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80 child-friendly restaurants with outdoor play areas

Holidays are around the corner (again) and that means you’ll need to plan some exciting entertainment for the little ones. While there’s nothing wrong with taking them to the movies or an indoor playground, a little vitamin D is one of the best ways to tire out the tikes. Enjoy a relaxing lunch al fresco style and let your kiddies soak up the sun at these restaurants boasting outdoor sandpits, seaside swings, jungle gyms and rolling green lawns.

 

Johannesburg

AJ’s in the Park (Craighall Park)

This family restaurant is located at the Craighall Sports Club. Little ones can play on the jungle gym and jumping castle or frolic on the bowling greens, where they even supply kites for your kids to fly – it’s all about old-school, family fun. Adults can look forward to great wood-fired, thin crust pizzas and an excellent selection of SAB and craft beers. They also do a spit braai on Sundays; offer one kids’ meal free for every adult meal purchased; and have a special to get any pizza for R69 on Wednesdays.

Bambanani (Melville)

There’s a wonderful array of activities for kids young and old: a four-storey playground with sections dedicated to finger painting, sand art and clay moulding, as well as a room setup with PlayStation, Wii, Xbox and movies for those who are more tech-savvy. They’ve also got child minders to take care of your little ones whilst you enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine or an ice cold beer from the well-stocked selection. Find spag bol, bangers and mash, mac ’n cheese and hake and chips on the menu, all served with a small portion of carrots, cucumber and tomatoes.

The interior at Bambanani. Photo supplied.

The interior at Bambanani. Photo supplied.

Delta Cafe (Craighall)

You better get here early on the weekends or you won’t find a seat. Families and dog lovers abound in this outdoor, relaxed environment that boasts open veld, a jungle gym and horses and ponies. There’s a large deck from which you can watch your kids gallivant and get up to mischief. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, serving up the likes of pancakes, pastries, oats, and toasties for breakfast and burgers, salads, pastas and pregos for lunch. On the kiddies’ menu you’ll find free-range chicken sliders, home-made beef burgers and pastas. And, they have great organic Italian coffee.

Fahrenheit (Edenvale)

This is a family-orientated restaurant with a surf-and-turf style menu and a big outside play area carpeted with astroturf and fitted with jungle gyms, trampolines, a pizza-making area and child minders to keep an eye. The menu is vast and well-priced; favourites include the peri-peri chicken, great steaks and tender calamari. The kiddies’ menu has a lovely selection of fish items like calamari, fish cakes and even prawns and, for the less adventurous, there’s mac and cheese, burgers and ribs. They’ve just started Saturday fun days, when puppeteers and clowns to come and entertain your kids.

The Fat Olive (Muldersdrift)

Off the beaten track in Muldersdrift you’ll find a tranquil outdoor area that looks onto a lake teeming with ducks and equipped with canoes that you can take out for a cruise. On weekends there’s live music for the whole family to enjoy, as well as a little petting zoo with animals the kids can feed. The jumping castle, swings and waterslides are great for them to romp about on. The kids’ menu options include a rump, chicken strips, burgers and spaghetti Bolognese, whilst parents can enjoy homely offerings like lamb shank, steaks and a few tasty fish dishes.

The outdoor area at The Fat Olive. Photo supplied.

The outdoor area at The Fat Olive. Photo supplied.

Malagueta (Edenvale)

The outdoor play area here is equipped with an exciting castle-style jungle gym, swings, toys and bikes as well as a wendy house. There are two trained child minders to look after the kiddies, and there’s a make-your-own-pizza section. The menu is all-encompassing, offering everything from sushi to meze to pizzas, pastas, steaks and seafood. Kids can enjoy ribs, mini pregos, mashed potato and mince along with the usual kiddies’ pizzas and pastas.

