The festive season is in full swing, so everyone is feeling the gees and ready to make the most of what’s left of summer.
With a succession of beautiful days on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity to pack the family into the car or make a solo mission to one (or more) of these exciting spots this summer.
If you’re keen to stay close to home but still off the beaten track, Saunders’ Rocks Beach and Bali Beach are hidden gems, found along the magnificent stretch of azure ocean on the Atlantic Seaboard. These little slices of the coast, found in Sea Point and Bakoven respectively, are quiet and less crowded than the more popular beaches and are great spots to take a quick, refreshing dip in the ocean, relax with an iced coffee and a good book, and work on your tan while the kids frolic nearby.
If your little ones are very energetic, there are plenty of activities along the coast that will give them an outlet for hours on end. The Blue Train Park in Mouille Point includes a working, miniature version of the famous Blue Train, a dirt-bike track, a cement bike track, a 30m zip-line, two eight-metre-long slides, seesaws, rock climbing, two jungle gyms, an obstacle course, an AstroTurf soccer pitch, and more. There’s so much to do, you’ll have a tough time getting the kids to leave.
Closer to the V&A Waterfront is Battery Park, an urban, multi-use space with a world-class skatepark, a scooter path, space to rollerblade and for the retro lovers, the Rollercade which is an old-school roller-skating rink with music, flashing lights, glitter balls, and a games arcade. There’s also a multi-court for basketball, netball and soccer games, and a playground for smaller kids.
A sunset cruise around the V&A Waterfront is a popular activity for couples. You’re able to take in the magnificent sight of the sun touching the horizon as the boat travels along the harbour, which can be a relaxing, romantic way to end the day.
If you like surfing but are looking for a more chilled way to cruise the coast, fliteboarding, also known as electric hydrofoiling, is the latest trend. It involves riding a board with a hydrofoil attached to it, which allows the board to lift out of the water and glide on top of the water's surface, giving the rider a feeling of flying above the water. Efoil Cape Town is the city’s first efoiling school and offers private and group lessons to those 12 years and older.
For the keen snorkeller or certified diver, a kelp forest adventure is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a hidden ecosystem that offers food and shelter to a diverse array of marine life. One of the best places for certified divers and novice snorkellers to do this is the Great African Seaforest, which is one of the seven new wonders of the world and an aquatic wonderland that houses the only forest of giant bamboo kelp on our planet.
Love the ocean but prefer to stay on land? Horseriding on the beach with Noordhoek Beach Rides is a walking tour and a relaxing way for novices and experts to take in the magnificent ocean and mountain views on Long Beach, an eight-kilometre-long, unspoiled stretch of white sand.
If you want a convenient, speedy and eco-friendly way to explore the Sea Point Promenade or Blouberg beachfront, e-bikes and e-scooters are a fun, zippy way to get around.
If you prefer the Winelands and you’re looking for an easy way to explore the valley, the Franschhoek Wine Tram allows you to choose an experience that suits you. Either hop on and off the tram at different farms in the valley and do select tastings or enjoy a luxurious food and wine pairing at three world-renowned estates, curated by fine wine experts.
For family-friendly fun, Boschendal Wine Estate also has brilliant activities that allow kids to have a full day of fun. They offer a paid, guided, outdoor farm experience which includes an eco-edutainment program to learn more about farm life and sustainable gardening, and allows the kids the opportunity to harvest seasonal herbs and visit the chicken farm to collect some fresh eggs. Their Tree House playground is free for all guests and includes acorn hideouts, slides, walkways, platforms and mushroom pods. Alongside is the MTB pump track for adventurous kids who enjoy biking (under parental supervision, of course).
Other estates that offer vast grounds, delicious food, wine tasting and place for the kids to picnic and play are Babylonstoren, Laborie Estate, Lourensford Wine Estate, which offers a must-see night market, and closer to the city, the Constantia Winelands.
For those that prefer their views from the top of the world, there are many routes to the summit of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak, with some truly beautiful hiking trails for active explorers and energetic youngsters. Hike at sunrise or sunset and be captivated by the cascade of colours in the Cape Town sky, or if you want a truly unique experience, try the thrilling full moon hike up Lion’s Head.
If you’re less adventurous or simply time-constrained, the famous revolving cableway offers 360-degree views that’ll have the whole family at the top in around seven minutes. While taking in the breathtaking mountain, city and ocean views, grab a bite at Table Mountain Café which offers popular kid-friendly meals or join one of three guided walks. The eagle-eyed adventurer may even spot rock dassies, lizards, Himalayan tahrs, Black Eagles and the elusive, endangered Table Mountain Ghost frog.
Another cool way to explore the mountain is on a freewheeler or by mountain bike. A company called Scootours offers eco-friendly, non-motorised scooters that easily travel along mountain paths. Kids over 10 can drive a scooter but younger ones will have to double up with their folks.
For kids (or adults) who love animals, there are a few urban wildlife experiences that are a must. Eagle Encounters allows you the opportunity to interact with amazing birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, kites, and buzzards. You can even take part in an exhilarating falconry display, where these majestic birds, with their impressive wingspans, take off and fly to you.
World of Birds, which is the largest bird park in Africa, is a tamer experience and also offers the opportunity to see monkeys, reptiles and other mammals.
Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins. Visitors can get close to the penguins and observe their behaviour in their natural habitat. In January, baby penguins are out in droves and are just as adorable as your little ones.
Other great spots to visit are Drakenstein Lion Park to see the king of the jungle up close, Giraffe House, which has three jungle gyms, a lawn area for play and possible interaction with giraffes, and The Alpaca Loom, where kids can interact with the alpacas in the petting zoo and use up all their pent-up energy on the jungle gym.