With a glut of public holidays (and a few school holidays thrown in for good measure) on the horizon in April I have been looking for good ideas of things to do with my kids. One of my first criteria is that they do not cost the earth because if you have 5 outings for 2 children and 1 adult which each cost R50 per person you are going to be paying out over R750 for one week of entertainment which is a bit ridiculous. And that is not even including drinks, snacks and parking!
Anyway most kids aren’t even aware of which fun things cost a fortune and which are free. It’s all about your attitude and enthusiasm which generates their excitement.
So here is a list of free things to do with kids in Cape Town. Yes, all these ideas cost nothing. I’m always keen on a bargain and free is the best bargain around!
Ideas for things to do in Cape Town for free
1. The beach – we are so blessed to live in one of the most scenic countries in the world with so many beautiful beaches. Some of my favourites for children are Fish Hoek which has a great playground, small waves and lovely catwalk, St James for the rockpools and pool, Muizenberg for body boarding, Blouberg – build sandcastles with a view, Bakoven and Beta Beach on the Atlantic Ocean side for private places to paddle between the boulders, Noordhoek for long walks and Windmill beach near Boulders for snorkelling. I prefer the beaches of the Indian Ocean side as the water is not as icy and there are lots of families and less tourists. We are very spoilt for choice!
2. The Arboretum – near Tokai Forest is lovely for a summer day when the beach is too crowded and hot or winter when a walk in wellies and a bit of drizzle is very atmospheric. This is a great place for nature treasure hunts and exploring.

4. Ride bikes or skate boards or prams along the Sea Point Promenade and stop to play at the various parks. A great one is located right near the Mouille Point Lighthouse.
5. Pack a picnic for the park. In South Africa we have become quite nervous about public spaces but there are some lovely parks for kids in Cape Town and if more people got out and used them we could reclaim these public areas. Some great parks are Deer Park in Vredehoek (a restaurant overlooks the park and it is fully enclosed), Claremont Park, Liesbeeck River Park, Newlands, Keurboom Park in Rondebosch/ Claremont, Palmboom Park in Newlands, Arderne Gardens in Claremont, Maynardville Park in Wynberg, Brocker Way Park in Tokai, Seabreeze Park in Kirstenhof, Green Point Park in Green Point – this is a legacy project from the 2010 Soccer World Cup and is fantastic! Remember quite a few nursery centres have got great children’s play areas – Stodels in Belville, Earthworkx in Hout Bay, Ferndale in Constantia. Die Oog Bird Sanctuary in Bergvliet is a small well kept area situated in the suburbs. Remember to not only pack some sandwiches for yourself but bread for the ducks too.




10. Visit Noordhoek or Rondebosch Common – on opposite ends of the Southern Suburbs/ Peninsula. Both are great open places for kids to run, jump and explore. Pack a kite for windy days!
I would be so keen to hear of any other ideas you may have so please contact me if you have any suggestions! I live in the Southern Suburbs so there are more options of outings for this area by default but I would be interested to get ideas for things to do in other parts of Cape Town.
Here are few more articles I have written about “Things to do with kids”.
More free things to do in Cape Town with kids
Things to do in Cape Town for a special treat
Things to do in Cape Town that won’t break the bank
Things to do with kids on the Garden Route
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images: Kathryn Rossiter
Some great ideas for us big kids to- thanks Kath!
I sent this to my husband and he is steadily working his way through your lists. We’ve ticked 3 offf so far (my girls thank you for giving their dad ideas for their Saturday adventures!) Well done on compliling them and thanks for sharing:)
Nikki Smith
Hi Nikki – thanks for the comment. It’s great to get feedback and know that the info is helping families across Cape Town! If you find any other good free outings be sure to come back and leave a comment!
Hi Kathryn
I so appreciate your lists, that I thought I’d share some easy/free activities that I’d found:)
These are mostly indoor based, so would be great for winter.
Disney has a website full of craft activities broekn down per age group: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/the-great-cardboard-castle-668698/
This mom’s blog lists 100 free activities to do in winter: http://healthyfamilycookin.blogspot.com/2012/01/frugal-friday-more-than-100-free-or.html
Merlin’s castle and characters: http://www.rain.org/~philfear/castle.html
Paper dolls (I used to LOVE paper dolls when I was little!) : http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/06/free-paper-doll-printables-perfect.html
Thanks for sharing Nikki – it’s always great to get new ideas!
Hi,
I’ll work my way through your list this week! Just thought Id mention Arderne Gardens, Main Rd Claremont, which has been carefully upgraded and is home to many of the most magnificent trees in the country! Free entry and it is monitored.
Cape Town really has the coolest things to do! Joburg could learn a few things from you Capetonians!
Hello Kathryn
I went through list and will definitely be using it as part of our families outings. I also appreciate you writing about alternative activities that include the whole family and also get them away from screens… computer, tv etc
At http://www.familygames.co.za we provide young and old with “classical” Lawn Games with the purpose of having fun together and getting exercise at the same time.
I am so happy I found your blog. I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Bing for something else. I like with what you spoke about in your post. I never looked at it that way. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kathryn 🙂
FANTASTIC (and sanity-saving!) collection of ideas! I work from home and I’ve been dreading these agonisingly/wonderfully long school holidays with my 4 year old Princess!
(It was a nice little surprise when this post of yours came up in my Google results for things to do in CT, because just yesterday I jotted your name down to possibly connect with you to share resources! You are inspiring like sunshine!)
Lisa
Thanks so much Lisa – so pleased I can help my fellow moms of Cape Town! Look forward to connecting again soon 😉