Is Cape Town a good place to live with kids?
Yes — if you pick the right neighborhood, stay alert like in any big city, and enjoy being outdoors, Cape Town can be an incredible place to raise kids. It’s beautiful, friendly, and surprisingly easy to live in once you know how things work.
From Thailand to Living in Cape Town with Kids
We’re a digital-nomad family of four. For the past few years, we’ve stayed at least three months in every place — mostly across Thailand, Bali, and New Zealand. Our life is built around remote work, international schools, and exploring new places together.
Cape Town isn’t new to us. We were here nine years ago, on our honeymoon, when I was pregnant with Lila. Back then, we fell in love with the views and the energy, but always wondered what life here would feel like with kids.
Now we’re back — this time as a family — and staying for three months. As I write this, we’re in our second month, somewhere between “new and exciting” and “we actually live here now.”
Friends had warned us: “It’s stunning, but dangerous,” “affordable, but tricky.” Still, we wanted to see for ourselves. We rented a house in the suburbs, enrolled the girls in an international school, and decided to live like locals instead of tourists.
👉 Don’t have time to read the whole article? These are the best Cape Town Tours!
👉 Find Family-Friendly Hotels in Cape Town.
Everyday Life Feels Surprisingly Normal
Cape Town is one of those places that looks exotic on postcards but feels surprisingly normal when you live here.
So before we dive into details, here’s what our everyday life actually looks like.
Our days start early. School drop-off is at 7:30 am, which means we wake up at 6:30. The sun rises early too, so mornings are bright and fresh.
The school has this lovely system where you drive through a small roundabout, and a smiling security guard opens the door for your child. The headteacher stands at the entrance and greets every kid by name. It’s such a small thing, but it sets the tone for the day.
Both girls stay until 4 pm with aftercare and ECAs (extracurricular activities). That gives my husband and me time to work — he from home, me from cafés. I love the work vibe here. Cape Town has excellent coffee shops, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of quiet corners to write. My favorites are in Bree Street in the CBD and right here in Constantia, close to home.
After school, I pick the girls up, and we often stop by one of the shopping villages — these neat open-air malls that have everything in one spot: grocery store, pharmacy, nail salon, and toy shop. Super handy!
By 8 pm, everyone’s in bed. Early mornings make for early nights. Sounds pretty normal, right?
Before the Move – the Organization
Before arriving, I had to organize three things: a house, a school, and a car. I started well in advance, about 8 months before. As always, I start with finding a school, because the schools’ location determines where our home will be situated.
Finding a School
Finding a school for a short stay is always tricky. The older the kids get, the harder it is to find places that accept them short-term. I got a few rejections before things started to work out.
To keep driving simple, I wanted both girls at the same school. And since they’ve been following the British curriculum in Thailand for two years already, that was non-negotiable for me.
I applied to ISCT (International School of Cape Town). They were kind, responsive, and easy to talk to from the first email — such a relief after a few stressful applications.
Before Lila got her spot, she had to complete a two-hour online assessment at her previous school in Thailand. It covered English, math, and logic. She was nervous, but she did great, and once she was accepted, everything moved quickly.
The teachers are warm but firm, and communication with parents is excellent. Termly fees for private international schools in Cape Town are around $1,500 USD (€1,380 / R27,500), with a bit extra for uniforms, ECAs, and aftercare. That’s exactly what we’re used to pay in Thailand.
The school offers lots of ECAs (extracurriculars) — from ballet and cheerleading to soccer and art. Lila does yoga, arts, basketball, and running. Ruby goes to courses, with cute names like “Dance Mouse” and “Monkeynastics”. Both love it.
Finding a Home
After living in Thailand for years, the house prices in Cape Town didn’t shock me at all. Prices in Thailand have skyrocketed recently. You can easily pay between $2,500 and $4,500 USD (≈ €2,300–€4,150) for a two- or three-bedroom house in Koh Phangan. So, Cape Town actually felt fair.
I first tried to find a place through Facebook Marketplace — my go-to in Thailand for long-term rentals — but that didn’t work here. Then I moved on to local property sites, but even with a paid subscription, most agents never replied. Booking.com wasn’t an option either for long stays.
