This holiday, the Waterfront is the ultimate playground. Bring the kids for non-stop fun and festive memories!
To make the most of your visit, sign up to the Mini Explorers Club. The platform helps keep families updated on the latest kids’ activities and adventures. You can also visit our information desks near Nespresso and Tasha’s to register your little one for their own Mini Explores Passport, a keepsake where they can document their experiences with stamps and stickers as they explore each activity. From treasure hunts to creative quests, the Passport adds an extra layer of excitement.
“At the Waterfront, we want visitors to enjoy their shopping while spending quality family time filled with fun activities – all in one place,” says Donald Kau: Head of PR & Communications at the V&A Waterfront. “Parents, guardians, and even uGogo noMkhulu are invited to bring their kids to our neighbourhood to experience the exciting adventures we have to offer. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to feast your eyes on our creative festive season decor. From exciting entertainment shows and jungle gym fun to inspiring mini makers classes, the list goes on.”
Ready to dive in? Here are just some of the exciting activities you and your family can enjoy during the festive season. Click here to access our adventure map and discover even more activities and experiences waiting for you!
Experience Naledi’s Dream – a live theatre production
This popular theatrical Christmas production returns to a purpose-built theatre over the amphitheatre. Join Naledi, a 10-year-old Capetonian, as her festive wish to meet Santa’s crew comes true. This cast of quirky characters even visits her in the Mother City to see what Joy from Africa is really about.
Dates: Saturday,14 December – Sunday, 22 December
Time: 2pm and 3.30pm (Monday to Thursday), 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm (Friday to Sunday)
Location: A purpose-built theatre at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre.
Price: R100 per ticket
More: Naledi’s Dream – an exciting live theatre production – V&A Waterfront
Get ready for Santa’s big arrival
Santa and his elves will make a magical appearance this festive. Little eyes will sparkle as the jolly fellow arrives in his special festive carriage, ready to hear wishes and share smiles. Santa will be available for a special meet-and-greet, and photo opportunities with families.
Date: Sunday, 15 December – Tuesday, 24 December
Time: 11am to 5pm
Location: Centre Court, Victoria Wharf
Price: Free
More: V&A Santa’s Arrival – V&A Waterfront
Ride the wave with Stand-Up Paddle
Visit SUP Cape Town for a day of stand-up paddling and splashing about in the sun. A newbie to Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding? Not to worry the team provides introductory lessons and will have you geared up and ready to go in no time at all.
Location: Battery Park, Canal District
Time: 8am to 6pm
Price: From R450 for an hour kids’ lesson, R650 for adults
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/sup-cape-town/
Explore the V&A canals with Pedal Boat
You may have spotted colourful boats along the canal at Battery Park, these are Pedal Boats, a new addition to the Waterfront’s attractions. For just R100 per person, you can take a relaxing 30-minute ride. Suitable for all ages, the boats accommodate groups of 2 to 6 people, making them perfect for couples or families looking for a quick and fun water adventure.
Location: Battery Park, Canal District
Time: Monday to Sunday
Price: R150pp until 12 Jan 2025 and R75 for kids.
More: https://shorturl.at/SfDiN
Get onboard with the Waterfront Duck Co.
Explore the Waterfront in the country’s first all-in-one land and water amphibious vehicle that promises an experience like no other. Named ‘Bella’ this is a bus and a boat in one, and the hour-long trip will have you smiling and entertained with knowledge and interesting facts shared by experienced QUACKtains (drivers/skippers) and on-board conDUCKtors (tour guides). Trips depart from the Duck Stop ticket kiosk in the Silo precinct at the V&A Waterfront, weather dependant.
Location: East Quay Road, Silo District
Time: Monday to Thursday – Tours depart before 2pm
Price: Adults R395, children u/12 R295, u/3 R95
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/the-waterfront-duck-co/
Take a swing at Cave Golf
Challenge the family to an 18-hole mini golf course located at the Scratch Patch opposite the Aquarium, which is designed to be enjoyed by golfers young and old. Being indoors means it’s an all-weather activity. No bookings are required.
Location: Scratch Patch, Dock Road
Times: Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm, Saturday, Sunday, during the holidays from 9am to 5pm, and 24 and 31 December from 9am to 3pm
Price: R40 per player or R35 each for groups of 10.
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/cave-golf/
Think it out with Hint Hunt
The ideal bonding experience as you and your friends and family will need to work together at Hint Hunt Africa’s escape rooms to succeed. Problem and puzzle solving will test your logic and dexterity as time runs out and pressure mounts. Experiences last 60, 90 or 120 minutes as you solve, think or race your way to the exit.
Location: Watershed
Times: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8.30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm
Price: From R335 per person (off-peak)
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/hinthunt-escape-rooms/
Get your apron on at the Mini Makers: Cooking Class
These special holiday classes nurture tomorrow’s food innovators, turning curiosity into creativity and ingredients into inspiration. Perfect for tiny tastemakers aged 5-16 years. Classes run every Thursday & Sunday from 10am to 11.30am.
Location: Makers Landing
Dates: Thursday, 12 December to Sunday, 12 January 2025
Times: 11am
More: https://www.makerslanding.co.za/events-calendar/
Get creative with Artjamming
No matter your age or artistic ability, you can express your individual creativity by painting, sponging or spraying with Artjamming. Find your inner artist with paint, a variety of drawing materials, 45 different colours, paint brushes, easels, and 12 different sizes of canvas. Younger kids can explore Messy Play which promotes creativity. Come dressed to mess!
Location: Breakwater
Times: 9am to 6pm
Price: From R185
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/art-jamming/
Discover ocean life at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Explore, experience and engage with creatures of the ocean. Visitors of all ages will be wowed by sharks, fishes, turtles, jelly fish, coral reefs, kelp forests, penguins and much more, through transparent tunnels and giant viewing windows. A microscope exhibit opens up a world of tiny creatures as they feed, breathe and even birth. A number of experiences can be added to your visit including a learn-to-dive course, a penguin experience and a behind-the-scenes tour.
Location: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Times: 9.30am – 6pm
Price: Adults R250, Pensioners R185, Children 14- 17 R185, 4 – 13 R115 and under 4, free.
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/two-oceans-aquarium/
Find your treasure at the Scratch Patch
Let the kids dig through thousands of polished stones that cover the floor of the Scratch Patch, including Southern African stones such as tiger’s eye, rose quartz, amethyst, jasper, agates and crystals, as well as other exotic stones. Once you’ve selected your favourites you can add them to your cups of different sizes.
Location: Dock Road, opposite the Aquarium
Times: Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9am to 5pm, 24 and 31 December from 9am to 3pm
Price: R35 to R105
More: https://www.waterfront.co.za/attractions/scratch-patch-2/
For more information, updates and events, visit our website:www.waterfront.co.za or follow on social media @VANDAWaterfront.