Nostimo by MYTHOS (Midrand)

Enjoy MYTHOS food in a child-friendly environment. Features include a pottery studio, arts-and-crafts centre and a wooden, nature-themed kids’ play area that overlooks the Jukskei River. It’s equipped with a slide, swing, walkway and push bike track. In addition to the Mediterranean menu, they serve great pizzas from the new coal ovens and a variety of luxurious home-made gelato and sorbets. The kids’ menu includes calamari, chicken souvlaki, pizzas and spaghetti and meatballs.

Panettone (Zoo Lake Sports Club)

Thanks to delicious pizzas, good service and diligent child minders, Panettone has become the go-to hangout for parents in the parks. A great play area with jumping castles, swings, jungle gyms and a trampoline, as well as an adjoining cricket pitch, means you can let your kids run ragged. There’s also a separate pub downstairs. For the miniature master chefs there’s a make-your-own-pizza station. There are always freshly baked cakes and sweets on display if you want to treat yourself or the kids.

pizza prepared and served at Pannetone Cafe

Pizzas at Panettone. Photo supplied.

The Place 2B (Lanseria)

This hidden gem is five minutes from Lanseria airport. It’s a family-friendly, country-style restaurant that’s equipped with a jungle gym, sand pit, push scooters and a soccer field. There’s also a kiddies’ area inside where they can watch movies, colour in and hang out. A stable invites the little ones to see bunnies, chickens, a cow, horses, Hammy the pig and two goats. The venue is fully licensed with craft beer and boutique wines, offering a wholesome, South African-inspired menu that includes the signature lamb shank and curries, as well as home-made burgers, spag bol and fish fingers for the kids

State 5 (Fourways)

Cold-brewed coffee may be the main attraction, but they also have two kiddies’ play areas where their aptly named ‘dragon tamers’ look after your kids. The first is an area for kids younger than three, equipped with soft play materials, and the second is for those who are three and older, with a jungle gym, climbing wall, slide, tunnel and track, all enclosed within safety nets. There’s also a Glitter Factory and a Clamber Club affiliated to the restaurant. There’s WiFi if you’re in need of an outdoor office while you feast on wood-fired pizzas and an amazing selection of wacky grilled cheese sandwiches.

The Terrace Restaurant (Killarney Country Club)

At the beginning of April 2017, the Killarney Country Club (where the fabulous La Vie en Rose is also located) will be opening its new kids’ play area furnished with a jungle gym, sandpit and merry-go-round amongst other childlike wonders at The Terrace Restaurant, which is open to the public. The daily menu offers a great array of breakfasts as well as simple salads, sandwiches, pastas, burgers and steaks, and they have live music on Sundays for the grownups.

 

Animals at Tres Jolie. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Animals at Tres Jolie. Photo supplied.

Tres Jolie (Ruimsig)

There’s a touch-and-feed farm, where your kiddies can interact with and feed, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, guinea pigs and even emu. There’s a sandpit, gum-pole jungle gym and jumping castles, and the area is floodlit for early evening adventures. Over weekends the little ones can can ride ponies as well as camels and enjoy face painting, sand art and a merry-go-round swing. You’ll find the usual pizzas, burgers, toasties etc. on the kids’ menu, and for the adults there’s a relaxed pub-grub selection, with the addition of wood-fired pizzas and simple salads.

Pretoria

Afro-boer (Equestria)

A play area is situated in the restaurant’s spacious garden, so parents can spend hours sitting under the trees indulging in the delicious offerings from the menu. Be sure to arrive early on a Saturday as this place is very popular. Parents can expect classics with a South African twist like Ouma’s fish cakes served with a chunky salad, and a toasted brie braaibroodjie, while the Tots and Tantrums menu is well known and loved by kids. They can look forward to toasted paninis, macaroni ’n cheese, ice-cream floats and goodies like Sticks and Stacks.

Anja’s Tea Garden (Lynnwood)

With plenty of open space, kids can spend time running about on the grass, jumping on the trampoline or playing on the jungle gym. The play area is also equipped with swings and wooden rocking horses. The kids’ menu is short and sweet, with items like burgers, ham and melted cheese on croissants, and scones, each of them at just R45. To accompany their meals, kids can enjoy a milkshake, home-made ice tea or sugar- and preservative-free red grape juice.