In the end, I went for the last resort: Airbnb. And I’m glad I did. I found an amazing deal and booked it right away. Sure, we’re paying a bit more than a typical long-term renter would for six months or more, but that’s fine. That’s literally the price we pay for flexibility.
We now rent a house on a large property in Constantia, shared with the owners and two other families (the property, not the house). There are eight dogs, chickens, and even geese roaming around. The girls love it. It feels peaceful and social at the same time.
We pay around $3,500 USD (≈ €3,000 / ≈ R60,500) per month, which is great for a spacious house, a pool, weekly cleaning, and a “new family”.
💡 Pro tip: Just to let you know, load-shedding (planned power cuts) is still a thing here. It sounds dramatic, but it’s manageable. Most houses have backup batteries or inverters, and if not, you just light a candle and wait it out.
Download the EskomSePush app — it tells you exactly when the next cut is coming.
Where to Stay (and Where Not To)
We’ve stayed in the City Bowl, Sea Point, and now Constantia — and honestly, all three felt safe. Each neighborhood has its own charm and rhythm, so it depends on whether you want cafés and energy or trees and quiet.
Great family areas:
- Sea Point & Green Point: Ideal for families who love morning walks by the ocean and easy access to the Waterfront.
- Camps Bay & Clifton: Picture-perfect beaches and sunset dinners — pricier but stunning.
- Constantia & the Southern Suburbs: Peaceful, green, and perfect for family life. That’s where we live now, and I love the calm.
Trendy but mixed:
Woodstock and Observatory are great for a coffee or some thrifting, but feel different depending on the street. We went one evening for vintage shopping, and while nothing happened, I wouldn’t bring the girls there. It’s fun for an adults-only outing, though.
Areas to skip:
Khayelitsha, Nyanga, and similar townships — unless you’re joining a guided cultural tour. These areas face big social challenges, and wandering alone isn’t safe.
If you want to combine safety, community, and convenience, the southern suburbs or Sea Point are my top picks. Here are some nice and family-friendly hotels in safe areas:
Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
- From $210 (€180) per night (Standard Room)
- Modern family-friendly hotel near the V&A Waterfront with pool, gym, and free shuttle to main attractions
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- From $400 (€431) per night (Classic Room)
- Rooms with ocean views, kids staying free, 2 pools, gardens, and even a private cinema
Lagoon Beach Hotel
- From $150 (€140) per night (2-bdr Apartment)
- Beachfront hotel, 2 pools, kids staying free, and stunning Table Mountain views
Groceries and Daily Costs
Groceries for a family of four cost about $150–$200 USD (≈ €140–€185 / ≈ R2,750–R3,600) per week. Imported items like European cheese are expensive, but local fruit, veggies, and bread are fresh and affordable.
A flat white at a café costs around $2.50 USD (≈ €2.30 / ≈ R45), and eating out as a family is usually $30–$50 USD (≈ €28–€46 / ≈ R550–R930) for a full meal with drinks. My grande matcha latte at Starbucks costs only about €3 (≈ $3.20 / ≈ R60). That’s 4 Euros cheaper than in Europe!
And here’s my favorite part: three pizzas from Butlers, our go-to delivery place, cost roughly €14 (≈ $15 / ≈ R280) in total. That’s the price of a single pizza elsewhere.
There’s a Woolworths or Pick ‘n Pay on almost every corner, both great for everyday shopping. Woolworths is a bit pricier but has excellent quality. For weekends, Farm Markets are perfect — you get fresh produce, local snacks, and a fun morning out with the kids.
Childcare and Nanny Costs
I found our nanny, Evie, through other mums in a local Facebook group. She’s a mum of two herself and used to run a daycare for ten years. So she really knows what she’s doing. The girls adore her.
Evie gets R100 per hour (≈ $5.40 / ≈ €5) plus R300 (≈ $16 / ≈ €15) for transport each time she comes plus tip. It’s about the same as what we pay for nannies in Thailand, and still very affordable for the level of care she gives.
Getting Around – Renting a Car in Cape Town
Public transport isn’t really an option for families in Cape Town. Buses are limited, and the minibus taxis aren’t safe for everyday use.
