The Ultimate Guide to Child-friendly Restaurants in Pretoria

Pretoria has several child-friendly restaurants but it is not always easy to find one that also has good food and service.  I have been a regular visitor to child-friendly restaurants in Pretoria for almost 11 years.  My top child-friendly restaurants in Pretoria not only have great food and service, but also playgrounds and activities that would keep children busy. Even though there are several other child-friendly restaurants in Pretoria, my list was chosen based on my own experiences.  They are (in no particular order of preference):

C'est la Vie in Centurion

C'est la Vie playground.

C'est la Vie (translated that is life) in Centurion is definitely a favourite in that it has great food and lots of fun activities to keep children busy.  It boasts a centrally located coffee shop and separate play areas for young and older children. A water slide and three wheels go karts for the older children add to all the fun.

Children aged two and younger may play in a circle seating area for free, while children aged four to 13 years may for a reasonable fee play in the big play area with three wheels go karts and a jumping castle.

C'est la Vie is located in Clubview, Centurion, 211 End Avenue.

Lemon Grove Tea Garden in Centurion

The playground at the Lemon Grove tea garden.

The Lemon Grove tea garden is situated in 246 Jean Avenue in Centurion and is adjacent to the Bergmann's Garden Centre.  It has a very relaxing atmosphere, an interesting menu and the service is fast and efficient.  The kiddies menu, although not with a wide variety, will satisfy most children's' taste. The playground is spacious and parents can keep a watchful eye on the young ones.

Papachinos in Silver Lakes

Another favourite is Papachinos in Silver Lakes at the corner of Lynnwood and  Silver Lakes road.  This Italian food restaurant boasts two play areas for children and a pizza making area where children can prepare their own pizza fillings and watch them being baked in the pizza oven.  The food is really terrific and there are also a variety of children's dishes to choose from.  My son also loves the gingerbread men cookies and has a lot of fun playing with the other children.  What makes this restaurant also great is the supervision by restaurant staff for the children, ensuring that they are always safe while mom and dad enjoy their food and some quality time.

The Villa Giovanni Ristorante and Pizzeria & Terrace

The playground at the Pizzeria terrace at the Wonderboom airport.

This Italian restaurant and Pizzeria at the Wonderboom Airport in Wonderboom has a great view of the Wonderboom airport runway and also a large children's playground.  The owners know exactly how to make this an ideal family outing while serving a variety of superb Italian dishes. You may choose between the upmarket restaurant or the more informal terrace pizzeria.  The children will love the buzz of the airport runway in a tranquil and safe environment.  We love spending time here with our son and to enjoy the great food and friendly service. The buffet breakfast served on a Saturday and Sunday until 11:00 is one of the best in Pretoria and many people drive to the airport just for this buffet.

Jingle Jangle in Moreleta Park

Jingle Jangle in Wekker Street,

Astronaut for the day at Jingle Jangle.

Moreleta Park is a child's paradise boasting a large outdoor play area, including a small animal farm, pony rides, a trampoline, jumping castle, bicycle riding area and a party shop to name but a few. Children's parents can also hire costumes if they want to pretend to be astronauts, a superhero or princess for a couple of hours. It also has a restaurant and tea garden where parents can relax while their children play.  It is great to relax here during the summer months as the whole restaurant area is situated under beautiful trees.

Rosemary Hill in Donkerhoek

Chicken strips at Rosemary Hill.

Rosemary Hill about 8km from Pretoria East off the N14 towards eMalahleni is situated on a farmland, caters for the whole family and offers an interesting morning excursion over weekends (the restaurant is open from 9 to 12 over the weekend).  Its restaurant has an interesting menu for both adults and children and also has a playground.  It is very popular among cyclists and offers them three routes to explore. While it traditionally caters for weddings and high teas, its restaurant and location, in my opinion, provides a very child-friendly option for parents.

Whisk in Irene

Whisk, previously known as the Cornish Kettle, is a lovely tea garden where you can relax while your children enjoy the playground and peaceful environment. Whisk is situated on Nellmapius Road, Irene, just opposite Cornwall Hill College. We all enjoyed the ducks, the ducklings, and tame doves and was impressed by the good service and tasteful menu. Whisk serves breakfast, light meals, sandwiches, tramezzinis and cake and dessert. The layout of the tea garden is such that parents can always keep a watchful eye on their children.

Children can feed the many ducks at Whisk in Irene.

Kiowa Spur Centurion Lifestyle Centre

The Kiowa Spur situated at the Centurion Lifestyle Centre has one of the biggest playgrounds of any Spur in Pretoria.  It boasts fun activities for both younger and older children and is very popular for children's' parties.   The eating area has a nice view of the playground so that parents can keep a watchful eye while their children play.

The playground at Kiowa Spur.

John Dory's in Wonderpark Centre

John Dory's in the Wonderpark Centre is another favourite, especially on a Sunday when children can eat for free.  It has a well-equipped playground to keep the young ones busy. This chain restaurant serves seafood, grills, and sushi, but also has a nice kids' menu.

Lakelands Strawberry Farm

Lakelands strawberry farm is situated on plot 23, Tiegerpoort and is easy to find off Lynnwood Road. It offers outdoor fun to the whole family with big lawns and a playground for children while enjoying a nice breakfast. Also, remember to buy some fresh strawberries while you are there. The quite countryside feeling will make this an enjoyable outing.  The kiddies menu is very interesting and they will love the strawberry surprise.

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