When it rains stay indoors … but not at home

Free museums, shooting range, play parks & more

Last updated: Friday, 6 June 2025

Sure, stay indoors when it’s cold and wet... but who says you have to stay home? Cape Town is just as full of exciting discoveries in winter. Kids can try making glass art or a trendy fluid bear; there’s aviation, glass and shark museums for families; and thrill seekers might try an indoor shooting range or match making events. And over 20 more.

KIDS WILL LOVE GLASS PAINTING 

Choose your glassware, pick your paint colours, and create! Glamour and Glass is a glass painting studio in Paarl founded by two sisters. There’s lots of items to choose from like plates, salad bowls, bread platters, and dessert bowls. You can pop back to collect your item once it's been fired in a kiln.

Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10am - 4.30pm; Saturday, 10am - 3.30pm; Sunday, 10am - 3pm
Cost: Items start from R55. See more info on the Glamour & Glass website 


R45 Klapmuts | Simondium Rd | Simondium | @glamour_and_glass | Image: Glamour and Glass

WINE TASTING IN AN ART-FILLED ROOM 

There’s a range of tastings at Spier, from the entry level tasting to the Winemaker Selection (their premier ranges like 21 Gables and Creative Block). You can do your tasting surrounded by contemporary art from Spier’s Creative Block collection, or on the covered deck overlooking the lake. There’s also a variety of restaurants to visit at Spier Wine Farm.

Hours: Daily, 9am to 5pm
Cost: Tastings from R85

R310 Baden Powell Dr | Stellenbosch | @spierwinefarm | Image: Spier Wine Farm 

PLAY AN ESCAPE GAME 

You have 60 minutes to escape. Can you do it? At HintHunt, you can play superhero and save the city; escape from jail Prison Break-style; launch a torpedo (just like in Mission Impossible) and more. The latest room, which is being dubbed the best in Africa, is inspired by Avengers. Here’s everything you need to know about HintHunt escape games. 

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday to Saturday, 10am to 8:30pm; Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm
Cost: From R335pp

Watershed | 17 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | @hinthuntafrica | Image: HintHunt

MAKE YOUR OWN FLUID BEAR

Have you seen the online craze of fluid bears? You mix paints in a cup, pour it over a ceramic bear, and watch the paint mix and spread in unique patterns. Artelier by Anum hosts fluid bear workshops across the city. Inclusive in the cost of the workshop is a meal and drink. You can even order your own kit online to do at home.

When: See the next pop up on @artelierbyanum
Cost: Workshops from R700 and bear kits from R550

Various locations  | @artelierbyanum | Image: Artelier By Anum

GLASS ART FINDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

This free underground glass museum is a hidden gem in Stellies. Madame De Lencquesaing’s Glass Museum is her passion for rare, contemporary glass. Look out for pieces by Salvador Dalí or the Woodstock glass from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with fern leave engravings. It’s free to visit and so much to experience at The free Glass Museum. 

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sundays, 10am - 3pm
Cost: Free

Ida’s Valley | Lelie Street | Stellenbosch | @glenellyestate | Image: Glenelly Estate

AVIATION MUSEUM WITH FREE TOURS

The South African Airforce Museum is for aviation lovers young and old. You can see historic aircrafts on display, pilot uniforms, and a restored Buccaneer 416 with Rolls-Royce engines. Visit for a free tour on a Saturday. It’s a unique outing in Cape Town for the whole family. In our guide we give you a full breakdown of the SAAF Museum

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 8am - 2pm; Friday, 8am - 12pm; Saturday, 9am - 2pm
Cost: Free if you visit on a Saturday


Piet Grobler Street | Ysterplaat Airbase | @fsaafm | Image: Friends Of The SAAF Museum

