10 Fun Things to Do This Summer Around Cape Town 2024

Summer is the perfect season for families to create lasting memories together, and there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy with kids. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, creative indoor projects, or trips to local attractions, this summer offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration. Embrace the sunshine and make this summer unforgettable with activities that entertain, educate, and bring everyone closer together. To provide some inspiration, here are 10 fun things to do this summer in Cape Town.

Book your summer thrill at Acrobranch (Constantia, Stellenbosch, Garden Route)

Ready for an unforgettable summer adventure? Acrobranch has you covered with 2-hour Treetop Adventure courses designed for kids (from age 3) and adults alike! Experience the joy of climbing, swinging and zipping through the trees while bonding with your loved ones in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a fun family outing or a thrilling day with friends, Acrobranch guarantees smiles and memories that last a lifetime.

This summer, get 25% OFF on all Adventure courses with promo code: WithKids25 (Valid until 31 Jan 2025). Don’t miss out – Join Acrobranch outdoor adventures for an epic treetop experience!

When: Nov 2024 – 31 Jan 2025, Operational days & times: Wed-Sun (incl. Public Holidays & Public School Holidays), 1st timeslot at 9 am – last time slot at 4 pm (Parks close at 6 pm) *Only closed on Christmas - & New Years Day

Where: 11 Parks in SA (Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN) The 12th Park: Acrobranch Rustenburg in North-West province opens on Sat, 14 Dec 2024

Slide into the festive season with Canal Walk Holiday Ice Slides inspired by Disney (Century City)

Get ready for a season of thrilling adventure at Canal Walk! The popular Canal Walk Holiday Ice Slides, inspired by Disney, are back, bringing the magic of tropical islands and oceanic landscapes inspired by the release of Moana 2 to life. Enjoy ice slides, sand play and Disney-themed photo booths to set the stage for an unforgettable holiday experience.

When: 6 December 2024 – 12 January 2025 (closed on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024), 10h00 – 20h45 (The last session starts at 20h00. Sessions last 45 minutes and start every hour on the hour)
Where: Canal Walk Centre Court. Closest entrance
Wallet: Entrance 10 roof parking, Rates from R50 (mini rider), R120 full Rider

Play, don't stop at Playalot (Kuils River, Cape Town Northern Suburbs)

Visit Playalot, Cape Town’s premier indoor adventure park and party venue for parents and kids! This stunning, travel-themed adventure park features age-appropriate play zones as well as a Playalot Café, a VIP Lounge (licensed bar), a golf simulator and a beauty salon. In addition, their corporate offering consists of spacious coworking spaces and meeting rooms with USB and HDMI facilities and uncapped wi-fi.

Visit the fish as often as you wish at Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town)

Don't just visit the Two Oceans Aquarium during these school holidays, treat your family with an annual membership. With a Two Oceans Aquarium annual membership, you can visit the fish as often as you wish during the year of your membership. Not only that, but there are also various discounts for members, like 25% discount on Penguin Experiences and Behind-the-Scenes Tours. Other benefits include events specially organised for and aimed at Aquarium members and special rates for au pairs, students and pensioners. Memberships are valid from the day that they are activated on-site, so they also make amazing festive gifts for individuals and families.

When: Every day, 09h30 – 18h00 during the week and 09h00 – 18h00 over weekends and holidays
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium
Who: All ages are welcome
Wallet: Free* entrance for children under 4yo, other day visit rates from R115 (please see their website for the latest offers)

Celebrate the latest Noddy Party 2024 (Somerset West, Cape Winelands)

The Round Table Somerset West 31 non-profit organization is again hosting the entertaining Noddy Party at the Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West. During the week, the gates will open at 5 pm and during the weekend at 4 pm.

If the kids want to have fun on a tractor ride, the rides will begin at 18:00. Bring a picnic along to enjoy while Noddy and friends entertain the kids. If you want to give your child a gift at the end of the show, remember to bring a well-wrapped gift to give to Santa’s helpers.

