own slime, too, with a choice of colours, glitters, textures and flavours!
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost From R200 – R500+ (depending on size of canvas)
SlimeTime: R250
Contact 021 425 5050; [email protected]
Where to find it Wembley Square, Solan Road, Gardens, Cape Town
Also at Lourensford Estate, Somerset West

The Scratch Patch

Whatever the weather outside, you can take on 18 holes of mini-golf in the underground course at Scratch Patch Mineral World. Befitting its “cave” setting, you’ll need to negotiate rock features, caverns, mine obstacles, ancient relics, waterfalls, UV sections and fabulous mineral displays. Then head over to the Scratch Patch for your sparkly reward: beautiful semi-precious stones to be found in every colour and shape, from tiger’s eye and rose quartz to lapis lazuli. It’s an exciting and evocative experience that’s been delighting kids for over 40 years. (For adults, there is jewellery shopping to be done too.)
Good to know There is another Scratch Patch & Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.45pm (last entry 4pm)
Saturday, Sunday + holidays, 9am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Cost R45 (R40 per person for groups of 10 or more)
Scratch Patch: R40 – R175 (depending on collection bag size)
Contact 021 786 2020; [email protected]
Where to find it Dido Valley Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Ipic Play Park

This colourful indoor playground and obstacle course includes a maze, ball blasters, giant pillows and big slides, a Lego Room and The Sand Box with remote-controlled quarry trucks, diggers and earthmovers. For littlies, there’s a Toddler Town for soft play with its own mini trampolines and climbing walls. Older siblings (and grown-ups) can tackle seven climbing walls, an extreme high-rope course and the trampoline zone, plus there’s a gym on site. For calmer play, there’s also pottery painting at the Play Café while you all enjoy a bite to eat. Safety is paramount, with a geotag system and “fun coaches” at every station to show youngsters how it’s done.
Good to know Booking a time slot is essential as limited numbers are allowed at one time.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, Sunday + holidays, 9am – 6pm
Cost Toddlers: R129 (one hour); R179 (two hours)
Kids + Teens (3 – 18 years): R179 (one hour); R249 (two hours)
Adults: R99 (if playing)
R49 (compulsory grip socks); R49 (climbing harness)
R45 (The Sand Box, 20 minutes)
R19 (non-playing visitor)
Contact 021 205 3844; [email protected]
Where to find it Aurora Shopping Centre, corner of Burton and Aurora Streets, Durbanville, Cape Town
Book Now

For teenagers (13+)

CityRock

Your teens could sit on the couch watching action films – or they can harness up and make like Spider-Man. This 3 600-square-metre indoor climbing gym is the real deal (not a playpark), offering various walls reaching up to 16 metres high, 180 top-rope anchors, 16 automatic-belay walls and 600 square-metres of bouldering. They can climb or boulder, or bring a friend to rope up with. Teens under 16 years old must have an adult/parent supervising them. For younger siblings, there is a dedicated Kids Zone (age 5 – 12 years), and there’s a good coffee shop onsite.
Good to know Bookings are essential for children under 13 years.
After a booked session, climbers can climb as long as they want at no extra charge.
CityRock also offers short courses (advance booking essential) so parents and kids can learn to supervise and climb safely.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm
Friday – Sunday + public holidays, 9am – 6pm
Cost R170 (5 – 18 years)
R210 (adult); R180 (student/pensioner)
Bouldering: R170 (adult), R130 (student)
Gear: R110 (shoes + harness); R80 (shoes or harness)
R270 (intro to climbing, age 13+)
Contact 021 447 1326; [email protected]
Where to find it The Island, 9 Milner Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
Book Now

Extreme Go-Karting

Bring your crew and switch on champion mode at this indoor racetrack. Decked out in murals of famous F1 drivers, graffiti, flags from dozens of nations, neon lighting and black-and-white checkered patterns, it certainly hypes up the thrill. The go-karts are sleek, electric racecar replicas, with a top speed of around 75km/h; the 469-metre circuit has fast left turns, chicanes and long straights, and six cars race at a time. There’s also a leaderboard, meaning you can chase the lap record for glory (it currently stands at 27.825 seconds. Once you’re done on the track, you can also enjoy SIM racing games.
Good to know Reservations are essential. Kids 10 years or older (above 1.2 metres tall) can drive by themselves. Maximum weight is 110kg. A double-seater kart can be used for younger kids (from age 5) or those with disabilities, driving with an adult or marshal.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday + public holidays, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Cost R150 (5 minutes, 10–15 laps)
R250 (10 minutes, 24–30 laps)
R350 (15 minutes, 35–40 laps)
R400 (double-seater, 10 minutes)
SIM racing: R100–R350 (depending on duration)
Contact 072 999 0290 (WhatsApp); [email protected]
Where to find it Tyger Valley Centre, Mezzanine Floor (undercover parking), close to Entrance 1 and 2, Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville

