Is Toboggan Cape Town at Cool Runnings worth visiting?
Yes! Cool Runnings is one of the most fun things to do in Cape Town with kids. It’s Africa’s only toboggan track — a fast, safe, and family-friendly ride that feels like a mini rollercoaster. You control your own speed, enjoy beautiful mountain views, and can do it over and over again. It’s perfect for sunny weekends, especially if your family loves a bit of thrill.
First Impressions
We’re a digital-nomad family of four currently living in Cape Town for three months. After seeing Cool Runnings pop up on Google Maps, I honestly expected a small, homemade toboggan track, maybe something in someone’s backyard. Don’t ask me why! Maybe because the photos online made it look tiny. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
When we arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon in October, we found a proper holiday-park-style setup: modern ticket counters, uniformed staff, music, and families everywhere.
You’ll find Cool Runnings in Bellville, about a 25-minute drive from central Cape Town. It’s right next to Tyger Valley Mall, so you can easily plan lunch or shopping before or after. Parking is free and close to the entrance.
Once you step in, it feels very organized. There’s a restaurant, picnic tables, and shaded seating. It was also busy, which I kind of expected on a Saturday. Mainly teenagers, and families with smaller kids.
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Tickets & Prices (2025)
Day Passes:
- Working Day Pass: R550 (valid weekdays, 11 am – 6 pm, excluding school holidays)
- Day Pass: R700 (unlimited rides for one person)
- Fast Day Pass: R1,400 (skip the queue — worth every cent, but more on that later)
Ride Combos:
- Happy Family (16 rides): R990
- Happy Nappy (3 rides): R360
We went for the Happy Family combo — 16 rides total — which meant four rides each for our family of four.
The Queue Experience
Okay, let’s be honest: this was the most stressful part. We joined the queue behind about 50 other people. Mostly teenagers. Very excited teenagers. Loud teenagers.
And right next to the queue, there’s a big barbecue area where they grill burger patties for the restaurant. So while you’re waiting, you’re basically standing in a cloud of sizzling burger smell. I couldn’t decide if it was genius marketing or mild torture.
Learning How to Ride
A friendly woman explained the toboggan controls just before it was our turn. It’s simple: one handle. Push forward to go faster, pull back to brake or stop. That’s it. Even Ruby, our youngest, understood immediately (though she was only allowed to ride with an adult).
Lila, our eight-year-old, was tall enough to go solo but wanted to ride with one of us first.
Once you arrive at the end of the queue, you hand over your coin and sit into a sled. Then the sled clips onto a metal rope that pulls you up the hill (that takes around 2 mins). It feels a bit like the start of a rollercoaster — that clanking sound as you climb. At the top, a staff member gives you the signal when it’s your turn. They space riders about 25 meters apart for safety.
You can go slow, but if the person in front of you brakes too much, you have to too. And then… off you go.
The Ride
Fast, curvy, breezy, hilarious. The toboggan twists through 17 turns and dips. It’s over in about 30 seconds — maybe less if you’re brave enough to go full speed. The girls squealed the whole way down. I probably did too. Once you reach the bottom, you can go back in line again.
The Not-So-Fun Part
Unfortunately, our last round didn’t end perfectly. On Lila’s final ride, a teenage boy crashed into her from behind. He clearly didn’t keep his distance or brake in time. Thankfully, she was okay — just shaken and a bit sore — but it could have been worse.
I really wish there were more staff positioned along the track or at least stronger rules to prevent reckless riders. It’s not common, but it can happen. So if you go with small kids, maybe stick to riding together.
Facilities & Food
The on-site restaurant offers burgers, hot dogs, fries, and drinks. There’s also a small bar area with beer and cocktails for adults. You can sit in shaded areas, watch other riders zoom by, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. We didn’t eat there this time.
The place is family-friendly: clean restrooms, picnic areas, and good visibility of the track. Parents with strollers or toddlers can still have a nice time watching from below.
How Long to Plan For
We spent about one hour there in total. That covered four rides each, plus queuing. If you plan to go on a weekend or during school holidays, expect to stay longer. I read that the queue can stretch easily to 30–40 minutes per ride. If I could redo it, I’d go earlier in the morning or buy the Fast Day Pass (R1,400). It lets you skip the regular line and makes the whole experience a lot more relaxed.
Who Can Ride
Cool Runnings is great for almost all ages:
- Kids from around 3 years (with an adult)
- Solo rides from 8 years or 1.3 m height (4 feet 3 inches)
- Max weight per sled: about 150 kg (330 pounds)
Opening Hours & Weather Tips
Cool Runnings is open daily, usually from 9 am – 6 pm on weekends and 11 am – 6 p, pm weekdays. Since it’s an outdoor track, the park closes during heavy rain or strong wind. So always check the Cool Runnings Cape Town Instagram or website before you go. Best times to visit: morning (less crowded, cooler weather) or late afternoon (softer light and fewer queues).
