Kiersten Rich
Kiki lived in Cape town for four years and they’ve returned for multiple month-long trips with Oliver.
Nationality: German
Kids Ages: Four
Follow:
I lived in Cape Town for 4 years before becoming a mama, and explored so much of South Africa during that time. I don’t hesitate to tell everyone I meet that it’s my favorite place I’ve ever traveled (with 75 countries under my belt—that’s saying something!). There is SO much to discover here — whether it’s beautiful beaches, scenic hiking, beautiful winelands, or the bustling foodie scene. We now live in California but have returned twice (with Oliver as a baby and as a toddler), experiencing the more kid-friendly side of the city and surrounds. It’s the utimate family-friendly destination—I’m convinced there’s no place like it on earth!
Helpful Information
Emergency Info for Cape Town
Save +27 21 480 7700 on your cellphone, or you can dial 107 from a local landline. This is the local emergency service line that will connect you with relevant safety and medical providers. Most locals will tell you not to wait for an ambulance unless it’s an extreme situation and you can’t transport your child. It’s not like dialing 911 in the US.
In case of an emergency, go straight to the ER or the nearest hospital. The best two are Christiaan Barnard and Mediclinic in Gardens. Both of these hospitals are known to prioritize children and push them to the front of the queue.
Atlantic Children’s Practice by the Waterfront if you need to see a pediatrician (non-emergency)
Emergency preparedness is extremely important when traveling with a child as emergency services might not be as accessible or reliable in every part of the world. I highly recommend taking a Baby & Child CPR online course and brushing up before every trip. You can access an affordable online option through the Red Cross. I personally also love the TinyHearts Baby & Child First Aid course as it covers essential first aid topics, including CPR, choking, burns, and poisoning AND includes downloads you can save to your phone for quick reference.
Baby Gear Rental Company
We have always used Anew Leasing, and I highly recommend them! They carry high-end baby gear, and you can rent everything from full-sized cribs to Artipoppe baby carriers to high chairs. You can also pay to have everything delivered and picked up when you’re ready to return your items.
Local Nanny/Sitter Info
Paid childcare is extremely common in South Africa as most local families have a nanny or sitter for small children. The service is very accessible in Cape Town. Nannies will typically be South African, Zimbabwean, or Malawian and will speak English as well as other local languages (typically Afrikaans, Xhosa, or Zulu). If you want a full-time or “most of the time” nanny during your trip, I recommend the AuPairs SA website. Rates can range from R45-R100+ ($2.50-$4+) per hour though some nannies might charge more hourly for a short-term job than a long-term job.
As an American, I often struggle thinking outside of “work culture and an 8-hour day,” but many nannies & housekeepers (domestic workers) are happy to (and WANT to) work as many hours as possible while they have short-term employment. So if you want overnight stays or have a long day you need help with, it’s ok to ask.
I’ve also been recommended Winelands Nannies by lots of friends if you plan to stay in the Cape Winelands. This reputable company offers hourly packages starting at 330R ($18)/hr. If you have a wedding or event in Cape Town, they also offer luxury creche service pop-ups with soft play, toys, etc., at the venue with fully staffed nannies for all ages. How amazing is that?
Destination Information
Getting Around
with kids
7/10
Uber is very cheap but you will depend on renting a car or taking an uber most places. Some neighborhoods like Sea Point are very walkable, but the majority of the city is not as walkable. Public transportation isn’t the most reliable or recommended for tourists.
Cultural Kid-Friendliness
10/10
Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures but kids are loved and celebrated!
Activity Kid-Friendliness
10/10
Lots of things to do as a family! Cape Town is a very outdoor city, so there is SO much to do from hiking, to farmlands, to beaches. There are SOME “adults only” dining and hotel options so be mindful when booking,
Best Neighborhoods for Family Travelers
I always recommend staying in Sea Point for families. It’s walkable, coastal, and central, without the tourism of Camps Bay. The promenade has playgrounds and it’s always busy with kids, people, and pets from sunrise to sunset.
Other areas to great for families are the Waterfront and Camps Bay.
When visiting the Winelands, consider Constantia vs Stellenbosch or Franschoek. It’s only 30 minutes from the city with some beautiful wine farms.
My advice is to book far ahead if you intend to stay in the winelands when coming to Cape Town! Lots of amazing properties but they can book out months and months in advance for summer season November-March.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Donec nec justo eget felis facilisis fermentum. Aliquam porttitor mauris sit amet orci. Aenean dignissim pellentesque.
Boulders Beach
Oranjezicht Farmers Market
Boulders Beach
Oranjezicht Farmers Market
What to Do with Kids
Discovering Cape Town with kids is an adventure waiting to happen! You can start by taking the kids on a cable car ride up Table Mountain, where the panoramic views will leave everyone in awe. Down at the bustling V&A Waterfront, there’s something for everyone – from visiting the enchanting Two Oceans Aquarium to browsing through unique shops and enjoying a delicious meal overlooking the harbor.
1
Sea Point Pool
I’ve always loved going to the Sea Point pool! It’s about $1.75 for adult admission and there’s an Olympic sized pool, diving pool, and baby pool! I used to come midweek and tan at the baby pool because it’s the perfect depth and nobody is over here! Such a great place to cool off with or without kiddos in the summer.
Avoid weekends though because it gets completely packed
2
Farmer’s Markets
It’s open Wednesday evenings and weekends. If you come on a weekend, come as close to opening time as possible. It gets SUPER busy.