TUC VR Gaming

Put on your headset and step into another realm… There are nine virtual-reality experiences to choose from. If you want action, you can fend off a zombie invasion or enjoy a classic match-up of cops vs robbers, among others. There are also escape-room games (including one where you’ve been shrunk down to microscopic size in a lab), a super-realistic tactical shooting game with 18 missions using a Beretta M9 pistol, and more kid-friendly games in the world of the Smurfs or Arctic Olympics. This is free-roaming VR play, which requires you to move around, look around and interact with objects in order for the game to progress (and means you’re less likely to feel motion sickness). The games are good for up to 6 players at one time.
Good to know It’s next door to RocoMamas; you get discounts on meals ordered if you’ve been gaming, or discounts on gaming sessions when you order food.
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 9pm
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 10pm
Cost R125 per person for 15 minutes
Escape games: R500 per person for 1 hour
Contact 021 215 1125; 081 047 2266 (WhatsApp); [email protected]
Where to find it Riverside Mall, 95 Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Book Now

Rollercade

Lace up and step into retro heaven, to the soundtrack of hip-hop and R&B, with some disco beats thrown in. A smooth, glossy-painted floor, kaleidoscopic lights, glitter balls and red leather booths create the ideal setting for a fun two-hour session. Roller-skating’s the name of the game, but there are also pool tables, photo booths and arcade games for teens to amuse themselves. Occasionally, they throw in fun themed sessions and even roller-karaoke.
Good to know Bring your own socks (compulsory) and cash for the vending machines. Book ahead to reserve skates in your size.
Opening times Morning session: 10am (Saturday + Sunday)
Afternoon sessions: 1pm + 4pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Evening session: 7pm (Friday + Saturday)
Cost R180 per two-hour session; R100 with own skates/rollerblades
R40 spectators/non-skaters
Contact 072 064 3963; [email protected]
Where to find it Table Bay Mall, corner R27 and Berkshire Boulevard, Sunningdale, Cape Town

The Shred Skatepark

This industrial-urban-cool indoor skateboarding haven has all the free-flowing, adrenaline-buzzing surfaces, contours, ramps, bowls, pipes and rails to thrill any skater – in a safe, secure, weather-sheltered environment. You book for three-hour sessions (or a double session or all day). If your kid needs to learn the ropes or wants to up their skills, sign them up for lessons with Thalente Biyela (skateboards, helmets and pads included). There are also open nights (all wheels welcome – including rollerblades and BMXes) on Wednesdays for anyone 16 years and older; plus once a month Vans hosts a free ladies/girls-only night.
Good to know The Eiland Eatery serves all the delicious fuel skaters need, and there’s a skatestore onsite. Ask about the school holiday skate camp.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 6pm
Wednesday Skate Night until 9pm
Cost R99 (three-hour session)
R160 (double session); R200 (full day)
R50 (open night)
R400 (one-hour lesson)
Note: Mondays are half price, and weekday mornings are cheaper.
Contact 021 510 2918; 076 198 6268 (WhatsApp); [email protected]
Where to find it 68 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town

HintHunt

The latest fast-paced addition to HintHunt is a mission room called “Bomb Time” (the first in Africa), which places you inside a retro 8-bit arcade game, with five zones to complete (less conundrum and more challenge). It’s a fast-paced party vibe, with UV, strobe and flashing lights and sound effects. Other immersive experiences include futuristic superhero-style “Marble” and the more conventional escape-room narratives of a shipwreck, a spooky old hotel, a classic prison break and an Indiana Jones-style “Cursed Treasure” quest. You’ll need to solve challenging riddles, crafty puzzles and interpret clues in order to complete the escape – all within a time limit.
Good to know The Escape Rooms games are open to groups of two to six people and last 60 minutes, except “Marble” (75 minutes) and Mission Room “Bomb Time” (maximum four players). Children under 13 years must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 8.30pm; Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm
Cost R370 per person (off-peak); R415 (peak)
Marble: R395 per person (off-peak); R445 (peak)
Bomb Time: R320
Off-peak rates apply Monday – Thursday, outside of peak season
Contact 021 001 4215; [email protected]
Where to find it The Watershed, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now

For the whole family

The Two Oceans Aquarium

This world-class aquarium is home to more than 10 000 sea animals of all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s an exciting peek into life off our shores, with a mesmerising swaying kelp forest, schools of shiny and colourful fish swimming in unison, gliding turtles and even sharks, which can also be viewed from within a 10-metre glass tunnel. There are more exotic fish too, such as jellies, seahorses, pufferfish, moray eels and octopus. The kids can get up close to anemones and starfish at the Touch Pool, and the penguin exhibit is always a hit (there is also a VIP option to spend up-close time with rockhopper penguins – think Cody Maverick from Surf’s Up!).
Good to know Got the whole day free? A Discover Scuba Diving experience (age 10 years and older) will have you swimming with the turtles and rays on the same day. Email [email protected] to book.
Opening times Daily, 9.30am – 6pm
Cost R280 (adult); R210 after 3pm (school term-time only)
R210 (teens, students, pensioners); R158 after 3pm (school term-time only)
R130 (children 4 – 13 years); R97 after 3pm (school term-time only)
Free for children under 4
R2 595 (Discover Scuba Diving experience)
Contact 021 418 3823; [email protected]
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now

