Whew, the holidays are winding down, but we're not done yet! This weekend, Jan 3rd & 4th, is our last real crack at summer fun before the 2026 school vibe really kicks in. Skip the usual mall crawl for the awesome chaos of the Milk & Cookies Festival on Saturday, or if you need something lower-key, check out the massive slides at Canal Walk before they pack up on Sunday. Let's make this last proper summer weekend count!
Quick Picks
Green Point Park Hangout
Green Point Park
Perfect for burning off energy with a picnic and exploring the labyrinth and play areas—total local gem.
Canal Walk Holiday Slides
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
The Lilo & Stitch-themed slides are a brilliant way to get thrills indoors before they disappear on Sunday.
Canal Walk Holiday Slides (Mini Session)
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
They have a specific Mini Slide area for the little ones (ages 2-5) to safely enjoy the action.
Milk & Cookies Festival
This is the multi-genre festival blending music, food, and community vibes, apparently featuring everything from amapiano to hip-hop. If your teen likes festivals, this is probably where they need to be on Saturday. Expect vibrant stages and some serious crowd energy.
Why we picked it: It's a major, multi-genre music festival on Saturday that will appeal directly to older kids and teens looking for a big outing.
Canal Walk Holiday Slides
Okay, this is your LAST CHANCE—they pack up on the 11th! They've got an Lilo & Stitch theme this year and slides like the Akatoo-Kee for older kids and a dedicated Mini Slide for toddlers. You can book sessions, so get on Webtickets ASAP if you want to go this weekend.
Why we picked it: It's a limited-time holiday activity ending the next day (Jan 4th), making this weekend the perfect last hurrah.
Pines Resort Adventure Park
If you're feeling adventurous, Pines Resort is open this Saturday with their Rope Adventure Course available. It looks like a great spot for slightly older kids (maybe 6+) who want to try zip lines and climbing obstacles. Check their published opening days calendar first!
Why we picked it: It's a confirmed operating adventure park on Saturday during the school holidays.
CATS, the Musical
The epic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is wrapping up its run at Artscape soon! It's a huge production with amazing costumes, perfect if you have a theatre-loving tween or teen who needs a proper culture hit. Tickets are on Webtickets.
Why we picked it: This is one of the last chances to see the famous musical before it closes out its run on January 11th.
Two Oceans Aquarium
A classic for a reason, especially for little ones who LOVE the penguins and the touch pool. Get there for feeding time if you can; it's always a highlight for the kids. It's also a good escape if the sun gets too fierce.
Why we picked it: It's the perfect 'always on' activity for the entire age spectrum, making it an easy fail-safe plan for Saturday.
Electrek Scooters on the Promenade
Hire one of those fat-tyred electric scooters and cruise the promenade for an hour or two—it feels way cooler than walking. Great for burning off energy before grabbing a bite in Sea Point. A fun, flexible activity for a Saturday afternoon.
Why we picked it: It's an active, outdoor city experience that feels more 'grown-up' for older kids than a standard playground.
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
A bit of a drive, but totally worth it to see the penguins waddling around and swimming in the sheltered bay. The water is *slightly* warmer here, so bring swimming gear if the weather is great. Remember, payment is cash-free now.
Why we picked it: It's a classic Cape Town nature outing that works perfectly on a sunny January weekend.
Bo-Kaap or City History Free Walking Tour
Take the family on a *proper* look at the city's history—choose the Bo-Kaap or general city tour for some colourful sights and stories. It’s free (but please tip your guide well!), and a great way to see the CBD without relying on the bus.
Why we picked it: It’s a completely free, educational, and active way to experience the city's local heritage.
Canal Walk Holiday Slides (Mini Session)
If you have little ones, look for the 'Mini Slide' or 'Mini Rider+' ticket option as this is perfect for the 2-5 age group who can't handle the big ones. You can also get kinetic sand fun there too, which is a bonus while the older kids ride.
Why we picked it: It's a specific ticket option within a limited-time attraction catering directly to the under-5 crowd.
Green Point Park Hangout
Can't beat a free Sunday outing where the kids can run themselves ragged. There's the main adventure playpark for older ones and a gated Tot Lot for toddlers, plus space for a picnic on the lawns. Just remember dogs must be on a leash.
Why we picked it: It's a reliable, genuinely free local favourite that's perfect for a relaxed Sunday under the mountain.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts: GoldFish
This is THE iconic Cape Town summer evening—pack your picnic blanket and snacks for GoldFish playing as the sun sets behind the mountain. It’s a big vibe for older kids, but little ones under 6 get in free, so it can work for the whole family if you don't mind a late night.
Why we picked it: GoldFish kicking off the January concert series is a classic Cape Town way to spend a Sunday evening.
World of Birds & Monkey Park
If you want a proper drive out of the city bowl, Hout Bay's World of Birds is brilliant—you walk through aviaries and get ridiculously close to the monkeys. Pack sunscreen and wear comfy shoes because you’ll be walking a lot.
Why we picked it: It's an immersive outdoor animal experience outside the main tourist crush, perfect for a sunny Sunday road trip.
Bugz Playpark (School Holiday Hours)
Bugz is running on their special school holiday schedule this Sunday, which means all the rides—from the train to the karts—should be open. It’s a huge space with indoor and outdoor options, so it’s a solid choice for under 10s.
Why we picked it: They are explicitly open on Sunday under their 'School Holidays' schedule, which ends on January 13th.
Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig
If your kids love their bikes, this park has pump tracks designed by a world champ, including beginner ones suitable from age 3. It's a blast for mountain biking enthusiasts—you can even hire gear if you need it.
Why we picked it: It caters to very young riders (from 3) as well as older ones, making it a great family cycling outing.
V&A Waterfront Marine Wildlife Walk
Did you know you can spot otters, seals, and sunfish just wandering around the Waterfront? Grab a map (or just look it up) and do the Marine Wildlife Walk—it’s a simple, free way to turn a shopping trip into a mini nature hunt. Great for kids who love pointing out animals.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, educational activity built into an area you might be visiting anyway, making it a low-effort win.
Down to Earth Market
Heads up, this one is *next* Wednesday, but it's a great local market if you're looking for produce and a relaxed vibe with a safe play area for kids. Keep an eye on their schedule for next weekend's markets if this one doesn't suit.
Why we picked it: Provides a genuinely local market recommendation, even if the date requires a slight calendar check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Cape Town this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are two genuinely free options: the Green Point Park Hangout on Sunday for general play and picnics [id:green-point-park-weekend], and the V&A Waterfront Marine Wildlife Walk on either day for a self-guided animal spotting adventure [id:v-and-a-wildlife-walk].
Which event is best for older kids (teens) this weekend?
The Milk & Cookies Festival on Saturday [id:milk-cookies-festival-2026] is definitely the top pick for teens wanting music and a big outdoor vibe. For something more cultured, check the showtimes for CATS, the Musical at Artscape, as it’s closing soon [id:cats-the-musical].
What's a fun rainy day activity that's only on for a short time?
You absolutely must hit the Canal Walk Holiday Slides before they close for the season on Sunday! [id:canal-walk-slides-last-chance]. They have different slides for different ages, making it a great, contained activity if the weather turns sour.