The Western Cape, and Cape Town, offer some excellent places for families with children to enjoy. In particular, there is a host of top child-friendly wine farms.
While I don’t yet have children of my own (it’s in my game plan, though), I know plenty of people who do. And when I explore new places, I definitely keep travelling families in mind.
I believe that both parents and children, irrespective of age, should be able to share incredible adventures together. Parents should be able to eat at lovely restaurants or visit wine farms without feeling unwanted, harassed or out of place with kids.
With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite child-friendly wine farms near Cape Town.
Stellenbosch
Spier
Spier Wine Farm is another wine farm that is, and always has felt, incredibly child-friendly. The estate itself is full of beautiful, wide open spaces, lush, rolling lawns, giant boulders (ideal for little climbers) and incredible surrounding views. If I was a parent, Spier would be one of my go-to estates for so many reasons – but particularly because both parents and children have a blast here!
As a parent, you can enjoy special experiences like picnics by the lake, dining at Vada’s Smokehouse and Bakery, the hotel restaurant or the Farm Cafe, lovely hotel accommodation, spa treatments, and more.
While for little folk there are Segway tours, an outdoor play area, the Kids’ Clubhouse (reserved for hotel guests only), and even a thrilling grape juice tasting so they can pretend to join in on the winetasting fun.
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes, Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery offers family-style platters. There is also a special kids section on the menu. On it, you can find options like macaroni and cheese, chipolatas, fried chicken, and chips and tomato sauce.
Blaauwklippen Vineyards
Blaauwklippen is a wonderful estate for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it a beautiful wine farm to explore – but this Stellenbosch estate also has great facilities (including special accommodation and wedding/events venues), a kid-friendly eatery in Hamm & Uys, and dedicated play area.
Perhaps one of the most famous aspects about Blaauwklippen is the Blaauwklippen Family Market. It is the perfect place to spend a fun, enjoyable Sunday in the Western Cape. With a host of food and craft stalls (everything from antiques to colourful African wares and more besides), live music and children’s activities… the market is heaps of fun for everyone!
- Best suited to children aged: The market has great children’s facilities, including a dedicated play area (focused on those aged 3-13 years), with some additional activities for kids over 13 too.
- Kids menu: Yes, there is a ‘Youngsters’ menu section. This offers meal options like: Pa Piet’s mac and cheese, ham and pineapple pizza, and Chico the clown ice cream with sparklers.
Hazendal
Since its revamp, Hazendal, has fast-become one of the most popular wine farms and wedding venues around Stellenbosch. Now, it is undoubtedly considered one of the most family-friendly estates anywhere in the Cape Winelands.
What I love most about this estate is how it offers quality experiences for young and old.
There are so much to keep little ones entertained and happy – with the expansive lawns and garden areas, the amazingly interactive and immersive edutainment centre, Wonderdal and meal ideas like the children’s picnics, deli eats, and child-friendly meals.
For parents, Hazendal is equally magical thanks to its stunning array of experiences and eateries. There is the fascinating Marvol Gallery and beautiful gardens to explore, as well as food thrills, such as The Deli and picnics and The Eatery, to savour.
Although possibly the best experience of all is simply soaking up the elegant, yet fun atmosphere that permeates throughout Hazendal.
Wonderdal: A children’s paradise
Through interactive play and a variety of indoor and outdoor activity zones, Wonderdal keeps children engaged and educated on important things like science, nutrition, and nature in a fun and meaningful way.
Parents have the option of experiencing Wonderdal along with their children in what can be a fun bonding session. Otherwise they can leave them under the careful supervision and care of the Wonderdal staff and instead head off to explore Hazendal.
- Best suited to children aged: While Hazendal caters to children of all ages, the Wonderdal edutainment centre is only for children ages 5-13.
- Kids menu: Yes, The Deli and The Eatery are child-friendly. The beer garden offers delicious open-air burgers and pizzas for a relaxed meal, while The Deli is ideal for a special treat or light meal. Additionally, kids can also enjoy child-friendly picnic options.
Tokara
Situated along scenic Helshoogte Pass, at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain, Tokara Wine and Olive Estate is a destination second to none.
With everything from award-winning wines and extra virgin olive oils to stunning venues and eateries, Tokara has it all.
With its stunning setting and classy interiors, you could be forgiven if you thought Tokara is not child-friendly.