FOLD SAMOOSAS AT FAEEZA’S

Experience hands-on Cape Malay cooking at Faeeza’s cooking classes, where you’ll learn to make local favourites like bobotie and chilli bites. She also has a cute garden café that overlooks Signal Hill (it’s great for tea and desserts like koeksisters and milk tart).  Even Meghan Markle and Roger Federer have raved of the warm and welcoming Faeeza’s Home Kitchen.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm; Friday, 9am - 12.30pm, 1.30pm - 5pm; Saturday, 9am - 4pm
Cost: Classes from R150 

Chiappini Lane | Bo-Kaap | @eatlikealocal_capetown | Image: Eat Like a Local 

SHARK MUSEUM FOR KIDS & ADULTS

Located in Simon’s Town, the Shark Museum hosts lectures on shark biology that will appeal to older biology junkies. It's also a hit with kids; they’ll see shark jaws and even indentations left in a whale rib from a shark bite! It’s only open on days of scheduled events, so be sure to check when the next talk is.

When: Check for the next talk on @admsharkmuseum
Cost: R50 entry fee

26 Forest Hill Road | Simon’s Town | @admsharkmuseum | Image: Shark Museum

COMFY & COSY DINING AT GANESH 

Once a community gem in Obs, Ganesh is now run by the owners of Bodega - and if you know Bodega, you know they cook flippen well. Expect Thai street food faves like Khao Soi (curry noodle soup) or vegetarian Kaeng Pa (very spicy curry with loads of veggies). The space is quite small and busy so it’s best to make a booking. 

Hours: Tuesday, 4pm - 12am; Wednesday, 4pm - 11.30pm; Thursday to Saturday, 4pm - 1am; Sunday, 2pm - 9pm
Cost: Dishes from R90

38 Trill Rd | Observatory | @ganesh_capetown | Image: Ganesh

WHAT DOESN’T PLAY ROCK HAVE?

Kids will be kids at Play Rock Adventure Park! They’ll love the variety of adventure zones like the indoor playpark, trampolines and even mini golf. While the kids play, adults can unwind at the on-site restaurant and bar. You’ll find it in Freedom Village in Paarl. 

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12pm - 6pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9am - 6pm
Cost: Ticket prices from R90

Freedom Village | R301 Wemmershoek Rd | Paarl | @playrockadventureparkpaarl | Image: Play Rock Adventure Park

CUPID’S ARROW, BUT ON STERIODS

Curated Connections isn’t just about finding a love match. They’re passionate about creating meaningful connections. So if you’re ready to mingle, you can meet other singles at events like wine tastings, cooking classes, and masquerade parties. You can even catch a flight to Bali or keep it local with a weekend on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

Hours: See the next event on @curated.connections
Cost: Event dependant

Various locations | @curated.connections | Image: Curated Connections

PLAY OUT YOUR JAMES BOND FANTASY 

007 dreams come true at Gunnery Arms and Ammo. It’s an indoor shooting range in Somerset West where you can shoot solo or have your buddies join you for a range session. Guess what? You don’t need a ‘licence to kill’, and they provide all the necessary PPE.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9am - 1.30pm
Cost: From R150 per 45min session

5 & 6 Melcksloot Village | Somerset Mall | Somerset West | @gunneryguns | Image:  Gunnery Arms & Ammo

CAPE TOWN’S FIRST ARCADE BAR 

It’s become one of Cape Town’s coolest bars. Why? Because it’s also an arcade. Barcadia has classic games like Rave Racer, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Terminator 2, and Tekken 3. The games are free to play when you buy a drink. There’s popcorn, sodas on tap, beers, ciders and spirits. Find out more about retro Barcadia.  

Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6pm to 2am
Cost: From R30 for soda on tap

62 Hout Street | Cape Town | @barcadiaza | Image: Barcadia

THE CITY’S FIRST HAND CASTING EXPERIENCE

Looking for a date idea, or just want to try something fun and new with friends or family? This experience is a great way to spend a rainy day. Spend an afternoon making your very own hand statues. You get all the materials, plus you can spray paint it gold or silver. There's also drinks, snacks and games at the 2handsy experience. 