Cute rocking horses outside Anja's Tea Garden. Photo supplied.

Cute rocking horses outside Anja’s Tea Garden. Photo supplied.

The Barn Restaurant at Irene Dairy Farm (Centurion)

The Barn Restaurant, situated on Irene Dairy Farm (a working farm), is a delightful spot for Sunday lunch. Go for the buffet lunch, where children between six and 12 years of age pay half price and those below the age of six eat for free (when with a paying adult). Or let them order off the children’s menu, with items like fish fingers, toasted sandwiches and chicken nuggets from which to choose. The little ones can play on the cow-shaped jumping castle outside as well as the swings, jungle gyms and kid-sized tractors.

The Barn Restaurant at Irene Dairy Farm. Photo supplied.

The Barn Restaurant at Irene Dairy Farm. Photo supplied.

The Blue Crane (New Muckleneuk)

Surrounded by nature and situated next to a bird sanctuary, The Blue Crane is a great location for the kids. The custom-designed indoor play area comes complete with a picket fence and grass. Kids can run around freely or spend time on the jungle gym and swings while parents kick back and enjoy the view and the food. Kids can choose from toasted sandwiches, fish fingers and burgers, all served with chips. A healthier option of fruit salad and yoghurt is also available, as well as desserts of ice cream with chocolate sauce and chocolate brownies.

A jungle gym at The Blue Crane Restaurant. Photo supplied.

A jungle gym at The Blue Crane Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Crawdaddy’s (Silverlakes)

While the other branches aren’t suitable for kids, this store caters for little tots with a beautiful, modern play area. The brightly coloured jungle gym is big and beautifully maintained. Crawdaddy’s also provides entertainment for your children while they’re at the table, with crayons and colouring in. The menu offers classic Crawdaddy’s meals like jalapeño cheese steaks, chowder and generous seafood platters, while kids can enjoy ribs, chicken strips, fish fingers, beef or chicken kebabs, boerie rolls or meatballs. All meals are served with chips, mashed potatoes or vegetables.

C’est La Vie (Centurion)

Kids will be occupied for hours in the colourful play area at C’est La Vie, situated in a garden surrounded by large trees. The coffee shop is situated centrally so parents can keep a close eye on their kids. Adults can feast on anything from spinach, bacon and feta quiche to savoury waffles topped with Hawaiian chicken or ham, cheese and mushrooms, or one of the breakfast omelettes. The kiddies’ menu consists of no-fuss dishes such as fish fingers and chips, chicken nuggets and chips, or healthier options like the tomato-and-mozzarella gluten-free pizza or the grilled chicken strips with corn on the cob.

Ga Rouge (Centurion)

The weekend is family time at Ga Rouge. Parents can sit beneath the trees outside and watch their children play on the large grass area, where there’s a choice of six different jungle gyms. Children can enjoy pizzas, burgers, chicken strips or spaghetti Bolognese or join their parents for the lunch buffet on a Sunday. Adults pay R185 for the buffet, children between ages seven and 11 are charged R75, and children under the age of six eat for free.

Olifants Café at The Big Red Barn (Olifantsfontein)

Neighbour to Acrobranch outdoor activity park, The Big Red Barn is an ideal spot for the active family. With obstacle courses for children, ziplines, vintage tractor rides, mountain bikes for rent, and an appealing café menu, you and the brood can really make a day of it. The kids’ menu features the likes of scrambled eggs on toast with cheese, bacon and pork sausage, cheese burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and pizzas. For the adults, think waffles, toasted sarmies and wood-fired pizzas. This park is a cash-free zone, so do bring your bank card along or pay with Snapscan.

The outside seating area. Photo by Hennie Fisher.

The outside seating area at Olifants. Photo by Hennie Fisher.