Cape Town Science Centre

With over 250 exhibits, puzzles, experiments and interactive games that cover a wide range of disciplines including maths, technology and engineering, this play centre/museum gets young minds engaged scientifically and proves that learning can be fun. There are many mind-bending exhibits that will astound anyone interacting with them, including a camera obscura, AstroTrek virtual reality (walk on Mars!) and Light Room of colours. Keep an eye out for the Mindball – where children move a ball around with the power of their brain waves – and the Human Gyroscope, where they can spin around and float as if in a low-gravity environment. There is also a new Code & Play section and a monthly scavenger hunt.
Good to know The iCafe coffee shop offers refreshments, light meals and free internet. Keep an eye out for special themed school-holiday and weekend programmes. The centre is wheelchair friendly.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 4.30pm
Public holidays, 10am – 4.30pm
Cost R95
R45 (pensioners)
R340 (family package for four people)
R85 per person (groups of 10 or more)
Contact 021 300 3200; [email protected]
Where to find it 370B Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Book Now

Clay Café

This spot has been a favourite among grown-ups and kids seeking a splash of creativity for 25 years. Once seated, your friendly server will explain the drill, after which you’ll choose your unfired ceramics (anything from mugs and bowls to figurines and teapots), paints, brushes, tools etc. Then simply let your imagination run free while enjoying a bite to eat (from breakfast, gourmet toasties and salads to burgers and pizza). There’s a great kiddies menu, including chocolate waffles and milkshakes, and wine, beer or G&Ts for the adults.
Good to know Bookings are essential on weekends and during the holidays. There’s also a family-friendly venue in the Winelands, Clay Cafe Paarl at Groot Parys estate.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost R45 per person (includes 3 paints, tools, firing and glazing)
Unfired ceramics: R80 – R480
Contact 076 810 5120; [email protected]
Where to find it Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Ice Station

The self-proclaimed “coolest place in Cape Town”, the city’s ice-skating rink has been around since 1971, offering the novelty of a winter wonderland experience in “sunny SA” – especially for kids. They (or you) might be nervous about stepping onto the ice at first, but in no time you’ll all be gliding around the Olympic-size rink. The freedom of movement ice-skating offers is exhilarating! Skating sessions last an hour, 90 minutes or two hours, depending on the time of day, with a 15-minute or half-hour break between.
Good to know There is a supervised mini rink for the little ones (under 5 years old). Skating lessons for all ages are available on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Opening times Monday + Tuesday, 10am – 4pm
Wednesday + Thursday, 10am – 7.30pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 11.30pm
Sunday, 10am – 8.30pm
Cost R70 – R95 (includes skate hire)
R40 (mini rink, children under 1.3m tall)
R10 (non-skater)
Contact 021 535 2260; [email protected]
Where to find it Grand West Casino & Entertainment World, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Goodwood, Cape Town
Enquire Now

The Planetarium

A rainy-day favourite for generations, it has undergone a 21st-century makeover with a Digital Dome, making it the most advanced planetarium on the continent, providing both multi-sensory edutainment and cutting-edge scientific research facilities. With its 360-degree screen, it makes virtual voyages of the entire universe possible. The planetarium has several shows, ranging in subject from the latest discoveries, dark energy and mapping the universe to asteroids and extra-solar planets, and, for kids, Perfect Little Planet (about aliens on vacation) and animated Polaris, the adventures of a South Pole penguin and North Pole bear.
Good to know The Iziko SA Museum is right next door – filled with interesting exhibits, including fossils, dinosaurs, giant squids and enormous whale skeletons.
Opening times Shows: Tuesday – Friday, 3pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm + 3pm
Note: School holiday times may differ.
Cost R100 (SA adults)
R60 (SA children, students + pensioners)
R150 (international visitors)
Contact 021 481 3800; [email protected]
Where to find it 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Book Now

Let’s Go Bowling

With its top-notch 10-pin bowling lanes and hi-tech (and entertaining) scoring system, this bowling alley is fun for the whole family. Add to that a bar selling Newlands craft beers, cocktails and mocktails, pool tables and big-screen sports, plus a pizza parlour, and it’s an ideal spot to hang out on rainy days. It’s part of a greater space called Let’s Entertain U, which includes Kidz Play (an indoor “soft” playground and giant jungle gym), a video-game arcade, laser tag, digital golf simulators and glow-in-the-dark crazy golf putt-putt. All bases and ages covered, then.
Opening Times Monday – Friday, 10am – 10pm
Saturday, 9am – 10pm; Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Cost R100 (one game)
R50 (Kidz Play)
R30 entry (redeemable on food and beverages)
Contact 087 378 0891; 068 270 2641 (WhatsApp); [email protected]
Where to find it Stadium on Main, Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town
Book Now

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for hot new openings, secret spots and incredible escapes – straight to your inbox every week.