Pretoria is home to some fantastic family-friendly restaurants where little ones can play, explore and stay entertained while parents enjoy great food and coffee. Whether you're planning a weekend breakfast, a leisurely lunch or a family dinner, these local favourites offer the perfect setting for quality time together. From impressive playgrounds and indoor play areas to make-your-own pizza experiences, bike tracks and themed play spaces, these restaurants offer so much more than just a great meal. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly restaurants in Pretoria.
WIJNTUIN Wolwespruit
If you're looking for a family-friendly restaurant that ticks just about every box, PLTFRM Wolwespruit should be right at the top of your list. Nestled among the trees at Wolwespruit, this popular destination combines great food, beautiful surroundings and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Better yet, it's dog-friendly, so your four-legged family members are welcome too. Children will be spoilt for choice with a large playground, swings, a sandpit and wide-open grassy areas perfect for running, playing and exploring. Add face painting, slush puppies and ice creams to the mix, and it's easy to see why PLTFRM Wolwespruit has become such a favourite among Pretoria families. Meanwhile, parents can sit back, enjoy a delicious meal, sip on a great cup of coffee or a refreshing cocktail, and soak up the relaxed outdoor atmosphere. If you're feeling active, take a stroll along the scenic walking trails before or after your meal, or simply settle in and enjoy one of Pretoria's best spots to unwind while the kids play.
Why families love it: Large playground • Sandpit • Swings • Expansive lawns • Face painting • Ice creams & slush puppies • Dog-friendly • Walking trails • Great food & drinks
Clann Time @ Kimiad
Located at Kimiad Golf Course in Moreleta Park, Clann Time is an easy choice for families looking to enjoy a relaxed meal while the kids stay entertained. The spacious outdoor play area sits in the heart of the restaurant's garden, making it easy for parents to keep an eye on little ones while enjoying breakfast, lunch or a cup of coffee. Children will love the variety of climbing frames and outdoor play equipment, while the large open space gives them plenty of room to run, explore and make new friends. There's also indoor seating nearby, giving families the flexibility to enjoy the restaurant whatever the weather. With its relaxed atmosphere, family-friendly setting and delicious menu, it's easy to see why Clann Time has become a favourite among Pretoria parents.
Why families love it: Central outdoor play area • Multiple climbing frames • Easy to supervise the kids • Indoor & outdoor seating • Family-friendly atmosphere • Great breakfasts, lunches & coffee
Wild Route Café
Tucked away in Zwavelpoort, Wild Route Café feels like a little escape from the city. Surrounded by nature and open space, it's the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a relaxed meal and let the kids have fun. Children love the dedicated playhouse filled with toys, giving them plenty to keep busy while parents sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The café is also known for its fantastic food and regular specials, making it a favourite for family outings throughout the year.
During the winter school holidays, little ones can enjoy the popular Paint & Pizza special, where they can get creative while enjoying a delicious pizza for just R95. It's one of many family-friendly experiences that keeps parents coming back.
Why families love it: Peaceful Zwavelpoort setting • Playhouse filled with toys • Family-friendly atmosphere • Fantastic food • Regular specials • Paint & Pizza for kids
Villa San Giovanni Italian Restaurant
For many Pretoria families, Villa San Giovanni Italian Restaurant has been a favourite for family meals, celebrations and relaxed weekends out. Combining authentic Italian food with one of the city's best children's play areas, it's easy to see why families keep coming back. The child-friendly terrace overlooks an impressive playground featuring a giant jungle gym, jumping castles, swings, a sandpit and even a giant aeroplane where little imaginations can take flight. While the kids are happily entertained, parents can relax nearby and enjoy everything from wood-fired pizzas and freshly made pasta to hearty Italian favourites.
One of the biggest highlights is the Make Your Own Pizza experience, where children get to roll out their own dough, choose their favourite toppings and watch their personalised pizza come to life. It's a fun, hands-on activity that's perfect for family outings and birthday celebrations.
Why families love it: Giant jungle gym • Jumping castles • Swings • Sandpit • Giant aeroplane play area • Make Your Own Pizza experience • Authentic Italian food
Papachinos Silver Lakes
There's a reason Papachinos Silver Lakes has become a favourite among Pretoria families. With plenty to keep little ones entertained and an extensive menu that caters for everyone, it's an easy choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Children will love exploring the different play areas, including a castle-themed playground, while the ride-on attractions add even more excitement to the experience. One of the biggest highlights is the opportunity to make their own pizza, turning mealtime into part of the fun. Planning a Tuesday outing? Don't miss Teddy Tuesdays, where kids eat free, making it the perfect excuse for an affordable family meal. Whether you're craving pizza, burgers, pasta or something sweet, Papachinos offers something for every member of the family.