Papachino’s (Silverlakes)

This popular spot for families across Pretoria is known for delicious pizzas, generous portions and fantastic child-friendly facilities. The elaborate playgrounds are designated for different age groups with friendly child minders, well-maintained equipment and some shade. Kids are welcome at the pizza-making section where they get to roll out, decorate and bake their own pizzas. The menu includes everything from breakfasts, thin-crust pizzas, pasta, seafood and steak, while the extensive kids’ selection includes fun options like the mince ‘volcano’ of Bolognese and mash, mac ‘n cheese, nuggets, waffles and burgers.

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

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

Modern Italian Kitchen (Menlo Park)

Parents from across the capital bring their kids to play on the beautiful and brightly coloured slides and jungle gyms at Toni’s while they get to relax over a bite and drink. Innovative pizzas are popular here (made in the eye-catching mosaic-covered wood-burning oven) and can be ordered on banting, rye or gluten-free bases.

The children's play area at Toni's. Photo supplied.

The children’s play area at Toni’s. Photo supplied.

The Whistle Stop Take-Away Shop at Cedar Junction (Pretoria East)

This little shop caters for parents and children of all ages alike. Due for a revamp in July, the venue is serving simple foods that are easy to carry around the theme park for the moment. Get chips, hotdog rolls, viennas, boerewors rolls or toasted sandwiches for under R30. Or nab a chicken or beef burger and chips for R50. Keep in mind that entry to Cedar Junction is R50 for adults and R60 for children (which includes access to all rides).

Willow Feather Farm (Irene)

This indigenous tree farm doubles as a space for children to get to know a variety of farm animals, from goats, guinea pigs and potbelly pigs to llamas. The tea garden is open from 8am to 5pm daily; parents can look forward to tea-garden classics like a variety of quiches, salads and fresh bakes, while the little ones (piglets) can order the likes of scrambled eggs on toast, toasted sarmies, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, burgers as well as the health box with fruit pieces, mini cheeses, carrots, cucumber and grilled chicken strips. Families can also opt to book a picnic basket, or hire the venue for a celebration. There is a R20 entrance fee (children under two enter for free), and no cash is accepted at the restaurant, so take your cards along.

The outdoor play area at Willow Feather. Photo supplied.

The outdoor play area at Willow Feather. Photo supplied.

Durban and beyond

Blue Zoo (Berea)

This charming outdoor seating area overlooks a jungle gym, swings, a play house, sand-art area and play tables. A children’s menu offers everything from mini breakfasts and toasted sarmies to waffles.

Burnedale (Umhlali)

This venue offers a child-friendly menu along with a secure, supervised play area and an animal farm. Parents can pamper themselves at the hair-and-beauty salon or enjoy a refreshments and a light lunch while the little ones play.

Circus Circus Beach Café (Snell Parade)

A secure area on the sunny beach allows children to play in the sand, and there’s a jungle gym, sandpit and a kiddies’ menu.

Outside at Circus Circus. Photo supplied.

Outside at Circus Circus. Photo supplied.

The Giba Café (Pinetown)

Located within the Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, this healthy café offers a kiddies’ menu as well as the numerous activities taking place in the park. These include an obstacle course, water activities and more. (Entrance fees apply.)

La Piazza (Ballito)

This North Coast restaurant offers both an outdoor and indoor play area for the littlies. The large grassy lawn boasts a giant, bright-orange royal palace, where the kids can climb and slide to their hearts’ content.

Pizza at La Piazza. Photo courtesy supplied.

Pizza at La Piazza. Photo courtesy supplied.

Lucky Bean (Assagay)

In addition to a kiddies’ menu, this magical family venue caters to children aged six and below with a large play garden, babies’ play area, three fantasy playhouses and more. Entrance is free for adults and R20 for children six years old and younger. The venue is also hosting a special holiday programme with activities Easter egg and biscuit decorating, playdough workshops, Easter bunny cards and more.

The fun play area at Lucky Bean. Photo supplied.

The fun play area at Lucky Bean. Photo supplied.

