Eating out for adults with kids is challenging, to say the least. It requires a full-blown task force and an airtight strategy, all in the name of avoiding public scorn and rolling eyes. The first thing to consider is the location. Anything formal is off the table, but anything with a playground is first prize. You might also be interested in things to do with kids along the Garden Route.
Look no further – here is a roundup of child friendly restaurants in Cape Town that make parenting while out and about a whole lot easier.
Also read: Cape Town restaurant, FYN, ranks as one of The World’s 100 Best Restaurants
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a Social Platter with Drinks for 4 People in Observatory at the OBZ Cafe – R399. Get it here.
1. Have a picnic at Warwick Estate
Families can enjoy a delicious picnic, even one curated for their little ones, at Warwick Estate. While parents relax with a glass of wine and enjoy a selection of delicacies created by executive chef Nick van Wyk, kids can play on the jungle gym outside or splash around in the estate’s ‘Fountain of Youth’.
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
- Location: On the R44, Between Stellenbosch & Paarl, Stellenbosch
- Contact: 021 884 4410 | [email protected]
You could also find out where in the Mother City kids can eat for free!
2. Enjoy a homegrown burger at The Boer and Butcher
This family-run business mainly chooses livestock that is marketed directly from the grazing fields, aiming to steer clear of animals that were fed on any feed that contains growth stimulants. The kiddies menu doubles as a colouring activity, and children can entertain themselves on the outdoor gym while waiting for dinner to be served.
- Times: Weekdays: 8:30am to 10pm | Saturday: 8:30am to 10pm | Sunday: 8:30am to 2pm | Public holidays: 8:30am to 3pm
- Location: 27 Main Rd, Durbanville
- Contact: 021 976 8627
3. Let the kids play at Deer Park Cafe
This neighbourhood favourite opens onto a public park overlooking the city. The outdoor play area is shaded by stone-pine and yellowwood trees. With a menu that changes regularly, Chef Ashton always curates authentic Indian dishes, fresh pasta, vegan and vegetarian options, hand-rolled and wood-fired pizzas, and a popular children’s menu. Parents can also look forward to tasting craft beers and cocktails. The restaurant prides itself on using free-range, fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring something for everyone.
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 9pm
- Location: Vredehoek, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 035 0195 | [email protected]
Also read: Ons Huisie restaurant is the home away from home in Bloubergstrand
4. Sustainable meals at Folk Café
At the Folk Café, children can keep busy in the playground while parents relax in the garden or explore the deli, which is filled with various delicacies and non-essentials, including chocolate brownies, butter croissants, fresh sourdough, organic vegetables and free-range eggs and beef. With the St James Beach right next door, this is the ideal spot to stop for lunch after a morning by the sea. The restaurant prepares food that is fresh, seasonal and ethical, and plant-based and gluten-free options are included in the menu.
- Times: Monday: 7am to 4pm | Tuesday to Saturday: 7am to 9pm | Sunday: 7am to 7pm
- Location: Old Post Office, 54 Main Rd, St James, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 276 3656 | [email protected]
If you’re looking to treat your kids to adventure, check out these dog-friendly campsites in the Western Cape.
5. Frolic on the beach at Dunes Beach Restaurant
As the only beach restaurant on the Atlantic seaboard, Dunes offers some of the best views yet, with the beach on one side and mountains on the other. Featuring a sand-covered children’s playground adjacent to its terrace, kids can have fun while mom and dad enjoy a break complete with delicious food and uninterrupted views.
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 10pm
- Location: 1 Beach Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 790 1876
Also read: 50 Things to do in Cape Town with Kids
6. Picnic at Boschendal
Picnics on the werf at Boschendal include food made from the farm’s own natural produce, such as freshly baked bread, green salads, charcuterie cuts from the Boschendal Butchery, homemade preserves and desserts. Children can have fun at the Tree House Playground and Pump Track, which are accessible from the picnic lawn. Note that reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.
- Times: Basket collection: 12pm to 2pm | Picnic area closes at 5pm
- Location: Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek
- Contact: 021 870 4200 | [email protected]
7. Explore farm life at Boeretroos Koffiewinkel
True to farm life, Boeretroos Koffiewinkel offers kids the chance to feed animals, ride ponies and take a train ride – there is even a water slide! Children can choose from an array of activities, such as nerf gun wars, a jungle gym, a slip ‘n slide, bouncing castles or even feeding farm animals, while parents enjoy some filter coffee with a farm-style breakfast.
- Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm
- Location: Bakoorjakkalsdraai Farm, Red Hill Road, Joostenbergvlakte, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 987 2706 | [email protected]
Also read: 5 must-visit Italian restaurants in Cape Town
8. Good times at Bossa, Burgundy Estate
Kids under the age of 12 eat for free every Wednesday at Bossa in Burgundy Estate. The kids’ menu features desserts ranging from waffles and pastry fingers filled with milk tart to french toast and loaded fries. This family-friendly restaurant has a large play area outside where children can have fun safely under their parents’ watch.
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 2am
- Location: 22 Viridian Street, Burgundy Estate, Cape Town
- Contact: 072 794 1006 | [email protected]
9. Something for everyone at Starke Brews
Though actually a beer garden, Starke Brews features a family-friendly setting where children can run around on a large playground area with green grass, a jungle gym and a sandpit. Kids can bring their own sand toys, too. Parents can order drinks at the self-service bar (or ice cream tubes for the little ones) and enjoy wood-fired pizza, among other dishes.
- Times: Friday: 12pm to 7pm | Saturday: 11am to 6pm | Sunday: 11am to 4pm
- Location: Contermanskloof farm, Contermanskloof road, Cape Town
- Contact: 082 588 6933 | [email protected]
10. Fine dining at Steenberg’s Tryn
Last on our list of family friendly restaurants is Tryn. This contemporary Cape Town restaurant, located on Steenberg Wine Farm in the Constantia Valley, offers a fine dining menu, which can be enjoyed on the terrace, while the kids are allowed to play freely on the large lawns, explore the farm’s gardens or entertain themselves with the restaurant’s lawn games. Even the kids can have a taste of fine dining, with dishes ranging from wholesome breakfasts to something for the sweet tooth.
- Times: Monday to Sunday | Breakfast: 8am to 11am | Lunch: 12pm to 3pm | Dinner: 6pm to 10pm
- Location: Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Constantia Valley, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 713 7178 | [email protected]
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Picture: Boeretroos Koffiewinkel / Facebook