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats
- Sunglasses
- Closed shoes – for comfort and safety
- Water bottles – or you can buy drinks inside
Family-Friendly Hotels in Cape Town
I personally love staying in the suburbs. Right now, we’re renting a house in Constantia, and it’s been the perfect base for our daughters. But if you’d prefer a hotel, here are my top picks for the best family-friendly stays in Cape Town.
Lagoon Beach Hotel
- From $150 (€140) per night (2-bdr Apartment)
- Beachfront hotel, 2 pools, kids staying free, and stunning Table Mountain views
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
Key Takeaways
- Location: Bellville, near Tyger Valley Mall (25 min from Cape Town center)
- Tickets: R100 – R900 per person, family combos from R990
- Best for: Families, kids 3+, thrill-seekers
- Duration: Around 1–2 hours
- When to go: Sunny mornings or weekdays for fewer crowds
- Tip: Buy the Fast Pass (R1,400) to skip the queue
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Final Thoughts
Despite the queues and one stressful moment, we had a great afternoon. The ride itself is exciting, safe (most of the time), and perfect for families looking for something different in Cape Town. If you go, buy your tickets early, choose a weekday if possible, go for the Fast Day Pass if crowds drive you crazy, and ride together if your kids are small — it’s twice as fun.
Would we go again? Absolutely. Next time, though, I’ll skip the long line and head straight to the fast lane.
Have you been to the Toboggan Track already, or are you planning to go soon? I’d love to hear how your experience was. Please share it in the comments below!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQs About Cool Runnings Toboggan Track Cape Town
What is Cool Runnings in Cape Town?
Cool Runnings is Africa’s first downhill toboggan track, located in Bellville about 25 minutes from central Cape Town. It’s a family-friendly park with a 1.25 km (0.78 mile) steel track where you ride a small sled and control your own speed with a simple brake lever. It’s an outdoor activity that’s safe, fun, and suitable for visitors aged 3+.
How does the ride work?
You start at the bottom of the course and sit in a sled that’s pulled to the top of the hill by a moving cable. Once at the top, a staff member gives you the signal to start. Push the lever forward to go faster or pull it back to slow down. The track includes smooth bends, and 17 corners before you reach the bottom again.
How long is the Cool Runnings track?
The track is about 1.25 kilometers (0.78 mile) long and built from stainless steel. It’s a winding, shiny course with turns and drops that make it exciting but still safe for children and beginners.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. The Cool Runnings toboggan track is designed for families. Children from about three years old can ride with an adult, and older kids can go alone once they’re over 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches) tall. The brake lever allows full control, and staff monitor both the top of the hill and the bottom of the course to make sure riders keep enough distance. Still, bad behavior from other riders can always happen (as happened to us).
How much do the tickets cost?
Ticket prices are quite reasonable for South Africa. You can buy single rides, combos, or full-day passes:
- Fast Day Pass: R1,400 to skip the queue
- Single ride: from R100 (kids) or R110 (adults)
- Happy Family Combo (16 rides): R990
- Day Pass: R700 for unlimited rides
Is it fun for adults too?
Yes. Cool Runnings is not only for children. Many adults say it’s one of the most enjoyable experiences in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. The speed, views, and laughter make it a simple but satisfying activity for the whole family.
Do they have food and drinks on-site?
Yes. The restaurant serves burgers, fries, and cold drinks. There’s a shaded terrace and a small bar area. You can watch the track while eating or take a break between rides.
Can you book events or parties?
Yes. Cool Runnings is often used for school outings, birthday parties, team-building events, and bachelorette parties. They offer group packages that include rides, food, and reserved seating. It’s best to contact the park for date information and group rates.
How long does one ride take?
Each ride lasts about 30 to 40 seconds, depending on how fast you go. The slow pull up the hill takes around two minutes. Most families spend one to two hours at the park.
When is the best time to visit?
Cool Runnings is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. Mornings and late afternoons are quieter, with fewer queues and cooler weather. Since it’s an outdoor track, it closes during heavy rain or strong wind, so it’s best to check their social media or website before you go.
What should you bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, closed shoes, and some water. The waiting area is mostly sunny, and Cape Town can get hot. You can also buy drinks and snacks at the café.
Should you book in advance?
You can buy tickets at the entrance, but on weekends and during school holidays, booking online saves time. Online tickets guarantee your rides and help you avoid long waiting times.
Just a heads up: some links in “Toboggan Fun in Cape Town” are affiliate links. If you click and buy, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
