Top Kid-friendly Day Trips from Cape Town

Cape Town and surrounding Western Cape towns offer rich, family-friendly experiences for young and old to enjoy.

Whether it’s cherry picking in Ceres, visiting the annual wild flowers in the West Coast or saying hi to the whales in Hermanus…

Here are the top ten kid-friendly day trips from Cape Town to enjoy with your little ones.

10-day trips from Cape Town for families

1) Go Cherry Picking at Klondyke Farm in Ceres

One of the most popular, seasonal family-friendly outings is visiting Klondyke Cherry Farm, 30 km outside Ceres. Here, families can enjoy some fun cherry picking!

How it works:

Cherry picking is usually around November and December. You pay an entry fee and receive your container, which you can then fill with the cherries that you and your family pick together.

Between picking, explore the farm’s beautiful orchards and then have your container weighed at the farm stall. (Card facilities are available here.)

If you wish to linger longer, pack a lovely picnic lunch or some braai meat in and enjoy spending a full day (or weekend) at the farm!

Best of all, this delightful, child- and pet-friendly farm also offers the chance to enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway… Thanks to their farmhouse, self-catering cottages and open campsite accommodation.

If you visit during wintertime, you may even be able to play in the thick snow that so often falls near Ceres.

For updates on when their cherry season runs, please visit Klondyke’s website. You can also subscribe to their newsletter for frequent updates.

Activity prices: Cherry picking prices may vary based on quantity and weight. Please contact Klondyke directly for more information and pricing estimates.

Klondyke Cherry Farm

Tel: +27 (0) 87 550 0232

Email: info@klondyke.co.za

Web: www.cherryfarm.co.za

2) Visit the Wild Flowers up the West Coast

Ah, wild flower season… Is there anything better in the Western Cape? Every year, usually between August and September, the West Coast and other Western Cape regions turn into carpets of orange, white, yellow and multi-coloured flowers.

There are lots of places to go to see the wild flowers. Darling and the West Coast National Park are good, easily accessible spots to visit. Mainly because they are only a few hours’ drive from Cape Town.

One of the best places to enjoy seasonal flower spotting is the West Coast National Park’s Postberg Nature Reserve. Every August – September, the Park opens this section of the reserve just for flower season.

Here, you can enjoy hikes, picnics, braais and yes, you guessed it: seeing amazing wild flowers. Drive along the roads or hike to the designated viewpoints to soak up the Cape’s annual flower display.

It’s especially fun for children, as the West Coast is a hugely family-friendly destination.

West Coast National Park

Gate entry times:

September – March: 07:00 – 19:00 (Last vehicle entry at 18:30.)

April to August: 07:00 – 18:00 (Last vehicle entry at 17:30.)

Postberg (August – September only): 09:00 – 17:00 (Last entry to Postberg at 16:30.)

Entry fees: Please see here for daily conservation and entry fees.

Tel: +27 (0) 22 772 2144

Email: moipone.thathane@sanparks.org

Web: www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/all.php

3) Make an Educational Stop at Cape Columbine Lighthouse

Situated outside the sleepy fishing village of Paternoster is the Cape Columbine Lighthouse. This lighthouse is apparently the only manned lighthouse left on the South African coast.

Found within the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Tietiesbaai, the lighthouse can be accessed via a spiral staircase. Visitors to climb to the top and soak up the scenic views of Britannia reef and the crashing Atlantic Ocean.

Although it is a great adventure for the whole family, it might be easiest to visit with children who are walking well. That way, you may save yourself from having to carrying them up to the top.

Cape Columbine Lighthouse

Opening hours:

Weekdays (Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays) 10:00 am – 15:00 pm.

Weekends and public holidays: Closed.

Entry: Visitors to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve pay an entry fee. While a separate fee is charged for those who wish to enter the lighthouse itself.

Lighthouse entry fees:

R16 (per adult). R8 per child under 12 years.

R10 per student (with ID) and groups (adults). R6 per learner (learner groups).

