Cape Town

For fun encounters with one of South Africa's oddest and most unique animals, the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch is a great bet. The ranch is a good family attraction, but having kids along is not necessary to enjoy the experience. Although it is possible to explore the ranch independently, most people choose to join one of the organised tours, which are conducted in English, Afrikaans, German, and French. Tours in other languages may be possible if organised in advance. Tours take about 40 minutes and include the museum, the leather factory, and encounters with the various ostriches and other animals on the farm. The highlight for many visitors is the chance to sit astride an ostrich for a photo opportunity with the iconic Table Mountain in the distance. Those wanting to feed the ostriches will be able to buy feed at the ranch. The restaurant serves up a variety of snacks and meals in a lovely Cape Dutch garden setting, while the shop sells all sorts of ostrich products. A playground and sand pit provide extra entertainment for kids. Children will also love the scratch patch, where they can select a variety of sparkly gemstones.

Address : Van Schoorsdrif Road, Philadelphia, Cape Town

Website : www.ostrichranch.co.za

Cape Town's most famous theme park, Ratanga Junction, is a must for all those up for a thrilling day out in the sun. Its rides and activities will keep even the most active of children occupied. The park features gift shops and a food hall for weary riders, or those just looking to rest their legs for a while. There are regular shows at the food court stage to entertain youngsters, including magicians, animal shows, and dancers. The Cobra is by far the most popular ride. The snake-like roller coaster flips occupants round 360 degrees in an array of dips, corkscrews and hard turns. Other favourites include Monkey Falls: a water-log ride that sees passengers drop down big waterfalls, and several smaller roller coasters. There are plenty of mellow rides designed for small children who aren't ready for the adrenalin-pumping stuff, but adults will be thrilled with the quality of rides they can enjoy.Almost all of the rides are included in the entry cost money, with the exception of things like the Slingshot, which carry individual charges. Parents who are not interested in participating can get a non-rider ticket which costs substantially less.There are plenty of snack kiosks dotted around the grounds. The queues can get frustratingly long so it is best to go on week days if possible. Visitors should note that Ratanga Junction only opens seasonally. They should check whether the theme park is open on the official website before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Address : Century City on the N1 highway

Website : www.ratanga.co.za

Opening times : Operational dates vary according to season, detailed schedules are available on the website. Ratanga tends to open mainly during South African school holidays.

The Cape sits at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and over 3,000 sea animals from both oceans are showcased in the aquarium. They highlight the diversity of marine life found in the waters around Cape Town. The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the city's top attractions and visitors of all ages will be interested in the variety of exhibits. They include the Predator Exhibit, which features large sharks and rays, and the mesmerising Kelp Forest Exhibit. Animals such as seals, penguins and turtles, and thousands of different fish are on display too. It is also possible embark on dives in specific tanks. Advanced booking is required, divers must present dive qualifications, and the privilege does carry an additional charge. The Shoreline Cafe at the Aquarium boasts lovely views of Table Mountain and the harbour, and has a children's play area, making it an ideal place to have refreshments. However, visitors are spoilt for choice because the aquarium is located at the famous V & A Waterfront, which is crammed full of great restaurants.It is special to be able to stroll along the harbour after visiting the aquarium, and boat trips out into the open ocean can be arranged from there.

Address : V&A Waterfront

Website : www.aquarium.co.za

Opening times : Daily 9:30am to 6pm

Admission : R160 (adults), R115 (children 14-17), R75 (children 4-13). Tickets valid for the day.

With a population of more than 3,000 birds and over 400 different species, the World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa. Its one-hundred-plus walk-through aviaries allow visitors to encounter the birds in their natural environment. The park has other animals as well. Its mammals include foxes, monkeys, meerkats, racoons, guinea pigs, marmosets, mongooses and porcupines. Monkeys are one of the highlights. Visitors will find more than 30 of them in a large walk-through enclosure, where they can interact with the animals at certain times of day. There are also some reptiles such skinks, iguanas, terrapins and tortoises. World of Birds has a children's play area and a tearoom for parents to stop and take a break.

Address : Valley Road, Hout Bay

Website : www.worldofbirds.org.za

Opening times : World of Birds: 9am to 5pm daily. Monkey Jungle: 11:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 3:30pm daily.

Admission : R95 (adults); R45 (children).