School holidays in Cape Town: Five things to do with kids

With school holidays in Cape Town starting this Friday 28 March, it’s time for parents to think about how to keep the little ones busy. Cape Town’s mild climate and vibrant cultural scene offer plenty to make this vacation the best yet. 

Young explorers called to Iziko school holiday programme

From 1–3 April, Iziko Museums is running three exciting workshops to keep pupils busy during their vacation. Young nature lovers aged 8-12 can join the Iziko South African Museum and come up close with whales and sharks. 

At the imposing Castle of Good Hope, children aged 8-12 will take part in a mystery hunt. There’s also a workshop on designing your own board game. Finally, the South African National Gallery invites kids from 7-10 years old to create a mixed media collage. Participants will take inspiration from artworks on display to create their own masterpieces. 

Get creative with the Zeitz MOCAA school holiday club

school holidays in cape town
 The impressive Zeitz MOCAA offers a holiday club this April. Image via Unsplash.

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) is one of Cape Town’s most popular attractions. During the school holidays, the art museum is running a special holiday activity. Children aged 6-16 will be guided through the process of making umbrellas. The workshop takes inspiration from an exhibition and the umbrellas used in Ghanaian royal processions. 

The activity is free for members and their children. For non-members, a single entry with your child is R250. The programme runs 31 March to 4 April. The museum is also open for regular visits and African residents can visit for free on Wednesday mornings. 

Sporty activities at Intaka Island

Ready, set, go! Young athletes have an action-packed line-up of sporty activities waiting for them at Intake Island in Century City. Children aged 7-12 can spend their mornings getting their heartrate up on the beautiful island. 

Boat rides, mini Olympics and races are some of the activities lined up. The school holiday programme runs from 2-4 April. It costs R130 per day. 

Take the plunge into pools and beaches

school holidays in cape town
Kids can enjoy their school holidays on Cape Town’s beaches. Image via Pixabay. 

Autumn’s here but that doesn’t mean it’s too late for a dip. Mindful of the school holidays, Cape Town’s municipal swimming pools have adjusted their hours. Families can enjoy the facilities between 10:00 and 18:00 daily, with the last ticket sold at 17:30.

Life guards will be on duty during the same times across the city’s many blue beaches. With over a dozen main beaches stretching from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, residents and tourists are spoilt for choice. 

Spend your school holiday in Cape Town with penguins

The iconic African penguin never fails to be a hit with children. Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town is the best place to see the black-and-white birds. Tickets are discounted for kids at R25 and R50 for over-12s. 

For those who really love the penguins, SANCCOB hosts a holiday programme in Table View. From 31 March to 4 April, children aged 6-12 will can enjoy nature walks, as well as arts and crafts. The programme costs R150 per day, and participants will even get a certificate. 

What are your plans for the school holidays in Cape Town?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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