Want to keep the kids entertained while you dine? Head to one of these fantastic restaurants around South Africa.

Bambanani (Melville, Joburg)

This magical restaurant has special four-storey playgrounds designed for children of different ages (from 6 months to 12 years). There are child minders to help parents relax while children engage in sand art, finger painting and clay moulding. There’s also an indoor play area with a PlayStation, Wii, Xbox and movies, plus a library.

The interior at Bambanani. Photo supplied.

Blue Water Café (Kommetjie, Cape Town)

A jungle gym, camel rides, face painting, farmyard visits, and paint-ball facilities make this a wonderful venue for kids. A tasty kiddies’ menu is also available and the space is able to host birthday parties.

The outside area at Blue Water Café. Photo supplied.

Burnedale (Umhlali, Durban)

The venue offers a child-friendly menu along with a secure, supervised play area, an animal farm and activities like sand art. In addition to the cafe, there is a hair-and-beauty salon, which parents can visit while kids play.

Deer Park Café (Vredehoek)

This popular neighbourhood restaurant borders a large, fenced park, where kids can run free while parents dine. There are swings, jungle gyms and plenty of grass for kids to run around on. A kiddies’ menu is available, with orders of fruit-salad cups, spaghetti Bolognese, toasties, chicken and chips, and a healthy finger salad with cream-cheese dip.

The playground at Deer Park Cafe. Photo supplied.

Happily Ever Laughter (Bedfordview, Joburg)

This venue was designed with children and their families in mind. The garden is filled with brightly coloured, safe features like mushroom houses, twirly slides, a plastic-bikes track, and a selection of good toys. The children’s menu features scrambled eggs, fish fingers, spag bol, pancakes and milkshakes in jars.

The fun play area at Happily Ever Laughter. Photo supplied.

Pallet Jacks (Hillcrest, Durban)

This family-oriented restaurant has an enormous indoor play area, complete with fake grass, large enclosed slides, ladders and giant aircraft. There is a separate play area for toddlers, so the older kids can enjoy the jungle gym, toy-car racing and tunnel sliding. The menu features cheesy wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas.

The bright and fun dining area at Pallet Jacks. Photo supplied.

Papachino’s (Silverlakes, Pretoria)

This popular pizza spot has playgrounds designated for different age groups with friendly child minders and well-maintained equipment. There’s a pizza-making section where kids can roll out, decorate and bake their own pizzas. The kids’ menu features breakfasts, hot dogs, pasta dishes, crispy chicken, ribs and calamari.

A colourful play area at Papachino’s Silverlakes. Photo supplied.

Vredenhof Organic Estate (Stellenbosch)

With a playground that has a castle, a pirate ship and a gypsy caravan to captivate the kiddies, Vredenhof Organic Estate is a brilliant place for your lazy weekend lunch. The play area is partially under cover, so kids are protected, come rain or shine.

Planning your kids back-to-school lunch boxes? Try these healthier lunchbox options for athletic kids, adventurous eaters, picky eaters and creative kids. Available at your local Woolies.