Cape Town with Kids: Sun, Penguins & a Wedding in Wine Country

In February 2025, we kicked off an unforgettable South African adventure with their two little ones in tow, our first trip with our recently arrived 3 month old son. First stop? Four dreamy days in Franschhoek—a picturesque village in the Cape Winelands—where we attended a family wedding surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Then it was on to Cape Town for beach time, penguin-spotting, and the best sushi of our lives.

This was a trip full of memory-making moments: relaxed wine tastings while the kids played in the grass, ice cream on the Sea Point promenade, shaded sandcastles at Clifton Beach, and more. Here’s everything we loved—and what we’d recommend to other families planning their own South African escape.

Top of Table Mountain

Starting in Franschhoek: Family Time in Wine Country

Before heading into Cape Town, we spent four peaceful days in Franschhoek, a stunning village nestled between rolling mountains and vineyards. We were there for a wedding (which was absolutely magical), and we were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly Franschhoek can be, even if you’re not doing the wine tram tour.

What We Loved in Franschhoek with Kids:

• Kid-Friendly Vineyards with Open Lawns

  While some wine farms feel more formal, we found a few perfect for families, with wide green spaces where kids could run while we sipped chilled Chenin Blanc and nibbled on cheese platters.

  Our favorites included:

  
  

  • Boschendal Wine Estate: With a great kids’ playground, a deli with takeaway snacks, and shaded lawns, this spot was ideal. We loved the build-your-own picnic baskets and casual vibe.

  • Leopards Leap Family Vineyard: Relaxed and modern, with space for toddlers to roam and a tasting room that welcomed kids.

  • La Motte: Slightly more elegant but surprisingly accommodating—there were art installations in the gardens and safe paths to explore.

  
  

• Outdoor Picnics & Deli Stops

  We often skipped restaurant dining in favor of picnics under the trees. Most wine farms offered pre-packed picnic baskets with fresh bread, local cheese, and fruit—simple, delicious, and stress-free with little ones.

• Franschhoek Village Market (Saturdays only)

  An absolute highlight. Live music, artisan stalls, craft coffee, and tons of space. There were face-painting booths and food trucks to keep everyone happy.

• Walkable, Stroller-Friendly Streets

  The town itself is easy to get around on foot. We enjoyed slow strolls through the main street with coffee in hand and ice cream for the kids. Local shops were welcoming and stocked with beautiful handmade souvenirs.

From Wine Country to the Ocean: Cape Town Adventures Begin

After our restful stay in Franschhoek, we drove into Cape Town and set up base in Sea Point, a vibrant coastal neighborhood that gave us easy access to the city, the beach, and Cape Town’s best family experiences.

Staying in Sea Point: Planet Africa Airbnb

We stayed in a modern Airbnb at the Planet Africa complex, just two blocks back from the beach. The location was fantastic—walking distance to:

• A big grocery store

• Great coffee shops and takeaway spots

• Sea Point Promenade (perfect for early-morning stroller walks or scooter rides)

💡 Tip: Check-in was a bit tricky—so give yourself some extra time when you arrive.

This area felt safe, central, and relaxed. We loved being able to pop out for a casual dinner, grab beach gear from the apartment, and walk to the ocean in minutes.

Clifton Beach: The Best Spot for Families

Of all the beaches we visited, Clifton 4th Beach stole the show.

• Close to Sea Point: Just a 5-minute drive or a quick Uber ride

• Ideal for Young Kids: The water is calm, and the sand is soft

• Natural Shade: At the far end near Camps Bay, we found shady spots under trees—perfect for babies and toddlers who need a break from the sun

• Easy Access: Unlike some Cape Town beaches with steep stairs, this one was relatively manageable with a baby carrier or beach trolley

We packed snacks, toys, and umbrellas and ended up spending nearly an entire day here. It was the perfect beach day.

Must-Do Cape Town Activities with Kids

Cape Town offers world-class scenery and a surprising number of activities that are ideal for families. Here’s what we loved:

🐧 Boulder’s Beach (Simon’s Town)

Swim next to a colony of African penguins. The beach is calm and protected—safe even for small children. This was a major hit with both the kids and us.

🚠 Table Mountain Cable Car

The rotating cable car alone is an experience, and the top of the mountain has easy paths, rocky hideouts, and panoramic views. Go early to avoid crowds and bring layers—it’s windy up there!

🌿 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Massive lawns, a canopy walkway, and beautiful picnic areas make this one of the best spots in the city for kids to run free.

🛍️ V&A Waterfront

Great for a family day out. We rode the Cape Wheel, visited the Two Oceans Aquarium, and found plenty of places for quick snacks and meals with views of the harbor.

Where to Eat in Cape Town (with Kids in Tow)

Cape Town’s food scene is amazing—and surprisingly kid-friendly. Here are our top picks:

🍣 Willoughby & Co (V&A Waterfront)

This is the best sushi in Cape Town. It’s casual but consistently incredible. There’s usually a line, but it moves fast—and the food is worth every minute of waiting. Top tip.. go for an early dinner, around 4pm, to avoid the line.

🥞 Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room

Trendy but relaxed, with a strong breakfast game and a kids’ menu that hits the mark.

🍕 The Yard (Silo District)

Located in the cool Zeitz MOCAA building, The Yard offers a mix of cuisines and plenty of space for strollers and families.

🍦 The Creamery

Local, organic ice cream that became our go-to treat. Flavors rotate daily, but salted caramel was the standout.

Final Tips for a Cape Town Family Holiday

• Best Time to Visit: February is sunny, dry, and perfect for beach days.

• Transport: Rent a car with car seats to explore areas outside the city like Franschhoek or Simon’s Town.

• Safety: We felt very safe in Sea Point and most tourist areas. Just use standard precautions—lock your car, stay alert, and avoid wandering unfamiliar areas at night.

Cape Town + Franschhoek = A Family Adventure to Remember

Whether we were sipping Sauvignon Blanc in a vineyard while the kids climbed trees or watching penguins toddle along the beach, South Africa surprised and delighted us at every turn. Cape Town is a rare destination that manages to feel both exciting and relaxing—especially when you plan with kids in mind.

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