School holidays mean one thing: kids need somewhere to be, preferably somewhere that doesn’t involve a screen. Cape Town delivers and then some. Here are seven animal encounters and outdoor adventures to keep the little ones busy this holiday.
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1. Imhoff Farm
Few places pack as much into a single outing as Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie. The Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard lets kids get hands-on with goats, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies and even an emu or two.
Next door, the Snake Park is a reptile sanctuary that tends to be a hit with the braver bunch — residents include a yellow anaconda and an African rock python. Camel rides run Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to 4pm (weather permitting), and beach horse rides along Noordhoek are bookable through the Equestrian Centre.
- Location: Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie
- Times: 9am to 5pm, seven days a week
- Website: imhofffarm.co.za
2. The duck parade at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate
More than 1 000 Indian Runner ducks have been patrolling the Vergenoegd Löw vineyards since 1984 — a natural pest-control system that has become one of the Cape Winelands’ most-loved spectacles. The parade takes place daily at 9am and 12pm, when a herder uses whistles and signals to guide the flock through the estate.
Kids who want a closer look can tour the duck pens and breeding area with one of the herders. Book a table at Geuwels Restaurant or Clara’s Barn and make a proper outing of it.
- Location: 1 Faure Village Road, Stellenbosch Farms
- Times: Duck parade daily at 9am and 12pm
- Website: vergenoegd.co.za
3. World of Birds
Home to over 400 species, including squirrel monkeys, meerkats, parrots and some genuinely rare birds — World of Birds in Hout Bay is one of the largest bird parks in Africa. The walk-through aviaries let visitors move through the habitats rather than peer in from outside, making it an immersive experience for kids of all ages.
- Location: Valley Road, Hout Bay
4. The new Princess Vlei trail and a bunny surprise
Princess Vlei has had a serious glow-up. The City of Cape Town and the Princess Vlei Forum have officially opened a new R10.2 million, 4.23km circulatory trail at the park, complete with boardwalks and bridges that bring walkers right to the water’s edge.
It is an easy, family-friendly route through an ecologically significant wetland, with interpretive signage explaining the area’s history and rare species. Keep an eye out for the wild bunnies that have made their home around the vlei, a sweet bonus that has been catching attention on social media.
- Location: Princess Vlei Park, Grassy Park
- Website: princessvlei.org
5. The fairy trail at Noordhoek Common
Tucked into the tree trunks at Noordhoek Common is a collection of tiny fairy houses — complete with miniature red doors, small windows, swings and handmade signs. Nobody is quite sure who started it, but it has become a beloved community secret worth sharing with the kids.
The Common itself is a wide-open green space perfect for running around, flying kites and watching horses graze. Noordhoek Farm Village is a short walk away for coffee and a bite to eat afterwards.
- Location: 2 Avondrust Circle, Chapmans Peak, Noordhoek
6. Stodels Nursery
Stodels Bellville is a plant nursery that doubles as one of Cape Town’s most underrated family days out. The little animal park lets kids purchase a feeding bag and hand-feed alpacas, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs and a friendly horse. There is also a Reptile Garden on site with over 60 species — including cobras, mambas, Gaboon vipers and chameleons with public reptile feeding on Sundays at 12pm, included in the entrance fee.
Two play areas, a jumping castle, trampolines, jungle gyms and a sand art station keep energy levels high, while the Good Thyme Café gives parents a proper reason to stay.
- Location: Eversdal Road, Bellville
7. Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is running a special school holidays exhibition this July, Art of the Ocean, from 27 June to 20 July 2026, included in the standard admission ticket. With over 8 000 marine animals across exhibits covering sharks, penguins, jellies and kelp forests, it is a solid few hours of edutainment.
Daily puppet shows run at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm in the Children’s Play Centre. An afternoon discount is available on tickets purchased at the door after 3pm during the school term.
- Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm | Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9am to 6pm
- Website: aquarium.co.za
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Also read:
Weekend fun with kids in Cape Town: Sunshine, sand & family adventures
Picture: Nico Kotze / Unsplash
