Tired of being cooped up in the house with bored kids? Desperate for a decent cup of coffee somewhere that allows the kids to play safely?
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Gone are the days when kid-friendly meant parents were trapped in a poorly lit room with only screaming children for company. Nowadays, there are much more sophisticated dining options available for the entire family.
Here’s a round-up of some favourites in Cape Town that’s perfect for new moms (and dads too):
1. Ons Huisie
Ons Huisie is geared towards the enjoyment of the entire family and furry friends are welcomed too. The best views, traditional comfort food, and the best family facilities in Bloubergstrand.
The restaurant sits right on the beach and serves up fresh seafood dishes. While the team prepares your order, why not let the kids enjoy some playtime at the kid’s play area (large outdoor play area is safely enclosed and has a large jungle gym and swing). While the rest of the family sits back and take in the fresh breeze and scenic ocean views.
Kids’ menu: Expect treats like fish fingers and chips, creamy penne with ham, pancakes, and ice cream with strawberry syrup.
Changing facilities: In the wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
Child minders: Yes, there’s one available.
- Location: Stadler Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
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2. Dutch Haven Bistro
Dutch Haven Bistro caters for families in a café-style setting. It is an eatery like no other with great food (and a touch of Dutch) and family-friendliness with an energizing vibe – it lives up to its name in more ways than one! Focusing on traditional cuisine, Dutch Haven Bistro has dishes like bitterballen and kroket making an appearance.
And of course, the kids have a large outdoor jungle gym to enjoy that is safely enclosed.
Kids’ menu: It includes all the usual favourites.
Changing facilities: In a separate room within the women’s bathroom.
Child minders: None, but the restaurant is laid out so that you can constantly keep an eye on the kids.
Other: They even offer a baby menu with Purity baby food and Marie biscuits.
- Location: 1 High Street Shopping Village, 8 Bella Rosa Street, Bellville
3. Clay Café
There’s no better way to entertain the kids than at Clay Café, but the food is great for grown-ups and little ones alike. The family owned business founded in 1999. Nestled in the heart of the valley of Hout Bay. With a large open patio, while every table is close to the luscious garden and every child is ecstatic with their innovative playground.
The outdoor play area is enclosed, with a jungle gym and a trampoline, as well as a massive lawn for kids to run around on.
Kids’ menu: While the adult menu is pretty kid-friendly with burgers and toasted sandwiches, the kiddies’ menu also has a small breakfast and pizza offering.
Changing facilities: In the women’s bathrooms.
Child minders: None.
Other: This also makes for a great birthday party spot.
- Location: Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
4. Bon Amis
Bon Amis provides a space for friends and family to get together for time well spent. The interior is where understated elegance and functionality meet to create a feeling of space that does not compromise on intimacy. The stacking doors open out onto an outdoor seating area with views of the estate, including a Poplar tree forest and a duck pond with natural beautiful surroundings – sounds like a all-round win for both the kids and adults.
Bon Amis will keep everyone happy, as the large play area is outside but shaded by tall trees and consists of a jungle gym, a rabbit hutch and ample running space.
Kids’ menu: The menu includes firm favourites like burgers, hotdogs, toasties and pizzas, as well as some gourmet mini shakes.
Changing facilities: In the larger wheelchair-accessible bathroom, there’s a changing table for moms and dads.
Child minders: No, but the play area is close to the outdoor deck seating and has good visibility of the little ones.
Other: If your tot needs a break from the physical activity, or wants something to do at the table, the kids’ menu also features fun activities on the back.
So what are you waiting for? Round up the family and strap the little one’s into those prams and try these child friendly restaurants, whether you’re experienced or new “parentals”.
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