Nonna at Makaranga (Kloof)

This family-friendly spot invites children to run and play with a large stretch of astroturf, an outdoor playground with a natural timber gym, and a special eating area, where they can roll their own pizza dough and partake in a range of arts and crafts. All play areas are in close proximity to the restaurant so parents can keep an eye out. Pizzas here will keep the whole family happy.

The grassy activities area at Makaranga. Photo supplied.

The grassy activities area at Makaranga. Photo supplied.

People’s Park Café (Moses Mabhida Stadium)

This sidewalk café is positioned right across from a large playground so that kids can safely enjoy several fun facilities including a jungle gym, swings, an interactive fountain and kiddies’ bikes to rent. A kiddies’ menu is also available.

 

The play area at People's Park Cafe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The play area at People’s Park Cafe. Photo supplied.

Piggly Wiggly (Midlands)

The littlies will love frolicking in the large outside play area with a jungle gym and swings, while the putt-putt course and candle-dipping activities will entertain everyone in the family. A limited kiddies’ menu is available, but pizzas and burgers will also fill young tummies.

Families enjoying the sunny outdoor area at Piggly Wiggly. Photo supplied.

Families enjoying the sunny outdoor area at Piggly Wiggly. Photo supplied.

Prep Room (Glenwood)

A grassy play area will keep the kiddies entertained at this fun, family-friendly spot. The small kiddies’ menu includes dippy eggs and soldiers, burgers and fries, and creamy milkshakes. You can also hire out the venue for parties.

The large play area at Prep Room. Photo supplied.

The large play area at Prep Room. Photo supplied.

Sage Café (Salt Rock)

The centre has a fun play area, fantasy play houses and sand art to keep the young ones entertained. The kiddies’ menu offers hearty breakfasts and lunches including sausages and chips, spaghetti Bolognese and toasted sandwiches.

The Shed (Salt Rock)

The restaurant is housed in a refurbished shed, making it perfect for soaking up the sunny weather. Find a seat at the high bar tables or grab a shadier spot overlooking the litchi orchard. It’s relaxing and comfortable with rolling lawns for little kiddies to play on. Keep the hunger at bay with pizzas and milkshakes.

Waterberry Coffee Shoppe (Ballito)

A kiddies’ menu features adorable items like Micky’s rumbly tummy melted cheese on toast, Candy’s bestest flapjacks and syrup, and Maddison’s chicky strips and chips, while a jungle gym and sand-art activities give parents a few hours off.

Yellowwood Café (Howick)

A large garden area, jungle gym, and a family of miniature horses, pigs and other farm animals will delight children of all ages. They also have a small bike track and a large children’s menu.

The play area and kiddies' meal at Yellowwood Café. Photo supplied.

The play area and kiddies’ meal at Yellowwood Café. Photo supplied.

Cape Town

Blue Water Café (Imhoff Farm)

The rolling lawn at this daytime spot is perfect for the little ones. A jungle gym, camel rides, face painting, farmyard visits, and paint ball are all available on the premises. A tasty kiddies’ menu is also available and the space is able to host birthday parties.

outside at Blue Water Cafe

The outside area at Blue Water Café. Photo supplied.

Bon Amis Restaurant at Bloemendal (Durbanville)

A lovely outdoor jungle gym and a children’s menu will keep the little ones happy. There are firm favourites like burgers, hotdogs, toasties, and pizzas, as well as some gourmet mini shakes. The kids’ menu also features fun activities on the back.

Children on a jungle gym at Bon Amis. Photo supplied.

Children on a jungle gym at Bon Amis. Photo supplied.

Café Roux (Noordhoek)

Situated at the delightful Noordhoek Farm Village, Café Roux overlooks a large playground with a jungle gym, slides, seesaw and more. A kiddies’ menu features items like toasted sarmies, mini burgers and vanilla ice cream in a cone.

Clay Café (Hout Bay)

Let the kids play on the jungle gym outside or grab a brush and paint their own pottery item to be fired in the oven. The youngsters’ menu features tasty items like pizza, hot dogs, and toasties.

