The 30 Best Things To Do Indoors in Cape Town (2024)

Go undercover with these fun activities.

While beaches, forests, mountains and summer sundowners may be the defining images of Cape Town, they’re (good) weather-dependent. Fortunately, the city has plenty of other attractions to keep you busy when the great outdoors is not an option.

Whether you tend towards the creative or active, we’ve got something to entertain you and the family – from trying different flavours and learning new skills to inspirational art and indoor playgrounds for kids of all ages.

Are you looking for:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Activities for Grown-Ups

For other indoor inspiration, you might be interested in:

The 10 Best High Teas in Cape Town + The Winelands
The 10 Best Spas in Cape Town
Our Favourite Art Galleries in Cape Town
The 15 Best Museums in Cape Town
The 13 Best Wine-Tasting Experiences in Cape Town

Kid-Friendly Activities

Celebrate water at the Two Oceans Aquarium

This world-class aquarium is home to more than 10 000 sea animals of all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s an exciting peek into life off our shores, with a mesmerising swaying kelp forest, schools of shiny fish swimming in unison, gliding turtles and even sharks, which can also be viewed from inside a 10-metre glass tunnel. There are more exotic fish too, such as jellies, octopus, seahorses, pufferfish and moray eels. The popular penguin exhibit is always a hit with the kids, plus they can get up close to anemones and starfish at the Touch Pool.
Good to know Don’t miss the mass fishy feast during feeding time at 12pm; the penguins are fed twice a day, at 11.30am and 2.30pm. There are also three puppet shows daily.
Times Daily, 9.30am – 6pm
Cost R250 (adults); R190 (after 3pm)
R185 (teens, students, pensioners); R140 (after 3pm)
R115 (children 4 – 13 years); R85 (after 3pm)
Contact 021 418 3823, aquarium@aquarium.co.za
Where to find it Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now

Keep moving at Total Ninja

If you’ve ever watched Ninja Warrior on TV, you’ll know what to expect at this indoor playpark and fitness centre. Not just a cool name, it also has the coolest combination of obstacles and inflatables to conquer. The black-and-red colour scheme, industrial aesthetic and funky lighting set the mood for some seriously fun action. Total Ninja will have kids of all ages (even grown-up ones) climbing, swinging, jumping, balancing, sliding and negotiating everything from cargo nets, monkey bars, see-saws, wonky ladders and bridges to the wrecking ball, gladiator pit, Wipeout and Warped Wall – plus there’s the Strike Arena for competitive ninjas. It’s a full-body workout, and no matter what happens, there’s always a soft landing.
Good to know There are three levels of ninja ability, including a dedicated area for “mini ninjas” (under-4s), all supervised and guided by trained professionals. The cafe serves all the family favourites, plus great coffee and even mocktails.
Times Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Cost R160 (one hour); R240 (two hours)
Under-5s: R80 (one hour); R120 (two hours)
R45 (compulsory socks)
Contact 021 745 3089, brp@totalninja.co.za
Where to find it Black River Park (South Entrance), Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Jump for joy at Rush Extreme Sports Park

This spacious indoor playground offers loads of activities for children (and adults) to unleash their boundless energy – diving into a foam pit, bouncing off wall-to-wall trampolines, jousting on the Battle Beam, soaring five metres high on the Super Tramp or testing their limits on the Air Walk. Other activities include trampoline-based dodgeball and slam-dunking (basketball), plus trampoline workout and Flip Out gymnastics classes. Trained staff are on-hand to provide instruction and watch over children. Cosmic Rush – a glow-in-the-dark experience with music and disco lights – takes place on Friday and Saturday nights (6pm to 8pm).
Good to know There is a coffee shop with free wi-fi and charging stations so parents have somewhere to hang out and grab a light snack.
Times Tuesday – Thursday, 11am – 7pm (holidays from 9am + Monday)
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 8pm; Sunday until 6pm
Cost R160 (one hour, all access)
R200 (parent + toddler, one hour)
R40 (non-slip socks, compulsory)
Contact 087 094 0178, 021 683 3841, 021 671 1489, infoct@rushsa.co.za
Where to find it 25 Stegman Road, Claremont, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Get some perspective at the Planetarium