Tel: +27 (0) 22 752 2705

Email: lighthouse.tourism@transnet.net

Web: stayatlighthouses.com/services

4) Visit the Whales in Hermanus

Every year, the Overberg town of Hermanus comes alive with tourists and locals who flock to see the annual visiting Southern Right whales.

Whale season generally runs between June and December (although this can vary). This is when the whales visit the town and other coastal areas in the Cape to mate and calve in our relatively calm, warmer waters.

For travellers to Hermanus, this means whale spotting fun. You get to see these majestic mammals breach, splash and frolic just offshore.

During whale season, you can also enjoy chartered boat trips out to see the whales; walks along the beaches and coastline; or even attend the famous annual Hermanus Whale Festival.

Children and adults alike will be amazed to see these giants of the sea so close to shore… It’s a truly special experience! This is something everyone – especially South African residents – should try see at least once.

Hermanus is a lovely, quiet town, even during whale season. In and around town, you can also enjoy a host of family-friendly activities and accommodation options.

Hermanus Tourism

Activity prices: Whale watching from the shore is generally free to do in Hermanus. However, for recommended whale tour operators, please see here.

Tel: +27 (0) 28 312 2629

Email: infomanager@hermanus.co.za

Web: hermanus-tourism.co.za

5) Visit the village of Greyton

Another Overberg gem is Greyton. This picture-perfect village is also considered a haven for families. Especially as it offers the freedom to explore the outdoors, cycle and walk in the streets and countryside.

To find out what this special village offers, it is best to plan a weekend away in Greyton. With the wonderful local accommodation and restaurants, this is a breeze!

Some of the best Greyton attractions and activities include exploring its abundant natural spaces; going bird watching; cycling; visiting the Greyton Farm Animal Sanctuary; swimming and picnicking in the area; and of course, popping by the Saturday morning market.

Parents will love the beautiful, safe atmosphere that Greyton is known for. While children will surely adore exploring the outdoors and soaking up fresh air and sunshine in the Cape countryside.

Greyton Tourism

Tel: +27 (0) 28 254 9564/9414

Email: info@greytontourism.com, bookings@greytontourism.com

Web: www.greytontourism.com

6. Explore the Southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas

Another wonderful Western Cape attraction to visit with kids is Cape Agulhas in the Agulhas National Park.

Situated near the small, yet charming coastal village of L’Agulhas (Agulhas), Agulhas National Park offers a several incredible, family-friendly attractions.

The main one is standing at the southernmost tip of Africa for a family photo. It’s a nice, short walk to the famous location and the surrounding flora and ocean views are stunning!

Another nearby attraction is the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. This you can visit for a small fee. Climb its 71 steps and enjoy the views from on high.

Just past the southernmost tip, you can also take a walk to see the Japanese wreck, Meisho Maru No. 38. This is a pretty iconic local attraction in its own right.

Once you are done exploring, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Or book into a seaside cottage in nearby Struisbaai or Agulhas for a relaxing coastal getaway with your family.

Struisbaai is famed for its excellent, family-friendly beach and safe swimming so it’s the ideal spot to enjoy some quality beach time.

Agulhas National Park

Opening hours:

Agulhas National Park entry times:

Main entrance gate: 07:00 – 19:00.

Visitors with accommodation bookings can still enter and exit the gate after closing times, provided it is before 22:00. Prior arrangement for this must be made at reception.

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday – Sunday. (The last climb to the top is at 16:30).

Activity rates: For conservation and/or entry fees for the Agulhas National Park, please see here.

Note: SANParks fees and tariffs are not inclusive of the lighthouse entrance fees. You will have to pay a separate fee to enter the lighthouse.

Tel: +27 (0) 28 435 6078

Email: agulhasinfo@sanparks.org

Web: www.cape-agulhas-info.co.za/town

7. Soak in Montagu’s famous Hot Springs

Found along the world-famous Route 62, the small farming town of Montagu is a travel mecca for tourists and families alike.

It offers the perfect weekend- or holiday-escape to safe, rural surroundings, where Cape charm, warm hospitality and pretty, peaceful surroundings are a guarantee.

Montagu is a safe town to visit with kids, as much as it is one to raise children in. Best of all, there are plenty of popular, family-friendly local attractions -ranging from pony rides to nature walks and cycling.