Hours: Saturdays, 12pm to 6pm
Cost: Packages from R395 for adults and R195 for kids (under 12)

Various locations | @2handsyexperience | Image: 2handsy

FREE TOFFEE TASTINGS 

It’s a different kind of tasting experience. In this wildflower-filled town, you’ll find Darling Sweet. Here you can taste various toffees and see how they’re made and packaged, all for free. And the flavours are anything but traditional. There’s bird’s eye chili, rooibos chai, orange & cranberry, coffee and more to be tasted at this free toffee tasting.  

Hours: Daily, 10am to 4pm
Cost: Free

7A Lang Street | Darling | R315 | @_darling_sweet_  | Image: Darling Sweet

EVER HEARD OF KINTSUGI?

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. Yeca’s is an Asian deli that teaches guests the philosophy and practice of this ancient art form. All materials are included except the broken ceramic (you can bring your own or purchase from their collection). The full experience also includes their famous Dimsum lunch.

Hours: Sunday to Tuesday, 9am - 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday, 9am - 7pm.
Cost: R1350 per person 

35 Main Road | Hout Bay | @yescas_teahouse | Image: Yesca's Teahouse

A PRIVATE PHOTOSHOOT

Ever wanted to do a professional photoshoot but felt too nervous? Instead of spending a cold day at home, spend it in a self-portrait photo studio. At Tru U it’s just you, the mirror and the remote. Plus, whoever you want to bring with you. It's a safe space whether you want to make memories with a significant other, friends or a solo shoot. 

Hours: Daily, 11am to 7pm
Cost: From R950 per session

Canterbury Studios | 35 Wesley Street | Gardens | @tru_u_photography | Image: Tru U

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE AQUARIUM

There’s so much for you and the family to (re)discover at Two Oceans Aquarium. Watch penguins walk through the penguin exhibit. There’s also a glow-in-the-dark gallery jellyfish display. Plus, kids between the ages of three and nine can watch interactive and educational puppet shows with some of the ocean’s most lovable characters. Discover more reasons to visit Two Oceans Aquarium.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 6pm
Cost: R265 for adults, R195 for pensioners and students, free for kids under 4. Or get a membership

Dock Road (by the Watershed) | V&A Waterfront | @2OceansAquarium | Image:Two Oceans Aquarium

COSY BISTRO FOR A COLD DAY

Chocolat Bistro in Durbanville is lavishly decorated with antique candelabras, mirrors, sculptures and rustic leather chairs. The inside has a moody setting with a toasty fireplace, perfect for rainy days. The menu has something for every taste (even the little ones), from croque madame and savoury pancakes to pizza and gourmet sandwiches. 

Hours: Monday, 7am - 5pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 7am - 10pm; Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: From R75 for breakfast

46 Oxford Street | Durbanville | @chocolatbistro | Image: Chocolat Bistro

LATE NIGHT FAVOURITE: KARAOKE

Let your inner star shine on this glimmering stage and sing your heart out. Bokeh Creative Studio hosts karaoke nights with a multitude of songs available. Enjoy cocktails and wine with friends. Plus, you can order food from Bokeh’s neighbours – Three Wise Monkeys, Una Mas and Only Fools – and it will be brought to your table. Over 23s only. 

Hours: Friday to Saturday, 6pm - 1.30am; Sunday to Thursday, 6pm - 1am
Cost: Free entrance

84 Regent Road | Sea Point | @bokehvenue | Image: Bokeh

TASTE THE OLDEST (FERMENTED) BEVERAGE

Have you ever tasted mead? You can learn about the history of mead while tasting this ancient African beverage with a modern twist. The intimate tasting room can take up to 10 guests at a time. The tasting includes 10 different kinds of mead, including sparkling mead, gluhwein, lager and Viking-style all at Cape Town Meadery.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm
Cost: R120pp

Unit 27 | The Old Timber Yard | 7th Avenue | Maitland | @cape_town_meadery | Image: Cape Town Meadery