This rainy-day favourite for generations has undergone a 21st-century makeover with a Digital Dome, making it the most advanced planetarium on the continent, providing both multi-sensory edutainment and cutting-edge scientific research facilities. With its 360-degree screen, it makes virtual voyages of the entire universe possible. The planetarium has several shows, some specifically for children. Watch Tilt and join Annie and Max for a whirlwind adventure to find out how the seasons work. Meet penguin James and Vladimir the polar bear in a space submarine in Polaris, or see The Accidental Astronauts, The Secrets of Gravity and We Are Stars.
Good to know The Iziko SA Museum is right next door – filled with interesting exhibits ranging from fossils and dinosaurs to giant squids and enormous whale skeletons.
Times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Shows: Tuesday – Friday, 3pm; Saturday + Sunday, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm + 2pm
Cost R70 (SA adults)
R40 (children, students + pensioners)
R100 (international visitors)
Contact 021 481 3800, info@iziko.org.za
Where to find it 25 Queen Victoria Street, CBD, Cape Town
Book Now

Be enchanted at Wonderdal

Loads of fun at Playstation by Rush

We know what you’re thinking… “Playstation? No thanks, my kids get enough screen time already”. But this indoor adventure park (similar to Rush in Claremont, but for younger kids aged 2 – 12) is all about real-life games and challenges. There are giant slides, climbing walls, an adventure maze with swing bridges, an indoor soccer pitch, bike track and other energy-busting activities, as well as puzzles and games for a mental workout – all supervised by trained staff so that the adults can relax in the restaurant (free wifi, wide-screen TVs and coffee).
Good to know Spend R300 on food and beverages to get an hour’s free off-peak play for your child.
Times Monday – Thursday, 10am – 6pm
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 10pm; Sunday until 6pm
Cost R140 (unlimited play)
Weekends: R90 (first hour)
Weekdays: R80 per hour
Toddlers (under 2): R30 (first hour)
Drop and Go: R110 per hour
Supervised Play: R125 (6 years and older)
Contact 021 683 3841, info.playstation@rushextreme.co.za
Where to find it 10 Honeywell Road, Retreat, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Fun for the brain at Cape Town Science Centre

With over 250 exhibits, puzzles, experiments and interactive games that cover a wide range of disciplines including maths, technology and engineering, this play centre/museum is aimed at getting young minds engaged scientifically and showing how learning can be fun. There are many mind-bending exhibits that will astound not only the kids interacting with them but adults too, including a camera obscura, AstroTrek virtual reality (walk on Mars!) and Light Room of colours. Keep an eye out for the Mindball – where children move a ball around with the power of their brain waves – and the Human Gyroscope, where they can spin around and float as if in a low-gravity environment.
Good to know The iCafe coffee shop offers refreshments, light meals and free internet.
Times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 4.30pm
Public Holidays, 10am – 4.30pm
Cost R80
R40 (pensioners)
R280 (family package for four people)
R70 per person (groups of 10 or more)
Contact 021 300 3200, info@ctsc.org.za
Where to find it 370B Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Paint up a storm at Artjamming

When inspiration strikes (or energy needs to be calmed and channelled), pop in at Artjamming to bring your artistic vision to life. Choose a blank canvas (various sizes available), pop it on an easel, don an apron and get going on your masterpiece. There’s an array of drawing materials and acrylic paint colours to choose from, as well as stencils, sponges, spray nozzles and even hairdryers (good for artistic effects and for drying paint!).
Good to know You can also unleash your imagination on making your own slime at SlimeTime – choose your colours, glitters, textures and flavours (!).
Times Daily, 9am – 6pm
Cost R185 – R1 200 (depending on size of canvas)
SlimeTime: From R99
Contact 021 425 5050, waterfront@artjamming.co.za
082 560 3866, natasha@artjamming.co.za
Where to find it Above Toy Kingdom, Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Enquire Now