The Company’s Garden Restaurant (Gardens)

The spacious outdoor area is built for playtime, with hanging wicker playhouses set amongst the trees and a giant chess board. A kids’ menu features easy-to-love favourites like cheese toasties, crumbed chicken strips, and burgers.

The giant chess set at The Company's Garden Restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The giant chess set at The Company’s Garden Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Deer Park Café (Vredehoek)

This popular neighbourhood gem sit next to fenced park where you’ll find swings, jungle gyms and plenty of space for the kids to run around. A youngster’s menu is available, with options like fruit salad cups, spaghetti Bolognese, toasties, chicken and chips, and a healthy finger salad with cream-cheese dip.

outside at Deer Park Cafe

The park at Deer Park Cafe. Photo by Katharine Jacobs.

Die Damhuis (Melkbosstrand)

Order your little ones some hotdogs, fish fingers and more from the kids’ menu, and let them play in and around the beachy lighthouse-style jungle gym.

The play area at Die Damhuis. Photo supplied.

The play area at Die Damhuis. Photo supplied.

Dunes Beach Restaurant (Hout Bay)

This beachy restaurant overlooks a large sandy area with a jungle gym, swings, slides and more. A children’s menu offers ocean-themed bites of fish and chips and calamari and chips, but there are also pizzas for fussy eaters.

Dunes Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Dunes Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Dutch Haven Bistro (Durbanville)

Children aged four and older can play on the jungle gym with swings and a slide, while those under four have a designated play den. The restaurant has a number of other activities available, including colouring-in books and clay. A kiddies’ menu features items like toasties, chicken strips, braaied marshmallows and pancakes, while Purity and finger snacks are available for the toddlers.

Durbanville Hills Restaurant (Durbanville)

Parents can relax over lunch while the kids enjoy the safe play area with its jungle gym, slide, a fish pond and more in the downstairs area of the restaurant.

The Foodbarn (Noordhoek)

In addition to offering a great kiddies’ menu, this popular restaurant overlooks a grassy play area with a gorgeous jungle gym, a seesaw, swings and more.

Foresters Arms (Newlands)

The little ones are all welcome at this buzzing suburban pub. Let them enjoy the tree-covered play area while you tuck in to the popular pizzas and ice-cold draughts. Children under 12 can also enjoy menu items such as beef burgers, calamari strips, pizza, and chocolate brownies.

Kirstenbosch Tea Room (Newlands)

Enjoy sunny days on the the sprawling lawns of the Kirstenbosch Gardens, which is ideal for a family picnic. (Entrance fees apply.) The tea room menu also features kids’ options, and colouring-in books if the little ones get bored.

Kirstenbosch Tea Room. Photo supplied.

Kirstenbosch Tea Room. Photo supplied.

Massimo’s (Hout Bay)

This local favourite has a jungle gym at the entrance of the restaurant and a secure space at the back with various types of play equipment. While there isn’t a kiddies’ menu, children can order smaller pizzas or half pizzas.

Millstone Café and Farmstall (Pinelands)

Situated in the Oude Molen Eco Village, this outdoor restaurant offers pony rides and has a fun Wendy house. Fresh, organic juices, wood-fired breads and good coffee will keep adults happy.

The tree house at Millstone Café. Photo supplied.

The tree house at Millstone Café. Photo supplied.

Octopus’ Garden Restaurant (Muizenberg)

A children’s playground features a jungle gym, a tree house and other games while the restaurant offers a special kiddies’ platter, among other treats.

Ons Huisie (Bloubergstrand)

Kids are entertained in a safe playground with child minders on hand. The restaurant has ensured that the play area is a smoke-free environment and has provided additional tables next to the space so parents can keep an eye on their little ones. As for the tiny tots’ grub, expect treats like fish fingers and chips, creamy penne with ham, pancakes, and ice cream with strawberry syrup.

The colourful outdoor play area at Ons Huisie. Photo supplied.

The colourful outdoor play area at Ons Huisie. Photo supplied.

