Summertime in the Mother City is nothing short of exceptional. There’s no end of things to do and places to see but in case you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, we’ve put together a handy guide with some of the most fun-filled, child-friendly and adventurous things to do out there.
So grab your sunscreen, throw on your favourite summer outfit and tick these cool experiences off your summer to-do list.
1. Tabogganing at Cool Runnings
Stay cool while out and about in the sunshine at Cool Runnings.
Hop onto the custom 1.25km track in a bobsled at this local spot and try your hand at tobogganing.
It’s a great way to embrace the warmer weather and it’s perfect for adults and children alike.
No experience is needed and although it may seem intimidating at first, tobogganing is easy and fun-filled.
Contact: 021 949 4439
Address: Off Carl Cronje Road, opp. Bellville Velodrome, behind the ‘ENGEN’ garage
Tygervalley 7530
Website: www.coolrunnings.capetown
2. Salsa Dancing at Sea Point Promenade
The Sea Point Promenade is the perfect spot to catch a summer sunset but if you’re not keen on just walking the prom, why not dance instead?
Sunset Salsa dancing offered by Sun-Kissed Salsa has become increasingly popular in recent months.
With warm weather to match and the cool seaside breeze, this exciting occasion is definitely worth checking out.
The event is held on different days depending on the weather so join the Facebook page here to find dates and times for the next event.
3. Supping at the V&A Battery Park
Stand up paddle your way through the V&A Waterfront canals with SUP Cape Town.
For just R200 per hour you can SUP the cool waters at one of the Mother City’s biggest tourist attractions and the new urban park.
Minimum skills are required and although it may look challenging at first, stand up paddling is relatively easy and a great summer activity.
Various locations are also available so check out their website for more options.
Contact: 083 955 4647
Address: Unit 1 Battery Park, Waterfront, Alfred Road, Cape Town (0.90 mi)
Cape Town, Western Cape 8000
Website: supcapetown.co.za
4. Watch a movie under the starts with Galileo
If you’re not looking to get active this summer, grab a blanket and some snacks and watch a movie instead.
Summer is the best season for kicking back under the stars and watching some golden oldies on the big screen.
Galileo Open Air Cinema has a variety of awesome movies showing this season and even a birthday special running until April 2020.
Contact: 071 471 8728
Website: www.thegalileo.co.za
5. Paint a clay creation at the Clay Cafe
So you’re planning a big day out on the town or an adventurous hike to celebrate summer but the rain starts pouring down. What do you do now?
In Cape Town, rain comes and goes and when it comes, it can sometimes be a little unexpected. If rain spoils your plans for the day, never fear, Clay Cafe is near.
Don’t fret, get creative and go on a painting adventure at Clay Cafe in Hout Bay and soon to be Clay Cafe in the CBD.
Personalise unique items to your heart’s content but remember, you will need to be able to return to the store in roughly three weeks to fetch your creation, fresh from the kiln.
Contact: 076 810 5120
Address: The Clay Cafe 4080. Hout Bay Main Road. Opposite Bokkemanskloof estate (6.83 mi)
Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa 7806
Website: www.claycafe.co.za
6. Water biking in Simon’s Town
When in Cape Town, water bike! Simon’s Town is a charming location in the Mother City and there’s no better way to see it than from the seat of a water bike.
Cape Town Water Bikes offers locals and visitors the chance to experience the waters around Simon’s Town along with all its sea life.
Hop onto the easy to use water bikes and cycle your way along the water. Remember to bring along sunscreen and a hat for the sun and don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins, penguins and seals.
Contact: 083 777 1048
Address: Wharf Street, Simon’s Town (18.52 mi)
Cape Town, Western Cape 7975
Website: capetownwaterbikes.co.za
7. Take a hot air balloon tour
If you’re not afraid of heights and looking for a new way to see the Mother City, a hot air balloon tour is for you.
GoBallooning offers adventure-seekers exclusive hot air balloon tours of the Cape Winelands that will take your breath away.
Float weightlessly in the gorgeous skies of Cape Town and look down on the beauty all around you. This activity is more suited to smaller groups or couples.
Contact: 072 955 5444
Website: www.goballooning.co.za
8. Go horse riding on the beach
Gallop your way along white sandy shores in Cape Town.
Let’s be honest, Mother City beaches are beautiful but swimming can often be a challenge due to the icy waters. Solution? Horse riding on the beach.
Appreciate the beauty of the beach without the spine-chilling cold as you trot along the seaside shores with a friendly horse this summer.
This activity is perfect for medium-sized groups of adults.
Contact: 076 631 2148
Address: Cape Town Horse Ridding, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, 0000 Cape Town, Western Cape
9. Hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram
You can’t spend a summer in Cape Town without a little (or a lot) of wine.
The Franschhoek Wine Tram takes guests on an extensive tour of the Franschhoek Winelands with a glass in hand.
Pick from a vast selection of lines and hop on and off at various wine farms along the way, each offering a unique experience.
Be prepared to drink a good amount of wine and even take a few bottles home.
Contact: 021 300 0338
Address: 32 Huguenot Road (39.96 mi) Franschhoek, Western Cape 7690
Website: www.winetram.co.za
10. Feed friendly animals at Giraffe House
Animal-lovers, this one is for you. Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre has become a must-visit destination in Cape Town.
Visitors are treated to an interactive experience where you can even feed friendly giraffes up close and personal.
The centre also has a number of other animals and is a full-day expedition.
This activity is perfect for adults and children alike and is both educational and enjoyable.
Contact: 021 884 4506
Address: c/o R304 and R101 (22.47 mi) Stellenbosch, Western Cape 7600
Website: www.giraffehouse.co.za
11. Snorkel Cape Town’s Kelp Forests
Take a peek below the surface with Cape RADD’s snorkeling adventures in the Kelp Forests.
Swim through the unique underwater world at Simon’s Town’s Windmill Beach.
Diving experience is not required for snorkeling but if you’re interested in a scuba diving session, you’ll need to have a certified diver.
Contact: 062 331 7530
Website: www.caperadd.com
12. Take a tour of Cape Town’s Street Art
Cape Town is well-known for its gallery scene but in our opinion the best galleries are in the Mother City streets themselves.
Arrange a tour of Salt River’s bursting street art scene with Baz Art or download your own walking tour and experience a gallery like you never have before.
Each year Cape Town hosts an International Street Art Festival where artists from around the world add their unique works to the city’s street walls, so you’re sure to have a lot to look at.
Contact: 079 031 8943
Address: De Waterkant Centre, 9 Sommerset Road (0.71 mi) Cape Town, Western Cape 8001
Website: baz-art.co.za
13. Do Goat Yoga at Fairview
If you’re looking to get your daily dose of stretching and strengthening with a twist, goat yoga is for you.
Roll out your mat under the shade in the goat pen at Fairview Estate for a unique experience, you won’t forget.
Get your downward dog on with friendly goats as yoga companions, check out Fairview’s Facebook page to find out when the next yoga day is.
Contact: 021 863 2450
Address: Suid-Agter Paarl Road (30.60 mi) Paarl, Western Cape 7646
Website: www.fairview.co.za
14. Cuddle a cat and eat cake at the Cat Cafe
The beautiful outdoor area at Cat Heaven in Somerset West is one of the best places to spend a summer’s day.
Cuddle rescue cats and eat a selection of delicious cakes before finishing off your visit at the cat-themed gift store.
Contact: 079 958 5378
Address: 35 Bright Street, Somerset West (26.39 mi) Cape Town, Western Cape 7130
Website: www.catheaven.co.za
Pictures: Facebook