However, the estate’s beautiful, scenic delicatessen has a long-standing reputation of being popular among families. Here, with its spacious lawns, airy, yet elegant gift shop and deli sections and the relatively new outdoor playground, Tokara’s deli is hugely child-friendly.
Best of all, it is a stunning place for adults too and the deli is high class in both food and drink offerings, restaurant atmosphere and service.
The playground
When I first visited Tokara in 2014, they did not have this playground but ever since they unveiled it in December 2019, it has set them up as one of the most child-friendly estates around.
Inspired by the breathtaking Simonsberg Mountain and Banhoek Valley, as per owner Anne-Marie Ferreira’s vision, this playground is a sight to behold. It complements the deli’s modern architecture while still having a lush, nature surrounding and natural feel to it.
Four box-like sections form the overall treehouse, upon which 50 different bird sculptures have been added on its ‘branches’. In addition to this nod to nature, the treehouse offers rope swings, a rope bridge, slides, sandpits and much more to delight little ones and keep them entertained from the moment they arrive till when it is time to reluctantly head home. The cloud-shaped rubber floor provides a softer base than most playground areas usually have.
I sat in one of the floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted tables inside the deli and watched the children play nonstop; they absolutely adore this adventurous, exciting playground structure. And small wonder because it looks like such fun!
Garden bliss
As mentioned, Tokara has plenty of outdoor spaces to explore.
Sometimes, once a year normally, they even open the estate’s private gardens to the public. These are incredible and definitely worth a visit if you happen to get there during their open garden event.
Outside of that, enjoy the Orchard Walk that connects the tasting room and Tokara Restaurant, a fine dining-style restaurant with long-standing Cape Winelands appeal, to the deli. Or explore the gardens that surround the deli and tasting room respectively. That is, if you can pry the kiddies away from the playground!
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes, the deli has a lovely kids menu available for guests 12 years and under. This offers a small but nice selection of breakfast, lunch and dessert options for the little ones. Including fruit lollies that seem to be a huge hit!
Franschhoek
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is a natural paradise in the Western Cape – in fact, this Franschhoek estate is pure magic in every way. The estate is one of the oldest farms in the Cape and yet it has all the modern touches and luxuries carefully woven into the mix by its inventive owners.
There is everything you could possibly desire here… a labyrinth of incredible garden spaces (including the cycads, clivias, prickly pear maze and more!) and flowing ponds and water features, luxury accommodation, spa facilities, tours and the farm shop, bakery and restaurants, Babel and Greenhouse.
If you have never been to Babylonstoren, then you simply cannot understood how incredible the estate is… but speak to anyone who has visited and it’s top of their must-visit places in the Cape. And with good reason!
One of the Cape’s best child-friendly places
The estate is hugely appealing to children and families thanks to its vastness but also because there is so much country fun and immense beauty to soak up. For hotel guests, there are even more great activities to be enjoyed, like collecting eggs, rowing on the dam or harvesting fruit and veg.
Both children and adults are sure to be entranced by Babylonstoren… and even if your childhood is a distant memory, Babylonstoren is guaranteed to make you feel like a child again!
Younger kids will enjoy playing in the waterways, feeding the animals and exploring the garden while older children can hike, swim, row on the dam, or explore the farm by bicycle.
Activities for kids:
- Feeding the famous resident donkeys
- Cooling down in the waterways
- Seeing the chickens, ducks and turkeys
- Hiding in the large bird nests
- Eating fruit from the trees
Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: While both restaurants are child-friendly, Greenhouse is the one with some child-friendly dishes indicated on the menu. However, Babel does offer some child-friendly options… just check these with your waitron!
Somerset West
Vergelegen
Vergelegen in Somerset West is one of the most beautiful wine estates I have ever visited… We spent hours exploring every inch of this estate, which is steeped in immense Cape history and natural beauty. I soaked up in every part of the estate and yet, I still long to return back there and see it all again with such constant longing.
Vergelegen is famous for a great many things: Its heritage, picnics beneath the huge Camphor trees, the exquisite gardens to explore, and, of course, its restaurants, which includes child-friendly Stables.
And for families, Vergelegen is a gloriously child-friendly estate, with its Stables Restaurant, the vast gardens and lawns, beautiful picnics (kiddies’ baskets are available), water features, resident bontebok and even lazy walks by the stream.
