Having children is hard, having children and trying to maintain a decent social life can be near impossible.
Kids like the outdoors and entertainment, parents like wine and chill-time, and Joburg, whilst being one big man-made forest, lacks in restaurants that have outdoor facilities or that cater for both grown-ups wants and their kiddies needs.
BUT never fear, here are the 5 best spots in Joburg for all y’al wants and needs:
Remember that friend’s house you used to visit as a kid; the one with EVERYTHING and the nice mom to boot…
Well this is that place, on steroids: Playstation, movies, sand art, pottery classes, fully-fledged padded jungle gym for young and old, dress up room, soft toy area, even a little shop where you can buy sweets for your kids if they run out of gas and, of course, child minders to chase after your sugar-fueled rugrats.
This is the creme de la creme of kids entertainment in a restaurant.
They also have a great menu for both old and young; breakfasts, light meals, pastas, salads…you name it, plus a rather plush looking drinks menu with single malts and other yummy grown up stuff.
Tuesdays – Fridays 9am – 8pm, Saturdays/Sundays/Public holidays 8am – 9pm
Panetonne Café: The zoo lake sports club
Set your little spirits free! This place is all about the great outdoors: outside area with lots of room for them to run around and a jumping castle for them to, well, jump around on.
(This area is fenced off though so you don’t have to worry about them ending up at the bowls club – and if they try to climb over the fences there are child minders to stop them.)
There is a fully sized sports ground below where they can roam free away from their embarrassing parents.
They have a wood-fired Pizza oven and a make-your own pizza area for the more creative kids too.
Great pizzas and grills and at the end of the day: tired children that will go straight to bed when they get home.
Tuesdays – Fridays 10am – 10pm, Saturdays 8am – 10pm, Sundays 8am – 5pm
Gia’s on Montrose:
Set inside a nursery, and I don’t mean a nursery like you have at home, I mean a nursery with plants and stuff, so you can calm down, breath in some fresh air and let the live music drown out the sound of the screaming children.
The facilities are recommended for toddlers and children up to 4 years old: a wendy house, jungle gym and sandpit and the most caring child minders who will even change your childs’ nappy – I think that’s pretty cool.
The food is more on the breakfast/brunch side and they’re all about their burgers.
Monday – Sunday 7am – 5pm
A yummy-mummy arena. Amongst the hustle and bustle of hipster spots in Illovo, this is a trendy-child friendly restaurant.
Whilst it isn’t a restaurant focused on kids’ entertainment, their facilities include: high chairs, colouring books, toys as well as a safe and secure children’s park at the end of our road.
They have a great children’s menu so you AND your kids can enjoy some delicious, organic, fair trade goodness, whilst being hip and happening at the same time.
Monday – Sunday 8am – close
Another cool spot, another list of amazing facilities: Jumping castle, Hop scotch, play house, Ball pits, Maze, Sand pit, Y-bikes and track, Face painting, Beading, Jungle gyms and Soccer, but it’s not free.
It will cost you R40 entrance per child, but this is the city of gold and people be making the money so at the cost of a craft beer or a glass of wine you can have some quality alone-time!
Think Vovo telo with an awesome playground. The food is all about breakfasts, salads and bread-based fare with some nice looking pizzas on the menu.
Monday-Sunday 8am – 5pm
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