Bounce for joy at Freedom Adventure Park

This mega indoor playground is a bit like being inside a space-themed video game, and caters for all ages with a vast range of activities. Think trampolines galore (including duo reaction gaming), a Leap of Faith onto a massive airbag, 22-metre-long extreme race slides and 8-metre drop slides, a 30-metre zipline and a 50-metre via ferrata (clip-and-climb) ropes course. There’s also a pedal-kart track, a Ninja Run with 11 obstacles and Astro soccer and basketball. On Friday nights from 6pm, it’s all UV-lit. There is also a dedicated Toddler Zone, a drop-and-go supervised option (6 – 11 years old) and helpers for differently abled visitors over 18 years old.
Good to know There are work pods for adults to use, plus a pizzeria and Bootleggers coffee to fuel up. There’s another smaller Freedom Adventure Park for young kids in Tokai.
Times Daily, 9am – 9pm (sessions start on the hour every hour)
Cost R150 per hour; R400 (all-day pass)
R85 per hour (4 years and under); with one adult for full park access R200 per hour
R250 per hour (drop-and-go, Monday – Thursday only)
Cosmic Glow Fridays: R250 per person (3 hours)
R50 (non-slip socks)
Note There are also three-hour specials on first Thursday and first Saturday nights, and a four-hour special every Sunday night.
Contact 083 279 4453, hello@freedomadventurepark.co.za
Where to find it Level 2, Canal Walk Mall, Century Boulevard (off N1), Century City, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Catch the steam train to Elgin

Few things are more evocative than a steam-train ride… Ceres Rail’s grand old locomotives make a full-day round trip to Elgin in the Overberg on weekends, departing from the city and travelling up and over Sir Lowry’s Pass (one of the steepest rail lines in South Africa). Enjoy breathtaking mountain and ocean scenery, and views of fynbos-covered hills, farmlands and orchards. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board. The destination is the steampunk-style Elgin Railway Market, where live music and street-food stalls create a fun day out, and kids can let off a little steam of their own in the play area.
Good to know There are two bar areas serving co*cktails, beer, bubbly and wine; the Bar Lounge car is for adults only.
Times Most Saturdays, selected Sundays + public holidays, 7.30am – 6.30pm
Cost R675 (adult); R540 (pensioner); R500 (child); kids under 3 free Book Now
R899 (lounge car seat) Book Now
R975 (observation car seat – selected dates only) Book Now
Family Coupé: R1 775 (two adults + 2 children) Book Now
Family Compartment: R3 350 (seats six adults maximum) Book Now
Where to find it AC Marriott Hotel platform, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town

Scale new heights at CityROCK

You could sit on the couch watching action films on Netflix –or you can harness up and make like Spider-Man. This 4 044m2 indoor climbing gym offers various walls for different types of climbing, solo or with a partner, for the experienced or newbies. CityRock allows youngsters on its climbing walls (age 5 – 12 in the dedicated Kids Zone) as long as children under 16 years have an adult/parent accompanying them. It also offers courses so parents and kids can learn to supervise and climb safely.
Good to know Bookings are required for children under 13 years.
Times Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm
Friday – Sunday + public holidays, 9am –6pm
Cost R160 (child, 5 – 18 years) for two hours
R190 (adult); R170 (student/pensioner),
Bouldering: R160 (adult), R120 (student)
Gear: R100 (shoes + harness); R70 (shoes or harness)
R250 (intro to climbing)
Contact 021 447 1326, capetown@cityrock.co.za
Where to find it The Island, 9 Milner Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Paint plates (+ more) at Clay Café

This spot has been a favourite among grown-ups and kids seeking a splash of creativity for 25 years. Once seated, your friendly server will explain the drill, after which you’ll choose your unfired ceramics (anything from mugs and bowls to figurines and teapots), paints, brushes, tools etc. Then simply let your imagination run free while enjoying a bite to eat (from breakfast, gourmet toasties and buddha bowls to burgers and pizza). There’s a great kiddies menu, including chocolate bubble waffles and milkshakes, and wine, beer or G&Ts for the adults. (There’s also Sip & Paint Evenings twice a month with complimentary wine tastings.)
Good to know There’s also a branch in town on Bree Street (more adult-oriented with a tapas bar) and a family-friendly venue in the Winelands, Clay Cafe Paarl at Groot Parys. Bookings are essential on weekends and during the holidays.
Times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Cost R45 per person (includes 3 paints, tools, firing and glazing)
Unfired ceramics: R75 – R480
Contact 076 810 5120, info@claycafe.co.za
Where to find it Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Explore underground at Earthbox

