We know how important it is to keep children happy on holiday, because we are a family ourselves. Somerset West is a great destination for kids: there is space to run, farms to explore, gardens to picnic in, wine estates with something for younger guests, and even an obstacle course and a wildlife sanctuary nearby. So here are our favourite things to do with kids in Somerset West and the Helderberg.
Helderberg Farm: trails, strawberries and laser tag
Helderberg Farm is one of the most popular family stops. It also has five hiking trails from beginner to challenging, mountain biking and 4x4 routes, a tea garden, and even laser tag for older children. Between October and December you can also pick your own strawberries, which small hands usually love. Cape Town Tourism also lists it among its favourite neighbourhood activities.
Photo: Pexels
Helderberg Nature Reserve: space to run
The Helderberg Nature Reserve has picnic areas, a jungle gym and trails that start from a gentle 2.2 kilometres, so you can choose a walk that suits little legs. The reserve also hosts concerts and the Helderberg Book Festival. So pack a picnic, keeping in mind that braai and gas equipment are not allowed. For longer routes see our guide to hiking in Somerset West.
Photo: Pexels
Family-friendly wine estates in Somerset West
A wine estate does not have to be off-limits for families. Several estates around Somerset West now welcome kids with open gardens, playgrounds and activities of their own — Lourensford and Blaauwklippen are two of our favourites, below. Vergelegen's gardens and camphor forest are also ideal for picnics and running around, and the estate runs eco-tours with wildlife viewing. See our guide to the best wine estates in Somerset West for more, and the Vergelegen website for current experiences.
Photo: Pexels
Lourensford: Total Ninja and the dam
Lourensford Wine Estate has become a firm favourite with families thanks to Total Ninja, an outdoor obstacle-course park with ninja-warrior-style challenges for kids and teens, alongside the estate's weekend market and confectionery emporium. The estate's dam is another easy win: a scenic spot for a walk, with waterfowl to spot along the way. Note that Lourensford does not allow outside food or picnics on the property, so plan to eat at one of the estate's own restaurants or cafés. Check the Lourensford website for current opening times before you go.
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Blaauwklippen: playground and bike track
Blaauwklippen Wine Estate is another good stop with kids in tow, with a playground and a bike track where children can safely burn off energy while the grown-ups relax on the lawns. Combine it with a stroll around the historic Cape Dutch homestead and cellar. As with any wine estate, opening hours and facilities can change, so check the Blaauwklippen website before you visit.
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Cheetah Outreach: meet the cheetahs
Cheetah Outreach's Paardevlei centre, just outside Somerset West, lets visitors get close to ambassador cheetahs and other predators while learning about conservation on a guided visit — a memorable one for animal-loving kids. Visits typically run on a timed schedule, so it's worth checking the Cheetah Outreach website for current visiting hours and booking details before you go.
Photo: Pexels
Creative afternoons and rainy-day fun
If it rains, look for indoor fun: Artjamming runs paint-and-sip sessions for adults and slime-making workshops for kids. SA-Venues also lists Monkey Town in the area as a family activity, but note that Monkey Town closed its animal exhibits in 2024, so it's worth confirming its current offering before you plan a visit. See the full, up-to-date list on the SA-Venues kids guide.
Photo: Pexels
Beaches: Gordon's Bay and Strand
Gordon's Bay Main Beach has shallow water and offshore reefs that soften the waves, so it is a family favourite, and it is close to the restaurants of Beach Road. A little further along the coast, Strand's long Blue Flag beach is another easy family outing, with a water park nearby for when the kids want more than sand and sea. Read our guide to the best beaches near Somerset West for more ideas.
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Family tips
Pack sun protection and water, book restaurants early for busy weekends, and plan one main activity per day so no one gets overtired. Ask us about child-friendly options when you book, and take a look at our rooms to find the right fit for your family.
Things to do with kids in Somerset West: frequently asked questions
What is the best activity for young children in Somerset West?
For example, strawberry picking at Helderberg Farm from October to December, picnics in the gardens at Vergelegen and the playground at Helderberg Nature Reserve are all easy wins.
Are wine estates suitable for kids?
Many are. Look for estates with gardens, open space and kids' options such as Lourensford's Total Ninja obstacle course or Blaauwklippen's playground and bike track, and check in advance.
Is there anything for older kids and teens?
Yes. Total Ninja at Lourensford has obstacle-course challenges for older kids and teens, and Cheetah Outreach's guided visits tend to appeal to animal-loving kids of any age.
What can we do on a rainy day?
Try a creative workshop such as Artjamming, or explore the cafés and bakeries in our breakfast and coffee guide.