Those with young children will likely be dreading the upcoming winter holidays, with the thought of the kids being stuck inside for days on end when it’s raining outside. Make sure your kids (and you) don’t go stir crazy this winter by taking them to the following fantastic indoor play areas in Cape Town, offering hours of fun for all ages!

Bugz Family Playpark, Kraaifontein

Bugz Family Playpark is the largest play park in the Western Cape, with loads of exciting rides including mini tractor rides, pedal cars, a worm train, and more! There are also large indoor and outdoor play areas with jungle gyms, roundabouts, sandpits, swings, slides, tree houses, castles, play equipment, and toys – ensuring the little ones will be kept entertained no matter the weather.  Parents can sit back and enjoy meals from Bugz Tent Kitchen and the Bugz Mini Market, or keep up with the game on the big screen. Bugz is open daily from 09h00 – 17h00, with rides open on weekends, public and school holidays. Contact 021 988 8836.

Jimmy Jungles, Claremont/Tygervalley

Jimmy Jungles offers supervised, indoor play facilities for children 6 months and up.  Parents can choose to relax in the coffee shop or make use of the “Drop & Shop” option for kids 3 years and up. Jimmy Jungles is open from 09h00 – 17h00 daily. Contact the Claremont branch on 082 610 2442 or the Tygervalley branch on 021 914 1705.

Clay Café, Hout Bay

Clay Café is the ideal spot to take children out to enjoy a little creativity. Kids can choose from an array of unfired bisque to create colourful crockery that is completely unique. Staff is on hand to guide and offer techniques. There is also a playground and garden for the kids to play in between breaks in the rain. A holiday special of 2 items, a small snack, and juice is available for just R95. Contact 021 790 3318.

Fun House, Durbanville

This newly launched play place-cum-coffee shop is a fantastic choice for the upcoming winter season. Kids can play and relieve any excess energy while parents sit back with a warm cup of coffee from the café. Fun House boasts indoor and outdoor play areas, with everything like slides, jumping castles, jungle gyms, sand pits, inflatable boats, arts and crafts tables, and more to keep the little ones busy. A small team is on hand to lead fun kids’ activities like face painting, picnics, and treasure hunts. Fun House is open Wednesday – Friday from 10h00 – 17h00,  Saturday from 09h00 – 17h00, and Sunday from 09h00 – 14h00. Contact 082 770 3286.

Artjamming, Gardens

“It’s raining, it’s pouring but at Artjamming, holidays aren’t boring” is not their motto for nothing. Artjamming gives kids a chance to express their creativity in a way that’s both educational and fun.  Various programmes are scheduled for the winter holidays, such as ‘Art of Comics’, ‘Jason Pollock Splatter Collage’, ‘Graffiti’, and ‘Mosaic Art’ workshops. All workshops include materials and a snack pack for R135 per child (7 – 14 years). It is open daily from 09h00 – 18h00. Contact 021 421 6129.

The Ice Station at Grandwest, Goodwood

The mini ice rink at The Ice Station is a wonderful choice for those with little ones during the winter holidays. Create your own winter wonderland together and watch them as they skate expertly (or not so) across the ice. Skates are available for hire, but be sure to dress your kids warmly. The rink is open daily during school holidays, with sessions scheduled on Monday – Friday, from 10h00 – midnight,  Saturday, from 09h00 – midnight, and Sunday, from 12h00 – midnight. Contact 021 535 2260.

The Scratch Patch, Simons Town/V&A Waterfront

Southern Africa is often considered the “gemstone capital of the world” so make the most of it by creating your own treasure hunt at The Scratch Patch with your kids. Small to large bags are available for purchase which you can enjoy filling up with colourful gems.  Afterwards, visit the gemstone factory to see how the stones are tumbled, processed, and polished. Both branches are open from 09h00 – 17h30 during the school holidays. Contact 021 786 2020 for Simons Town or 021 419 9429 for V&A Waterfront.

Tenpin Bowling, Claremont

Tenpin Bowling at Lets Go Bowling in Stadium on Main is a great activity for a rainy day. In addition to the bowling alley, there are video games and pool tables available. There are also branches at N1 City, Goodwood; Tyger Valley Centre, Bellville; and Somerset Mall, Somerset West. Lets Go Bowling is open Monday – Thursday, from 10h00 – midnight, Friday and Saturday from 09h00 – midnight, and Sunday from 10h00 – 22h00.  Contact 021 671 1893.

Two Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront

Whether you’ve been there once or a hundred times, the Two Oceans Aquarium is a great activity for wintery days. Spend quality time with your kids exploring the Indian and Atlantic Ocean galleries, predator and penguin exhibits, and more. Your kids will love the Afrisam Children’s Play Centre offering entertainment such as puppet shows (with shark, octopus, penguin, and turtle characters) and fun arts and craft workshops where they can make fridge magnets, marine mobiles, and glitter cards to take home. A small tuckshop offers light refreshments. The Aquarium is open daily, from 09h30 – 18h00. Contact 021 418 3823.

Not in Cape Town? Check out our posts on winter holiday activities in Durban and Joburg!