Top 20 activities for children and families in Hermanus and surrounded areas

There are many exciting activities and programmes planned for young children and their families visiting Hermanus in the heart of the Cape Whale Coast.  Hermanus is teeming with fun-filled activities suited for families, groups and individuals, ranging from land to water to air activities. For the more adventurous visitors that are wanting to enjoy a different approach for exploring Hermanus then there are also many adrenaline-filled and exciting activities.

Wonderland Play Park and Café offer a unique playground with child-safe equipment, a mini train, arcade centre, restaurant and fun rides which includes jumping castles and more to create a safe environment for your kiddies whilst you shop for your garden at Super Plants in Hermanus. Wonderland Play Park and Café offer a unique playground with child-safe equipment, a mini train, arcade centre, restaurant and fun rides which includes jumping castles and more to create a safe environment for your kiddies whilst you shop for your garden at Super Plants in Hermanus.   You and your family can enjoy a fun filled day with the kids who can enjoy all our rides from ‘Designer Play houses’ to play schemes, nursery projects to Multi-Use Games Areas: environments that allow our kids to increase confidence and learn to enjoy exercise – fundamental to the development of good physical and mental health.  Facebook Page

Whale Coast Mall Theatre Take a look at the latest movies playing at the Whale Coast Mall Theatre as well as the schedule and prices. In the mood for a movie? Bring your friends and family along for a spot of big-screen entertainment!   Facebook Page

Outdoor Jungle Gyms.  Hermanus has various parks that are equipped with see-saws, jungle gyms and slides. one of the popular Jungle Gyms is at the Amphitheater situated on Hermanus’s waterfront, in full view of the seafront restaurants so that Mum and Dad can enjoy a relaxing lunch or breakfast time and at the same time have a glorious view of the ocean.

Rocklands Petting Farm is a little Haven for Families big and small. The farm has an abundance of animals that are housed in lovely pens where the kids are welcome to pet and feed them, perfect for children. All animal and Nature lovers are welcome. Parents can sit and relax with a good cup of Coffee. We have a tea Garden with Toasties made on the fire.  Facebook Page

Zero Gravity, a gaming shop that sells computer games for all platforms and also offers the opportunity for children to come and play games in store. Stockist of games, consoles and accessories for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox360, PS3, PS2 and PC. In-store gaming available with over 100 titles to play.  Zero Gravity is open seven days a week and it is highly popular with children of all ages for its reasonably-priced gaming experience. The new shop is secure and well-monitored so it is safe to leave your children to enjoy their games while you go out and shop or spend the day doing other activities. Food and refreshments for the children are also available in store.  Facebook Page

Creative Kids Club - A creative space for children to come and experience Art, Clay, Yoga and Play.  Creative Kids club believe that children should have the freedom to create unrestrained and abandon freedom.  Facebook Page

Visit one of our Beaches – Thanks to Hermanus’ coastal location you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. Winter season is surfing season ! Grotto, Kamma Baai, Sandbaai, Onrus beach, Hawston (Blue Flag) to name a couple of the lovely beaches and all our Blue Flag beaches have lifeguards on duty.  Remember your sunscreen, shades and sun hat.  Click here for a summary of all the beaches

Surfing and Bodyboarding - Voëlklip, Grotto, De Kelders, Die Plaat, Gansbaai, Danger Point and Kleinmond all boast famous surfer waves! 

Kleinrivier Cheese Farm and Picnics – Klein River Cheese farm just outside Hermanus near Stanford lies on the banks of the Klein River, surrounded by lush green hills and mountains.  If you prefer to picnic the old school way, you can create a picnic basket from our deli-style Picnic Shed, which is filled with farm-fresh produce, Stanford wine, craft beer and a mountain of artisanal cheese. We also provide knives, boards, blankets, glasses and more so all you have to bring is your appetite!  They also have a petting farm and fun things to do for the kids.  Facebook Page 

Top Golfing Breaks

Fun filled days, exotic cuisines, majestic marine wildlife and spectacular scenery are likely to spring to mind when you think of Hermanus. For those in the know, however, it’s the world-class championship golf courses that take centre stage. The Cape Whale Coast is still a relatively well-kept secret on the golfing circuit, but with destination golfing holidays swinging into the spotlight it’s time to put Hermanus & Arabella Golf Courses, onto this year’s travel itinerary. PGA Pros return year after year to enjoy varied terrains and altitudes that this area offers. Stay at luxury accommodation which provides first-class comforts and are in close proximity to popular attractions to ensure that a golfing break in Hermanus is one the whole family can enjoy.

Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary Stanford – Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary is home to tawny and white lions, tigers, a black leopard and caracals. A wonderful experience to learn the importance of the wild cats of the world that are rescued from captivity  and with educational tours twice daily from a Monday to Wednesday at 10:00 and 15:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)  Facebook Page

Mountain Biking – Mountain Biking is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in South Africa. A variety of routes are available in Hermanus offering spectacular scenery for those who prefer spending an afternoon enjoying the fresh mountain air. If you can't bring your own equipment, local bike shops rent out whatever you require. Mountain Biking – Mountain Biking is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in South Africa. A variety of routes are available in Hermanus offering spectacular scenery for those who prefer spending an afternoon enjoying the fresh mountain air. If you can't bring your own equipment, local bike shops rent out whatever you require.
Join Go Bike Hermanus on Wine Tours, Mountain Biking or an MTB Tour. Experienced guides. We offer tailor-made mountain biking tours with Giant Dirt electric bikes or standard Giant full suspension bikes.  GoBike Facebook Page

Horse Riding  - Stanford, Gansbaai, Hermanus offers horse riding on the beach mountains
Arabella ( Kleinmond) offers horse riding on the beach as well as the lagoon where you might encounter the famous wild horses.

Family Trip to African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary near Gansbaai – Experience the amazing rehabilitation of our penguins and seabirds with educational tours for young and old. The African penguin & Seabird Sanctuary are on the corner of Kleinbaai and Franskraal Road. They are open to the public from 9:00- 16:00 daily and feeding time is 15:00. The aim of the Sanctuary is to provide temporary care to diseased, oiled or abandoned marine birds with special focus on the endangered African Penguin, in order to conserve and maintain populations.  Facebook Page

Visit the Penguins at Stony Point, they can be found in Betty’s Bay, which is a short 45-minute drive from Hermanus. Known as the home of the African (Jackass) penguins, Betty’s Bay is one of only two breeding grounds for these cute, flightless birds in South Africa. The area is open from 08h00 until 17h00 every day but the best times to go are early morning and late afternoon. There are also plenty of other activities within the area to enjoy during your visit. Visit the Penguins at Stony Point, they can be found in Betty’s Bay, which is a short 45-minute drive from Hermanus. Known as the home of the African (Jackass) penguins, Betty’s Bay is one of only two breeding grounds for these cute, flightless birds in South Africa. The area is open from 08h00 until 17h00 every day but the best times to go are early morning and late afternoon. There are also plenty of other activities within the area to enjoy during your visit.  Hangklip Tourism  |  028 271 5657 - more info

Quad bike and zip line family fun - Hermanus Forest Adventures. Quad bike out-rides into the mountains in the Hemel en Aarde Valley. Zip Lining in the forest is an Adrenalin rushing experience of a lifetime.  Facebook Page

SANSA - (South African National Space Agency) in Hermanus – Incredible knowledge and research you never even knew about… A must discover adventure into our universe. Facebook Page 

Visit one of the 3 Museums in Hermanus. The Whale House Museum, De Wet’s Huis Photographic Museum and Old Harbour Museum – Take a step back in time and learn more about Hermanus, marine life, and the fishermen and fishing.  More Info here

Visit one of the many Saturday morning Markets in Hermanus with the whole family - At weekends and in the holiday season, Hermanus becomes a hive of informal markets.  The Hermanus Country Market, Lemm’s Corner Market, Onrus Markie and the Hermanuspietersfontein food and wine market.  More information on all the markets

Hiking Trails for the family:  The Cape Whale Coast lies in the middle of the world’s smallest floral kingdom, The Fynbos Floral Kingdom.  Various hiking routes trail through these habitats. Stunning panoramic views!  A number of well-maintained hiking trails are available in and around Hermanus. Nature reserves such as Fernkloof and Vogelgat offer extraordinary scenery and sweeping views with hiking trails suited to all fitness levels. The world famous Cliff Path is perhaps the most popular trail in Hermanus stretching from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach.