Best Activities to Enjoy with Toddlers in the Northern Suburbs

As a mum to a busy toddler, I know just how hard travelling with these tiny people can be. But, as a family, we have made it our mission to continue enjoying life together by finding toddler-friendly experiences in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs.

Sure, sometimes, the tantrums, spills and stubbornly skipped naps get the better of us. But, most of the time, we make incredible family memories and our toddler has a blast in the process!

In this post, I share some of my best toddler-friendly activities. (Note: Some activities are suitable for younger and/or older siblings too!)

And better still? These places and things to do are definitely toddler-approved – and parent-friendly! 🙂

Let’s jump right in (after all, toddlers wait for no one):

Northern Suburbs: Fun Toddler Activities

 

Baby- and Toddler-Swim Classes in Bellville and Durbanville

I am a huge believer in swim safety starting as early as possible. Because of this, I have spent a lot of time researching good local options so you don’t have to.

Finding a wonderful swim school for safe, professionally taught lessons (in a fun, secure environment) is essential as a parent and guardian.

Fortunately, there are a few great swim schools in Durbanville and surrounds, including my top three picks in Joyner Swim School, Swimmatix Bellville and Swimhub Pinehurst.

Learning Vital Life Skills and Having Fun

The great thing about most of our local swim schools is that, generally, everyone from babies (usually six months and older but this varies) to adults is welcome to learn to swim, enjoy aqua aerobics or have plain ol’ swim fun.

While it varies per swim school, normally, classes are divided according to age or swim level. You also get individual/one-on-one lessons for both older kids and adults.

The baby- and toddler-classes teach important basic safety skills through sing-along-songs, pool fun and more.

For young children, one parent (usually mum or dad, although a guardian or grandparent can possibly join instead) gets in the water, while the other parent gets to watch from the side.

Just a note: Swim nappies (usually disposable or reusable) are a requirement for babies and toddlers who are not potty-trained.

• Suggested ages: Baby swim classes usually start from six months and older but this may vary per swim school.
• Cost/entry fee per child: Costs vary according to swimmers, class levels and the like. You are generally charged a term/monthly fee. Please contact a swim school for rates and class availability.
• Where: Bellville and Durbanville
• Indoor/outdoor options: Lessons are conducted in a spacious, often heated pools. Most swim schools have change rooms/facilities and lockers for swimmers.
• Pram-friendly: Yes, most swim schools are pram- or at least, baby carrier-friendly.
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): Local swim schools are usually offered in safe, enclosed indoor pools. There is normally secure on-site or nearby parking.
• Coffee and food options: Sometimes the swim school has a little on-site coffee- or tuck-shop, otherwise they are close to shops and malls.
• Frequency/availability: Swimming lessons and classes operate on different schedules. However, most swim schools run classes during the week and on Saturdays.
• Contact details: Please contact the relevant swim school of your choice. They all have FB/website pages and contact numbers.

 

Library Runs and Kiddies’ Events at Your Local Library

In the Northern Suburbs, we have a selection of lovely public libraries (including Bellville, Brackenfell, Durbanville, Bellville South and Tyger Valley) that are free for everyone to use and enjoy.

And while I have only visited and experienced the Tyger Valley Library and the Durbanville Library  personally, I can attest to both branches offering good books and fun spaces for toddlers.

A Love of Reading: Passed on to Our Children

Growing up in Montagu, small as the town and my even smaller private school was, my teacher ensured I had a library card and visited the library from Gr 1 already.

And honestly, being part of the library and visiting it for new books from ages 7-20 is one of my best memories of my home town. (I now have a career as a writer so I guess something stuck. 🙂 )

And while reading was always strongly encouraged in my household – I think it’s a skill best practiced in a space like the library. As that’s where children can choose their next discovery or adventure for themselves and learn the responsibility of checking out or returning books, avoiding (or settling) fines and above all, taking care of someone else’s belongings.

The library was a hallowed space for me. It provided excitement, comfort, learning and an advanced grasp of the English language, even as a tween when I started reading fantasy novels like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter.

Reading physical books and engaging in monthly library visits were so important to me growing up that it was almost a given my child would be introduced to books from birth essentially (which was the case).

If I compare these libraries to my childhood one, the Durbanville Library feels like the more authentic, fun library experience for parents and toddlers – but it’s important to note that both of these Northern Suburbs libraries offer some fun toddler events and make for wholesome weekly/monthly library runs.

Knowledge, Secret Worlds and Kind Friends at Your Fingertips

In a world where tech and AI are taking over, it’s refreshing to remind ourselves – and our children – that so often the best quests, most secret worlds, truest wisdoms and kindest friends are discovered within the pages of our books.

