Packing for a holiday with kids is like playing Tetris while blindfolded. You know it can be done, but it requires lists and the question of how to fit everything in. There are often a few tears (probably mine), things that have been forgotten, and a few regrettable choices that sit unused in the bottom of the bag.
On our most recent staycation, we based ourselves at the President Hotel in Sea Point, and while packing the car, I second-guessed myself on more than one occasion if the effort was really worth the reward. But once we were there, the stress was all but forgotten. This is the kind of place that makes travelling with kids feel like a holiday for the adults too. There’s a pool with an ocean view, a jungle gym, and enough space in the family rooms to avoid stepping on Legos in the dark (yes, you know the pain). Plus, it’s walking distance to the Sea Point Promenade, which quickly became our daily ritual: coffee in hand, unridden bicycle in the other, pram in front, and at least one child yelling about ice cream before 9am.
Which brings me to the point of this story – what to pack when holidaying in Cape Town with kids.
1. Sneakers. For everyone. Yes, even you.
Don’t make the mistake I did the first time I travelled with a toddler and thought a pair of cute sandals would suffice. Two playground stops, one emergency sprint after a rogue balance bike, and a longer-than-expected wander through Green Point Park, and I was glad I had brought my running shoes along this time around.
Sneakers are a must. For grown-ups, for kids, for anyone planning to do more than sit still (which, let’s face it, isn’t going to happen). Cape Town is built for exploring – Sea Point’s promenade, the Company’s Gardens and its museums, the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch… It’s all glorious, but your feet with thank you for proper footwear at the end of a long day.
2. Layers, layers, layers
You’ll want a mix of shorts, long sleeves, sun hats, and something waterproof. Cape Town weather is the moody teenager of climates; sunshine one minute, wind tunnel the next. I’ve learnt to throw in everything from swimming costumes to beanies and not question it. It’s easier to pack it than explain to a four-year-old why they can’t wear their Barbie swimsuit and pink sparkly high heels to Table Mountain because it’s “too cold at the top.”
3. A swimsuit – even in winter
This is where staying at the President Hotel really paid off. There’s something about a sparkling pool and kids that creates instant joy. Even when it’s not exactly tropical outside, mine will insist on swimming (and that we join in the ‘fun’). So pack that swimsuit. And maybe a backup. And a quick-dry towel.
4. Snacks. Always snacks.
I’m convinced most toddler tantrums can be traced back to hunger. Snacks are non-negotiable for me when travelling with kids, and my bag always rattles with containers of crackers, apples, and those mysterious fruit bars that look like compressed mulch but magically satisfy small children. And yes, half of it from the last trip is probably sitting mushed and squished at the bottom. Luckily, the President Hotel is well aware of this truth. Not only did we have a triple-height container of complimentary treats waiting for us at check-in (instant hit), but the buffet offered plenty of kid-friendly options, from mini burgers to pancakes. If you’re lucky enough to visit over a special occasion buffet like Father’s Day or Easter, they often go the extra mile with kiddie snack stations and build-your-own items.
5. A toy (or ten), but keep it simple
Leave the tablet at home (shock, horror, we don’t even own one) in favour of a few strategically chosen toys. You don’t need to bring the entire playroom, but a few well-picked toys can be the difference between a peaceful sundowner and a full-scale meltdown at the restaurant table. We always pack a stash of sticker books, a handful of Barbies, and some dress-up items. That said, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the President Hotel gets it. They had a jungle gym to climb, lawn games to play with, a mini-VIP bag with crayons and a colouring-in book, and even activities like pizza-making and face painting at special events. And if you go during school holidays the Kids Club will be operating (yes please).
6. A quality backpack
A handbag is great until someone hands you a wet pair of shorts, a broken seashell, and the remains of a chocolate croissant. A backpack is your friend. Bonus points if it has a built-in water bottle holder and a separate nappy compartment. If you can get one that doesn’t obviously look like a nappy bag or a kiddies school bag adorned with glittery pink unicorns, perhaps hubby will carry it everywhere too (score!).
7. Leave the fancy clothes at home
You know that outfit you imagined yourself wearing as you sipped Instagram-worthy cocktails while your perfectly behaved children built sandcastles nearby? Leave it at home. Cape Town is casual. Comfortable. And your kids will absolutely wipe their faces on your outfit five minutes before your Aperol spritz arrives. Pack the stretchy pants. You won’t regret it. And after the lunch buffet at the President Hotel, you’ll be thanking yourself for your practical choices.
We left the President sun-kissed, slightly sticky, and full of memories. There were scraped knees, spontaneous swims, and a few snack negotiations, but thanks to our sensible shoes, strategic layering, and the calm haven of the President Hotel, it was one for the books. Next time, I might even pack less. But I’ll still bring the sneakers.