Why families love it: Castle-themed playground • Ride-on attractions • Make Your Own Pizza • Teddy Tuesdays • Kids eat free on Tuesdays • Extensive menu • Great for family outings
Carabella Café & Restaurant
Nestled at Monte de Dios, Carabella Café & Restaurant is a favourite among Pretoria families looking for a relaxed outing where the kids can stay entertained for hours. With beautiful surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere, it's the kind of place where you'll happily spend a long breakfast or leisurely lunch. Children are spoilt for choice with multiple play areas spread across the property, giving them plenty of space to climb, run and explore. There's even a dedicated track where little ones can bring along their bikes or scooters, while jumping castles and slides often make an appearance over weekends, adding even more excitement to the experience. Carabella is also a popular choice for children's birthday parties, thanks to its fantastic facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. While the kids are busy making memories, parents can sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious meal in peaceful surroundings.
Why families love it: Multiple play areas • Bike & scooter track • Weekend jumping castles & slides • Popular birthday party venue • Relaxed garden setting • Great food & coffee
Italio – Modern Italian Kitchen
Located in Olympus, Italio – Modern Italian Kitchen is a fantastic choice for families. The spacious indoor play area means the kids can stay entertained while parents enjoy a relaxed meal, making it an easy option throughout the year. Children can climb, slide and enjoy the dedicated play space, while younger little ones have their own soft play section designed just for them. There's also sand art, Make Your Own Pizza and Make Your Own Cookies experiences that add even more fun to a family outing. A few ride-on attractions also keep the excitement going while parents enjoy a relaxed meal nearby. Known for its delicious Italian food, Italio serves everything from freshly made pizzas and pasta to hearty mains, making it a great choice for the whole family.
Why families love it: Huge indoor play area • Soft play for toddlers • Sand art • Make Your Own Pizza • Make Your Own Cookies • Ride-on attractions • Authentic Italian food
Goddess Café Rietondale
If you're looking for a café that's just as much fun for the kids as it is beautiful for the adults, Goddess Café Rietondale is a must-visit. Known for its vibrant pink décor and family-friendly atmosphere, it's become a popular spot for breakfasts, brunches and special celebrations. The dedicated children's play area is separate from the main restaurant, giving little ones plenty of space to play while parents can still relax nearby and keep an eye on them. From the charming pink slide and playhouse to the colourful surroundings, it's a space where children can happily spend hours making memories. The fun doesn't stop there. Kids can also enjoy the Make Your Own Cookies experience, while the menu features colourful, child-friendly meals alongside delicious breakfasts, lunches, decadent cakes and excellent coffee for the grown-ups.
Why families love it: Separate play area • Pink slide & playhouse • Make Your Own Cookies • Colourful kids' meals • Amazing cakes • Beautiful setting • Great coffee & food
IC Coffee
Located on Lynnwood Road, IC Coffee is a fantastic option for families looking to enjoy great coffee, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere while the kids stay entertained. It's the kind of place where you can order breakfast or lunch, settle in and simply enjoy spending time together. Children can make the most of the outdoor play area and spacious lawns, while also saying hello to the resident chickens, goats and bunnies that add to the café's charming atmosphere. Parents can relax nearby with a great cup of coffee, knowing the little ones have plenty to keep them busy. IC Coffee also features a large outdoor screen for major sporting events, making it a great gathering spot for the whole family. Whether you're meeting friends for coffee or enjoying a leisurely weekend meal, it's easy to see why so many locals keep coming back.
Why families love it: Outdoor play area • Spacious lawns • Chickens, goats & bunnies • Great coffee • Delicious food • Large outdoor screen for sporting events • Relaxed family atmosphere
Hyto Tyto
Located in Midstream, Hyto Tyto Kids is a dream destination for families with children. With both indoor and outdoor play areas, it's a fantastic choice whatever the weather, offering hours of entertainment while parents relax with great food, coffee or even a glass of wine or craft beer. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they explore the themed playhouses, including a pretend hospital and little shop, race down the huge slides, climb aboard the iconic aeroplane or enjoy the many other play areas designed for different ages. Outside, there's even a tractor that takes children for rides, adding another memorable experience to the day.
No visit is complete without a slush puppy before heading home, and it's easy to see why Hyto Tyto has become such a popular venue for children's birthday parties and family outings.
Why families love it: Indoor & outdoor play areas • Giant slides • Pretend playhouses • Aeroplane play area • Tractor rides • Slush puppies • Popular birthday party venue • Great food & drinks
Whether you're planning a quick coffee date, a family breakfast or a fun-filled weekend outing, these family-friendly restaurants make dining out with little ones that much easier. With fantastic play areas, delicious food and plenty to keep children entertained, they're all well worth adding to your list for your next family adventure.