Stables, a bistro-style restaurant ideal for families with kids, offers a lovely play area adjacent to the restaurant, as well as a dedicated kiddies menu.
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Stables at Vergelegen offers a kiddies’ menu, Little VIPs.
Paarl
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
Situated in Paarl, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate is a lovely, vibrant estate that offers plenty for its visitors, especially those with kids.
With its wide open spaces, encompassing a lawn and beautiful rose garden overlooking the estate’s dam, jungle gym (near to the tasting room and restaurant) and other play activities, the estate is child-friendly and fun.
As for parents, they can enjoy a beautiful vista as they sample estate wines or dine at the good restaurant.
In addition to this, guests can enjoy authentic tented camp experiences, corporate/family events, MTB trails, quad biking, horse riding and more besides. The estate is also able to host kids’ parties in the beautiful gardens (summer) or in the Rhebok venue (winter).
For older kids, there is quad biking, horse riding, hiking, trail runs or MTB rides on their tracks. For the younger folk, there is a great playground, jungle gyms, mini bikes (for toddlers) to enjoy – and the beautiful garden and lush lawn to run and play on.
All in all, Rhebokskloof is a soothing, pretty estate for young and old to enjoy.
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes, there is an a la carte menu with a children’s breakfast and lunch menu. Food options include: scrambled eggs on toast, macaroni and cheese, open pizza sandwich and vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Spice Route
Spice Route is a scenic, spacious Paarl attraction. It is great for tourists, families and couples and offers rolling lawns, large trees and stunning mountain views.
There is also plenty of child-friendly fun to be had, thanks to the on-site play facilities and activities.
Highlights include the chocolate and ice-cream treats (thanks to De Villiers Chocolate); spacious, shaded lawns; and outdoor activities.
For adults, there are craft beer, spirits and wine tastings available. Plus, an assortment of local artisanal shops and restaurants to enjoy. All three restaurants are child-friendly, with their own kiddies’ menus.
- Best suited to children aged: Under 12 years.
- Kids menu: Yes, at all three restaurants.
Fairview
Fairview is a delightful farm for both parents and children to visit. It offers a homely, yet sophisticated atmosphere; famous resident goats; a great restaurant – and beautiful gardens too. (And there is also a shop and deli and bakery to enjoy.)
The Goatshed Restaurant, a well-appointed country-style eatery, is also lovely. It has a classy look and feel, without feeling unsuitable to children and makes for a good meal for young and old alike.
One of my favourite things about Fairview are the famous resident goats. I love them and their iconic Goat Tower (which now includes a little bridge!). The Goat Tower is a beautiful brick structure, dedicated entirely to the goats. It shows just how much thought and love is put into the Fairview goats… What’s more, every September when the nanny goats give birth to adorable kids, you can visit the estate to see them too!
What's more, kids children can tuck into a kids’ cheese tasting.
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes, the Goatshed has a kiddies’ menu for children under 12. This adorably illustrated menu includes options like all-day farm breakfast, meatballs, farm sandwiches, homemade choc chip cookies, babychinos, and peppermint crisp tart to name just a few!
Laborie Estate
Situated in central Paarl, Laborie Estate is one of the more child-friendly farms I have visited. I was blown away by this beautiful estate, which now offers three lovely eateries (Stoep, Suzanne and Cucina di Giovanni), accommodation, wine tastings, function venues and its own delightful farm- and wine-shop in the Farm Grocer.
Beyond that, the estate also offers family-friendly lunch- and sunset-picnics (sunset picnics are reserved for summertime) and wonderful MTB trails that form part of the Paarl Trails.
Outdoorsy fun for everyone
Kids have ample space to run and play at Laborie; the estate is generously spread out with beautiful gardens, art sculptures (primarily featuring works by Nanette Ranger) and sloping lawns overlooking the distant vineyards and mountains.
Beyond that, there is also an incredible wine farm-themed playground at Stoep Restaurant.
The best part of all is that the food and experience at Laborie is stunning so there is no sacrifice as a parent to visit this gorgeous Paarl estate!
For little ones, there are family-friendly picnics (with a dedicated kids’ picnic menu) and some excellent play facilities, spacious areas to run about and play, as well as some fun water canals for safe splashing and summertime play near Stoep Restaurant.
