Cape Town 1 Day Itinerary with Kids

This guest article has been written for us by Billy, a fellow global explorer and owner of the travel website BRB Gone Somewhere Epic

Introduction

With its spectacular natural setting, laid-back vibe, and wealth of family-friendly activities, Cape Town is a top destination for travelling with kids. Planning a quick day trip to this vibrant coastal city? This highly curated Cape Town 1 day kid-focused itinerary will help you experience the very best for a family on a tight schedule.

From riding the cable car up Table Mountain to frolicking with penguins at Boulders Beach, this guide covers exciting sights and activities to delight kids of all ages. With tips on getting around, where to eat, and how to keep your crew happy, you’ll be able to discover this amazing city as a family.

Ready to explore Cape Town with kids in just 24 hours? Grab your sunscreen, cameras, and sense of adventure. Let’s begin!

Cape Town 1 Day Itinerary with Kids

Morning: Table Mountain and Bo-Kaap

Start your family’s day exploring one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature – majestic Table Mountain. Take the cable car up, remembering to book tickets online in advance. The rotatable car ensures all ages get aerial views during the quick 5-minute ride.

On top, let the kids run free on the easy hiking trails and flats. Take the short walk to points like the reservoir for sweeping city views. See if anyone spots the dassies (rock hyraxes) sunbathing on the rocks!

For late morning, head to colorful Bo-Kaap for a dose of culture. Stroll down the picturesque streets and have kids hunt for the prettiest houses. Stop at the hands-on Bo-Kaap Museum and learn about South Africa’s Cape Malay community.

Fuel up on coffee and sweet treats at one of the cafes before heading to your next stop. Early is best for avoiding big tour groups in Bo-Kaap.

Insider Tip: Grab snacks, water, jackets, hats and sunscreen before visiting Table Mountain and Bo-Kaap.

Afternoon: Boulders Beach and Muizenberg

After working up an appetite, spend your afternoon on the eastern side of the peninsula. Kids will adore Boulders Beach and its waddling African penguin colony.

The boardwalk winds through round beach cobbles (boulders) down to the sandy beach and protected penguin nesting site. Observe the penguins from the viewing areas and make sure to bring your camera – the creatures are very photogenic! Allow 1-2 hours to see the penguins and enjoy the beach.

Next, head over to nearby Muizenberg Beach for some family-friendly fun in the sun. This surf spot has warm(er) water and gentle waves, plus a cool 1920s beachfront promenade. Rent boogie boards or wetsuits and hit the sand. Be sure to Instagram the iconic rainbow-colored beach huts!

Insider Tip: Weekdays are less crowded at Boulders. Note it’s closed some weekdays.

As the sun sets, head back toward Cape Town stopping for dinner at Hout Bay Harbour. Kids will love watching the seals play in the harbor waters while parents enjoy fresh seafood with a view!

Evening: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

No family trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to the lively V&A Waterfront. Spend your evening exploring this bustling harbor playground together.

Let the kids pick out unique gifts and souvenirs at the colorful Watershed market stalls. Stop for a sweet treat at Charly’s Bakery or the Ice Cream Factory.

As it gets dark, watch street performers like dancers, drummers, and magicians together. Then take in the festive atmosphere over dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants. Just be sure to reserve in advance!

End your evening watching the dazzling display at the V&A Waterfront’s Gugulethu Fountain. The music, lights, and dancing water never fail to captivate kids. Exhausted but happy, you’ll head home after a full day of family adventures!

Insider Tip: Pick up takeout or a picnic dinner if reservations are tough or kids are melty. Relax on the Waterfront lawns.

Beyond One Day

While the above itinerary shares many highlights, there are even more amazing kid-approved experiences to enjoy in Cape Town and the surrounding areas over multiple days:

• Cape Point and Peninsula Tour – See wildlife like whales and penguins and ride the funicular up Cape Point.
• Kalk Bay Tidal Pools and Shark Spotting – Swim in ocean baths and try to spot sharks from Clovelly Beach.
• Cape Town Science Centre – Hands-on exhibits bring science and technology to life.
• Two Oceans Aquarium – Sharks, penguins, turtles and more at this awesome aquarium.
• Lion’s Head Family Hike – Kid-friendly route with stunning city panoramas.

With so many family-friendly options, you’ll want to return again and again to experience all this spectacular seaside city has to offer!

Essential Cape Town Day Trip Info for Families

Essential: Insurance

Don’t leave home without travel insurance – Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for South Africa that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. Better safe than sorry!

When to Visit

Late November to April brings warm weather and peak crowds. May to mid-November offers moderate temperatures and fewer families. Whenever you visit, pack layers!

Where to Stay

Choose accommodations centrally located and near top family sights. Popular family-friendly areas include the Waterfront, Sea Point, and City Bowl.

