Keep cool with the City’s summer holiday programme

02 December 2025

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks and Library and Information Services Departments, within the Community Services and Health Directorate, have pulled out all the stops to keep the young ones active this summer school holiday.

‘The summer holiday is the longest of the year and it can be a challenge to keep little hands and minds busy. Our departments have put together a programme of hundreds of events to ensure our children aren’t bored,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
 
Activities include various sports tournaments, games, coding, movie days, arts and crafts, beach safety, drowning prevention and learn to swim sessions.
 
Some of the more unusual events include sessions with the various enforcement departments in the City, pamper days and a snake show.
 
‘Keeping children busy during school holidays is important for their social and physical development. It can help them stay active, build life skills, and maintain healthy routines. But it’s also a powerful way of giving young people positive alternatives at a time when many may be exposed to the influence of crime, gangs, or drugs. When children have safe spaces to learn, play, and discover their potential, we strengthen their resilience and set them on a healthier path for the future. I want to encourage parents to send their children to our events so the holidays can be fun and constructive for everyone,’ added Councillor Higham.

Parents are reminded that young children are not allowed at pools unsupervised.
 
If you go to the beach, look out for the City’s Identikidz child safety project during the peak season.
 
The initiative tagged more than 120 000 children last summer to help reunite them with their caregivers if separated.
 
The City would like to  remind the public of four golden rules when in and around water:

• Only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags designating the safest bathing areas
• Beware of rip currents
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol
• Always actively monitor children in and around water

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office