Written by: Hennie Fisher
Whether it’s for the enticing kiddies’ meals or the playgrounds they offer, these kid-friendly restaurants in Pretoria are worth a visit.
Modern parents all have their firm favourites when it comes to dining spots that offer a welcome escape from reality whilst keeping the kids entertained. Lucky for us, there is a wide variety of kid-friendly restaurants in Pretoria that cater to both adults and kids alike, ensuring memorable moments for the whole family.
@Play Containers
@Play Containers (on the corner of Enkeldoring Avenue and Veda Lane, Montana) is one of the kid-friendly restaurants in Pretoria where the entire park has been designed around the pleasure of young people. There is a paddle car track, a zipline, a jumping pillow, jungle gyms, jumping sprayers, a water slide and more. In addition, there are dedicated childminders who ensure that parents can sit back and relax while their children are being looked after. Who’s not ready for a Sloppy Jo tramezzini, or a footlong with frankfurter and cheese? Heaven under the African sun!
Website: www.playcontainers.co.za
Instagram: play_containers
Contact no: 069 429 2416
Little Jungle Playground
Whilst not outside, Little Jungle Playground is equally geared to accommodate the littles. This indoor venue is geared for younger children (up to 10 years old), particularly when the weather does not allow for outdoor play in the sun. Parents can still enjoy themselves while their young ones explore the jungle playground at this kid-friendly restaurant in Pretoria. In fact, the entire space is designed as an indoor jungle gym, with tables dotted around for parents to sit back and enjoy a burger and a milkshake while their kids are having a ball.
Website: www.montanaboulevard.co.za/littlejungleplayground
Facebook: littlejungleindoorplayground
Contact: +27 66 287 4686
Villa San Giovanni
The play area at Villa San Giovanni, called Bambini Kids Playground, is legendary. It is a massive area, with a small airplane for future young aviators to dream in, as well as a gigantic jungle gym, jumping castles, swings and a sandpit. Further to this, they offer a “Make-Your-Own Pizza experience” – a hands-on activity where kids can roll out their own dough, choose their favourite toppings, and watch their custom pizzas being baked. Of course, adults can also indulge in some of the best Italian cuisine in town, while they longingly dream of faraway destinations too.
Website: https://vsg.co.za/kids-playground/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/villasangiovanni.lifestyle/
Contact no: 012 111 8888
Irene Farm
If you’re looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Pretoria where your children can experience real nature and wide-open skies in the city, look no further than Irene Farm. Take a moment to pet farm animals, experience calves being bottle fed, or just let the kids run around on the outstretched lawns. Irene Farm hosts wonderful birthday parties, which include a number of animal visits, a splash pool and, of course, more outdoor play. And what better way to start a Saturday morning or Sunday lunch than with a brunch buffet at The Barn Restaurant? Kick off your shoes, sit back, and enjoy a glass of ice-cold wine while your kids experience some farm fun.
Website: irenefarm.co.za/the-barn-restaurant
Instagram: irenedairyfarm
Contact no: 012 667 4822
Blue Crane Restaurant
The Blue Crane Restaurant, adjacent to the Austin Roberts Bird Park, has been around for years. It remains a favourite space for adults to keep an eye on the large dam that is always teeming with bird life. Attractions on offer for younger diners include a couple of large tortoises, which is the reason why many locals will refer to the restaurant as ‘the large tortoise restaurant’ instead.
Enjoy a sundowner or a lovely lamb flatbread - topped with lamb shoulder, pickled red cabbage and a coriander and mint yoghurt dressing - while your children are being entertained by the natural surrounds. Of course, with it being one of the kid-friendly restaurants in Pretoria, Blue Crane Restaurant offers a dedicated kiddies’ menu for the littles.
Website: www.bluecranerestaurant.co.za
Instagram: thebluecranerestaurant
Email: [email protected]
PLTFRM
At Wolwespruit’s PLTFRM you’ll find some of the best dining deals for both kids and adults alike. In fact, on certain days of the week, their house wine can be ordered at half price, provided you abide by the specific time slot. On other days, they offer an eat-for-free special for children under a certain age. Parents who regularly visit PLTFRM agree that the food is simple and kids love it. Think pizza or spaghetti Bolognaise. Adults are not forgotten, though, with the menu featuring great Poke Bowls, Bao Buns, pizzas and a delicious mushroom risotto. Here, kids run free, with impressive jungle gyms, underground tunnels and wide, open spaces.
Website: www.pltfrmwolwespruit.co.za
Instagram: pltfrm_wolwespruit
Email: [email protected]
Filos
On the lawn, outside the Greek Orthodox Church just opposite the University of Pretoria’s Lynnwood Road entrance, is Filos Restaurant, located at the Hellenic Community Hall. While they have some tables inside, the actual attraction for parents is the outdoor seating, which allows them to keep an eye on their kids as they bounce about on a number of climbing frames and other old-fashioned play equipment.
At Filos there is always a large group of Greeks indulging in cups and cups of strong coffee, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere. The food is great too - real Mediterranean Greek food, perfect for al fresco dining in Pretoria.
Website: https://filos.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filos_hcp
Contact no: 012 346 2382
Don’t forget about the Spur Steak Ranches, as well as Panarottis, which all cater for young diners and mostly have dedicated spaces for children’s activities. Also give Nine at the Pretoria Country Club, Italio, Papachino’s in Silver Lakes, MooMoos, Crawdaddys in Silver Lakes and Toulas a go. Stoetbul - next to Plantland - has a huge play area too, and the Kimiad Golf Course has many different eateries, with ample space for kids to play. Last, but not least, also check out GoGo Ranch on Graham Road.
Finding the perfect family dining spot in Pretoria does not have to be a challenge. With these excellent kid-friendly restaurants in Pretoria, parents are certainly spoilt for choice. In fact, these dining spots prove that delicious food and happy kids can go hand in hand, making family outings an absolute pleasure.