Earthbox is a one-of-a-kind experience, a journey into the mysterious heart of the Earth. A gigantic underground chamber, six metres below the surface, fashioned from ancient earth itself, presents a geological record going way back in time before humanity existed. It is breathtakingly quiet, and the walls are gently illuminated by beams of light that are timed to change and shift like visual poetry. To make sense of it all, there are audio tours: one deals with the geology; one is a 25-minute guided meditation; and “Discover the Earth” is for children. The first hour every weekday is family hour, when little ones (under 5 years) are welcome to explore the splash pool, grassy berms, meandering paths and the chamber, which is more brightly lit at this time.
Good to know Booking is essential as a shuttle takes visitors to the site. Earthbox is offering a special programme of creative and wellness events for adults and children in winter 2024.
Times Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm (last entry 4.20pm)
Cost Winter 2024 rates (including an audio tour): R180 (adults); R120 (children 5 – 12 years)
Contact 087 654 9207, info@earthbox.co.za
Where Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
Book Now

Old-school vibes at Let’s Go Bowling

With its top-notch ten-pin bowling lanes and computer-controlled scoring system, Let’s Go Bowling is fun for the whole family. Add to that a bar selling Newlands craft beers, co*cktails and mocktails, pool tables and big-screen sports, plus a pizza parlour, and it’s an ideal spot to hang out on rainy days. It’s part of a greater space called Let’s Entertain U, which includes Kidz Play (a supervised indoor playground and giant jungle gym) and a video-game arcade. All bases covered, then.
Good to know There’s a Sunday special for grandparents, and specials combining food, drinks and games.
Times Monday – Friday, 10am – 10pm
Saturday, 9am – 10pm; Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Cost R85 (one game)
R75 (Kidz Play); R45 if parents are bowling
R25 entry (redeemable on food and beverages)
Contact 087 378 0891, 068 270 2641 (WhatsApp), stadium@letsgobowling.co.za
Where to find it Stadium on Main, Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town

A-maze-ing play at Be.Up Park

For adrenaline-loving, brave-hearted youngsters, Be.Up has everything under one super-exciting roof. The trampoline zone offers nonstop bouncing fun, while those who enjoy climbing can attempt South Africa’s very first clip ’n climb walls – there are 11 and the tallest is eight metres high! Plus there’s the AltiGame zone, with elevated climbing nets and suspended swing steps, and the biggest indoor vertical/3D maze in South Africa with brightly coloured tubes, tunnels, ball ponds, trampolines and slides. There is also a separate Toddler Zone.
Good to know The café has free wifi, delicious treats and light meals. There are three-hour social sessions with neon lighting on Saturday nights.
Times (Public + School Holidays) Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 10pm; Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Note: Closed Monday, and with shorter opening hours during term time.
Cost R145 (one hour; trampoline zone, AltiGame); R220 (additional 30 minutes climbing)
R105 (one hour; maze); R180 (additional 30 minutes climbing)
R95 (30 minutes; climbing zone only)
R190 (Saturday night social, three hours)
R40 (compulsory grip socks)
Contact 087 057 1400, 078 979 4582 (WhatsApp), booking@beuppark.co.za
Where to find it Gardener Place, Rose Innes Street, Pinelands, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Embrace the cold at The Ice Station

Cape Town’s ice-skating rink has been around since 1971, offering the novelty of a winter wonderland experience in “sunny SA” – especially for kids. They (or you) might be nervous about stepping onto the ice at first, but in no time you’ll all be gliding around the Olympic-size rink. The freedom of movement ice-skating offers is exhilarating! There is a supervised mini rink for the little ones (under 5 years old) and skating lessons on Saturday morning and Tuesday evening.
Good to know Skating sessions are an hour, 90 minutes or two hours, depending on the time of day, with a 15-minute or half-hour break between. GrandWest also has 10-pin bowling, a games arcade and Lazer Tag.
Times Monday + Tuesday, 10am – 4pm
Wednesday + Thursday, 10am – 7.30pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 11.30pm
Sunday, 10am – 8.30pm
Cost R70 – R95 (depending on length of session)
R40 (mini rink, children under 1.3m tall)
R10 (non-skater)
Contact 021 535 2260, bookings@icerink.co.za
Where to find it Grand West Casino & Entertainment World, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Goodwood, Cape Town
Book Now

