Catering for kids in Cape Town
Over the last couple of weeks I have been entertaining a friend visiting from out of town with her 3 kids. While it doesn’t happen often, this is not the first time I’ve had to consider kids when deciding what to do. Annalize just posted a comment asking for some ideas on kid friendly places and activities, so I thought maybe it’s time to put together some ideas. Now I’m sure that all of you out there know many kid friendly places, so I’m going to list what I know and call on the readers out there to post comments of other options they know of.
Dunes in Hout Bay is cool, they have lots of outdoor space with a really big wooden jungle jim thing.
Deer Park Cafe also has a garden area with some sort of jungle jim.
Obviously the Aquarium is a really good option and the restaurant there has recently had a makeover and I hear it’s not bad.
Noodhoek Farm Village has space and a jungle jim thing. Both The Food Barn and Cafe Roux have al fresco areas which afford a view of the play area.
Bilton Wines has a jungle jim to distract the kids while you taste their awesome wines.
That’s about all I can think of right now, what can you add?
February 19th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
The Cape Garden Centre (Lucullus turn-off from N1) at Joostenburg is a very entertaining venue for kids with a supervised (entry-fee) playground and petting zoo, a big pond of monster Kois that the kiddies can feed, a pet shop with some weird and wonderful “pets” and various viewing areas with monkeys, etc. The Bamboo cafe there has got some real comfort food that I have always found to be reasonably good, although very large in portion size, service so-so.
April 13th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I remembered that Forester’s Arms in Newlands has a great al fresco dining area with a play area for the kids.
I also read recently that Primi at the Waterfront caters for kids, allowing them to muck about and make their own pizzas, etc.
Bowl in Adderly Street promoted themselves as child friendly, also offering an opportunity for kids to make some food. But before you book, check with them if they still offer this.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Apparently The Carvery by Russell in Seapoint has a kid’s play area and I also read that Cafe Neo has ‘kiddies books’ for those who require them.
If you don’t mind the drive, I think Spier is a good option for entertaining kids. Lots of space, leapards and other wildlife, etc.
July 7th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The MTN Science Centre at Canal Walk is a good option, especially when it’s raining.
Both Canal Walk and the Waterfront often have entertainment for kids, especially during the holidays.
You can normally find out what is on by checking on the relevant website:
http://www.waterfront.co.za/
http://www.canalwalk.co.za/
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
If you’re looking for a restaurant that you can take kids to, check out this website I found
http://www.eatingoutwithkids.co.za
It’s for the whole of SA too.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
There is also the Tygerberg Zoo. Has anyone actually been? I don’t really like the idea of animals being kept in cages but I see this zoo is a lot about breeding endangered wildlife.
http://www.tygerbergzoo.co.za/
Sticking with animals, Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie is a nice option and they have a lovely restaurant now too.
http://www.naturefarm.co.za/
And let’s not forget the penguins at Boulder Beach.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hi, next time you have visitors with kids and need tips on what to do or where to go, visit http://www.capetownkids.co.za !
August 18th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
That does look like a useful site, thanks Eli.
November 16th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Copied this from a comment on Facebook:
The Barnyard Farmstall Steenberg Road (M42), next to Steenberg Estate, between Tokai Road and the Ou Kaapse Weg. An excellent place for an outdoor snack or cup of coffee at a small farmyard, with ducks and chickens wandering around, and an unusually good kids’ playground.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
If the kids are old enough, Ratanga Junction theme park is an obvious option during season:
Tel: 0861 200 300
Open: Wed – Sun. 10am – 5pm
Price: 1.3m tall R100.
Under 1.3m tall R50.
Butterfly World is the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa.
Route 44, Klapmuts
Tel: 021 875 5628
Open: 9am – 5pm.
The Warrior Toy Museum in town has a huge and interesting toy collection (to look at, not play with!):
St. George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Tel: 021 786 1395
Monkeys and their funny behaviour has always provided good entertainment.
Mondeor Road, Somerset West
Tel: 021 858 1060
Open: 9am – 5pm daily
Price: Adults R45, 3 – 12 years old R25.
There is also World of Birds in Hout Bay.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Places specifically mentioned as being child friendly in the 2009 Eat Out guide:
Avocado – 46 Oxford St, Durbanville – 021 975 7345
Da Vinci’s – 70 Kloof St, Gardens – 021 424 7504
Simon’s – Groot Constantia – 021 794 1143
I mentioned the Noordhoek Farm Village in this post, but apparently Cafe Roux hosts an annual children’s Christmas picnic (021 789 2538)
December 29th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I had lunch the the Dros in the Willowbridge extension (near Fruit & Veg City) and it is very kid friendly. The kids can make their own pizzas and there is a massive play area inside.
August 6th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
On Saturdays, Societi Bistro in town offers kids cooking classes which include a ticket to the Labia theatre afterwards. Sounds like a great way to keep kids busy for most of a Saturday.
Call them on 021 424 2100 and check out http://www.societi.co.za
August 16th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
I ate at the restaurant at Backsberg wine estate and they have a big lawn and a jungle jim which are in sight of the al fresco tables.
http://www.backsberg.co.za
April 14th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Really enjoy Driftwood Cafe in Parklands Table View, always a winner with the kids and adults alike. Food scrumptious and lots for the kids to do. http://www.driftwoodcafe.co.za/