Better yet, the library teaches toddlers how to choose books themselves, socialise with their peers and yes, even about responsibility too.

More importantly, they are safe public spaces where everyone can go for some reading, learning or even quiet.

And, if you can’t physically visit the library, the City of Cape Town has a wonderful online library system (OPAC), which you can use to renew books, view items in the collection, check what your local library has available, access E-resources and even create reading lists.

Another great, free-to-use app (that just requires a library card) is the Libby app. Libby allows you to borrow e-books, audio books and digital magazines from your library’s local collection.

With Libby, you can read and browse on your smart device, so it’s literally learning and knowledge at your fingertips. (We have sometimes used the Libby app to take out books and read to our little one before bed – it’s not the same as a physical book but any story is better than no story.)

Fun Library Events for Little Ones

Both branches often have fun toddler-friendly events, like their holiday programmes, puppet shows, meet and greets with LiBee (the cheery library Bee mascot), certificate ceremonies and more.

The Durbanville Library also offers a great brick/Lego club, run by the Brick Club South Africa, which offers both Duplo for babies and toddlers (0-5) and Lego for older kids (5+). Children generally need to register in advance for a meet-up/library-held event and a library membership is recommended.

For a full programme offering or monthly events, please check with the relevant library branch.

Important Info

• Suggested ages: All ages (reading to your children from even the newborn age is great but toddlers really enjoy books and paging. We took a library card out for our child before six months.)
• Cost/entry fee per child: Free but recommended to get your child a library card so they can check books out (better yet, fines are a lot more relaxed for kids’ cards)
• Where: Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | Durbanville Public Library, Oxford Street, Durbanville
• Indoor/outdoor options: Fully indoors
• Pram-friendly: Yes, both libraries are pram-friendly. (Although the Tyger Valley branch is a confined space so navigating a pram around can be tricky. The Durbanville Library has a ramp entrance and wide aisles.)
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): The Tyger Valley Library is situated at Shop 146, Tyger Valley Shopping Centre (on the banking level) so there is secure and underground parking available. While the Durbanville Library has ample secure parking. There is also a lovely outdoor play ground here.
• Coffee and food options: Tyger Valley has plenty of food and drinks options, especially in the Food Court. Although, I personally love popping into Doppio Zero, Woolworths Cafe or Vida E Caffe for a sit-down or takeaway drink and a sweet treat. | Durbanville Library is close to Village Square and several Durbanville coffee shops and eateries (including Plato Durbanville, Prima Burgers and Chocolat Bistro)
• Frequency/availability: Both libraries are open during the work week (Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays) and on Saturdays (usually till noon). For precise opening times, please check with the library branch directly or visit their Facebook page.
• Contact details: Please contact the relevant library branch of your choice. They both have FB/website pages and contact numbers.

 

Lego Club at Durbanville Library (Run by Brick Club SA)

As mentioned above, the Durbanville Library is one of the locations where young and old can sign up to join the library-held Brick clubs.

First established in 2024, the Brick Club South Africa believes that when children can create and build freely, everything from their curiosity and imagination to their self-confidence can grow.

As a parent, I definitely agree – and there is some real science behind the power of imaginative play, especially through authentic Duplo or Lego.

Brick Club SA’s happy ‘Raise a Village’ duck mascot is a further reminder of how community spirit and fun sits at the heart of their great work.

What makes Brick Club even more special is that they offer accessible, free play. All sessions are entirely free to enjoy and run exclusively by volunteers.

These sessions are supported through donations and sponsorships so that children can simply arrive and have fun.

The clubs currently reach more than 500 kids a month in areas that include Durbanville, Somerset West and Milnerton, to name a few.

There are free baby play sessions, home school gatherings and more. They also work alongside libraries, day cares and schools to assist children from every walk of life.

I love the concept and I am so glad that initiatives like this exist, especially as tech steals that sense of childhood fun and shared play from us a little more each day.

Join in at Durbanville Library

I’ve seen first-hand how popular the sessions are at the Durbanville Library.

The Brick Club also visits other local Northern Suburbs libraries, including Brackenfell, Bellville and Bellville South so feel free to join there too!

And while kids are encouraged to be a library member, you actually just need to sign your little one up to join.

Sessions fill up fast though so definitely keep an eye on the library’s Facebook page or enquire directly with them.