Fun adventures at Ipic Play Park

You’ll find this colourful playground and obstacle course in the Northern Suburbs (with a convenient coffee shop and gym on site too). Ipic caters to children of all ages, with a Toddler Town, Lego Building Club and miniature climbing wall for younger kids, and more acrobatic adventures for older ones (with some open to teens and adults too). Exhilarating challenges include climbing walls, the Giant River Run (four parallel slides 18 metres long), the Blaster Tower, Bullseye Climb (an extreme high-rope course) and Jump Zone (around 14 different-sized trampolines).
Good to know Booking a time slot is essential as only limited numbers are allowed at one time.
Times Daily, 8am – 6pm
Cost Epic Play (6 years and older): From R90 for one hour
Junior Play (3 – 5 years): From R80
Toddler Play: From R60
Adult Play: From R90
R30 (compulsory grip socks)
Contact 021 205 3844, info@ipicplay.co.za
Where to find it Aurora Shopping Centre, corner of Burton and Aurora Streets, Durbanville, Cape Town
Book Now

Play putt-putt in a cave at The Scratch Patch

Whatever the weather outside, you can take on 18 holes of mini-golf in the underground course at the Scratch Patch. Befitting its cave setting, you’ll need to negotiate rock features, caverns, mine obstacles, ancient relics, waterfalls, UV sections and fabulous mineral displays. Then head over to the Scratch Patch for your sparkly reward: beautiful semi-precious stones that can be found include tiger’s eye, agate, rose quartz (the love stone), healing amethyst, jasper, lapis lazuli and all-powerful clear quartz crystal. It’s an exciting and evocative experience that’s been delighting kids for over 40 years.
Good to know There is another Scratch Patch & Cave Golf at the V&A Waterfront.
Times Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.45pm
Saturday, Sunday + holidays, 9am – 5pm
Cost R40 (R35 per person for groups of 10 or more)
Scratch Patch: R35 – R160 (depends on the size of the collection bag)
Contact 021 786 2020, tumbled@topstones.co.za
Where to find it Dido Valley Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town

Get your craft kicks at the DIY Craft Bar

You can get seriously upskilled with regular visits to the DIY Craft Bar in Noordhoek. There’s a selection of three-hour projects available every day – cool, contemporary crafts such as shibori (Japanese tie-dying), macramé, felt work, resin crafts, concrete decor items, lino printing and more. You’ll get all the materials and tools you need, with detailed instructions. Also look out for the once-off workshops with a skilled crafter – anything from origami proteas, painting with wine and gelli-plate printing to making woven mules (shoes) or terrariums.
Good to know Booking is essential; minimum two people per session, maximum 24. Crafts are designed for all levels and suitable for tweens, teens and adults.
Times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Also Tuesday – Thursday, 6pm – 9pm
Cost R180 – R330
Contact 082 373 0149, andy@diycraftbar.co.za
Where to find it Red Herring Centre, 65 Beach Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Enquire Now

For the Grown-Ups

Level up your kitchen game at The Chef’s Studio

Cold weather and rain tend to stimulate the appetite, so why not cook up a feast under the watchful eye of chef Matt Manning and his team from Grub & Vine Bistro. Upstairs is a dream professional kitchen for his interactive culinary workshops, featuring custom-built workstations with slick surfaces and state-of-the-art cookware. UK-born Matt, who cut his teeth under the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay, offers a range of themed classes (whether based on a country’s cuisine or perfecting an iconic dish), plus bespoke sessions for special celebrations such as birthdays. After some hands-on cooking, everyone settles down at the long table to enjoy their multi-course feast.
Good to know Afterwards, pop downstairs for a celebratory glass of wine at Culture Wine Bar or co*cktails (and live music) at The Blue Room.
Times Specific dates from 6pm, or on request
Cost R645 per person (How To Cook events)
R750 per person (themed four-course menu)
Du Jour: R995 (five-course menu)
Prestige: R1 750 (five-course menu plus wine pairing)
Contact 021 216 0035, 076 256 8654, events@mattmanningchef.com
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Step up your dance moves at Que Pasa Dance Co

From sultry Cuban salsa, Dominican bachata and its African form, kizomba, to exhilarating swing dancing (West Coast and lindy hop), these dance classes are fun, social and good to get the blood pumping. Que Pasa Dance Co is the oldest salsa dance school in SA, so they know what they’re doing. Join a group class, and once the bug has bitten, you can sign up for one-on-one classes.
Good to know The weekly Friday Night Salsa Party lets you show off what you’ve learnt. There are also occasional Saturday night Ballroom and Latin social dances.
Times Monday – Thursday, 6pm – 8pm
Cost R150 per 2-hour class
R500 per month (all inclusive)
Contact 074 199 0918 (WhatsApp only)
Where to find it Hellenic Community Centre, 24 Bay Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town

