Exploring Cape Town with your kids

06 April 2018 | Carla de Klerk

Travelling with kids in a major city can often be difficult. In Cape Town, however, you’re in safe hands with City Sightseeing and its iconic open-top red bus.

Exploring the Mother City is as easy as hopping on and off at top family-friendly attractions. Here’s our guide of activities to experience with the kids ...

1. Hop on the City Sightseeing red bus to see the best Cape Town has to offer

The City Sightseeing red bus is undoubtedly the best way to see Cape Town. Think of the experience as an induction to the city, during which you will be taken to all the must-see places that would otherwise have proven difficult to get to if you don’t have a car or map handy. By hopping off and on at over 27 different stops, you will see amazing sights such as Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, museums and even some of the best beaches the city has to offer.

How to get there: You can hop on the red bus from any stop en route your journey or at designated ticket offices at the V&A Waterfront, 81 Long Street or Camps Bay. Be sure to buy tickets online for a R20 discount! Don't forget to plan your trip with our comprehensive schedule here.

2. See Table Mountain

The Table Mountain Cableway is definitely not to be missed for anyone visiting Cape Town. Be prepared for breathtaking views and fantastic photo opportunities. The City Sightseeing red bus is the best way to visit Table Mountain – don’t forget to buy your Cableway tickets from your bus driver and skip the long queues.

How to get there: Table Mountain Cableway is stop 7 on our City Tour. Don’t worry about traffic or parking at the world-famous attraction – the red bus will drop you right near the Lower Cableway Station.

3. Go underwater at the Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront is one of the most unique aquariums worldwide because of its location at the foot of Africa where two oceans meet. Expect to see an incredible showcase of over 3 000 marine animals found in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, including sharks, turtles, a myriad of fish species and penguins. While you’re here, dare to go a bit closer to the water and you’ll even find our V&A Waterfront Harbour Cruise just outside the Two Oceans Aquarium waiting to take you on a 25-minute journey through the harbour.

How to get there: The V&A Waterfront is stop 1 on our City and Mini Peninsula tours. It is also conveniently located next to our ticket office and the Two Oceans Aquarium .

4. Stop for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Camps bay

Known for its picturesque beach and trendy restaurants and shops on the strip, Camps Bay is a stop that will entertain young and old. Dip your toes into the cold Atlantic Ocean and build a sandcastle on the pristine beach, and when your energy is spent, visit the Hard Rock Cafe for a burger and a recharge. Don’t forget to show your red-bus ticket when paying the bill and you’ll receive a 10% discount!

How to get there: Camps Bay is stop 5 on our Mini Peninsula Tour and is also home to one of our ticket offices.

5. Open your senses at the World of Birds

World of Birds Sanctuary and Monkey Park is the largest of its kind in Africa, boasting more than 3 000 birds and small animals representing over 400 unique species. World of Birds also has bird-feeding times during which children can interact with penguins. Make this a memorable trip by packing a picnic basket to enjoy with the birdsong.

How to get there: World of Birds is stop 22 on our Mini Peninsula Tour. While you’re in the Hout Bay area, hop off at Imizamo Yethu, stop 23, to enjoy our Township Walking Tour.

Hop-on Hop-Off

Hop on the open top red bus and enjoy the sights of Cape Town – from Table Mountain to the V&A Waterfront, from Camps Bay to Kirstenbosch. The Classic package gives you one full day on the bus covering all hop-on, hop-off tours.

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