Parents looking for places to take children during the June school holidays can find a range of family-friendly restaurants and day-out venues across Gauteng with play areas, gardens, animal encounters and child-focused activities. From indoor play cafés in Johannesburg to farm-style restaurants in Pretoria, Midrand and the West Rand, these venues offer families a way to combine a meal with time for children to play.
The June and July school holiday period often leaves parents looking for activities that work for different ages, budgets and weather conditions. Restaurants with dedicated play spaces can be useful for families who want a relaxed outing without needing to plan a full-day attraction.
Some venues offer supervised play areas, while others include outdoor playgrounds, petting zoos, craft activities, pony rides, mini towns or water-based activities. Parents should confirm operating hours, age restrictions, booking requirements and supervision arrangements directly with each venue before visiting.
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Family Restaurants and Play Venues in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has several family-oriented restaurants where children can play while adults enjoy breakfast, lunch or coffee.
JoyJozi, Dunkeld
JoyJozi in Dunkeld combines a restaurant, playground and experiential family venue. It caters to a wide age range and has been designed as a space where children can play while families spend time together.
The venue is suited to parents looking for a central Johannesburg option during the school holidays, particularly for younger children who need a safe space to move around.
33 Olive Tree, Craighall Park
33 Olive Tree offers a country-style setting in Craighall Park, with a children’s play area, jump castles and padel facilities.
The venue can work for families with children of different ages, especially where older children may want outdoor activities while younger children use the play area.
Happy Town, Craighall Park
Happy Town is a miniature play town and café designed for children from birth to six years old. It offers pretend-play spaces with different themed areas, making it more suitable for toddlers and preschool-aged children.
This can be a useful indoor option for families with younger children during colder or rainy school-holiday days.
The Secret Tea Garden, Norscot Manor
The Secret Tea Garden at Norscot Manor offers an outdoor tea-garden setting with a children’s play area.
It is a quieter option for families looking for a garden outing rather than a large entertainment venue. Parents should check weather conditions and operating hours before visiting.
The Boma Café, Paulshof
The Boma Café in Paulshof includes children’s play areas and creative activities. It is positioned as a family café where children can remain occupied while parents enjoy a meal.
The venue may suit families looking for a casual outing in the Fourways and Sandton area.
Dimples Café, Woodmead
Dimples Café offers a large play area, a golf-themed setting and family dining. The venue also operates as a party venue and includes activities aimed at children.
It may be suitable for a longer outing, particularly for families with active children who need more than a small play corner.
Midrand and East Rand Options for Families
Families in Midrand, Bedfordview, Benoni and surrounding areas can also find venues that combine meals, play spaces and structured activities.
Co Deux Café and Playhouse, Blue Hills
Co Deux Café and Playhouse in Blue Hills is designed for parents and children, with a café environment and play space for children from birth to 10 years old.
It may suit parents with babies, toddlers and younger primary-school children who need an age-appropriate indoor play option.
Gecko Jewellers and Kids Party Venue, Crowthorne
Gecko Jewellers and Kids Party Venue in Crowthorne offers gemstone scratch-patch activities, replica mine tours, pedal cars and open-air play.
The venue is different from a standard restaurant outing and may appeal to children interested in collecting stones, digging activities or outdoor exploration.
Bambanani Bedfordview
Bambanani Bedfordview combines a family restaurant with a children’s play area, art activities and shows for children.
It caters to children from birth to 12 years old and may be useful for families looking for an organised outing with entertainment included.
Flamingo Bay, Rynfield
Flamingo Bay in Benoni is a family restaurant with a play area and water activities, including water bikes and canoes.
Families should check the weather, water-activity availability and age requirements before visiting.
Kiddilicious on Nicol, Bedfordview
Kiddilicious on Nicol includes a café, play area, party venue and mother-and-baby wellness services.
The venue may be particularly useful for parents with younger children, although it welcomes families of all ages.