We decided to rent a car instead and went with Pace Car Rental. They’ve been great — easy to communicate with and flexible for long-term rentals. We pay around $450 USD (≈ €415 / ≈ R8,200) per month for a small Volkswagen, which works perfectly for school runs, grocery trips, and weekend adventures.
Having our own car simply is the easiest and safest way to get around. We chose something small and non-flashy to blend in, and parking is usually straightforward.
For nights out or when my husband has the car, Uber is reliable, fast, and cheap — most rides cost around $5–$8 USD (≈ €4.60–€7.40 / ≈ R90–R150).
💡 Pro tip (from our nanny): Download the app “inDrive.” It’s much cheaper than Uber, and most of the time it’s the same drivers and the same cars.
Visa for South Africa – How Long Can You Stay
Most nationalities, including visitors from Europe and the US, can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. You don’t need to apply in advance, it’s issued automatically when you arrive.
If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to leave the country and re-enter after those 90 days or apply for a visitor visa extension at a VFS Global office in Cape Town. The process can take a few weeks, so start early.
Extensions are usually granted for another 90 days, which makes it easy to stay for about six months in total — perfect for a family season abroad.
💡 Pro tip: Older children attending school for longer than three months need a student visa. That process can be quite paperwork-heavy and time-consuming, especially for short stays.
Safety — The Topic Everyone Asks About
Before moving here, I was terrified of the crime stories. I imagined we’d never walk outside after sunset. And yes — I was nervous that first week. I drove with my heart pounding, checking mirrors and clutching the wheel at every red light.
But reality is different. Once you settle, you realize life goes on normally. People work, kids go to school, families walk dogs in the park.
We’ve learned a few basic rules:
- Don’t walk alone after dark in quiet areas (and also busy areas in the CBD can feel uncomfortable after sunset).
- Always lock car doors, even while driving.
- Don’t leave valuables visible in the car, not even your jacket.
- Stick to busy, family-friendly neighborhoods.
Now, I honestly feel safer than I did in our first days. Cape Town isn’t dangerous if you know where to go and how to move. And with kids, you naturally gravitate toward the safest spaces — schools, playgrounds, cafés, and parks full of families.
Family-Friendly Places We Love
These are our favorite places with kids for now (I’ll constantly update):
Blockhouse Kitchen – Constantia
Set on a big farm complex with stunning mountain views, delicious food, and a cute wooden playground. Just beware of the cheeky baboons that sometimes wander in and steal your food — that’s happened to us twice already!
Location: Blockhouse Kitchen
Deer Park Café – Vredehoek
A real Cape Town favorite for families. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and a huge playground right next to it.
Location: Deer Park Café
Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar – Hout Bay
Right on the beach. The food is just okay, but the playground — wow. Real beach sand, slides, and a relaxed vibe.
Location: Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar
Varsity Club – Plumstead
An indoor play café that feels like a tiny world for kids. They can “work” at a supermarket, fire station, or vet clinic, and there’s even an outdoor space with bunnies. It’s clean, friendly, and great on windy days.
Location: Varsity Club
Cool Runnings Toboggan Park – Bellville
One of the most fun things to do with kids in Cape Town! Cool Runnings is Africa’s only toboggan track — a long, winding steel course where you control your own speed.
Location: Cool Runnings Toboggan Park
Tokai Forest & Secret Forest Café – Tokai
A peaceful weekend spot with tall pine trees, easy walking paths, and plenty of space for kids to play. Inside the forest, the Secret Forest Café serves great coffee and pastries in a relaxed outdoor setting. A hotspot on weekends!
Location: Secret Forest Café
PlayStation by Rush – Claremont
A massive indoor play park with slides, trampolines, and climbing zones. There’s a toddler area for little ones and a café for parents.
Location: PlayStation by Rush
Oranjezicht City Farm Market – Waterfront
A weekend favorite. We grab breakfast here, sip local coffee, and stock up on veggies. The atmosphere is cheerful, with live music, crafts, and families everywhere.
Location: Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Noordhoek Farm Village – Noordhoek
A charming little spot that feels like a mini village on its own. There’s a playground under big shady trees, local boutiques, and great restaurants. Parents can relax with coffee or wine while kids run around safely.