Cape Town has lots of apartments, guesthouses and hotels catering to kids. Some top-rated options:

• Hostels – Once in Cape Town, Ashanti Gardens, or Sunflower Stop
• Budget – The Winston Boutique Hotel, or Daddy Long Legs Hotel
• Mid-range – Rhino Rock Guest House, Townhouse Hotel
• Luxury – Cape Grace, Twelve Apostles Hotel

Getting Around with Kids

Cape Town offers families many transportation options to choose from:

• Uber or pre-booked taxis – Convenient way to get around with car seats provided. Can be pricey for full day.
• City Sightseeing Bus – Hop-on, hop-off buses hit top spots. Good overview for kids.
• Walk – Hoofing it works for shorter distances and areas like the V&A Waterfront. Just bring a stroller.

Pro Tip: Purchase a Cape Town Card for easy access to family-friendly attractions, transportation, and discounts on popular activities.

Day Trip Logistics

• Reserve Table Mountain Cableway tickets online. Visit early to avoid wind closures.
• Pack snacks, water, sun protection, jackets, first aid kit, wet wipes, and trash bags.
• Take Dramamine if kids get motion sickness easily.
• Check tide times for Boulders Beach penguins. Arrive 2-3 hours before high tide.

Travel Tips for a Cape Town Family Day Trip

Planning a successful day trip with kids takes some extra preparation and know-how. 

Follow these Cape Town travel tips to keep your crew happy, healthy, and ready for adventure:

• Pack light layers – Cape Town’s weather can shift quickly. Bring jackets, hats, and sun protection.
• Wear closed-toe shoes – Sturdy sneakers or sandals help little feet on the trails and uneven surfaces.
• Load up on snacks – Bring lots of kid-approved snacks and water to prevent hanger tantrums. Granola bars, apple sauce pouches, and nuts work well.
• Choose child-friendly meals – Keep meals simple with familiar or easy-to-share foods. Pick restaurants with kids’ menus.
• Pack first-aid supplies – Bring children’s pain/fever reliever, bandages, anti-itch cream, disinfectant wipes, etc.
• Carry cash – Have some cash on hand for tipping, snacks, and hawkers. Many vendors don’t take credit cards.
• Let them sleep – If renting a car, let tired kids nap in transit between destinations.
• Build in downtime – Alternate active adventures with chill time to recharge. Kids need breaks!
• Keep devices charged – Have spare charging packs and cables to keep phones and tablets powered up for pictures and entertainment.
• Travel early or late – Avoid midday heat when kids tire easily. Take advantage of cooler temps in AM and PM.
• Make the trip educational – Teach your kids about the country by reading fun facts about South Africa’s history, culture, wildlife and more before your trip. They’ll be excited to spot Table Mountain or penguins in real life.

Most importantly, keep a flexible mindset and sense of humor. Slower travel days happen but make lifelong memories! With these practical tips, your Cape Town family day trip will be an amazing success.

Final thoughts

With its magnificent natural scenery, cosmopolitan energy, and diversity of attractions, Cape Town offers an incredible amount to see and do, even on the shortest visit. 

Follow this well-crafted 1 day Cape Town itinerary to experience the highlights and find your own adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. 

From the majestic Table Mountain to the lively V&A Waterfront, you’re sure to fall in love with the “Mother City” on your whirlwind day trip. Just beware – you’ll likely be planning a return trip before your plane even takes off!

Cape Town with kids:  FAQs

What is the best way to get around Cape Town in 1 day?

Use a combination of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to hit the main attractions, Uber/taxis for direct trips between neighborhoods not covered by the bus, and walking to explore areas like the V&A Waterfront on foot.

What should I absolutely not miss on a 1 day Cape Town trip?

Be sure to ride the cable car up Table Mountain early in the day for stunning views and hike around the top. End your day immersed in the lively atmosphere and abundance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

What is the best area to stay for a 1 day visit?

Stay as centrally as possible in neighborhoods like City Bowl or the V&A Waterfront area to be within close proximity to top attractions and restaurants. This also minimizes transit time.

How hard is it to get cable car tickets to Table Mountain?

It’s highly recommended to pre-book your cable car tickets online well in advance of your trip to ensure availability for your preferred time slot, as tickets often sell out, especially during peak visiting seasons.

Can I see penguins in Cape Town in just 1 day?

Yes! Visit Boulders Beach in the late morning or afternoon to see and photograph the cute African penguin colony that calls it home. An easy spot to add into a 1 day itinerary.

Is Cape Town safe for a quick solo visit?

Yes, Cape Town is generally safe, especially in the city center and tourist areas. Simply use common sense solo travel precautions, stick to populated streets at night, and consider organized tours for activities like wine tasting.

What’s the best way to save money on a short Cape Town trip?

Use public transit like the sightseeing bus and MyCiTi instead of taxis, stay at affordable lodging a bit outside the main tourist zones, pack snacks/food to avoid constant restaurant meals, and look for free walking tours of top neighborhoods.