Cape Town Rainy Day Activities for Families

The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront displays marine life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Entry costs R210 for adults and R100 for children. It opens daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Located on the V&A Waterfront’s quay, the aquarium lies less than a 10-minute drive from the Cape Liberty cruise port. Large tanks house ragged-tooth sharks, brightly coloured reef fish, and African penguins. The gentle bubbling of water and occasional splash from nearby swimming seals create an immersive atmosphere. The predator exhibit shows sizeable sharks gliding silently, while the touch pool allows children to gently feel starfish and sea urchins.

The aquarium café features light snacks and refreshments, giving parents a place to relax while children watch the fish. For more family activities near the waterfront, walk through the family hotels in Cape Town and plan a full day in the area.

Yes. The Iziko South African Museum, located in the Company’s Garden, features affordable admission (R30 for adults; free for under 18s) and engaging exhibits like dinosaur skeletons and San rock art, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The museum sits on Queen Victoria Street, about a 15-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront. It combines natural history and cultural displays, with dinosaur bones arranged in a dimly lit hall that captures children’s imaginations. The smell of old wood and polished floors adds a historic atmosphere. Nearby, the Planetarium provides scheduled shows about stars and planets, making it a well-rounded educational stop.

If the rain eases, the adjacent Company’s Garden is worth a quick walk to stretch legs. For families interested in science and culture, see our guide to Cape Town with kids for more museum options.

Rush Trampoline Park in Claremont features wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball courts for children aged 3 and up, with hourly sessions priced at R130. It opens daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.

Located on Main Road, Claremont, the park is about a 25-minute drive from the cruise port. Inside, the air smells faintly of rubber and fresh paint, with the constant sound of bouncing and laughter filling the space. Parents can sit in the adjoining café, which serves coffee and snacks, while watching children jump and play.

For younger children or families wanting a wider range of activities, consider visiting Playdate Superpark at the V&A Waterfront, which includes climbing walls and obstacle courses.

Art Jamming has a relaxed studio space where children and adults can paint on canvases starting at R160, with all materials provided. It is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

This creative studio on Dock Road allows families to sit together around tables covered with paint pots, brushes, and aprons. The faint scent of acrylic paint mixes with the sounds of brushes tapping on canvas. Kids are free to express themselves, creating colourful artworks to take home.

For other craft ideas nearby, the Clay Café in Hout Bay features pottery painting sessions at affordable rates starting from R120 per person.

The Cape Town Science Centre in Observatory provides hands-on science exhibits and workshops for children, with entry at R75 for adults and R40 for children. It is open weekdays 9 AM to 4:30 PM and weekends 9 AM to 2:30 PM.

Located on Caledon Street, the centre is about a 15-minute drive from the waterfront. Exhibits include robotics demonstrations, renewable energy displays, and physics experiments designed to engage children through touch and interaction. The atmosphere buzzes with curious chatter and the hum of interactive machines.

For more indoor educational activities, see the Cape Town Science Centre’s official site or the detailed family guide at Cape Town family hotels and activities.

The Labia Theatre on Orange Street screens family-friendly films in a vintage setting, with tickets priced at R70 for adults and R50 for children. Showtimes vary daily, usually starting from 11 AM to 8 PM.

This independent cinema is about a 10-minute drive from the V&A Waterfront. Inside, the smell of freshly popped popcorn fills the air, and the soft glow of old-style lamps adds warmth. Rows of comfortable seats face a large screen where children’s movies and animated features often play.

There are several cafés and eateries nearby, including the Hard Rock Café, which welcomes families with a kids’ menu and lively atmosphere.

Sense of Taste Chef School features family cooking classes ranging from pasta making to baking, with prices starting at R450 per person. Classes run from 10 AM to 1 PM and require advance booking.

Located on Regent Road in Sea Point, the school is about a 20-minute drive from the cruise port. The kitchen smells of fresh herbs, spices, and roasting bread. Instructors guide participants through each step, making the environment both fun and educational. Children enjoy hands-on tasks like kneading dough and decorating cupcakes.

For more ideas on family dining and cooking options, visit our page on kid-friendly restaurants in Cape Town.

Cafés such as Café Paradiso on Kloof Street and Starlings Café in Claremont provide warm atmospheres with play areas and child-friendly menus, ideal for rainy afternoons.

Café Paradiso, located at 15 Kloof Street, is a cozy spot with wooden floors and soft lighting. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods fills the air. Children can play in a small, supervised area while adults enjoy artisan coffee or herbal teas. Starlings Café at 45 Main Road, Claremont, features hearty soups and sandwiches, with a relaxed vibe and colouring books to keep kids occupied.

See our complete list of kid-friendly cafés and restaurants in Cape Town for other options.

The Planetarium hosts immersive shows about stars and the universe, with ticket prices at R65 for adults and R35 for children. Shows run several times daily and last about 45 minutes each.

Inside the museum on Queen Victoria Street, the Planetarium is a dark, dome-shaped room where visitors sit reclining as stars and planets appear overhead in vivid projection. The room is cool and quiet, except for the narrator’s voice explaining constellations and celestial events.

For more on the museum and related activities, visit the Iziko Museums website or our detailed family guide.

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