WHAT TO DO
Boulders Beach
You can observe the colony of wild penguins from the boardwalk, but it's more fun to climb the rocks while they toddle by. About $2 per person; Simon's Town.
Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit MillAfrica may be known for its gold and diamonds, but the best souvenirs are the handmade crafts. The ideal place to buy them is the Old Biscuit Mill, a market held just outside Cape Town every Saturday. You'll find goods from local designers, as well as organic prepared foods. Don't miss A Is for Apple (children's books), Heartworks (crafts from townships), and Mu&Me (sweet stationery). Woodstock.
Robben IslandDeciding how much to tell your kids about South Africa's apartheid history is a personal call (see The Armchair Traveler, below, for child-appropriate reads on the topic). Should you decide to learn more, take the 45-minute ferry ride to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years. The tour, led by former prisoners, can be both grim and uplifting; it includes a walk around the cells as well the island itself, which is full of penguins and seals. About $20 each for adults; about $10 each for kids 4 to 17; free for kids under 4; Cape Town.
Spier vinyardThere are more than 100 vineyards within 45 minutes of Cape Town, but this one wins hands-down for its cheetah-and eagle-outreach centers, tribal face-painting, and wine (the Shiraz blend is worth packing for home). Stellen-bosch.
Table Mountain Aerial CablewayA five-minute ride carries you to a stupendous view of Cape Town. Call ahead to make sure the cableway is running—wind and fog often shut it down. About $17 each for adults; about $9 each for children 18 and under; Cape Town.
Two Oceans AquariumLocated on the waterfront, this is one of the best aquariums you'll ever visit. Get out your cameras at the Nemo tank, which is custom-made for kid photo-ops. The sharks are also impressive, though the highlight may be the seals lolly-gagging on the dock. About $10 each for adults; about $5 each for kids 4 to 17; free for kids under 4; Cape Town.
GOOD TO KNOW
WHEN TO GO
South Africa is pretty temperate year-round. Go between February and April for the most sunshine; July and August are the rainiest months.
SAFETY
While most tourists have no trouble, the crime rate does warrant precautions—no flashy jewelry; lock the car doors. For updates, visit travel.state.gov.
COMMUNICATION
Internet cafés abound in the city, and most hotels have Wi-Fi. Rent a cell phone that works internationally, or get a SIM card at Voda shops (at the Cape Town airport or the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront).
