With the school holidays in full swing and days becoming sunnier, it is a good time to get the kids away from their screens and outdoors.
You do not need to plan an elaborate day out.
Cape Town has plenty of trails where families can enjoy some fresh air, beautiful scenery and a bit of exercise without taking on a serious mountain hike.
For younger children especially, choosing a route that is manageable is key.
A trail with interesting scenery, places to stop and enough flexibility to turn around when little legs get tired can make all the difference.
Here are five Cape Town trails worth considering for a family outing these school holidays.
Alphen Trail
The Alphen Greenbelt in Constantia is a lovely option when you want a walk that feels more like an outdoor adventure than a strenuous hike.
The trail runs through Constantia, with greenery, open spaces, and the Liesbeek River adding plenty of interest along the way.
It is also the sort of place where families can take their time rather than feeling they have to reach a particular summit.
The relatively gentle terrain makes it a good choice for families with younger children, while the surrounding greenery gives kids plenty to look at along the way.
Pack some snacks and turn it into a relaxed morning outdoors.
Newlands Forest Contour Path
Newlands Forest is one of Cape Town's most popular escapes from the city, and its shaded trails are particularly appealing when the weather warms up.
The forest provides a different experience from the more exposed mountain routes, with tall trees and plenty of greenery along the way.
Families can choose a shorter section rather than committing to a long hike, which is useful when hiking with children whose enthusiasm can disappear surprisingly quickly.
The forest setting also gives younger hikers plenty to keep them interested, from birds and plants to the changing scenery as the trail winds through the trees.
The Pipe Track
If you want the children to experience some of Cape Town's famous mountain scenery without attempting a major climb, the Pipe Track is worth considering.
The trail follows the old water pipeline along the slopes above Camps Bay, with spectacular views across the Atlantic coastline and the Twelve Apostles.
SANParks describes the route as easy towards Slangolie, although the full route becomes tougher, so families with children should stick to a section that suits their ability rather than trying to complete the entire trail.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views, which is useful when little hikers need a break.
Just remember that parts of the trail are stony and the route can be exposed to the sun.
Kloof Corner
Kloof Corner is another option for families looking for a taste of Table Mountain without taking on a long hike.
The short route is known for its views over the city and Atlantic seaboard, making it rewarding even if you are not planning to spend hours on the mountain.
It does involve an uphill section, so it is better suited to families with children who are comfortable walking on uneven ground.
Take it slowly, allow plenty of time for breaks and keep the focus on enjoying the outing rather than reaching the top as quickly as possible.
Trail conditions can change, so check current Table Mountain National Park information before setting out.
Cecilia Forest
For families who prefer a forest setting, Cecilia Forest offers a chance to explore the greener side of Table Mountain.
The area has a network of paths and tracks through the forest, with the surroundings providing plenty of distractions for children who may not be particularly interested in hiking for hiking's sake.
The route can be approached at a leisurely pace, with families able to turn a walk into a nature outing by looking out for birds, trees and other signs of life along the way.
Cecilia is part of Table Mountain National Park, so it is worth checking the latest trail conditions before heading out.
The park has also identified the need for more family-friendly facilities and improved trail infrastructure in the Cecilia and Tokai areas.
Make the hike about the outing
When hiking with children, the destination does not have to be the goal.
Let them set the pace, stop to look at interesting plants or insects, and take plenty of breaks.
A short hike that ends with happy children is far more successful than an ambitious route that ends with everyone complaining.
Before heading out, check the latest trail conditions and weather, pack enough water, and make sure everyone has suitable shoes for the terrain.