Cape Town with Kids
Table Mountain view from Lion’s Head.
Cape Town, a city renowned for its sunny weather, coastal charm, and breathtaking vistas, consistently secures its place among the world's most beloved destinations.
It is so adored that when we first arrived in Botswana and began asking people about their favorite places in this country, many would respond instead with “Cape Town!” in our neighbor to the south.
Botswana’s proximity to South Africa is a definite advantage, so we dedicated two weeks to finding out what the fuss is all about with a start in the ‘Mother City’.
It was easy to see why so many people fall in love with it. Beautiful beaches, fantastic (and affordable!) food and wine, incredible nature, and adventure activities abound. The AirBnB options alone are hard to believe. And it is a great place for families with plenty to do, especially for kids old enough to take on a few hikes.
For any future travelers to Cape Town, here are our highlights.
Visit Vibrant Markets
Cape Town is known for a thriving market scene. Think fresh fruits and vegetable and fusion food stalls, coupled with unique upstart designers and entertainment. It’s quite a scene, and any trip to Cape Town would be incomplete without a few market stops. Our favorite was the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, nestled near the V&A Waterfront. Nearby, the indoor Watershed market serves up the best of Cape Town’s designers and artists. Meanwhile, the Old Biscuit Mill Market has a charming and eclectic mix of vendors, though best saved for weekends for the full experience.
There are several restaurant markets that bring together loads of culinary options – perfect for families with kids who all want something different. We loved the Portugal-inspired TimeOut Market at the V&A Waterfront and Mojo Market in the Sea Point Neighborhood.
Take a Hike & Earn the Vista View
Botswana isn’t known for its hiking trails, so we were itching to stretch our legs in nature. Enter Table Mountain, thought to be one of the world’s oldest mountains, as our first stop. At 600 million years old, the rocks practically pre-date life itself! We opted for the Platteklip Gorge route, and rewarded ourselves with a cold beverage and cable car ride down. While the trail was clear of danger, Kris nearly avoided a snake encounter on our way back to the car.
Another favorite is the Lion’s Head hike. Starting gradually, followed by a few ladder-assisted scrambles, this 5.5 km hike ends with one of the most rewarding views Cape Town can offer. At night, you can see headlamps dot the horizon as night time hikers take up the challenge.
Get Knocked Down by Atlantic Waves
Cape Town boasts a staggering 72 beaches sprawled along a coastline that stretches a whopping 307 kilometers, tracing the curves of the West Coast, Cape Peninsula, and False Bay. A visit to any one of these is enough to replace the image of blustery gray USA Atlantic East Coast with waters that glisten with a tantalizing blue hue. Even though the weather was too cool for locals, we couldn’t keep ourselves from jumping in. Our top picks were Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, though there are loads more to explore.
The Moment Vs. The Memory
Anyone who has traveled with kids knows how fast thoughtfully curated activities can turn sour. Parents: “Isn’t this hike amazing?! You have no idea how lucky you are to be here!” Kids: “Why are we doing this again? How long is this going to take? I need snaaaaacks!!”
After hours of planning, budgeting, and saving for special holiday moments, enduring kid complaints can make you want to reverse course. But while the moment may be riddled with frustration, the memory? Well, that's where the real magic happens. That special trip will weave itself into the fabric of childhood core memories…right?
So we take a deep breath, power through the chaos, and remember: the moment may be fleeting, but the memories – those are forever. Who’s up for another vacation?
Cruise Cape Point
One of Cape Town's undeniable charms lies in its diverse and captivating landscapes. The Western Cape province offers a panorama found in few other places on Earth, and a scenic drive to Cape Point is the best way to experience this. While our own journey was shrouded in mist and some obscured views, it added an extra layer of mystique.
Despite common belief, the Cape of Good Hope isn't the southern tip of Africa; that honor belongs to Cape Agulhas, about 100 miles to the east. Nevertheless, our day trip to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope was a memorable one. We circled back to Boulders Beach to see the penguins and made a pit stop in the quaint town of Kalk Bay for lunch and ice cream.
Marvel at the Fabulous Fynbos
The Western Cape is said to be the greatest natural garden on Earth. In fact, South Africa’s Western Cape is more botanically diverse than the richest tropical rainforest in South America, including the Amazon. The native vegetation or ‘fynbos’ – said to mean “fine bush” in Afrikaans – is strikingly different from anything in North America.
UNESCO describes the Cape Floral Region as “one of the world’s great centers of terrestrial biodiversity.” There are around 1100 plant species native to the Cape of Good Hope.
Reckon with a Complex History
No exploration of Cape Town is complete without confronting its complex past and hopeful future. Robben Island is a poignant reminder of South Africa's tumultuous history, from colonialism to apartheid, while also embodying the resilience and spirit of its people. It was one of the best tours we’ve experienced, and a topic of a future post.
We had nearly a full week in Cape Town, but left much to explore for a future visit. Next up is surfing at Muizenberg Beach, exploring the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens, and of course indulging in the endless culinary delights this vibrant city has to offer. For every departure is but a prelude to the next arrival!
