Things to do with kids in Blouberg, Cape Town

Blouberg beach has a majestic postcard view of Table Mountain and, with the new road, quick access to the N7 and Northern Suburbs it's a must do. Blouberg is known for late afternoon windy weather. It’s best you get out there early morning when there is still ample parking as a bonus, especially during school holidays. It is my theory that by ten am everyone in Cape Town is up and about, so after ten you may have a hard time finding parking near the beach.

Blouberg (Blaauwberg) has a long white sandy beach on the Atlantic ocean, with a few rocky outcrops where black mussels are found. The water is cold due to the cold Benguela current- but that has never put off any kids I know. Big Bay is a very popular surfing spot due to the constant trade winds bringing a 1-3m surf for a majority of the year. Big Bay beach is also well known for how easy it is to extract White Mussels from the sand- so try your hand at it or ask a local for some help.

Take along your beach toys and even your dogs, as some of the restaurants are dog-friendly. Be reminded that it is the South African law that, no matter how friendly and well trained your doggy is, it should be on a leash and it should have a collar with a name badge and contact details on.

Prepare yourself for long strolls along the beach and if the kids are a bit older take them for a surfing lesson at big bay. If you didn’t pack lunch you can go shopping for it at Eden On The Bay, where one of the Table Mountain Yellow Frames is located, or go to “Ons Huisie” restaurant. Ons Huisie is part of the Seascape group and now caters more for children as part of the “Kidscape” campaign, making dining more family friendly. They also offer a doggy bar so if you don’t particularly like eating with animals around you, then rather wander off to Blue Peter. Blue Peter does not specifically cater for kids in terms of play areas, but they have a lovely lawn overlooking the beach so kids can freely move around. In my experience, you should head there before 4 pm as the sunset crowd then moves in. There is a lovely municipal play park right around the corner, next to the beach where kids can swing and slide to their delight.

So here goes - 14 family-friendly activities in Bloubergstrand

Go to the beach
Collect seashells
Build a sandcastle and decorate it with your seashells
Play beach bats
Get some Vitamin D (The Sun is your best resource for Vit D production)- just don’t get sunburn
Educate your kids about the sea creatures in rock pools on the island
Go for a surf lesson at Big Bay
Learn how to ride a stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
Show and tell your kids about Robin Island and the cultural history
Have lunch at Kidscape Ons Huisie or Blue Peter (Their pizzas are awesome!!)
Walk it all off
Take a picture of table mountain at the Big Bay Table Mountain Yellow Frame
End the day with a soft serve ice cream from the local ice-cream van in the parking lot
Discover the new back road and if the kids allow- take the scenic route past Durbanville Hills Wines- though this may be pushing it.