Fun Activities this school winter holiday
The winter school holidays are the perfect opportunity for families to slow down, spend quality time together, and create memories. While cooler temperatures and rainy days may keep children indoors from time to time, the city and surrounds offer plenty of exciting activities to keep young minds entertained and active. From indoor adventures and creative workshops to outdoor experiences on sunny winter days, there is no shortage of fun ways to keep the kids busy throughout the holiday break.
Explore an Underwater World at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Located at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the city's most popular family attractions. Home to more than 3,000 marine animals, it showcases the incredible diversity of life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Since opening in 1995, the aquarium has pleased visitors with its variety of exhibits and interactive experiences. Families can watch the swaying kelp forest, spot ragged-tooth sharks in the Predator Exhibit, and meet a loggerhead turtle. The aquarium is also home too African and rockhopper penguins, with daily feeding sessions and special penguin encounters available.
Children will love the Touch Pool, Clown Fish Dome, Jelly Gallery and I&J Children's Play Centre, while the microscope exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into microscopic marine life. Puppet shows are held daily at 10:30, 13:30 and 16:00 at the AfriSam Children's Play Centre.
Open daily from 09:30 to 18:00, the Two Oceans Aquarium combines fun, learning and adventure, making it a perfect family outing during the winter school holidays.
Dino Kingdom Stellenbosch: Step Into a Prehistoric World
Looking for an exciting family outing on a sunny day these school holidays? Dino Kingdom in Stellenbosch offers a fun-filled prehistoric experience where dinosaurs, adventure, and play come together to create a memorable day out for children of all ages.
Visitors can wander among impressive life-sized dinosaur displays, bringing the ancient world to life in an interactive and engaging way. The popular dinosaur trail encourages young explorers to answer questions and complete challenges as they make their way through the park. At the end of the adventure, children receive a small dinosaur-themed reward to take home.
Beyond the dinosaur exhibits, there are plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained. Budding palaeontologists can try their hand at excavating dinosaur bones, while a variety of rides provide even more excitement throughout the day. Families can also take a break and enjoy a meal or snack at the on-site dining area.
With a combination of educational experiences, hands-on activities, and family-friendly entertainment, Dino Kingdom is a great destination for a few hours of holiday fun.
Visitor Information
- Dinosaur Park Entry: R250 (opening special R200)
- Rides Pass: R180 (opening special R150)
- Combo Ticket: R350 per person
- Opening Hours: Saturday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00; open daily during school holidays
- Suitable for: All ages (0–99 years)
Disney On Ice: A Magical Family Adventure
Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party brings favourite Disney stories to life through world-class skating, acrobatics, music, and special effects. Join Mickey Mouse and friends as they journey through the worlds of Frozen, Moana, Coco, Toy Story, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and more in a fun-filled quest to find Tinker Bell.
Packed with beloved characters, sing-along moments, and spectacular performances, this enchanting show promises entertainment for Disney fans of all ages.
Cost: From R200 per person | Babes-in-arms tickets: R100
When: 10–19 July 2026
Where: Grand Arena, GrandWest
Bubble Planet Lands at Willowbridge This July
Bubble Planet is touching down at Willowbridge Shopping Centre this July, inviting young space explorers on a fun-filled journey packed with bubbles, creativity, and sweet surprises.
The experience begins with a hands-on bath bomb workshop where children can create their own colourful "planet" bath bomb, choosing from scents like strawberry, bubblegum, or peppermint and decorating it with vibrant colours and glitter. They’ll also build a foam blower to take home, complete with bubble solution for continued fun.
The excitement continues in the interactive Bubble Play Zone, where kids can put their creations to use. From giant bubbles and foam-filled activities to smoke-filled bubble effects that resemble miniature galaxies, there’s plenty to keep little astronauts entertained.
Before heading home, visitors can stop at the Candy Comet Station to collect a tasty selection of space-themed treats.
Each session lasts 45 minutes and is suitable for children aged 3–12. Parents or guardians are required to supervise children throughout the experience.
Bubble Planet takes place from 11–19 July 2026, daily from 10am to 2pm, at the PnP Court, Willowbridge Shopping Centre, 39 Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley. Tickets cost R200 per child and can be booked via Quicket.
Puss in Boots Brings Holiday Magic to the Stage
Looking for a fun-filled theatre outing these school holidays? Puss in Boots arrives at the Baxter Theatre Centre with all the ingredients of a classic family pantomime. Larger-than-life characters, laugh-out-loud comedy, catchy music, and plenty of magical surprises.
Created by acclaimed theatre-maker Steven Stead and presented by KickstArt Theatre, the production transports audiences to a colourful Caribbean-inspired setting where a resourceful feline hero sets out to transform his master's luck. Armed with little more than his charm, quick thinking, and famous boots, Puss finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of adventure, trickery, and unexpected twists.
The cast features Rory Booth as the fearless feline, alongside Belinda Henwood as the enchanting fairy Calypso Honeybunch, Bryan Hiles as the scheming Grimsby Withergood, and Kyran Brady Taylor as Tom Marzipan.
Cost: R250 (under 18s) | R300 (adults). Tickets available through Webtickets.
When: 26 June – 18 July 2026 | 2:30pm (Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays) | 2pm and 6pm (Saturdays)
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
