If you're taking the family to Cape Town and are in need of some activities, we've got you covered. We found a few first-rate crowd pleasers that will satisfy even the most discerning of your home critics

Education not so dull…

Museums are fascinating but unless the kids are really engrossed it could be quite a chore to get the edutainment balance right. Enter the Iziko Planetarium in the city. Their presentations about the skies and stars are more like theatre on the open night sky. You don’t have to sit in front of a giant screen like you do in the movies. Enjoy what resembles a close up of the sky as you recline on revolving chairs, staring up at the Planetarium's the domed roof.

Skating on thin ice…

Ice skating is addictive - try it if you haven't done it before. There’s just something about sliding on ice, falling and getting right up to try again that keeps everyone in high spirits. Ice Station in Grand West is the perfect spot for a great family night out. It’s been around since 1971 and has grown over the years to its current Olympic size. That’s a lot of ground to cover. And if anyone in the family happens to have a birthday while you’re on holiday, you can also arrange a no fuss party at the rink.

Horsing about

The beach is a great family spot and when in Cape Town you have to do it. If you really can’t stand the sand why not try a different take on the old beach tradition? Go horseback riding along the shoreline instead. You can organise it with the Cape Town Carriage Company. If you'd prefer to ride within the city, exploring historical landmarks around the Company Gardens, it's definitely an option.

Living in sinn

A nice outing at an ice cream parlour is always puts a spring back into the family’s collective step - unless someone is toying with lactose intolerance. But Sinnful in Camps Bay is about the best you can do for a blow out ice cream experience. Go beyond the usual vanilla and chocolate - they've got over 300 flavours on offer. Hopefully there won’t be a sugar rush to deal with afterwards.

If you can’t have Disney…

Theme parks are a predictable hit. There are fun rides for the very young and daring thrills for the rest at Ratanga Junction. With more than 30 rides that include, the Congo Queen, the Simulator and the Cobra, you will be here for a good part of the day, if not the whole day. If all the visual stimulation and screaming gives you a headache, just coax the whole family into watching a bird show. You can even catch the current Idols winner, Jody Williams, performing live if you’re there during April.