Let’s face it, dining out as a family can be somewhat tedious. You want to spend time with your family, enjoy lovely meals, and ensure the kids have a good time. Right? Well, we have just the thing. Take a look at our list of Joburg restaurants that have play areas for your little ones to enjoy. Dining, quality time, and fun, all in one place!

Papachino’s
Papachino’s is one of the big favourites when it comes to family dining in Joburg. Not only do they offer fantastic cuisine at various locations throughout the city, but there’s a huge play area where the kids can go wild! Find your closest Papachino’s in either Clearwater, Broadacres, Fourways, Boksburg or Stoneridge and enjoy something delicious as a family. Tuck into hearty breakfasts; yummy wraps; cheesy nachos; delicious salads; juicy burgers; wood-oven pizza; moreish pastas; and much more. And once the kids have had their full, they can head to the play area and have some fun.
Bambanani
Focusing on family, Bambanani in Melville is just the place if you’re looking to meet up with a friend and let the little ones play a little bit. This spot offers parents a space where they can actually relax while the kids enjoy a selection of fun to keep the boredom at bay. Their play area caters to children aged from 6 months to 12-years-old, offering a jam-packed activity schedule full of great things to do
. Also, the play facilities include a state-of-the-art four-storey covered jungle gym; a dress-up area; creative sand art; a media room with Playstation, Wii, Xbox and kids’ movies; and a library fully stocked with plenty of wonderful and interactive books. It’s truly a unique dining destination for the whole family.


The Green Room
Based at the Pirates Bowling Club in Greenside, The Green Room is a family-style restaurant, offering guests both young and young at heart, a relaxing setting to unwind and dine as a family. Here, you can expect to find simply delicious food, aromatic and rich coffee, as well as decadent cakes that are sure to lift your spirits after a long day. You can either sit within the beautiful indoor or garden seating areas, which overlook the Pirates bowling greens. And for the little ones, there’s a jungle gym, jumping castle and kiddies fun corner with coloring in books to keep them occupied while you relax.
Smokedaddy’s
Part of the Papachino’s franchise, Smokedaddy’s at Cedar Square Shopping Centre in Fourways is the perfect spot if you’re craving delicious meals straight off the grill. Indulge in their legendary ribs, juicy steaks, burgers, crunchy nachos and delicious salads. And to keep the little cowboys and girl busy, their play area is sure to excite and keep them safely entertained in between bites.


Picolinos
Open seven days a week, the rustic outdoor Italian restaurant, Picolinos in Fourways, has everything you need for some family dining in the city. There’s plenty of entertainment perfect for the whole family, including quiz nights, live music, and a kiddies playground that’s sure to thrill the little ones. Picolinos also has drink and food specials available throughout the week, so your family meal-out won’t bust the bank. Their pizzas are so addictive and moreish, and are sure to be a hit with the kids. The kiddies menu offers a selection of pizzas to suit most tastes, including Margherita, Hawaiian, and Regina. But if they want something else, there’s also a beef burger and deboned ribs available.
Malagueta
Craving some Mediterranean cuisine, but also need a play area to keep the kids entertained while you dine? Then visit Malagueta in Edenvale! This family-friendly restaurant offers patrons quality service and value for money, as well as great grub that’ll have you coming back for more. And for dining families, the children will have a space to play safely and keep themselves entertained while parents relax and unwind. The play area has state-of-the-art equipment, including a five-a-side soccer pitch; a seasonal night sky cinema; a high tower jungle gym; arcade machines and rides; a push bike track; and more. And to keep the kids fed, there’s a fantastic superheroes menu, with plenty of child-friendly meals.


The Secret Tea Garden
Hidden in the heart of Fourways is the quaint and oh-so lovely Secret Tea Garden. Not only is this a tranquil spot to enjoy a high tea with friends, but it’s also great for play dates. Right next to the restaurant, you’ll find an impressive play park that’s sure to keep the little ones entertained while you catch up with your girlfriends. There’s also a kiddies menu full of tasty options for the little guests to enjoy. A few options include homemade chicken nuggets with smiley faces on them; a hot dog served with chips; a beef burger; and refreshing milkshakes. Also, there’s plenty of space, allowing kids to run around and blow off some steam. Click here for more information about this beautiful spot.