Open Door (Constantia)

This elegant restaurant’s menu has a dedicated section for the youngsters and a lovely outdoor play area. Mini foodies will love the gourmet options such as the crispy fried chicken with hand-cut chips, spaghetti with peas and bacon, and pan-roasted hake with butternut fingers and cucumber. For dessert, there’s cookies and chocolate milk, or home-made ice cream with chocolate sauce.

The fun jungle gym at Open Door. Photo supplied.

The fun jungle gym at Open Door. Photo supplied.

Simon’s (Constantia)

This Groot Constantia spot is perfect for a sunny outing with the whole family. The kids can play on the rolling lawns while adults enjoy some vino and a light lunch or picnic. The kids can enjoy a basket filled with yoghurt, sandwiches, fruit, Jelly Tots and Flings.

Spiro’s (Hout Bay)

Kids can play in the outdoor jungle gym at this neighbourhood hangout. The menu features a small selection of children’s meals with dishes like calamari, pork ribs, chicken schnitzel, pasta and a fun ice cream with hundreds and thousands.

Tables at Nitida (Durbanville)

Big, beautiful lawns, a dedicated children’s play area and a kiddies’ menu will please parent and kids alike. Hungry tots can enjoy toasties, fish and chips, ham and cheese pasta, bowls of fries, and ice-cream cones.

Outside at the Tables at Nitida. Photo supplied.

Outside at the Tables at Nitida. Photo supplied.

Winelands

Bertus Basson at Spice Route (Paarl)

Guests are welcome to sit outside and enjoy the sweeping views as their little ones frolic on the lawns. A creative kiddies’ menu allows them to build their own meal, and includes a colouring sheet on the back. Once their plates are clean, they will receive a giant cookie to decorate. You can also grab a blanket on the grass and enjoy some pancakes from Bertus’s Pannekoek Hoek.

The DIY cookies at Bertus Basson at Spice Route. Photo supplied.

The DIY cookies at Bertus Basson at Spice Route. Photo supplied.

BICCCS (Franschhoek)

BICCCS stands for Bread, Ice Cream, Cake, Croissant, Coffee and Sandwich, and offers a range of delicious sweet treats and smaller meal portions that the kids will love. A safe outdoor play area offers entertainment in the form of a jungle gym, slides and swings.

Bodega Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Kids can order off the special children’s menu and play on the fully equipped jungle gym and in the sandpit. The kiddies’ menu is only available for those under the age of 12.

Outside at Dornier Bodega. Photo supplied.

Outside at Dornier Bodega. Photo supplied.

Café Blanc de Noir (Stellenbosch)

Let the kids run around outside and explore the outdoor jungle gym. The kiddies’ menu features dishes like Hawaiian and margherita pizzas, and peppermint delight for dessert.

The jungle gym at Cafe Blanc de Noir. Photo supplied.

The jungle gym at Cafe Blanc de Noir. Photo supplied.

Café des Arts (Franschhoek)

This quaint café has a huge shaded courtyard where children can run, play, and ride their bikes. The venue is also located away from the main road so that families can enjoy the calm of the winelands.

Cosecha (Paarl)

Enjoy a sunny picnic in the garden with kiddies’ picnic baskets filled with yoghurt, chips, juice and a boerewors roll or peanut-butter-and-jam sandwich.

The exterior at Cosecha Restaurant. Photo supplied.

The exterior at Cosecha Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Eat@Simonsvlei (Paarl)

This family restaurant boasts a large, secure kids’ play area and a dedicated children’s menu. The venue also hosts children’s parties.

Parents with their kids at Eat@Simonsvlei. Photo supplied.

Parents with their kids at Eat@Simonsvlei. Photo supplied.

Eaglevlei (Stellenbosch)

With one of the largest jungle gym playgrounds in the Western Cape, this scenic venue is the perfect spot for a family lunch. The kids’ menu offers items like cheesy eggs and toast, a regina pizza, cheese grillers, mac ’n cheese, and chicken strips.