Location: Noordhoek Farm Village
Beyond that, weekends are for adventure. One day you’re hiking up Lion’s Head, the next you’re watching penguins at Boulders Beach or spotting seals in Kalk Bay.
And when we need a break from the city, the Cape of Good Hope or Stellenbosch wine farms are only an hour away.
What It Costs to Have Fun
Here’s a quick look at what everyday fun and small luxuries cost in Cape Town:
- Coffee & croissant at a café: $4–5 (≈ €3.70–€4.60 / ≈ R75–R95)
- Family lunch (4 people): $35–50 (≈ €32–€46 / ≈ R650–R930)
- Movie ticket: $6 (≈ €5.50 / ≈ R110)
- Uber ride (10 km): $5–8 (≈ €4.60–€7.40 / ≈ R90–R150)
- Hairdresser (roots + trim + blowout): $45 (≈ €42 / ≈ R850)
- Gel manicure: $26 (≈ €24 / ≈ R500)
- Lash extensions: $31 (≈ €29 / ≈ R600)
For a city this beautiful, that’s incredible value. You can treat yourself without feeling guilty.
Community & Social Interactions
What makes Cape Town special isn’t just the scenery — it’s the people. South Africans are warm, funny, and easy to talk to. Everyone loves kids, and small talk happens everywhere, at school pick-up, in cafés, even at the checkout line.
That said, I have to admit it’s been quite hard to really connect. We chat with people daily, but building deeper friendships takes time. Now, we’ve found one lovely family we really clicked with — and they’ve become great friends.
I’ve heard from others that this feeling is pretty common here. One mum told me it took her three years after moving to Cape Town before she felt confident enough to throw her first birthday party. That story made me feel a bit less like a social loser, to be honest.
To meet more people, my husband and I joined Lekker Chats, a local community event that brings strangers together for deep, open conversations about different topics. It’s such a refreshing concept — no small talk, just real chats. I loved it and can’t wait to go again. (It’s adults-only, though — an afternoon off from parenting!)
What Our Girls have Learned
Living here has taught our girls so much more than geography. They’ve seen penguins in the wild, hiked mountains, and learned about nature and conservation firsthand. They’ve also noticed differences — in wealth, skin color, and lifestyle — and asked big, honest questions about it all.
At many big street traffic lights, people in need often beg for money or try to sell small items like stickers or flowers. That was completely new to the girls. They’ve seen poverty before in Thailand and Indonesia, but not in this way — not people walking between cars, trying to make a little money at every red light. It opened up a lot of conversations at the back seat about fairness, safety, and how different life can look depending on where you’re born.
That’s the beauty of raising kids in a place like this. It’s real. It’s diverse. It makes them curious and aware of the world around them.
What It’s Like Working Here as Digital Nomads
For remote workers, Cape Town is a dream. The internet is fast, co-working spaces are everywhere, and cafés are built for laptops.
We sometimes work from Bree Street, but mainly in cafes in our neighboring areas, Constantia, Newlands, and Claremont. A matcha, power socket, and mountain view — what else do you need?
Also I feel that nobody gives you a look when you work at a cafe for four hours straight.
The balance here is perfect. Because the school day is so long, I can get a full day of work done and still squeeze in a gym session or quick hike before picking up the girls.
👉 You might also like:
– Is Cape Town Safe for Families? Real Advice Before You Go
– Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town: Routes, Tips & Epic Views
– Cape of Good Hope Day Trip – Family Fun in South Africa
– See Penhuins in Cape Town – Boulders Beach with Kids
Key Takeaways
- Cape Town can be a great base for families — safe, beautiful, and surprisingly livable.
- Housing in good suburbs ranges from $2,500–$5,000 (≈ €2,300–€4,600) for family homes.
- International schools cost around $1,500 per term (≈ €1,380 / R27,500).
- Everyday life is affordable — cafés, groceries, and childcare are way cheaper than in Europe and the US.
- You’ll need a car; public transport isn’t family-friendly.
- Safety is about awareness, not fear.
- Community takes time, but nature and lifestyle make up for it.
- For digital nomads, it’s an ideal mix of work, family, and adventure.
