Kids bored? Keep them entertained at these Cape Town spots

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While 2024 brought plenty to learn – including the Oxford Word of the Year, “brain rot” – this year doesn’t have to mirror its meaning: the dilution of quality brain activity due to the consumption of unchallenging digital content. For many parents, the key to avoiding this phenomenon might be as simple as getting the kids out of the house.

Luckily, Cape Town and its surrounds offer plenty of ways to keep young minds engaged and active. With the load of public holidays and school breaks in the pipeline, finding creative ways to keep children happy and occupied becomes essential.

Here are four activities to inject some much-needed fun and adventure into a new and exciting year…

Bounce, swing, and putt at Playrock Adventure Park

Have some fun at Playrock Adventure Park. Image: supplied

Located in the Cape Winelands, Playrock Adventure Park in Paarl is a haven for active kids. Featuring trampolines, mini golf, an outdoor soccer pitch, and more, this park promises hours of energetic fun. Parents can unwind at the family-friendly restaurant while the kids explore the indoor and outdoor play zones.

Trading hours: Tuesday–Friday, 12:00–18:00; Saturday–Sunday, 09:00–18:00
Fees: R40+ per child; spectators enter free.
Booking: Recommended for weekends and group visits.

Get active at the Spice Route Destination with Paarl Adventure Trails

Jump on a mountain bike at Paarl Adventure Trails. Image: supplied

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking a stroll in a beautiful, safe environment, Paarl Adventure Trails located at the Spice Route Destination in Paarl near Cape Town offers something for every family member. With routes ranging from an easy 5km for little legs to more challenging 35km trails for the adventurous, there’s plenty to do. If you don’t own a bicycle, you can simply clock in and book a premium mountain bike. The pump track is free and provides lots of fun for the kids.

After working up an appetite, consider treating the family to wood-fired pizzas and refreshments at La Grapperia Pizzeria & Bistro, just a short walk from the trailhead.

Spice Route Destination office hours (for Paarl Trails SnapScan payments): Open Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00. Closed: 25 December and 1 January. Early closure will be on 24 and 31 Dec at 16:00.
Paarl trails fees: Day passes and annual permits are available.
Paarl trails booking: Bookings are not compulsory but recommended.

Unleash more indoor energy at Freedom Adventure Park

Bounce around at Freedom Adventure Park. Image: supplied

For an adrenaline-filled day, head to Freedom Adventure Park, with locations at Canal Walk and Tokai. This premium indoor play park caters to kids (and adults!) of all ages, offering climbing zones, trampolines, and an in-house restaurant for refuelling.

Trading hours: Monday–Sunday, 09:00–21:00
Fees: R150 per hour (kids); R85 for toddlers; R400 for an all-day pass.
Booking: Walk-ins welcome, but pre-booking is wise for peak times.

Enjoy on a family-friendly hike at Newlands Forest

cape town kids — Newlands Forest, Cape Town. Image: canva

If your kids need a breath of fresh air, Cape Town’s Newlands Forest offers a gentle introduction to hiking. With beginner-friendly trails, shady picnic spots, and even a waterfall to discover, this Table Mountain National Park gem is a perfect spot for families. Enjoy a braai at one of the designated areas or simply soak in the serenity of the forest.

Location: Off the M3 Highway, Newlands, Cape Town
Entry Fees: R42 per adult; R21 per child (South African citizens with ID)
Booking: No booking required – just pack your picnic basket and go!