• Suggested ages: Kids of all ages are welcome but generally Duplo play sessions are for the 0-5 year-olds, while kids five years and older enjoy Lego sessions.
• Cost/entry fee per child: Free to enjoy but you must have pre-registered.
• Where: Durbanville Library’s Activity Room
• Indoor/outdoor options: Indoors. The library has ample parking.
• Pram-friendly: Yes, the library is pram-friendly and has a access ramp.
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): Enclosed in a safe indoor space within the library.
• Coffee and food options: Not applicable. I also don’t recommend or encourage food or drinks in a library personally. 🙂
• Frequency/availability: Seems to be once a term, although they also do holiday programme meet-ups – but please confirm with your library or the Brick Club directly. You can also check the Brick Club SA’s Facebook page for updates.
• Contact details: Whatsapp Brick Club for more info on +27 (073) 660 1390 or visit the BCSA Facebook page for details and upcoming events.

 

Relaxed Family Picnics and Walks at Majik Forest or Tygerberg Nature Reserve

While Majik Forest is better for very small children as it offers paved walks, picnic benches and some open park spaces, Tygerberg Nature Reserve can be great for family outings, especially if you go for a picnic or decide to do a short family hike.

Exploring Majik Forest with Little Ones

Majik Forest is a popular local park that is loved for family outings, photoshoots, picnics and so much more.

Inside this family-friendly park, there are also play facilities for children to enjoy and the park is dog-friendly to leashed, well-socialised dogs.

This popular park has two entrances and you can easily walk from one side to the other.

There are benches and bins throughout. If these bins are full, please dispose of your rubbish at home or at Majik Forest Shopping Centre.

Majik Forest offers free, yet limited parking but sadly, there are no bathroom facilities at Majik Forest. Instead, use the bathrooms at nearby Majik Forest Shopping Centre.

Also, when exploring Majik Forest, just be mindful of the dam and rough terrain in the park, as these can be a safety hazards to children. 

 

Exploring Tygerberg Nature Reserve with Little Ones

At Tygerberg Nature Reserve, you may need a sturdy baby carrier or for your child to be a good, steady walker because the reserve is definitely more of a true nature experience than our local parks.

Although, having said this, some of the marked hikes are as short as 210 to 450 metres. The trails link up to form longer routes but you can do one or two shorter ones if preferred.

If you just want to visit for a picnic or for enjoying scenic views together, that’s perfectly fine too. 🙂

There is a wide array of local flora and fauna to admire too, making it especially fun for nature-loving little ones!

I would also advise insect repellent and thoroughly checking your child, clothes afterwards as ticks can definitely be a problem, especially in local reserves.

Tygerberg Nature Reserve has clean, on-site ablution facilities; free, yet limited parking; some great picnic spots with scenic views; historic cannons to see; and several lovely hikes/trails to enjoy.

Important Info

• Suggested ages: Tygerberg Nature Reserve may be best for ages 3 and up. | Majik Forest is ideal for babas of all ages.
• Cost/entry fee per child: Majik Forest is free to enjoy. | Tygerberg Nature Reserve has an entry fee; card payments only. Please see here for the latest fees.
• Where: Majik Forest, Van Riebeeckshof Road, Van Riebeeckshof, Bellville | Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Totius Street, Welgemoed.
• Indoor/outdoor options: Both places are fenced in but there aren’t really indoor spots here. (Although Tygerberg Nature Reserve does have the Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre, which is a popular, well-run venue, complete with a resource centre, small library and a herbarium.)
• Pram-friendly: I consider Majik Forest pram-friendly but I have some reservations about Tygerberg Nature Reserve. Maybe if you have an all-terrain pram, though, it can be okay.
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): As mentioned, both are enclosed public outdoor spaces. Both have free parking but it’s used at your own risk.
• Coffee and food options: Majik Forest has some cafes and restaurants in close proximity. | Tygerberg Nature Reserve is close to Welgemoed Forum, which has cafes and eateries. Either way, please do not litter our beautiful outdoor spaces.
• Frequency/availability: Majik Forest is open daily from 07:00 am – 19:00 pm. |

  Tygerberg Nature Reserve is open as follows:

• From 1 May – 31 August (Weekdays, weekends and public holidays): 07:30 am – 17:00 pm.
• From 1 September – 31 April (Weekdays): 07:30 am – 18:00 pm | (Weekends and public holidays): 07:30 am – 19:00 pm.
  The reserve is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

 

Family-friendly Local Parks in and around Durbanville

Majik Forest is one of the better known local parks. But our little family has discovered some equally lovely, lesser known parks across Bellville and Durbanville.

My personal park favourites include Sonstraal Dam, Kenridge Park (the dog park is nearby), Sluysken Park, Dalsig Park, Boland Park and Vierlanden Dog Park.

