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The school holidays are here and, as excited as the whole family might be, there will be a time when you’ll need to get the kids out of the house – and, perhaps, out of your hair. When that time comes, we’ve gathered some intel from some great restaurants across the country that are well-equipped with kid-friendly activities, menus and playgrounds.
Here are over 40 spots across the country where parents can enjoy a delicious plate of food or glass of wine, while the kids tire themselves out and have a good time. It’s a win-win situation all around!
Cape Town & Surrounds
Aegir Project Brewery Noordhoek
(Noordhoek, Cape Town)
Mom and dad can enjoy an artisanal beer, piping hot pizzas, and fried chicken burgers while the kids wear themselves out on the jungle gym. Aegir is one of South Africa’s 100 most-loved restaurants of 2022 – according to Dineplan reviews, so pay them a visit for a top-notch meal with the whole family.
Benguela Cove Restaurant
(Fisherhaven, Western Cape)
Take the entire family out for a full day of adventure golf, before cooling off at Benguela Cove’s splash park. When it’s time for lunch, the kids are well looked after with their own menu too.
Cape Point Vineyards
(Noordhoek, Cape Town)
Cape Point Vineyards has a new jungle gym with separate play areas for toddlers so everyone can have a good time. The Courtyard restaurant is near the jungle gym, and the sprawling lawns are ideal for a family-friendly summer’s lunch.
Clay Café – Hout Bay, Paarl or In The City
(Hout Bay, Paarl and Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
Between Bree Street, Hout Bay or Paarl, choose your closest Clay Café branch and take the whole family out for something a little different. Let kids of all ages unleash their inner artist, while they paint ceramics and enjoy something to eat. The Hout Bay and Paarl locations also have a large outdoor play area if the kids want to stretch their legs – and they cater for children’s birthday parties too.
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Die Damhuis
(Melkbosstrand, Cape Town)
A favourite seaside spot for locals, Die Damhuis is loved for its deliciously fresh seafood offering. It’s also a perfect spot for families, as they have a jungle gym for the kids as well as a massive sand pit to keep them busy.
De Oude Social Cafe
(Bellville, Cape Town)
Their large outside grass area and wooden play structure is great for the kids to let loose.
The Eatery Wood Fired Grill
(Claremont, Cape Town)
Find a great selection of kids’ meals and milkshakes and a jungle gym adjacent to the deck area, so parents can keep an eye on the little ones while they play.
Fancy Frank’s
(Somerset West)
Situated in Somerset West, across the road from The Sanctuary Mall, where there is a driving range nearby for budding golfers. Frank’s also has a kiddies menu available all day.
Foresters Arms (AKA Forries)
(Newlands, Cape Town)
Newlands stalwart, Forries, is well-known for its large play area, complete with swings, jungle gym and climbing apparatus. In addition to this, during summer, they offer sand art activities for the kids to take part in on Sundays.
The Islands Restaurant at The President Hotel
(Bantry Bay, Cape Town)
The President Hotel has a dedicated kids’ play area complete with a jungle gym, jumping castle and soft play blocks. The famous pool area also has a separate shallow kids swimming area. Kids can take part in a pizza-making activity (R65 per person) where their pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven and then served to them. The kids are also given a chef’s hat and apron to wear for an authentic experience. Pizza-making is free on a Friday when ordered alongside an adult’s main meal.
Limoncello Ristorante
(Noordhoek, Cape Town)
Enjoy authentic Italian seafood while you watch the kids play on the jungle gym outside.
Moyo at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
(Southern Suburbs, Cape Town)
Moyo has a kiddies menu, as well as a play area and jungle gym. You can also purchase sand art and activity packs. So, after you’re done exploring the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, head over to Moyo with the whole family for a bit to eat and some fun.
Strolla Restaurant & Bar
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
If you’re on the Atlantic Seaboard-side, Strolla will help keep the kids busy with a dedicated play area kitted out with video games and board games. Making their own pizza is another fun, kid-friendly activity on offer, meaning you’re covered for both lunch and entertainment.
The Yard at the Silo District
(V & A Waterfront, Cape Town)
With spinning chairs and a grassy patch with a water splash area, the Silo District is a kid’s dream. Plus, your little ones can enjoy The Yard’s kid’s menu when they’re ready to take a break. A stone’s throw away, you’ll find the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa which is well-worth a visit before or after a visit to The Yard.
Cape Winelands
Bosjes Kombuis
(Ceres, Western Cape)
Bosjes’ large terrace area overlooks a big jungle gym, so parents can sit and relax while keeping an eye on the kids. Energetic teenagers can bring a soccer ball and have some fun on the big lawns. There is also hiking as well as game- and bird-watching for those looking for a bit of adventure.
Deux Lions
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
Deux Lions offers a kids’ menu and has a beautiful outside area with a lawn where the kids can run and play.
