As a mom, I understand the challenge of finding budget-friendly activities to keep little ones entertained in winter. I often find myself asking, what can we do on a cold and rainy day in Cape Town. With my own curious and energetic almost 3-year-old daughter by my side, I've embarked on countless adventures in search of indoor wonders that spark her imagination. Join me as I share our personal recommendations for rainy day fun activities in Cape Town that will keep your whole family enthralled, while staying within your budget.
1. Museums and Galleries: Cape Town is home to a variety of captivating museums and galleries that cater specifically to children. The Iziko Museum, Planetarium and Digital Dome at the South African Museum is a fantastic option, where kids can embark on awe-inspiring, fun and educational adventures. If your kids like dinosaurs they will love the museum, which has free entry for kids up to age 5. If your kids are interested in space they will be enthralled by the planetarium shows.
The Cape Town Science Centre is another exciting destination, offering interactive exhibits that make learning a thrilling experience. Buying memberships make visits even more affordable.
Another fairly new and free museum, suitable for kids of all ages, is the Museum of Childhood in Rondebosch. Our little one loved the craft station and the library, as well as the outdoor playground when the weather let-up. For mom and dad there is a free tea and coffee station. Pack your own snacks and enjoy an indoor picnic. They run on a donation basis so pay what you can afford.
2. Indoor Play Areas: For active youngsters who need to burn off some energy, indoor play areas are a perfect solution. Venues like Freedom Adventure Park (Tokai/Retreat), The Kids Shack (Rondebosch) and Bugz Family Playpark (near Stellenbosch), offer a multitude of stimulating activities, including slides, ball pits, trampolines, and obstacle courses. These indoor wonderlands provide a safe and exciting environment for children to explore and socialize with others, all while staying dry. Other popular indoor play parks in Cape Town are Playstation by Rush (Tokai/Retreat); Kidz Play (at Stadium on Main in Claremont); The Play Shed (Oude Moulen Village in Pinelands); Play A Lot (Kuilsriver); be UP Park (Pinelands); PlayDate Superpark (V&A Waterfront); RUSH Trampoline Park (Claremont); Kids Factory (Brackenfell); Action Bounce World (Montague Gardens); Wild West Play Park (Somerset West); Jump 4 Fun Trampoline Park (Gants Plaza) and Ipic Play (Durbanville) Most of these venues also offer party packages which are ideal for kids winter birthday parties.
3. Storytime at Libraries: On a rainy day, there's nothing quite as cosy as curling up with a good book. Many libraries in Cape Town organize story time sessions for children, where they can listen to captivating tales read aloud by passionate librarians. These sessions often include interactive activities and crafts related to the stories, fostering a love for reading and imagination. Best of all, library events are typically free of charge, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. Alternatively, just visiting your local library and getting to choose some books to read either at the library or to take home, is great fun. Visit the Cape Town Govt website for a list of all public libraries and find the one closest to your home to sign up for free (if you're not already a member). Just bring along your ID and proof of residence, and a copy of your child's birth certificate if they would like their very own library card.
4. Two Oceans Aquarium: One of our favourite rainy-day destinations in Cape Town is the Two Oceans Aquarium. With their After 3 Special, discounted rates are available for visits after 3pm, allowing you to explore the underwater wonders without breaking the bank. Inside the aquarium, there's an exciting indoor play area where kids can unleash their energy and enjoy imaginative play. There are also daily puppet shows that add an extra touch of wonder. The fact that children under 4 enter for free makes it even more accessible for families, and the option for yearly memberships allows unlimited visits throughout the year. The Two Oceans Aquarium is a captivating experience that combines education and entertainment, making it the perfect rainy-day adventure. There's also a Bootleggers Restaurant and Coffee shop just next to the Aquarium gift shop, which also has a great soft-play area and climbing wall for kids to play while you grab a coffee or bite to eat. Another good place for smaller birthday parties.
5. Ice Skating: Who says you can't enjoy winter activities in Cape Town? Lace up your skates and take your little ones for a spin on an indoor ice rink. The Ice Station in GrandWest Casino offers public ice-skating sessions where children can glide across the ice, giggling with delight. It's a fun-filled experience that brings a touch of frosty magic to any rainy day.
6. Roller Skating and Arcade: For those seeking some nostalgia, this indoor roller skating rink at Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront, is the perfect spot to keep your kids entertained and active, regardless of the weather outside. The Rollercade offers a fun and safe environment for children of all ages to lace up their skates and glide around to their heart's content. With its vibrant atmosphere, lively music, and colorful disco lights, the Rollercade creates an exciting and energetic ambiance that will have your little ones giggling with joy. It's not just about roller skating here; the venue also provides a range of additional activities and amenities, such as a café for parents to relax and grab a bite, as well as arcade games to add an extra dose of fun to your visit.
7. Kids Cinema: The V&A addition to the Ster-Kinekor menu is bursting with movie magic, including a first of its kind for the Western Cape in the form of a Kids’ Cinema.
The Kid’s Cinema is filled with all the vibrance, colour and comfort (in the form of bean bag seats) that little movie-lovers need, and also boasts a playground inside its theatre. For older kids and adults, Ster Kinekor offers half-price tickets for its regular cinemas on a Tuesday if you have a SK Club Card (if not, sign up, its FREE). You can also get a free ticket on your birthday, valid for 7 days. For Discovery Vitality members, activate your Vitality Ster-Kinekor Movie Benefit and get 50% off for adults and kids between 2-18 can watch 2D and 3D Movies FREE before 7pm at selected cinemas.
8. Artjamming: If you're looking for a creative and colourful activity to enjoy with your kids, Artjamming is the perfect choice. With studios located at the V&A Waterfront (above Toy Kingdom) and Somerset West (1 Bright St), Artjamming offers a unique and interactive art experience that encourages self-expression and unleashes the artist within. Step into their vibrant studio and let your imagination run wild as you and your little ones are provided with a blank canvas, a wide array of paint colours, and all the tools you need to create your masterpiece. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Artjamming is ideal for both children and adults, making it a fantastic bonding experience for the whole family. With helpful staff on hand to offer guidance and inspiration, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of creativity and artistic exploration. Whether your child is a budding Picasso or simply loves to get messy with paint, Artjamming in Cape Town provides the perfect platform to nurture their artistic talents and create lasting memories together.
Rainy days in Cape Town need not dampen the spirits of you and your children. With an array of budget-friendly options, the city provides a wealth of indoor activities that will keep little ones engaged, entertained, and inspired. From educational museums to creative workshops, there's something for every curious mind and energetic adventurer. So, when the raindrops fall, seize the opportunity to explore these indoor havens and create cherished memories with your kids that will warm your hearts long after the rainy season is over.
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