Farm-Style Restaurants and Outdoor Day Trips
For families wanting more space and outdoor activities, Gauteng has several farm-style venues and restaurants with animals, gardens and open areas.
Tres Jolie, Ruimsig
Tres Jolie in Ruimsig is a family restaurant and venue with a petting zoo, playground and pony rides.
The outdoor setting may suit families looking for a fuller day outing during the school holidays. Parents should confirm whether pony rides and animal activities are operating on the day of their visit.
Irene Farm, Centurion
Irene Farm offers a dairy-farm setting, restaurants, picnic areas and a farm shop. It is a popular option for families who want an outdoor meal with space for children to explore.
The venue can work well for a relaxed daytime outing, particularly for families in Pretoria and Centurion.
Imbabali Retreat and Venue, Hekpoort
Imbabali Retreat and Venue in Hekpoort offers accommodation, a restaurant and outdoor space in a rural setting.
It may suit families planning a longer day trip outside Johannesburg, rather than a quick lunch outing.
The Donkey Dairy, Maanhaarrand
The Donkey Dairy offers animal encounters and farmyard experiences. It is an option for families who want children to interact with animals during a school-holiday day trip.
Because it is outside central Gauteng, families should plan travel time and confirm opening arrangements before leaving.
Hap & Hop Padstal and Function Venue, Centurion
Hap & Hop Padstal offers a family-friendly setting in Centurion and may suit smaller gatherings or a casual family meal.
It is one of several options for families who prefer outdoor spaces and a slower-paced outing.
Indoor and Activity-Focused Options for Cold Days
Winter weather can make outdoor plans difficult, particularly during July school holidays. Indoor venues can provide alternatives when temperatures are low or rain is expected.
The Playhouse, Alberton
The Playhouse in New Market is an indoor play centre and party venue for children aged one to 15.
It may be suitable for families with children across a wider age range, especially when outdoor activities are not practical.
Spillt Milk Kiddies Café, Krugersdorp
Spillt Milk Kiddies Café combines food with arts and crafts, gelato, waffles, milkshakes and children’s activities.
It can be an option for families looking for a shorter indoor outing with creative activities.
Onako Bliss, Northcliff
Onako Bliss offers a rollerskating rink, outdoor gel-blasting arena, café and event space.
The venue may be better suited to older children and families looking for more active entertainment during the school holidays.
What This Means for Gauteng Families During The June School Holidays
School holidays can be expensive, especially when families need activities that work for children of different ages. Family restaurants with play areas can offer a more flexible option than large attractions or ticketed events, allowing parents to choose a venue based on location, weather and the type of activity their children enjoy.
The range of venues across Gauteng also means families can find options close to home, whether they are looking for an indoor play café, a farm-style outing, arts and crafts, animal encounters or a garden restaurant.
However, parents should not assume that every play area is supervised. Some venues provide childminders or structured activities, while others expect parents and caregivers to supervise children at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these venues suitable for toddlers?
Yes. Venues such as Happy Town, Co Deux Café and Playhouse, Bambanani Bedfordview and Kiddilicious on Nicol cater to babies, toddlers and younger children. Always confirm the age range before visiting.
Which venues are better for rainy or cold days?
Happy Town, The Playhouse, Spillt Milk Kiddies Café, Nunu’s The Artist and Co Deux Café and Playhouse are among the options with indoor or activity-based spaces.
Are there family restaurants with animals in Gauteng?
Yes. Tres Jolie has a petting zoo and pony rides, while The Donkey Dairy offers animal encounters. Irene Farm also provides a farm-style family outing.
Do parents need to book?
Some venues may require bookings, especially on weekends, public holidays or during school holidays. Contact the venue directly before visiting.
Are play areas supervised?
It depends on the venue. Parents should ask whether childminders are available and whether supervision is included or requires an additional fee.
What Happens Next
The June and July school-holiday period continues through the winter break, with many venues expected to be busier on weekends. Families should check each venue’s current trading hours, menus, activity schedules, entry fees and weather-related arrangements before travelling.
