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Child-friendly restaurants in Durban

Keep yourself and the family entertained this Winter in KZN!

Arts Cafe, Glenwood

A gallery cafe which caters for not only the KZNSA visitors but also for the public, including kids.

There is a friendly member of staff  posted at the children’s play area to supervise them. We believe the food is back on track after a recent overhaul. See our new review

Unique setting – Art Gallery. Jungle gym.

Burndale, Salt Rock

A “secret haven for kids and adults“. We highly advise a visit to this gem of an establishment.

Their cause “Eat, Play, Shop, Create…” is very attractive. For the kids they offer; a fenced kids play area, sand art, an animal farm and more.

The meals are diverse and of a wide variety, so much to choose from for mothers, fathers, business personal and of course the kids, that is if they have time to be distracted from their activities.

Unique setting – A sweet haven away from the world.

Chez Nous, Westville

Sometimes you need a break. If you can’t seem to catch that break and you’re dying for that night of good food and  fine-dining, there’s Chez Nous. Top class meals, and professional service which also caters for children and offers a play area too.

It seems that there is a tender heart for kids behind all that classy exterior. From Gourmet treats to cheesy pizzas there’s more than a few items up for offer, more so that you will head back for more till you’ve tried all of it out… and we’re sure that the kids will feel the same.

Unique setting – Classy, family.

Circus Circus, Beach Cafe

If you’re brave enough and fancy a trip to the beach for a quick meal out with the family. The friendly staff, equipped with coloring books and crayons and a “little peoples menu”, expect nothing less than little rascals amping for something to do.

Also catering for adults, their menu is  colorful for all ages.

Note: The policemen like to stroll along the broad walk, a top their steeds, they’re great to look at as they go past, but it won’t be as good if you’re caught under them!

Unique setting – Beachfront.

Corner2Corner Cafe, Glenwood

They have small play area outside, safely away from the road. Their legendary food is another reason to stick it out.

The owner loves the environment and encourages others to do so too. This eco-warrior is also very enthusiastic about his food and loves kids. Their menu is also full of love, surprises and also soft on the heart.

“Saving the world, one cappuccino at a time”

PS – You have to try their Tyrone coffee and the Bacon sarmie will have you panting for more oink.

Unique setting – Eco-friendly, comical.

Col’Cacchio, Gateway

They offer consistent and healthy food which is great for moms who care for their kids health and what they eat.

For the kids they have a separate menu of goodies to choose from, they also get some dough with a roller and biscuit cutters to play with and keep them occupied till their tummy’s get filled by yummy.

Unique setting – Pizzeria.

Durban Botanical Gardens

Since 1849 Durban Botanical Gardens has always been one of those all round experiences, enjoyable for the whole family. From plants to play areas to various animals to great meals to picnic zones and much more.

If you plan to visit, make sure you take everyone with you and plan to stay for long because there’s so much to do and it will keep the kids satiated and their energy will be well spent on all the various activities.

Unique setting- Out doors, events.

Lucky Bean

A kids play and party venue with a coffee shop. This is a place to take your kids if you really feel like spoiling them rotten! They offer a light menu for adults and kids to enjoy and to suit every budget. See their special Christmas Holiday programme.

An extensive amount of activities and play areas to keep them busy and don’t be surprised if they beg you to take them back for more. Kids 0 – 7 years.

Unique setting – Little bike track, 4 x fantasy houses and jungle gyms.

Makaranga, Kloof

If you’ve ever planned on going away for holiday but not so enthusiastic about travelling long distances, well there’s a venue in Durban that could possibly match a lot of other holiday resorts.

Makaranga hosts extensive accommodation, fine dining and activities for the family. Makaranga promotes outdoor activities for the kids.

Apart from that they have a Deli placed right next to a timbered play area, rock garden and jungle gym so you can keep an eye on them while they cause a ruckus.

Unique setting – Outdoors, get away, estate, (note – be cautious of the open pool).