• Suggested ages: All ages. Some of the parks permit dogs but please mind your pets and clean up after them.
• Cost/entry fee per child: Free
• Where: Across Durbanville, Bellville and Welgemoed areas.
• Indoor/outdoor options: Outdoor facilities, some of which have play areas, dams and picnic benches. While others just have paths for walks.
• Pram-friendly: In my experience, most of our local parks are pram-friendly, though not all areas of the park(s) are.
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): Some of the parks have shade or partial street fencing. There is usually limited street parking (use at your own risk).
• Coffee and food options: A couple of the parks, like Kenridge Park, are near to shops and cafes. While others may have food or coffee trucks nearby. Otherwise, bring your own snacks and picnic fare along. Please don’t litter and use the bins, if available. 
• Frequency/availability: Our local parks are generally open for use during daylight hours.

 

Toddler-friendly Book-, Play- or Meet-and-Greet-Events (Participating Northern Suburbs Malls)

Since our baby turned a year old, we have been fortunate to enjoy attending a range of local, free mall events, often held at Cape Gate, Willowbridge and Tyger Valley.

In one instance, Wordsworth held a meet-and-greet (as well as a biased colouring-in competition) with Peter Rabbit.

While the Exclusive Books branches, including the lovely Tyger Valley branch, often host fun kids’ book events, like for beloved Bluey.

Speaking of Bluey, we also got to meet the famous cartoon dog and her sister, Bingo, at Cape Gate Shopping Centre.

Willowbridge, Majik Forest, Glengarry and Tyger Valley are all starting to host more popup kiddies’ events.

These events usually allow children to engage in arts and crafts, stimulating sensory play, Easter hunts, creative holiday fun, ice rink skating, painting and much more.

Photos to Cherish (Even Those that Cue the Tears)

Most events are targeted at kiddies ages three and up but some of the events are still fun for small babas to join in on. Even if just for a photo-op.

Because nothing screams fun for a baby more than a giant plush, fictional character trying to give you a high five or stand alarmingly close for a posed photo. But as parents, those moments remain special. (Even if they cue the tears. 🙂 )

Note: I don’t take photos of other people’s kids (that’s low-key creepy and illegal to me) or share photos of my child online, so these images are strictly promotional.

• Suggested ages: 8 months – 6 years.
• Cost/entry fee per child: Some events are free. Others are free to join but you must book/RSVP. Most holiday programmes or experiences, however, are paid for.
• Where: Across participating Northern Suburbs malls.
• Indoor/outdoor options: Generally, these are indoor events held within the malls.
• Pram-friendly: Yes, all our local malls are pram-friendly in some capacity. At least in the mall walkways and larger store aisles.
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): Indoor store space (largely, unless otherwise stated by the event).
• Coffee and food options: Some events, like cookie-decorating or Easter egg hunts, may include food and drinks for little ones. Otherwise, you can bring your own baby/toddler snacks and drinks for afterwards or visit a local mall cafe or restaurant.
• Frequency/availability: Weekends, during school holiday programmes or other seasonal pop-up events.

 

Toddler-friendly Cafes: Northern Suburbs

The Northern Suburbs has a few toddler-friendly cafes and restaurants that we personally find great and welcoming for little ones.

These include Doppio Zero Tyger Valley, Oatlands Cafe, Dutch Haven Bistro and Shift Espresso Bar.

Other lovely options are Mugg & Bean Phesantekraal, Woolworths Cafe, Anna Beulah’s Deli Restaurant and The Daily Coffee Cafe branches.

Tip: Not all the malls have toddler-friendly playgrounds but we love Willowbridge’s outdoor play area. It has a good mix of activities and play things for young and old kids.

• Suggested ages: All ages but your child should ideally be able to sit in a high chair. (Otherwise, bring your pram or baby carrier along.)
• Cost/entry fee per child: Free. When your toddler is old enough, you can also ask for a babyccino, kids’ menu or colouring-in activity, where applicable.
• Where: Mall cafes and restaurants across the Northern Suburbs.
• Indoor/outdoor options: Most of these spots are indoors. Some, like Dutch Haven Bistro, Oatlands Cafe and Shift Espresso Bar, have outdoor play areas on-site or nearby.
• Pram-friendly: Most cafes are generally pram-friendly. Although some places have steps so you may have to carry the pram up separately.
• Shade + safety (eg fenced-in): Most of these cafes are mall-based so they are enclosed or indoors. Some, like Dutch Haven and Oatlands, have shade available.
• Coffee and food options: Not all cafes cater to babies and toddlers in this regard so try bring your own fruit, snacks or toddler-friendly drinks with.
• Frequency/availability: Most of these cafes are open daily, though opening times vary.

Looking for More Child-friendly Posts?

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