When it comes to family time, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a good meal while the kids burn off some energy. We’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Joburg that serve great food and have outdoor play areas for kids, and with these family-friendly spots, you can bookmark your next family outing.
Gias on Montrose Cafe & Pizzeria
Gia’s on Montrose is a family-friendly restaurant found on the calm garden grounds of Montrose Nursery. It’s a welcoming space where parents enjoy a casual meal with fresh, seasonal food and kids can play freely.
Gia’s outdoor play area is a space where kids can stay active, build their creativity and form connections. There’s a mini basketball court, a penalty shoot-out zone, a soccer pitch, a jumping pillow for older and younger kids, a bike track race, and a jungle gym for kids to explore, while parents unwind nearby in the relaxed garden setting.
When: Monday, 7.30am to 5pm. Tuesday to Sunday, 7.30am to 6pm.
Where: Gias on Montrose Cafe & Pizzeria, 66B South Road, Morningside, Sandton
Website: montrosenursery.co.za/gias-on-montrose/ | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 326 5074
33 Olive Tree
Formerly known as AJ’s In The Park, 33 Olive Tree is found on the grounds of Craighall Sports Club and features open-air dining, luscious green spaces and plenty of entertainment for little ones.
As parents enjoy a meal, kids can keep themselves occupied at the restaurant’s dedicated outdoor play area with a jungle gym, slides, jumping castles, a trampoline, pedal cars, and a grand lawn where children can run free or play a game.
There’s also a 50m water slide, making the restaurant an appealing option for a family day out in summer.
When: Monday to Thursday, 8am to 10pm. Friday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm.
Where: 33 Olive Tree, Craighall Park Bowling Club, 33 Abercorn Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg
Website: linktr.ee/33OliveTree | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 074 283 5297
Joy Jozi
JoyJozi is a one-of-a-kind playground, restaurant, and experiential venue designed for families to unwind together.
Guests can enjoy the restaurant or explore the countless other facilities at the venue. Outdoor leisure activities include an action court, treehouse, bicycle track, mini splash park, and a dedicated space for toddlers right next to the vegetable garden.
At the end of the garden, there is a 70-seater amphitheatre and stage for visitors to watch, join, and even perform their own shows in a beautiful, serene setting.
When: Every Friday, 11am to 9pm. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 9am to 9pm.
Where: 51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg
Website: joyjozi.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 063 963 8013
Tres Jolie
A family-centred restaurant, Tres Jolie offers areas dedicated to keeping children entertained and interactive, including a small farm where little ones can interact with the bunnies, alpacas, goats and ponies, with dedicated and knowledgeable staff on hand.
Beyond the petting zoo, kids can also explore a playground that features a sandpit, a jungle gym, funfair swings, and jumping castles.
When: Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays, 9am to 5pm. Closed Monday to Friday.
Where: Tres Jolie, Plot 22, Peter Road, Ruimsig, Johannesburg
Website: www.tresjolie.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 794 2473
A Churrasqueira
The family-run restaurant invites parents to dig into hearty Portuguese and Mozambican-inspired food while kids enjoy two play areas, complete with a jungle gym and racetrack.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 9pm. Sunday, 12pm to 5pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: A Churrasqueira, 1-2 Elandsfontein St, Newmarket Park, Alberton
Website: www.instagram.com/achurrasqueirarestaurante | Tel: 011 867 5914
The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre
The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre caters to children, while providing an elegant environment for their parents.
Found on the grounds of the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, the restaurant offers a pristine view of the golf course and a designated kiddies play area, featuring swing sets, trampolines, rock climbing, jungle gyms, and giant bean bags all in one space.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 9pm. Sunday, 12pm to 5pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: The Old Oak Restaurant and Family Centre, Royal Johannesburg, 1 Fairway Avenue, Linksfield North, Johannesburg
Website: theoldoakrestaurant.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 640 3021
The Green Room
The Green Room is a family-style restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, offering simple, great food and excellent coffee in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the bowling greens.
The Green Room has a beautiful indoor and garden seating area, a jungle gym, a jumping castle and a kids’ fun corner with colouring-in books to keep the children occupied whilst the adults sit and relax.
This establishment is also dog-friendly.
