Things to do at Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront

7 things to do and discover with the family at Battery Park in the V&A Waterfront’s Canal District

Last update: 19 October 2020

Skate, SUP, scoot and picnic – you can do a lot against the awesome backdrop of Table Mountain in Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront. And it is wheelchair-friendly too. “There’s no use creating a blank space and leaving it there. It’s all about activating it by making activities available for people to enjoy there,” says David Green, V&A Waterfront CEO.

Battery Park connects the V&A Waterfront to the city through a series of scenic pedestrian routes, recreation and retail activities. It’s a green space that forms part of the Canal District and there's no entry fee to access the area.

STAND-UP PADDLING AND OTHER WATERSPORTS IN THE CANALS
Grab your friends and spend the day stand-up paddling along the canal. A range of watersport activities are available, ranging from SUP to kayaking and swimming. You could also catch a water taxi between the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront.

PRACTISE YOUR OLLIE AT THE SKATE PARK
In a bid to make Battery Park accessible and interesting for all ages, there's a free public skate park. With its picturesque background, it's becoming one of the most Insta-worthy recreational spots in Cape Town. 

GET ACTIVE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS 
Grab a coffee nearby and start your scenic run or walk along the pedestrian paths. Or, hop on a bike and explore the area from a different perspective. The basketball court invites you to enjoy an after-work game, and can double up as a soccer field, too. You can experience open-air sunset and sunrise free yoga.  

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN
The family-friendly area consists of a play park with a jungle gym, swings, rocking horses and a scooter path. There's somehting for toddlers, kids, teens, and the young at heart to enjoy. 

PICNIC WITH A VIEW
With plenty of fynbos gardens and benches, the park is the perfect place for a picnic. You can enjoy exquisite views across the V&A Waterfront and the surrounding city streets. Or watch water activities and gaze at Signal Hill as you wander along the water's edge. 

HOP INTO HERITAGE
The ruins of the historic Amsterdam Battery have been retained in Battery Park as a new heritage site. You can learn more from the heritage storyboards.

EAT, DRINK, AND WINDOW SHOP
Stop by for something to eat and drink from a selection of eateries tempting you with the likes of freshly brewed coffee and chocolate croissants. Browse (or just window shop) a range of niche companies, showrooms and specialist stores.

WHAT'S WITH THE NAME?
A battery is typically a fortified place for heavy guns. The Dutch constructed Cape Town’s Amsterdam Battery in 1784 to defend Table Bay Harbour from attack. In 1898, it was disbanded, and later, partially demolished to make way for the harbour. There are parks in restored former batteries all around the world, and now Cape Town joins the list.

Images courtsey of @dhk Architects

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PLUS: 30 NEW PLACES FOR YOU TO DISCOVER
From the three-storey restaurant built on braaied chicken to the Muizenbergers invading Kloof Street. Curious? Unlock fresh experiences among our special selection of new restaurants in Cape Town.

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Find out more about Battery Skatepark. 

Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at the V&A Food Market. 

There are plenty of things to do in the V&A Waterfront.

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