See modern art at the Norval Foundation

Add a dose of culture to your visit to the Constantia winelands at this haven of art and nature. Inside the purpose-designed building you’ll find a bouquet of exhibitions in nine galleries, showcasing top South African and African modern art in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture and media art. Outside is an interactive sculpture garden amid the indigenous flora and wetlands. There are free guided tours on Thursdays at 2pm, and keep an eye out for “walkabouts” with featured artists and occasional arts/crafts workshops.
Good to know Round off a visit with a meal at the restaurant by , offering seasonal tasting menus, Saturday brunch, Sunday lunch, a bar menu and excellent winelist, and live music on weekends.
Times Wednesday – Saturday + Monday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday + public holidays, 10am – 4pm
Cost R200 (SA + African); R300 (international)
R100 (students 18 – 24)
Free (under 18s)
Contact 087 654 5900, info@norvalfoundation.org
Where to find it 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book Now

Make your own gin at Distillers & Union

Enter the experimental “lab” upstairs at Distillers & Union, where rows of bottles hold the botanicals (spicy, citrusy, herby, floral, bold, delicate…) needed to concoct your own unique gin. Book a gin-making experience, and you’ll be guided through the process – including distillation in an antique copper still – enjoy G&Ts and snacks, and go home with your 500ml bottle with a handmade label. Choose the deluxe package and your bottle will get a wax seal, plus you’ll have colourings and glitter to add to your gin if you like, and enjoy a full tasting of the distillery’s own 5 Pence Gins paired with garnishes. Booking is essential.
Good to know There are also tastings of craft beers plus the distillery’s Dragon alcoholic ginger beer and hard seltzers, plus a menu of delicious wood-fired pizzas.
Times Thursday – Sunday, 12pm or 5pm
Cost R595 standard; R750 deluxe
Tastings: R95 – R150
Contact 021 447 2517, info@distillersunion.co.za
Where to find it 156 Victoria Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Solve real-world mysteries at HintHunt

Many stories, whether in books or on screen, present a thrilling narrative of an escape plan in one form or another. Now you can immerse yourself in a similarly riveting adventure at HintHunt, which offers six different scenarios. You’ll need to solve challenging riddles, crafty puzzles and interpret clues in order to complete the escape – all within a time limit. The themed Escape Rooms include futuristic superhero-style “Marble”, a shipwreck, a submarine, a spooky old hotel, an Indiana Jones treasure quest and a classic prison break.
Good to know The games are open to groups of two to six people and last 60 minutes, except “Marble” which requires a minimum of four players and lasts 75 minutes.
Times Monday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm
Friday + Saturday, 10am – 8.30pm; Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm
Cost R315 per person
Marble: R395 per person
Contact 021 001 4215, capetown@hinthunt.co.za
Where to find it The Watershed, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Unleash your inner artist at Paint & Sip

If you’ve ever pictured yourself painting a wonderful work of art while sipping wine and bubbly in beautiful surroundings, then Paint & Sip is your dream come true. For each session, an artwork is chosen and under the guidance of the professional artist who created it, you’ll learn how to paint the picture – it’s enormously satisfying and foolproof (think paint-by-numbers, but with step-by-step verbal instructions). Suitable for all abilities, everything you need is supplied – along with delicious food. Venues have included the 12 Apostles Hotel, Groot Constantia, various wine estates, a brewery in Franschhoek and a quaint cafe in Noordhoek.
Good to know It’s all for a good cause, as the main fundraiser for NGO Call2Care, which improves lives through educational outreach and volunteer events. You can also buy painting kits, delivered to your door, to work on at home.
Times Once a month
Cost R640 – R800
Contact 066 038 6855, lauren@call2care.org.za
Where to find it Various venues
Enquire Now

See top art and architecture at Zeitz MOCAA

Touted as Cape Town’s Tate Modern, it’s impossible to miss the impressive structure that is Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa when visiting the Waterfront. Its raw-concrete bulk and convex windows tower over nearby buildings and ships in the harbour. Known for its cutting-edge exhibitions, the building itself is a showstopper too, with 42 historical grain silos given an eye-catching makeover courtesy of the UK’s Heatherwick Studio in 2017. Zeitz MOCAA’s many and varied spaces over six floors include the cathedral-like Atrium, the Centre for Art Education, the artist-in-residence Atelier, a rooftop terrace and a museum shop stocked with art-inspired items, as well as a coffee shop and sixth-floor restaurant with fabulous views of Table Mountain and the city.
Good to know Free entry on Wednesday mornings for SA and African citizens (with ID).
Times Daily, 10am – 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Free tours at 12.30pm on Tuesday – Saturday
Cost R250 (adult)
Free for children and teens
Annual membership from R290
Contact 087 350 4777, info@zeitzmocaa.museum
Where to find it Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now