Older kids should enjoy the MTB trails and will perhaps better appreciate the excellent food and drinks on offer at the on-site eateries: Suzanne, Stoep, and Cucina di Giovanni.
While these eateries are also welcoming to younger children, I feel Stoep Restaurant – and Suzanne’s outside seating area – is best geared to children of all ages. I have not personally seen much of Cucina di Giovanni, as it was closed when we visited but it is marketed as a family-friendly restaurant.
In addition to this, you can also browse the excellent Farm Grocer. It stocks a wealth of locally sourced, sustainable food items, homeware, gifts and wine, while also selling some tasty goodies and ice-lollies for a summer treat!
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes.
Wellington
Dunstone Country Estate
One of my favourites, Dunstone Country Estate has everything you could desire: gorgeous mountain and estate views, exquisite facilities, classy amenities, good food, stunning accommodation and above all, a child-friendly eatery.
Tucked away in Wellington, Dunstone is a hidden oasis. If you stay the night, you will see what I mean… it is pure Cape dreaminess at its best.
But even if you only pop by for a few hours, Dunstone and its delightful Stone Kitchen Bistro are sure to win your hearts.
Stone Kitchen Bistro: Ideal for child-friendly food and fun
Dunstone’s Stone Kitchen is where you can enjoy delicious bistro fare, hosting special events (like baby showers, kids’ parties and kitchen teas) and above all, a relaxing time with your little family.
Whether you stop by for some of the estate’s lovely wines or a hearty meal, the Stone Kitchen Bistro is sure to impress.
Best of all, for parents or grandparents exploring with little ones, the bistro is hugely child-friendly. There is an excellent, all-weather indoor play area (one of the best I’ve seen on any estate) and a gorgeous garden space. This offers its own kiddies’ play area and some nearby animals to see. (As a bonus: The bistro is also dog-friendly, so your well-behaved four-legged friend can visit too!)
Activities and play facilities on offer for the kids are putt putt, sand pits, animals to see (including ducks on the dam, pigs, goats and more), a trampoline, mud kitchen and jungle gym, as well as the incredible indoor play zone.
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes, there is a great kiddies’ menu on offer. Options include: French toast (topped with bacon and maple syrup), margarita pizza and choc-nut sundae (with caramel sauce).
Durbanville
Tables at Nitida
Tables at Nitida is like the adorable gingerbread house in Hansel and Gretel… With its charming exterior, pretty surrounding gardens and the estate’s laid-back farm feeling, it has a definite fairytale charm.
When I visited, I was struck by the family-friendliness that the restaurant (particularly the outdoor seating), provides. There is also a nice play area outside on the adjacent lawn, lined by pretty flowers and trees.
But the best part about this play area is that parents can enjoy their meal and conversations while keeping a careful eye on the kiddies.
The restaurant also prides itself on being child-friendly in its facilities and food offerings. There is an outside play area/jungle gym on the lawn that is well-positioned in sight of the restaurant seating. They even have a dedicated children’s menu. They also have a toy box and crayons and colouring in pages for the little ones to enjoy.
Honestly, I love how classy Tables at Nitida is, especially for parents and couples. It offers an elegant, relaxing experience – meaning you don’t compromise on anything. (Least of all the setting.)
- Best suited to children aged: It is suitable to all ages. However, the menu and play area are geared at kids 0-12 years.
- Kids menu: They have a kiddies’ breakfast and lunch menu available. These are best suited to children under 12.
Bloemendal Wine Estate
Bloemendal is one of the most popular wine farms for those with children. And, after two visits, I can definitely see why.
The estate offers plenty of space to roam and play; incredible play facilities near Bon Amis Restaurant; and a pretty epic-looking Biosport cycle track (suitable to all ages and levels).
I love Bloemendal for great, outdoor visits with a farm vibe… and I can definitely recommend Bloemendal and Bon Amis for parents with younger or older kids. Everyone, no matter their age, will be entertained. They offer plenty for kids, including a playground, gardens, bike riding spaces, jungle gyms, colouring in, board games, and even animals (They have bunnies but these are not for petting).
And while parents enjoy a wine tasting, children can savour a child-friendly tasting. Add to that, the relaxed atmosphere and Bloemendal is a winner for families with kids!
- Best suited to children aged: All ages.
- Kids menu: Yes, Bon Amis offers a nice kiddies’ menu.
This article was originally published on Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust, a travel blog by Tamlyn Ryan.