Eight at Spier (Stellenbosch)

The restaurant terrace overlooks rolling lawns with a wooden jungle gym. A special children’s menu is available, and there’s a kids’ clubhouse with fun activities and child minders for those staying at the hotel.

Kiddies playing at Spier. Photo supplied.

Kiddies playing at Spier. Photo supplied.

Eight to Go at Spier (Stellenbosch)

Eight to Go offers a selection of gourmet picnics, including a children’s picnic with favourites like ham-and-cheese rolls, fruit yoghurt, root crisps and cookies. Please note that picnics must be booked in advance.

Franschhoek Station Pub (Franschhoek)

There is a safe outside area for the little ones with a jumping castle, swings and jungle gym. A children’s menu with burgers, chip baskets and chicken strips is also available.

Lekker Neh at Weltevreden Estate (Stellenbosch)

The Carnival @ Lekke Neh is every kid’s (and parent’s) dream. Expect a large enclosed outdoor play area and jungle gym, dedicated child minders, pizza-making activities, an ice-cream stand and more.

The pizza-making station at Lekker Neh. Photo supplied.

The pizza-making station at Lekker Neh. Photo supplied.

Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie (Franschhoek)

This gorgeous estate has a jungle gym and a massive lawn on which children can run and play. To fill tums, there’s a very simple children’s menu on offer, as well as some tempting desserts like mini Rice Krispies treats, Peppermint Crisp tarts, chocolate brownies and cupcakes.

The Millhouse Kitchen (Somerset West)

Children will love the large garden and jungle gym. There’s also a specially designed ‘Little People’ menu – with a cute colouring-in section – that features everything from pizzas and toasties to bangers, chips and peas.

The tree house at Millstone Café. Photo supplied.

The tree house at Millstone Café. Photo supplied.

Mont Marie (Stellenbosch)

A wooden jungle gym at this winelands spot will offer plenty of fun, while the menu features a dedicated kiddies’ section of chicken strips and chips, burgers, pizzas, and ice cream.

Skilpadvlei Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

The in-and-outside play-area offers plenty of entertainment for children while, the littlies menu includes meals of toasties, ribs, fish fingers and pizza.

Southey’s Bistro & Wine Bar (Somerset West)

Kids will be thrilled with the large, shaded jungle gym, jumping castle and waterslide. The children’s menu offers a variety of favourites, including hot dogs, ham-and-cheese pizzas, fish fingers and desserts. There’s also a fun ‘eskimo cocktail’ made with slushy water to hydrate the kids for free.

Stone Kitchen (Wellington)

In addition to the expansive lawns, a well-equipped play area with a jungle gym, sandpit, toddler play area, swings and board games keeps the little ones entertained here. A tiny tots’ menu features treats like scrambled eggs and sausage, a beef burger with fries, pizza, and Ola ice cream or pancakes for dessert.

Play area at The Stone Kitchen. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Play area at The Stone Kitchen. Photo supplied.

Taste at Laborie (Paarl)

For sunny playtime, a secure play area sits alongside the large open terrace. The kiddies’ menu offers treats like mac ’n cheese with bacon, free-range chicken schnitzel with fries, and chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream.

Tokara Delicatessen (Stellenbosch)

Tokara Delicatessen offers a laid-back and child-friendly setting where visitors can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or a light lunch. The rolling lawns and outdoor play area will keep the youngsters entertained. There’s also a children’s menu plenty of treats in the deli shop.

The comfortable setting at Tokara Delicatessen. Photo supplied.

The comfortable setting at Tokara Delicatessen. Photo supplied.

Vredenhof Organic Estate (Stellenbosch)

Head to this spot for a lazy lunch in the winelands with the family. The playground boasts a castle, a pirate ship and a gypsy caravan to enchant the kiddies. The play area is also partially under cover, so kids are protected from wet weather.

Have we missed one of your favourites? Let us know in the comments section below.

Please note that while we take care to ensure that all our information is correct, some offers and details might change without our knowledge.

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