Create picture-perfect pottery with Calico Ceramics

There’s something very therapeutic and mindful about the ancient art of pottery. Banish images of Ghost-style pottery-wheel action… At Danielle Le Chat’s workshops, the ceramic objects are hand-built, shaped and glazed using classic techniques. It’s a bit like pastry-making but using clay. All the while you’ll be sipping on mimosas, bubbly, teas, coffees and juices, and also be treated to a gourmet vegetarian lunch courtesy of Food Jams (their gorgeous studio is the venue for the pottery workshop). Danielle’s business, Calico Ceramics, is known for its whimsical creations – one look at the range and you’ll understand why her workshops are in such demand. They happen once a month and are limited to 20 people.
Good to know The workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced potters. Booking is online only.
Times First Sundays of the month, 10am – 3pm
Cost R1 950
Contact 076 816 3981 (WhatsApp only), hello@calicoceramics.com
Where to find it Soute/Food Jams, 45 Yew Street, Salt River, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Take a deep dive into coffee at Truth

Head to Cape Town’s famous steampunk-styled coffee emporium, and order “The Full House”. You’ll get a private booth and your own barista to guide you through a tasting paired with dessert of your choice, and get up close to Colossus, the vintage coffee roaster that takes centre stage, to learn about the top-notch beans and roasting. Plus you’ll go home with a goodie bag. This exclusive experience is available for up to four people per session. There is also a “Geek Session” that delves into the intricacies of brewing the perfect cuppa (involving the “clever dipper”), or an intro to cupping (which allows you to slurp, er, taste all of Truth’s coffees).
Good to know If you prefer beans of the chocolate variety, head across the road to Rapt Indulgence, David Donde’s new “wonderland” of chocolate, offering choc-o-lattes, nitro ice cream, build-a-bar experiences and more.
Times Tuesday – Saturday, 7am – 10pm; Monday to 6pm
Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Cost R1 000 (2 hours)
Geek Session: R300 (1 hour)
Cupping: R150 (30 minutes)
Contact 021 201 7000, hello@truth.capetown
Where to find it 36 Buitenkant Street, East City, Cape Town
Enquire Now

Visit the Honest Chocolate factory

Honest Chocolate Cafe in town is a favourite stop-off, but if you’d like to go behind the scenes, book for a chocolate workshop at their production kitchen in Woodstock, where they honour old-school methods. From roasting the cacao beans to tempering chocolate on marble slabs and adding flavours like rooibos, buchu, Kalahari salt, coconut, naartjie or Peruvian maca, you can see what goes into making these artisanal treats. Then create your own set of four bonbons to take home. Of course, you’ll also get a full tasting of their wares too.
Good to know All Honest chocolate slabs are vegan.
Times Last Saturday of the month, 10am – 12pm
Cost R450
Contact 076 091 8814, info@honestchocolate.co.za
Where to find it 7 Barron Street, Woodstock, Cape Town
Book Now

Ace your decorating at Julie’s Cake Studio

If the sight of a gorgeous cake makes you gasp with delight, it’s time to learn how to pimp up your own cakes and bakes. Julie Donald, a Silwood-trained chef, is a master with over two decades’ experience. Attend her four-hour classes and you’ll learn the secrets of specific techniques – think perfect buttercream frosting, drip and ombre effects, vintage frills and swirls, piped flowers, palette knife painting, glossy royal icing, fine details, text and borders. She also offers classes on making macarons and mini bento box cakes. Cakes/cookies, ingredients and tools are supplied, and you’ll go home with your finished product.
Good to know Julie also does fun, interactive evening cooking classes, from Thai and Indian to dumplings, pastas and tapas – and cheesecake. Look out for kids’ classes in the school holidays and two-day cake baking and decorating retreats out of town.
Times Saturdays, 9am – 1pm
Cost R900
Contact 083 402 2331 (WhatsApp only), julie@juliedonald.co.za
Where to find it Claremont, Cape Town

Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.