Top 10 Things to Do with Kids When It’s Raining
Rainy days spent South of Cape Town don’t have to mean staying cooped up indoors with restless kids. From cosy indoor play centres to hands-on creative spots, there’s plenty to do from the Southern Suburbs to Kommetjie that’ll keep the kids happy – and your sanity intact.
Here are 10 awesome rainy-day activities to try:
1. Visit the Scratch Patch & Mineral World in Simon’s Town
The Simon’s Town Scratch Patch and Mineral World offers a magical indoor activity. Kids can dig through semi-precious stones, learn about geology, and even play indoor mini-golf under cover – all while staying dry.
📍 Dido Valley Road, Simon’s Town
🌐 www.scratchpatch.co.za
2. Head to Freedom Adventure Park in Tokai
This indoor play centre is a godsend for wet days. With trampolines, ball pits, and dedicated toddler zones, Freedom Park in Tokai is clean, secure, and full of energy-burning fun. They even have great coffee and food for parents.
📍 South Palms Centre, Tokai
🌐 www.freedomadventurepark.co.za
3. Get Creative at Clay Café in Hout Bay
Let the kids unleash their inner Picassos at Clay Café, where they can paint on ceramics with no pressure or rules. Everything is provided – from ceramics to paints – and it’s ideal for all ages.
📍 Hout Bay
🌐 www.claycafe.co.za/hout-bay
4. Check Out the Indoor Play Area at Snoekies, Hout Bay
If you’re a fan of seafood, take the family to Snoekies and let the kiddies play on the jungle gym, explore the sandpit, climb the wall, and more – all under a covered outdoor setup that’s fine even in a drizzle.
📍 Hout Bay
🌐 www.snoekies.co.za
5. Spur Steak Ranches – Various Locations
Sometimes, you just need a guaranteed hit – and Spur delivers. With indoor play zones, kid-friendly meals, colouring-in sheets, and casual seating, it’s built for families. Most branches in the Southern Suburbs – like Blue Route Mall, Plumstead, Kenilworth Centre or Longbeach Mall – are fully enclosed and great for a rainy afternoon out.
📍 Tokai, Plumstead, Kenilworth, Sun Valley and more
🌐 www.spur.co.za
6. Explore the Hout Bay Museum
Tucked away just off the Main Road, the Hout Bay Museum is a quiet, informative indoor outing where kids can learn about the history of the area – from early fishing communities to shipwrecks and local flora and fauna. It’s small, relaxed, and surprisingly engaging.
📍 Andrews Road, Hout Bay
🌐 www.iziko.org.za/museums/hout-bay-museum
7. Visit the Fish Hoek Valley Museum (and Nearby Library)
A lesser-known gem, this small museum offers a slice of local history. Combine it with a trip to the nearby Fish Hoek Library, which is warm, welcoming, and often runs storytime or craft events.
📍 Fish Hoek
8. Catch a Kid-Friendly Movie
Rainy days were made for popcorn and big screens. Head to Ster-Kinekor Blue Route and check their schedules for age-appropriate family flicks. Bonus: comfy seats and snack options galore.
📍 Blue Route Mall, Tokai
🌐 www.sterkinekor.com
9. Playstation by Rush
This large indoor adventure park in Tokai is packed with things to climb, slide, crawl, and bounce on – from obstacle courses to ball pits and trampolines. Designed for kids aged 2–13, it’s a high-energy space that offers hours of fun. There’s also a café for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the action.
📍 South Palms Centre, Tokai
🌐 www.playstation.rushsa.co.za
10. Stock Up on Books & Board Games at Readers Warehouse
In South Palms Centre, you’ll find an epic Readers Warehouse with affordable games, craft kits, activity books, and puzzles to enjoy at home. Turn a rainy day into a cosy, screen-free family marathon.
📍 Tokai
🌐 www.readerswarehouse.co.za