Final Thoughts: Our Honest Take on Living in Cape Town with Kids
For us, Cape Town has been the perfect mix of adventure and routine. The girls are happy at school, we get proper work done, and weekends feel like mini vacations. We’ve lived in many beautiful places, but Cape Town has something extra.
It’s not perfect. Safety is something you always stay aware of, but it doesn’t define daily life. We’ve found our rhythm, and it feels good.
We already know we’ll be back, next time for six months instead of three. That probably says it all. If you come prepared, curious, and open-minded, Cape Town might just win your heart too.
Thinking about a family move to Cape Town? Drop your questions in the comments below or share your experience — I’d love to hear how life here feels for you.
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ: Living in Cape Town with Kids
Is Cape Town safe for families with young children?
Yes, if you choose the right neighborhood and stay aware, Cape Town is safe for families. Areas like Constantia, Claremont, Sea Point, and the southern suburbs are great places to live with kids. Like in any big city, you’ll want to avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables out of sight, but daily life feels normal and family-friendly.
Which areas are best for expat families to live in?
Most expat families settle in the southern suburbs (Constantia, Claremont, or Newlands) — they’re green, peaceful, and close to good international schools. Sea Point and Camps Bay Beach are stunning if you prefer the coast, but they’re pricier. All offer easy access to the great outdoors, playgrounds, and local cafés.
What are the school options for international families?
Cape Town has several affordable private schools and international schools following British, American, or IB curriculums. ISCT (International School of Cape Town), Reddam House, and Parklands College are popular choices. School terms run January–December, with long breaks in June/July and December.
How much are international school fees in Cape Town?
Expect to pay around $1,500 per term (€1,380 / R27,500) for private international schools, plus extras for aftercare, uniforms, and ECAs. Some schools charge per month instead of per term. Public schools exist but are not usually an option for expat families due to curriculum differences and limited space for foreign students.
Do children need a visa to attend school in South Africa?
Yes. Minor children attending school for more than three months need a student visa. The process includes an acceptance letter, medical insurance, and proof of funds. It’s paperwork-heavy but doable if you plan early. For shorter stays (under three months), a regular tourist visa works fine.
What is daily life like for expat families in Cape Town?
It’s a mix of structure and freedom. Kids go to school early, parents work remotely or from cafés, and afternoons are for beach walks, hikes, or playdates. You’ll find plenty of great parks, sports centers, and indoor play cafés for rainy days. Weekends are often spent outdoors — hiking Table Mountain National Park, visiting Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or watching southern right whales along the coast.
How expensive is it to live in Cape Town compared to Europe or the US?
Life in Cape Town South Africa is much cheaper than in most major cities in Europe or the US. You can rent a nice family home for $2,500–$5,000 (€2,300–€4,600), get a great coffee for $2.50, and eat out as a family for under $50. Groceries and childcare are also affordable. The South African rand (ZAR) works in your favor if you earn in foreign currency.
What are the best family-friendly things to do in Cape Town?
There’s something for kids of all ages — from the Two Oceans Aquarium and PlayStation by Rush to Cool Runnings Toboggan Park and Kirstenbosch Gardens. On sunny days, head to Camps Bay Beach, False Bay, or Cape Point. For cooler or windy days, there are great indoor play centers, interesting museums, and craft markets. The Garden Route is also a great idea for weekend trips full of adventure activities and nature reserves.
How’s the weather in Cape Town?
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate: hot summers from November to March and mild winters from June to August. Expect windy days (the famous Cape Doctor wind!) and occasional rain in winter, but plenty of sunny days for beach time or hiking.
Is healthcare good in South Africa for expats?
Yes, as long as you have private healthcare. Most expats use hospitals like Netcare or Mediclinic. It’s affordable compared to Europe or the US, and quality is excellent. Always make sure your travel insurance or health policy covers South Africa.
Is Cape Town a good place to raise kids long-term?
For many expat families, yes — Cape Town offers space, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature. Kids grow up hiking, spotting wildlife, and learning about social differences and environmental responsibility. But the high crime rate and visa limitations can be challenging for those planning a permanent move. If you value the great outdoors and community life, it’s a wonderful place to call your new home.
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