3
Take a Trip to Table Mountain
Officially known as a New 7 Natural Wonder of the World, Table Mountain is an incredible activity to enjoy with a baby.
You will want to buy tickets online in advance, but I usually wait to buy them until just before we want to go. That way you know the weather is ok and you can skip the ticket line. Sunset is my favorite. But, check the cable car up and down times. It might be earlier than you expect.
4
Visit the Penguins
Officially known as a New 7 Natural Wonder of the World, Table Mountain is an incredible activity to enjoy with a baby.
You will want to buy tickets online in advance, but I usually wait to buy them until just before we want to go. That way you know the weather is ok and you can skip the ticket line. Sunset is my favorite. But, check the cable car up and down times. It might be earlier than you expect.
It’s open Wednesday evenings and weekends. If you come on a weekend, come as close to opening time as possible. It gets SUPER busy.
5
Visit a Wine Farm
5
Visit a Wine Farm
One of my favorite wine farms is Babylonstoren, regardless of going with littles or not. But it’s especially fun with a toddler.
They have chickens, donkeys, and a massive garden to explore. They also have a gorgeous greenhouse to have lunch.
I also love Boschendal. This region is uniquely family friendly. You can book picnics, horse trails, playgrounds, etc. This particular spot has one of my favorite picnic set ups! Their wine and chocolate pairing is R240 ($13) and served outdoors. So if you have a toddler, it’s much less stressful to enjoy experiences like this. Kiddoc can run around while you enjoy.
It’s open Wednesday evenings and weekends. If you come on a weekend, come as close to opening time as possible. It gets SUPER busy.
What to Do with Kids in Cape Town
Discovering Cape Town with kids is an adventure waiting to happen! You can start by taking the kids on a cable car ride up Table Mountain, where the panoramic views will leave everyone in awe.
Where to Stay as a Family
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Cape Town with kids, there are several options to consider depending on your preferences and budget.
Tintswalo Boulders
Tintswalo Boulders presents an exquisite and intimate retreat boasting magnificent views of the iconic Boulders Beach. This boutique villa has gained acclaim for its close proximity to Boulders Beach, renowned for its indigenous African penguin colony.
A boutique hotel with a homelike feel that’s footsteps from a beach where you can swim with African Penguins!
One&Only Cape Town
Family friendly hotel One&Only may entice families with a fab location at the V&A Waterfront, (it’s right next door to the aquarium), but its biggest family trump card is KidsOnly, a dedicated 100m² clubhouse for 4- to 11-year-olds.
President Hotel
While staying in a hotel is great fun, sometimes you may wish you had a kitchen to warm a bottle or heat up a quick meal. This is where President Hotel in Bantry Bay comes in handy. Apart from standard guest rooms, it also features a range of spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with lounge areas and kitchenettes, which make a great option for families.
Where to Stay as a Family
Discovering Cape Town with kids is an adventure waiting to happen! You can start by taking the kids on a cable car ride up Table Mountain, where the panoramic views will leave everyone in awe.
Where to Eat with Kids
Discovering Cape Town with kids is an adventure waiting to happen! You can start by taking the kids on a cable car ride up Table Mountain, where the panoramic views will leave everyone in awe. Down at the bustling V&A Waterfront, there’s something for everyone – from visiting the enchanting Two Oceans Aquarium to browsing through unique shops and enjoying a delicious meal overlooking the harbor.
The Lawns Court
The Lawns Is a great sunset spot for the whole family with a fully outdoor setting and Incredible views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles. During the summer, they are open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is one of the most happening spots in Cape Town, and I love that you can still feel welcome In those environments with kids.
They have a designated lawn for kiddos! When booking, select Lawn 3 for the designated child-friendly area with a jumping castle and play area for kids.
It’s open Wednesday evenings and weekends. If you come on a weekend, come as close to opening time as possible. It gets SUPER busy.
Mojo Market
The Lawns Is a great sunset spot for the whole family with a fully outdoor setting and Incredible views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles. During the summer, they are open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is one of the most happening spots in Cape Town, and I love that you can still feel welcome In those environments with kids.
Blue Water Cafe
The Lawns Is a great sunset spot for the whole family with a fully outdoor setting and Incredible views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles. During the summer, they are open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is one of the most happening spots in Cape Town, and I love that you can still feel welcome In those environments with kids.
Butter All Day
The Lawns Is a great sunset spot for the whole family with a fully outdoor setting and Incredible views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles. During the summer, they are open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is one of the most happening spots in Cape Town, and I love that you can still feel welcome In those environments with kids.
They have a designated lawn for kiddos! When booking, select Lawn 3 for the designated child-friendly area with a jumping castle and play area for kids.
Posticino
The Lawns Is a great sunset spot for the whole family with a fully outdoor setting and Incredible views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles. During the summer, they are open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is one of the most happening spots in Cape Town, and I love that you can still feel welcome In those environments with kids.
Where to Eat with Kids
Discovering Cape Town with kids is an adventure waiting to happen! You can start by taking the kids on a cable car ride up Table Mountain, where the panoramic views will leave everyone in awe.
The Go-To Resource for Family Travel
The Baby Abroad was created for families to find the confidence to travel the world. On this site, you’ll find countless resources for traveling with kids, written by all types of families, to help you explore the world at every stage of life.
Share Your Family Tips & Trips with Our Community!
Traveled Europe with an infant? Flown with two under two? Know the best things to do with kids in London? The Baby Abroad aims to be the go-to resource for ALL families, so we’d love to share your travel tips with our community!