A TROVE OF ANTIQUES

Tucked away at the top of a long, narrow staircase in Simonstown is a treasure trove bursting with retro memorabilia. All with a sea view of Simonstown Harbour from the cafe deck. See a large red London phone booth, miniature cars, comic book memorabilia and an entire room dedicated to vintage clothing at Collectables Hub and Cafe. 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 9am - 4pm
Cost: Free entrance

98 St George’s Street | Simon's Town| @collectables_hub_and_cafe | Image: Collectable’s Hub and Cafe

CATCH A MOVIE IN AN OLD CINEMA

Think olden day knick knacks like vintage records, old books and a 60s-inspired diner with a candy counter. Romantiques in Hermanus has a range of items, including an entire section dedicated to period clothing. There’s also a coffee shop in the garden and an intimate old-world theatre where you can enjoy weekly afternoon movies. 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm; Saturday, 9am - 3pm
Cost: Free entrance

14 Aberdeen Street | Hermanus | @romantiques_store | Image: Lara van Zyl

SILENT DISCO WINE PAIRING 

You won’t find traditional cheese-and-wine pairings here. Every Saturday this eccentric cellar offers a silent disco wine pairing to the sounds of rock ‘n roll. It’s held in the tasting room where the tables are wine barrels and the walls are painted with murals of iconic rock stars like Freddie Mercury, ACDC and more at Black Elephant Vintners.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am - 5pm
Cost: R150 - R300pp

40a Uitkyk Street | Franschhoek | @bevintners | Image: Tasting Cape Town

ROCK WALL CLIMBING

This one is for the adrenaline junkies. Get your climb on at CityROCK in Paarden Island, a huge indoor climbing gym and training spot. You can work on your strength, get fit or just climb for fun. Tip: There are good beginner options. Go with someone who has climbed before to give you some guidance. 

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11am - 10pm; Friday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm
Cost: R210 day pass

9 Milner Street | Paarden Eiland | Website | @cityrock_cpt

CAVE PUTT PUTT FOR ALL AGES 

It’s raining, the kids are bored and you were hoping to play 18 holes. Kill all these birds with one stone at an indoor 18-hole putt putt haunt. Just next to the V&A Waterfront’s Scratch Patch, this venue is designed like a cosy cave, keeping players on their toes with tricky angles, uneven surfaces, steep hills and awkward obstacles.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.45pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 5pm
Cost: R35 per player

1 Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | @scratchpatchsa | Image: Scratch Patch

A COSY BOOK NOOK

Spend a rainy day browsing through a cosy bookstore and add to your to-be-read list. From cosy book nooks and storytime sessions to shops with antiques and comics, here are some of the new, curious and quintessential bookstores in Cape Town.

Hours: Various
Cost: Free entry

Various locations | Image: @thegirlwhoatetheworld

WINE BARS: FROM FREE TO ROMANTIC

Ever tried a bar crawl? How about a wine bar crawl? We’ve found 13 of the city’s coolest picks. There’s free and blind tastings, a rooftop social, a coffee shop that turns into a wine bar at night, a cosy spot for a romantic date night, Neapolitan-style pizzas, a fashion store and more wine bars to visit on a rainy day. 

Hours: Various
Cost: From R45 by the glass

Various locations | Image: Bouchon Bistro

BEST BAKERIES, VOTED BY YOU

What’s better than a warm pastry or sweet treat on a cold day? We asked you to tell us your favourite bakeries and you didn’t hold back. There’s a pet-friendly café in Kalk Bay, coffee shop run by the deaf community, bread shop in Gugulethu and the viral ‘crookie’. These are some of the best bakeries in Cape Town. 

Hours: Various
Cost: From R20

Various locations | Image: Norfolk Deli

By Keana Ludski

---

MAKE MORE MEMORIES THIS WINTER

Even the parents can enjoy these indoor kids activities. 

Looking for more to do as a couple? Try these winter date ideas. 

Discover all of the city’s hot and new places. 

There’s always something to do in our weekend guide.

---

Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.