Du Vin Restaurant
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
For bigger kids, Du Vin offers putt-putt (R30 per person) and, for kids of all ages, they have a jungle gym to play on.
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Bon Amis at Bloemendal Wine Estate
(Durbanville, Western Cape)
In addition to their large jungle gym, they also run pizza and sushi specials that are bound to be a hit with the kids.
Boschendal
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
In the summer months, you can take the whole family out for a sunny picnic at Boschendal Werf and let the kids (5 -14 years) run wild at the Tree House Playground, including acorn hideouts, slides, walkways, platforms, mushroom pods and pyramids, and the MTB pump track. There are also fun lawn games at the picnic area, for the whole family to enjoy. With so many choices, such fun awaits!
Hazendal Wine Estate
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Hazendal is home to Wonderdal, an immersive and interactive edutainment experience to combine learning with play. At Wonderdal children aged 5-13 can discover the worlds of science and nature across a variety of indoor and outdoor activity zones. With trained WonderPals to supervise, young adventurers can look forward to a fun day out while parents enjoy all the offerings that Hazendal has to offer. You can also book a picnic in summer and enjoy a lazy afternoon with the whole family on the lawn.
La Pineta
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
La Pineta has a wonderful play area and large lawn for the kids to run around, as well as kids menu for when they need to refuel. Their 5-star reviews also got them a spot on the top 100 list of South Africa’s most-loved restaurants, as reviewed by their diners.
Millhouse Kitchen at Lourensford Wine Estate
(Somerset West, Cape Town)
Millhouse Kitchen has not one, but two kids jungle gyms situated in close view to the seating area, as well as a large grassy area for kids to run around. They also offer a dedicated kids’ menu.
Mulderbosch Vineyards
(Stellenbosch, Cape Town)
Get the family together and book at table at Mulderbosch. Serving up word-class wine and crispy, thin-based pizzas piping hot from the oven, you can tuck into a delicious meal while the kids have fun in the large playground right next to the restaurant. It has a lovely jungle gym with slides, monkey bars, swings and some climbing opportunities for the little ones.
Nederburg
(Paarl, Western Cape)
Kids of all ages are spoiled for choice at Nederburg. Budding chefs and bakers will love the cupcake decorating workshop with chef Arlene, or they can take part in a milk-and-cookie pairing. The team can arrange picnic boxes with a delicious collection of snacks that you’d be happy to see them eating and drinking. And, for birthday parties for six or more, they offer party surprise boxes plus a cupcake decoration workshop. Weather permitting, there’s also Jenga and a range of lawn games, jungle gyms, a zip-line, treehouse, swings and more to keep the kids occupied. As for the food, there’s something for everyone. Menu items start at R65 for children, with the milk and cookie pairings and cupcake decorating priced at R95 each.
Ormonde Wines
(Darling, Western Cape)
Ormonde is ready to welcome the entire family! Kids can do a fun food pairing (R45 per person), while parents relax with a pairing or tasting of their own. They also have a large garden and a jungle gym and chalkboards to ensure everyone is occupied. The menu is also very fussy-eater-friendly and includes seven milkshake flavours to choose from.
Perdeberg Wines
(Paarl, Western Cape)
In addition to their dedicated kiddies’ play area and kid-friendly menu, Pederberg offers cookie pairing activities and a jumping castle on the weekends.
Rickety Bridge Wine Centre
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
Rickety Bridge has already nailed the wine pairing for adults, but they’ve also turned their attention to the little ones, too. With a limited edition pairing, kids can enjoy tasting a variety of drinks – apple juice, crème soda and strawberry-flavoured milk – with sweets such as smarties, sour worms and wine gums at R80 per person.
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The Stone Kitchen
(Somerset West, Cape Town)
With indoor and outdoor play areas, The Stone Kitchen is ready for any weather. They also have sandpits, a trampoline and animals for the little ones to play with.
Spier
(Stellenbosch, Cape Town)
With the whole farm as a playground, Spier is a top destination for families with children of all ages. In the tasting room, kids can take part in a grape juice tasting. Overlooking the dam, this tasting is the ideal way to keep the youngsters busy with a tasting of two different grape juices and an educational activity sheet highlighting the role insects play in the vineyards. Outside, there are many activities, including the elemental play garden (close to Vadas Smokehouse), eagle encounters, bike rides through the farm, and more. Plus, all the restaurants on the farm offer yummy menus to satisfy any young tummy. A special kid’s picnic basket is also available from Spier Picnics.
Book Restaurant Book Tasting Book Vadas Book Picnic
Tryn at Steenberg
(Tokai, Cape Town)
Mom and dad can sip on Steenberg’s world-class bubbly while the kids have fun on the playground or play area.
