Bring your loved ones and Pop in for Penguins! The Penguin Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium is home to not one, but two, species of penguin: The African penguin and the Northern rockhopper penguin.
“Not only can you spend an entire day with these adorable and charismatic seabirds, but the Aquarium has a whole line-up of penguin-themed activities for you to enjoy,” said Heather Wares, Communications Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Play a part in penguin feeding time!
Have you ever watched our penguins being fed and wished you could be a part of it? Well, now you can!
- Every day during the school holidays, three lucky visitors will be randomly selected to join the Penguin Keepers on the African penguin beach during feeding time! You’ll be tasked with helping to tick off the checklist of how many fish each penguin eats.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get much closer to these special penguins than most visitors ever will,” said Devon Bowen, Marketing Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
See terms and conditions here to enter:
1. Arrive at the Penguin Exhibit at least five minutes before the feeding time to stand a chance of being randomly selected. Feeding times are at 11h30 and 14h30 every day.
2. You will also need to wear closed shoes and long pants, will be asked to remove any dangly items, and may be asked to wear an apron supplied by the penguin keepers.
Some fluffy spot prizes will also be up for grabs at each of the daily penguin feeding time presentations!
Win a Penguin Experience for two!
If you sign up for a Two Oceans Aquarium membership during the school holidays, you will automatically be entered into a lucky draw for a Penguin Experience! This experience allows up to two people to meet the Aquarium’s Northern rockhopper penguins up close, learn how the penguins are cared for, and discover their unique stories. The experience includes general access to the Aquarium!
If you are already a Two Oceans Aquarium member, simply use your membership to visit the Aquarium during this time, and you will be entered into a separate draw.
Aquarium’s Children’s Play Centre – Craft your heart out!
Throughout the holiday period, the Aquarium’s Children’s Play Centre is offering a variety of awesome penguin-themed crafts. From funky headbands, keyrings, and bracelets to photo frames and stick puppets, your little ones will be spoiled for creative fun. They can take their handiworks home and even wear their penguin gear at the Waddle for the African penguin on 11 October.
- The craft station will be available every day of the school holidays during the Aquarium’s opening hours.
- Get your temporary penguin tattoo!
- During the “Pop in for Penguins” festivities, kids visiting the Aquarium can get their faces painted for free.
- All you have to do is wait in our ticket office queue, OR visit the Children’s Play Centre, and a staff member will be ready to paint your face with a penguin!Watch a puppet show!
- The Children’s Play Centre has daily puppet shows at 10h30, 13h30, and 15h30. Among their beloved characters is Peter the Penguin, who will make some special appearances for “Pop in for Penguins”!
What else is happening during the school holidays?
Extended hours. The Aquarium knows there’s so much to see on your visit and so little time! For this reason, the Aquarium will be open for an extended period. You can now visit your favourite animals from 09h00 to 18h00 during the school holidays.
Feeding time fun. Join your favourite animals at daily feeding times!
• Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit: Saturdays at 12h00
• I&J Ocean Exhibit: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12h00
• Kelp Forest Exhibit: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 12h00
• Penguin Exhibit: Every day at 11h30 and 14h30
Waddle for the African penguin
In just 100 years, African penguin numbers have plummeted from over 1.5 million to fewer than 8 000 pairs today. Their situation is dire, and the African penguin needs public support. To rally support and raise awareness, the Two Oceans Aquarium, in partnership with Guardians of the Deep and SANCCOB, is hosting the Waddle for the African Penguin on Saturday, 11 October 2025. Waddling is free to anyone who wants to participate. Get the details here!
Trash Bash beach cleanup
Your little ones might be back at school, but you can keep up the holiday spirit at the Aquarium’s monthly Trash Bash beach cleanup at Sunset Beach on 18 October 2025. Join the Trash Bash team in protecting and preserving our ocean for future generations. “Not only is Trash Bash a way to make a positive impact on our ocean, but it is also an opportunity to get out into nature and breathe some fresh air with your loved ones,” said Phumza Jongihlathi, Community Relationship Coordinator at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
WHAT: Pop in for Penguins
WHERE: Two Oceans Aquarium,
WHEN: School Holidays and see dates above
INFO:Two Oceans Aquarium T 27 21 814 4539 | E HWares@aquarium.co.za | VISIT | See also Cape Town Green Map
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