When: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm. Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm.
Where: The Green Room, 4 Cruden Bay Rd, Greenside
Website: thegreenroom.joburg | Tel: 067 392 4357
The Local @ Huddle
Situated in Huddle Park, this family-friendly restaurant and sports bar features plenty of green space and outdoor entertainment for the kids.
The Local @ Huddle is a great spot for parents to sit down for a meal while their children enjoy themselves around the slides, trampoline and the jungle gym. Additionally, Battle Kidz operates from The Local @ Huddle, offering outdoor gel-blaster and laser-tag experiences for children aged five and up.
When: Monday to Friday, 12am to midnight. Saturday to Sunday, 8am to midnight.
Where: The Local @ Huddle, Huddle Park Golf & Recreation, 121 Club St, Linksfield, Johannesburg
Website: thelocalhuddle.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 064 613 1518
The Silver Birch
The Silver Birch is a family-friendly establishment surrounded by lush greenery. Its peaceful setting features families enjoying their meals in an outdoor, garden-style setting while the children explore the nearby play areas.
When: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Saturday to Sunday, 7am to 5pm.
Where: The Silver Birch, Shop 20, Lifestyle Garden Centre, Beyers Naude Drive, Johannesburg
Website: www.thesilverbirch.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 792 5714
Parque
Located in the Northriding area, Parque is a restaurant that invites parents to enjoy good food and coffee while their children indulge in a safe and enjoyable space.
In a secure outdoor environment, Parque’s play invites kids to have big adventures, and from arcade to splash zone, there’s something for every kind of child.
When: Monday 8am to 4pm. Tuesday, 8am to 8pm. Wednesday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm. Sunday, 8am to 6pm.
Where: Parque, 282A Honeydew Road West, Johannesburg
Website: parque.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 069 052 7150
Smoke Daddy’s
Situated right in the middle of Cedar Square, giving parents a full view of the play area from even the top floor.
As parents dive into Smoke Daddy’s ribs and burgers, kids are encouraged to explore the dedicated play area that includes two large covered areas, protecting the young ones from the hot sun and heavy rains.
Featuring a giant jungle gym, a bike track, plastic motorbikes, race cars and coin-operated claw machines, it’s no wonder that kids can’t get enough of the space.
When: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 9pm. Sunday, 8am to 6pm.
Where: Smoke Daddy’s, Shop G6, Ground Floor, Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Fourways, Johannesburg
Website: www.smokedaddys.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 599 2403
The Villa Giovanni Ristorante and Pizzeria & Terrace
As parents indulge in authentic Italian dining and enjoy views of an airport runway, they can also spot their kids having fun on the playground.
The kids explore the jungle gym and enjoy the energy of the airport runway in a tranquil and safe environment.
When: Monday to Wednesday, 7.30am to 8pm. Thursday to Friday, 7.30am to 9pm. Saturday, 8am to 9pm. Sunday, 8am to 4pm.
Where: The Villa Giovanni Ristorante and Pizzeria & Terrace, Wonderboom National Airport, Main Terminal Building, Linvelt Rd, Doornpoort, Pretoria
Website: www.vsg.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 111 8888
Zuider Ster Pub and Grill
Zuider Ster Pub and Grill serves a tasty, diverse menu alongside signature cocktails, and as the grown-ups sit back and relax, the little ones explore the playground, climbing, sliding and creating memories.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 11.30pm. Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: Zuider Ster Pub and Grill, 43 Moloto Street, Roodeplaat, Pretoria
Website: www.facebook.com/zuidersterpubandgrill | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 071 888 5813
Carabela Cafe
Found in the Monte de Dios Wedding and Conference Venue, the Carabela Cafe is a casual dining restaurant serving pizzas, burgers and tapas.
Beyond the generous menu, the venue layout also lets parents keep a close eye on their kids as they explore the spacious playground, which includes a jumping castle and spring riders.
When: Wednesday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm. Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Sunday, 8am to 5pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Where: Carabela Cafe, Monte de Dios Wedding and Conference Venue, 106 Achilles rd, Zwavelpoort St, Pretoria
Website: www.montededios.co.za/carabella | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 064 687 7070
Top Things to Do with Kids in Joburg