When: 29, 30 November, and 5,6, and 7 December 2024

Where: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West

Cost: R40 – R115

Shop at the Family Christmas Extravaganza (Bellville)

For two nights only in December, you can bring the whole family to enjoy an amazing Christmas musical production, brought to you by the CE Cape Town North Church. You will get to see one of the most beautiful Christmas trees, dancing gift boxes, and loads more colourful experiences. There is nothing better than making memories together with family and friends.

When: 5 December and 6 December 2024
Where: 6 Viro Cres, Stikland Industrial, Cape Town
Cost: R50-R75

Get wild at Santa’s Sleighbell Safari, Artscape Arena (Cape Town)

A family-friendly performance that showcases songs and puppetry, offering a magical and visually colourful story of how, by working together, the impossible is made possible. The story follows the Tinker and two elves, who must travel back in time to save Christmas. If you want to find out how the adventure ends, make sure to make your booking at the Artscape Theatre.

When: 18 December to 21 December 2024
Where: Artscape, Arena, Cape Town
Cost: R150

Meander through markets like Cape Town’s Summer Market (Companies Garden, Cape Town)

The annual Cape Town Summer Market or My Cape Town Market, as it is now called, is again offering a family fun experience this summer. The aim is to be even better and bigger than before, offering a wide range of arts, crafts, food, entertainment and loads more.

When: 16 December to 20 December 2024 (16 and 17 December from 3 pm-10 pm and 18 to 20 December from 4 pm-9 pm)
Where: Company's Garden,15 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre
Wallet: Free entry

Sing along to Sunset Carols at Middelvlei (Stellenbosch)

Enjoy family time, where the kids can enjoy games and get to know the farm animals at the Middelvlei working farm. There are beautiful lawns, where the whole family can enjoy the sunset and Christmas carols.

Father Christmas will also be making a special appearance and he will be handing out gifts to the kids. While you wait for the sun to set, couples can take pleasure in a special tapas platter (R450), while the kids can enjoy a snack box, containing a variety of yummy goodies (R100). So, make sure to diarize this special event.

When: 1 December 2024
Where: Middelvlei Wine Estate, Flamingo Street, Stellenbosch
Wallet: R450 per couple and R100 per child under 12 (Pre-booking is essential)

Make a date night of exploring Durbanville Craft Market – Night Market (Durbanville, Northern Suburbs)

Durbanville is a popular destination in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, where you will find plenty of interesting craft markets. However, something special this summer is the Durbanville Night Market, which will be offering a range of activities for both young and old. Look out for a belly dancing performance or enjoy a sunset fun walk in aid of preventing animal abuse. The fun walk will start at 6 pm and the entrance fee is R40 for adults and R20 per child. The craft market itself will provide access to a variety of interesting stalls that sell books, hand-made gifts, food, and more.

When: 6 December 2024 (5 pm – 9 pm)
Where: 5 Louw Street – corner Louw and Hafele- behind the Durbanville Police station.
Wallet: Free

Stand a chance of winning family tickets to Canal Walks' Holiday Ice slides!

Remember to read our Things to do With Kids under R100 in CT and Family-friendly beaches in Cape Town for other ideas of what to do!

Visit a Child-Friendly Restaurant, Cape Town + Cape Winelands

As we gradually update our guide, feel free to contact your local child-friendly restaurant for a special time out. Please phone in advance to avoid disappointment as during lockdown things change on a daily basis.

• Cape Town Child Child-friendly restaurants
• Garden Route Family Restaurants
• Somerset-West Child-friendly Restaurants
• Stellenbosch Restaurants
• Paarl Restaurants

Find a child-friendly picnic spot near you

Do you want to enjoy spring outside and in the sunshine, why not visit one of the many child-friendly picnic spots in Cape Town? It is one of my favourite outings as you get a good mix of nature, open space and good food!

Have fun and keep in touch with social media! Facebook: @thingstodowithkids, Twitter @thingstodo_kids and Instagram @thingstodowithkids.

Spending the holiday in another part of our beautiful country like Johannesburg? Check out our guide on What's on for Families in Johannesburg This Summer 2024.