Arguably the most famous family-friendly attraction is the Avalon Springs, where visitors can splash and soak in Montagu’s famous hot water springs.

The resort of great accommodation; fun, on-site activities (like putt-putt, swimming, including kiddies’ pools and slides, an aviary and more) – and of course, the chance to warm your bones in its glorious hot water springs.

The Montagu Avalon Springs is a popular day or overnight resort experience, found roughly 2-2.5 hours away from Cape Town.

Tel: +27 (0) 23 614 1150

Email: (Reservations) natasha@avalonsprings.co.za, (Front Office) debbie@avalonsprings.co.za

Web: www.avalonsprings.co.za

8. Pay a visit to the Worcester Museum

Tucked away in the Breede River Valley, the Worcester Museum invites visitors to acquaint themselves with the town and the area’s rich Cape history, spanning from indigenous hunter-gatherers to trekker farmers and industrial advances.

This cultural history museum has a strong agricultural influence. In light of this, you can expect to find collections depicting agricultural implements, old wagons, furniture and ceramics to name a few.

The grounds boast structures that quaintly form a traditional Cape farmyard, while live demonstrations – such as bread baking in an outdoor brick oven or blacksmith forging metals – offer a more interactive, educational experience.

Highlights include demonstrations like coffee roasting, soap making, milk tart baking and donkey cart rides.

For more information on activities, demonstrations and guided tours, please contact the Worcester Museum directly.

While you are there, enjoy a light meal at the on-site restaurant and tearoom.

Worcester Museum

Opening hours: 08:00 – 16:30, Monday to Friday.

08:00 – 13:00, Saturdays.

Note: The museum is closed on the following public holidays: New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Activity rates: Entry to the museum is free every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Booked school groups also enjoy free entry.

Additional entry fees: R15 per adult. R5 per child.

Tel: +27 (0) 23 342 2225/6

Email: ellen.strauss@westerncape.gov.za

Web: worcestermuseum.org.za

9. Visit a kid-friendly Beach

Cape Town has plenty of gorgeous, city beaches to choose from. But some are decidedly more kid-friendly than others. Especially as far as safe bathing, fewer crowds and beach playtime are concerned.

One of the most famous kiddie beaches is undoubtedly St James. With its beloved tidal pool and small stretch of sand, this is the ideal spot to introduce young children to the beach, as it is safe and very much a family beach. (Just try get here early to avoid the crowds…)

Another less well-known but equally child-friendly beach is Miller’s Point in Simon’s Town. Here, you can generally escape the crowds and enjoy a fun day at the beach with the little ones. There is also a nice tidal pool, with its own water slide, here.

Another Simon’s Town gem – and perhaps the most popular spot for tourists and families alike – is Boulders Beach.

Aside from its chunky granite boulders, relatively warm, aqua waters and famous, resident African penguins (who swim and walk alongside you) – Boulders is also a safe, secluded spot, ideal for children’s swimming and playtime.

Again, it’s best to arrive early to miss the crowds. Also, please be mindful of your children around the penguins… They can and will bite if threatened! For information and pricing regarding Boulders Beach, please see here.

Finally, we have blue flag beach, Camps Bay… Although it is often touted as the city’s most fashionable beach – Camps Bay also offers a beautiful, clean shoreline, with relatively safe swimming and gorgeous beach sand. This is why you will often see plenty of families with children at this popular beach.

Camps Bay is almost always busy, especially during summertime – but there is normally a spot to pitch your umbrella or enjoy some quiet time by yourselves.

Cape Town Tourism

Tel: +27 (0) 861 322 223

Email: info@capetown.travel

Web: www.capetown.travel/a-guide-to-beaches-in-cape-town

10. Enjoy A Wine Farm Experience

The Western Cape’s wine routes are hugely family-friendly. So happily, families with kids can enjoy everything from child-friendly picnics, jungle gyms, pony rides, cycling, markets, restaurants, animal encounters to other fun activities.

Both adults and children can savour a special day out in the Cape Winelands. Because no matter which wine route you visit, there is always a child-friendly activity or wine farm nearby.