Olive and Oil, Umhlanga
O & O Cafe Westville (Westville Country Club)

If you want to treat your family to some Mediterranean inspired meals, then this is the place for you.  They aspire towards perfect hospitality leaning towards comfortable food made exceptionally well.

Their menu offers various meals for the whole family. There is a kids playroom with a TV, Playstation, toys and some coloring books.

Unique setting – The O & O Cafe has a large playground and specially designated kids eating area.

Sage, Salt Rock

Sage presents excellent, wholesome and healthy food and drinks from the entire family using only fresh ingredients. A warm environment, especially for the little ones.

They offer a great playground for the kids, with mindful staff too, they understand how important they are, while accommodating your palate too.

Unique setting – out doors, deli, creative foods.

Peoples Park Cafe, Moses Mabhida Stadium

With everything from hearty breakfasts, light meals, salads and freshly baked treats – there’s something for every appetite.

The play area is huge, stretch your legs and let your hair down, because the People’s Park was made for taking it easy with the family, you can also rent various bikes and boards.

This establishment just extends the name “Durban, South Africa’s Playground” there’s so many cool and fresh things that revolves around Peoples Park Cafe. The food is great, the energy too.

Unique setting – fun for the whole family, energetic vibes, fun in the sun.

Cafe Jiran, Beachfront

Cafe Jiran has a short but well constructed Bistro menu.

If you’re a coffee-head then this is the place to be. Their coffee is praised by many, well they do offer a wide selection from across the world.

For the kids – the breakfast is great and they have a play area, the older kids can also ride their bikes round and round, safely.

Unique setting – Beachfront, coffee haven

St. Clements, Musgrave

We know that St. Clements offers some of the tastiest foods in Durban, one of our detectives did a review about her adventures here.

Their menu is extensive and treats the whole family. If you’re looking for a quick lunch packed with full of flavor, this is it.

Friendly staff, great with kids. Through experience they know what the kids love to eat, awesome cakes and simple toasties to name a few. A small jungle gym for the younger or older ones to play in.

Unique setting – tasty modern food

Sarnia Japanese Garden, Pinetown

A surreal environment set apart from everything else, a place where things that bothered you would seem so unusually insignificant.

Sarnia Japanese Garden offers a peaceful and pleasant experience with great cost effective food. There’s meadows, fields and trees as far as the eye can see… perfect for those kids who love to exert their energy fully!

Unique setting – Quiet, peaceful, pleasant

Primi Plantation, Ballito

“Italian-style fine dining casual comfort open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Primi food is fresh and fast, comforting and healthy, with all menu items freshly cooked from scratch, using only the finest sourced ingredients. The Primi vibe is a buzz of electric URBAN ENERGY”.

They offer a child minding service and the staff make pizzas with the kids while you eat!

Unique Setting – Family, casual, business, urban

John Dory’s, Ballito – Kloof

Fish, Grill and Sushi. A great family restaurant, some delicious food! If you’re hungry to treat your family out for some seafood, we all know and have grown up with John Dory’s and they’re still around today!

For the kids, they have a super play area outside, so you can enjoy your meal while your kids are safely playing.

Unique setting – seafood

*Note there are 2 branches*

Ballito Address: No. 2 Lifestyle Centre, 445 Main Rd, Balitto
Kloof Address: 15 Village Rd, Kloof, durban

La Piazza, Ballito

“Owned and run by veri Italiani (true Italians), Marco Bortolussi and Catia and Daniele Marinelli La Piazza, located at the The Well in Ballito, exudes that authentic European ambience serving scrumptious authentic Italian food from breakfast through lunch to dinner.”

Kids are more than welcome.

Unique setting – veri Italiani, warm and hearty.

Jimmy Jungles, Umhlanga

Mostly a kids indoor play party venue, though you can still treat your kids to an adventure here whilst still enjoying the restaurant for yourselves.

Jimmy Jungles is a fully hands on child learning and growing experience while having fun!

