Keeping little explorers happy
With a safe, sandy beach, a working harbour full of boats and seals, and mountains to explore, Hout Bay is made for families. Most activities are within a few minutes' drive of each other, so it's easy to mix busy days with lazy ones. Here are some of our favourite ideas for children of all ages.
Beach days
Hout Bay's long beach is ideal for sandcastles, kite flying, paddling and long walks. The water is cold, but the shallows at the harbour end are popular with young paddlers on hot days. Pack a windbreak for the afternoons, when the south-easter can pick up.
Seals and boat trips
Children love spotting the Cape fur seals that often laze around the harbour. For a closer look, take a short boat trip past the Sentinel to Duiker Island, home to thousands of seals. Trips run from the harbour throughout the day, weather permitting.
Tree-top adventures
Near the top of Constantia Nek, forest adventure parks offer rope courses, zip lines and wobbly bridges among the trees. There are routes for little ones as well as more challenging courses for older children and adults. Everyone is harnessed in and supervised.
Horse riding
Guided horse and pony rides on the beach and through the valley are a Hout Bay classic. Rides are available for different ages and experience levels, and it's worth booking ahead in school holidays.
Walks and gentle hikes
Older children will enjoy the walks around the valley and the lower slopes of the mountains. Families with teenagers who are confident hikers can tackle bigger routes, including the climb to the lookouts above Chapman's Peak. Always hike in a group, take water and sun protection, and check the weather first.
Cycling
Forest trails and quieter roads in the valley make for great family rides. Bike and e-bike hire is available locally, and guided rides can be arranged for groups.
Rainy-day ideas
If the weather turns, try pottery-painting cafés, where kids can decorate their own ceramics, or the weekend market for food, music and browsing. Soft-play areas and kid-friendly restaurants are dotted around the village, and the city's aquarium and museums are about 30 minutes away.
Safety first: Always keep an eye on children near the water. The Atlantic is cold and currents can be strong. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and remember sunscreen and hats, even on cloudy days.