Warwick Wine Estate
(Stellenbosch, Cape Town)
For some outdoor fun in the sun, Warwick will make your little one’s day a blast. With fountains, a jungle gym and a large garden to explore, there’s so much to keep the kids entertained. You can also book a children’s birthday party and the team will organise face painting, jungle gyms, kiddies picnics, and themed parties – the sky is the limit!
Durban
Create Ceramics
(Umhlanga, Durban)
For families in Durban, make sure you head over to Create Ceramics these school holidays. This artistic space in Umhlanga is where you can design and paint some pottery while enjoying music and delicious food altogether.
Johannesburg
Aurum Restaurant
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
You’ll find a small, secure playground here, as well as a pool terrace with lifeguards on duty over weekends and public holidays.
Casalinga Restaurant
(Krugersdorp, Johannesburg)
Entertain the kids every weekend here with fun activities, a playground and play area.
Create Lonehill
(Midrand)
Create is a no-brainer when looking for a new activity to do with kids of all ages, with a wide selection of well-priced child-friendly items for them to paint. What’s more, the Lonehill branch even serves a dedicated kiddies menu, for both breakfast and lunch, to keep everyone well-fed.
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Fahrenheit Seafood & Grill Benoni
(Farrarmere, Benoni)
This family-friendly favourite kicks things up a notch on Saturdays, with entertainment and activities starting at 2 pm. Between that, the large playground and video games, there’s something to keep everyone happy.
Flavours at La Vue
(Nietgedacht, Johannesburg)
Flavours at La Vue has a playground and is available for birthday parties and will arrange face painting, kids meals and party packs.
Gioia Trattoria
(Parkwood, Johannesburg)
Geared for families, Gioia has everything both kids and their moms and dads need. Serving up delicious Italian food, they have different play sections for different age groups and various activities and equipment to keep your little ones entertained. They also have childminders available to take care of your kids while you enjoy your meal in peace.
JoyJozi
(Dunkeld, Johannesburg)
One of the new kids on the block, JoyJozi is more than just a restaurant, it’s a one-of-a-kind family playground and experiential venue designed for children aged 0-100. Packed with fun, this is a place where kids can take their parents. With gardens, a treehouse, mazes, slides, a bicycle track and splash park for outdoor fun, there’s also an indoor play centre with a games room, reading room and so much more. This is the place to be when the school holidays arrive! Suitable for kids of all ages.
Molitva Orthodox Mediterranean Restaurant
(Krugersdorp)
If you’re looking for a Sunday afternoon drive out into the country, Molitva is the perfect place to stop for lunch. In addition to their kids’ menu, they also have jumping castles, water slides and art on the weekends, meaning there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
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The Old Oak
(Linksfield North, Johannesburg)
The Old Oak accommodates kids with its dedicated playground.
Riboville Restaurant
(Midrand)
When the temperature rises, Riboville is the place to be. Their newly renovated garden area that includes a swimming pool and hammock set up means there are lots of wide open spaces for them to run wild, while you can enjoy the live jazz show every weekend.
North West
De Vette Mossel – Harties
(Hartbeespoort)
Bringing the West Coast to the highveld, De Vette Mossel has a beach-themed play area for the kids.
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Garden Route
Porcupine Creative Clay
(Kurland, Western Cape)
Gather the family, it’s time to get creative! Choose a ceramic piece from the extensive range, then find a peaceful spot and enjoy painting and creating your own work of art to take home. It’s the perfect morning or afternoon out for both kids and adults.
Luka Vineyards
(Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape)
Arrange a picnic just for the kids on Luka’s large grass area, or let them play on the small playground while you enjoy a glass of wine in the sunshine.
Clay Café – George
(George, Western Cape)
Eat, paint, and play with Clay Café George! Spend the day being creative with the whole family while enjoying delicious meals and drinks. Unleash your inner artist and choose from over 180 ceramics to paint and take home. After painting and filling up, sit back and relax as the kids play on their outdoor jungle gym!
Pretoria
Create – Irene and Wolwespruit
(Pretoria)
For families in Pretoria, take your kids to Create in Red Barn Irene or Wolwespruit for a unique day out, letting their creative juices flow.
Clay Café – Montana & Silver Lakes
(Pretoria)
For families in Pretoria, take your kids to Clay Café in Montana for a unique day out, letting their creative juices flow. If ceramics and painting don’t appeal to the whole family, Clay Café in Silver Lakes has you covered too! They’re equipped with a jungle gym, a bike track and a trampoline so you can keep the sports fans and the artists happy at the same time.
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PLTFRM Wolwespruit
(Erasmuskloof, Pretoria)
Pay a visit to PLTFRM and enjoy a great family meal. The outdoor atmosphere, laid-back vibes and jungle gyms for the kids to play on, make it a great day out for everyone.
La Vie Lente
(Tierpoort, Pretoria)
La Vie Lente has a huge lawn where children can run and play outside, as well as a small play area with toys and a seesaw. They also organise various kid-friendly activities to take part in.
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