Unique setting – Playing, learning, teaching

Piggly Wiggly, Midlands – Kloof

Fun for the whole family, kids can enjoy the large outside play area which includes jungle gyms and swings. They also offer a kiddies menu, along with the general menu which is suitable for all.

Added there is a more things to get involved with such as putt putt and the candle dipping shop.

Unique setting – outdoors, diverse activities

*Note there are 2 branches*

Midlands Address: Pass Pietermaritzburg, Howick/Tweedie off ramp, Left towards Tweedie, At T junction turn right, Continue for approximately 10kms, Piggly Wiggly on your left.
Kloof Address: 10 Msenga Rd, Kloof, Durban 3610

The Giba Cafe, Hillcrest

The coffee shop is a feel-good food outlet offering a selection of delicious breakfasts, salads, pastas, pizzas and cakes. A part of the Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park In the Giba Valley.

They offer mountain bike tracks, ramps, lawns and jungle gyms. There is a  small children’s section on the menu too.

Unique setting – Mountain biking

Lords and Legends, Amanzimtoti

Vibey, sporty, fun for the whole family venue. With “something to do 7days a week”. For those parents who enjoy relaxing with friends and enjoying sports, with their kids.

Nice for the older kids, they offer an out door a wide field for them to ride their bikes and play sports!

Note:  The Jungle gym has been taken down

Unique setting – large play area, pub-fare

Yellowwood Cafe

Yellowwood Café is situated on the historic Fairfell Farm. Sir George Sutton established this farm and built the wonderful home that is now a Restaurant. A wide variety of meals to select from, you can get just about anything you could imagine here.

For the kids – Jungle gyms, large play area, a mini bike track and farmlands / animals to see.

Unique setting – farmlands

Hooters, Umhlanga (Yes… we know)

According to the owner, “we have ‘Kids Eat Free’ every Sunday, as well as a play area tended by a private school teacher with the highest quality educational toys on offer. The kids have puzzles and coloring in booklets at their tables as well. It’s definitely something we would love those with parents to come try out one Sunday.”

Go see for yourselves, maybe scout it out before your decision.

The Book Botique, Amanzimtoti

A Quote  “Apart from the book store, there is a good coffee shop which also has a decent menu (including kids section).  There are childrens’ story times on Saturday mornings and also during the holidays.  Children can also draw or scribble on the chalkboard which is situated in the outdoor area of the coffee shop”.

Great fun for kids!

Unique setting – Books, coffee, stories

Siggi’s, Salt Rock

A German restaurant and pub in Salk Rock. If you’re interested in some traditional German meals and ambiance which is warm and hearty. “Proper German fair, homely vibe and has a great kids play area. “

There’s a general rave about how genuine the food is – don’t take our word for it, try it our for yourselves! For the kids they have an outside play area which hosts a jungle gym too.

Unique setting – German

Blue Zoo, Berea

“The Blue Zoo Café & Garden Restaurant is in one of the most picturesque settings in Durban. This is one way of describing The Blue Zoo, which nestles among the splendour and serene atmosphere of Mitchell Park in Morningside.”

For the kids there’s a zoo (of course) a huge park for the kids to play in and so much to keep them busy for an entire afternoon.

Unique setting – Zoo

Cotton Fields, Umhlanga

Quoted from one of the moms! “On a Sunday cotton fields Umhlanga offers Sunday lunch on the roof.
They have a small kiddies area and activities BUT the space on the roof is big so I take my child’s small bike with.  So if she is not admiring the view of the ocean she is riding around on her bike or riding the little train.
And she can go nowhere.”

Unique setting – Sea view, live entertainment

Mamma G’s, Balito

“Our diverse menu has something for everyone. We have simple pizza selections for kids or gourmet offerings for the more discerning diner. Whether your taste is for something light and tasty from our salad or sandwich selection or a mouthwatering delight from our Grill, Poultry, Veal or Seafood sections… “

They are child friendly and welcome family dining with comfortable seating indoors and out and they have plenty of room for the little ones to play.

Unique setting – Family, Italian

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