What to Do With Kids This Winter in Cape Town
Cape Town in winter has a different kind of magic. Cooler days bring quieter attractions, fewer crowds, lower travel costs, and plenty of family-friendly experiences perfect for weekends and school holiday adventures.
From indoor play spaces and aquariums to scenic train rides and cosy movie outings, there’s no shortage of things for families to do during the colder months. Many of Cape Town’s best winter activities are also conveniently located close to Green Point and the Atlantic Seaboard, making it easy to explore without spending hours in traffic.
If you’ve been wondering what families can do in Cape Town during winter, here are some of the best activities to add to your list.
Explore the Underwater World at the Two Oceans Aquarium
One of Cape Town’s top rainy-day activities for families, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront offers an exciting indoor adventure for younger children and curious explorers alike.
Kids can watch penguins waddling around, spot sharks gliding through massive tanks, and get hands-on at the touch pool. The aquarium regularly hosts holiday programmes and feeding demonstrations, making it easy to spend a full morning here.
It’s also ideal for winter because almost the entire experience takes place indoors
Visit the Cape Town Science Centre
The Cape Town Science Centre is one of the best indoor activities for children during winter.
Interactive exhibits, puzzles, building stations, and science experiments keep younger kids entertained while still feeling educational. School holiday programmes and live demonstrations also make repeat visits worthwhile.
This is a particularly good option for parents looking for activities that work well on rainy days.
Ride the City Sightseeing Red Bus
Cape Town’s famous red sightseeing bus becomes even more enjoyable during winter when the city is quieter and the queues are shorter.
The City Sightseeing Cape Town route allows families to explore multiple attractions without constantly getting back into the car. Kids enjoy the open-top experience, while parents can hop on and off at stops including Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront, and the city centre.
Choose a clear winter day for some of the best mountain views of the year.
Take a Train Ride to Simon’s Town
On calmer winter days, the train ride from Cape Town to Simon’s Town becomes part of the adventure itself.
The scenic coastal route offers beautiful ocean views along the way, while Simon’s Town gives families plenty to explore once they arrive — from cafés and seaside walks to the famous penguins at Boulders Beach.
Winter often means fewer crowds around the penguin viewing areas, making the experience feel far more relaxed.
Make the Most of Cape Town’s Winter School Holidays
One of the best things about winter in Cape Town is that many activities become more affordable and easier to access during the quieter season.
Families can comfortably combine indoor experiences with short outdoor adventures depending on the weather, creating flexible itineraries that work well for younger children.
For visitors planning a weekend getaway or school holiday trip, staying centrally makes exploring far simpler. ANEW Hotel Green Point offers convenient access to many of Cape Town’s popular family attractions, including the V&A Waterfront, Green Point Park, Sea Point, and the city centre. The hotel’s location also makes it easy for families to enjoy winter activities without spending long periods driving across the city.
Cape Town may be colder in winter, but for families looking for memorable experiences, it’s one of the city’s best seasons to explore.
