Boredom Busters for Cool Cape Town Kids
Whether it's school holiday or just one of those "I'm bored!" moments, finding something to keep the kids busy is always a win. Luckily, it doesn't have to be a struggle! Rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, there's a ton of fun to be had. From wild adventures to creative masterpieces (that may or may not involve glitter-sorry, parents!), here are some super fun and sneaky-educational activities that'll keep the kiddos entertained and maybe even give you a break... or at least a good laugh!
Wonderdal at Hazendal
This edutainment center combines imaginative design, educational materials, and advanced technology situated within a 1000 square meter interactive area. Children ranging in the ages from 5 - 13 years old, are able to playfully explore through seven themed zones which are dedicated to science, nutrition and nature. The experience immerses them in a fantastical narrative, where they are joined by the Amuki, which are virtual creatures from Wonderdal. These delightful beings can only be spotted and engaged with while wearing a special enchanted bracelet, often popping up unexpectedly from their secret hideaways.
At Hazendal Wine Estate, kids can enjoy play sessions lasting one or two hours, giving parents the chance to explore the estate's various attractions. Sessions run from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Pricing is R85 for one hour on weekdays and R140 on weekends and holidays. For two hours, the cost is R125 on weekdays and R190 on weekends and holidays. A mandatory set of socks is available for R40 and can be reused on subsequent visits.
Biking at Bloemendal Trail Park
Located on Tygerberg Hill, Bloemendal Estate is one of the largest wine farms in the Durbanville Wine Valley, an area known for mountain biking. The Trail Park provides a range of paths suitable for various skills levels, with bike rentals also available. The push bike trail allows for parental supervision of children, and there is a pump track for younger riders. After your activities, one can visit the café for a Bean Riding coffee, smoothies, milkshakes, draft beer and a selection of food items, including scrumptious toasties, burgers and boerie rolls.
The trail park operational hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, with extended hours on a Thursday until 9pm. On weekends, the track is open from 8am to 5pm. Admission costs R40 for children under 18 and R60 for adults. Bike rentals are available at R125 per hour for kids and R150 per hour for hardtails, R350 per hour for dual suspension and e-bikes.
Achieve new heights at CityRock
You could lounge around and play video games, or you could gear up and channel your inner Spider-Man. This 3600m² indoor climbing gym features a variety of walls suited for all climbing styles, whether you're solo or with a partner, and caters to both seasoned climbers and beginners. CityRock welcomes children aged 5 to 12 to their dedicated Kids Zone, as long as those under 16 are accompanied by an adult. Plus, it offers courses for parents and kids to learn how to climb safely and supervise each other.
Reservations are necessary for children under the age of 13 years old. Operating hours are Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday, as well as public holidays from 9am to 6pm. The cost is R160 for children aged 5 to 18 for two hours, R190 for adults and R170 for students. Gear rental costs R100 for both shoes and a harness, or R70 for either one. An introductory climbing session is also available for R250.
Bugz Playpark
This children's facility offers both indoor and outdoor activities, including a train ride, worm train, swings, ziplines, slides, and monkey bars. Kids can also use pedal bikes, row boats, drive toddler tractors, play in sandpits, explore a wooden treehouse, work in a mud kitchen, set up dollhouses, navigate a jungle gym, and enjoy a large splash pool in the summer. If the weather is poor, Bugz has a spacious indoor play area featuring obstacle courses, seesaws, and large balls. There is also a petting farm where children can interact with tortoises, bunnies, geese, ducks, guinea pigs, and parrots.
Some rides have age restrictions, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance without prior reservations. On-site food and drinks are also available. The park operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Ticket prices are R170 for children aged 3 to 12 for all rides, R100 on rainy days with no rides, R60 for adults and teens (including train access), and R45 for pensioners (also includes train access). Children aged 0 to 3 enter free, while admission to the petting farm is R25 per person.
The Shred Skate Park
This dynamic skateboarding hub is perfect for teenagers, offering a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. With a variety of exciting surfaces, ramps, bowls, pipes, and rails, it guarantees an adrenaline rush in a secure, weatherproof setting. You can choose from three-hour sessions, double sessions, or an all-day pass. If you're eager to boost your skills or learn the basics, sign up for lessons with Thalente Biyela, which include all necessary gear like skateboards, helmets, and pads. Don't forget about open nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, welcoming all types of wheeled sports, including rollerblading and BMX riding. Plus, once a month, Vans hosts a free ladies-only night, creating a welcoming environment for girls to enjoy skating as well!
The Shred Skate Park, located in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, features the Eiland Eatery, which serves delicious food for skaters. The park operates Friday to Monday and on public holidays from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Tuesday to Thursday from 8 AM to 9 PM. Skating sessions are priced at R99 for three hours, R160 for a double session, and R200 for a full day, with open nights costing R50 and one-hour lessons available for R380.
It's always a great time to get the kids off the couch and into some epic adventures! Whether they're exploring the interactive magic of Wonderdal, biking through Bloemendal, scaling the walls at CityRock, running wild at Bugz Playpark, or mastering their skateboard moves at The Shred, there's something to keep every kid smiling. These activities aren't just a blast - they'll also get those creative juices flowing, build some serious muscle, and sneak in a little learning (shh, don't tell them). Best of all, these are great anytime, making for fun memories all year long!
