TheBleghHousewife

The Deets: This place is honestly a gem in itself. It has everything a kid could want. Animal Farm? Check! Play Area? Check! Food? Check! Find it at 48 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank. Open 9.30am – 4.00pm (Tues – Sun)                                                                              The Noisy Rooster boasts Catz’s nail and beauty salon, and a farm stall/ market which sells organic food from the Heversham farm. You can also host a children’s birthday party at The Noisy Rooster.   Different programs for kids are continuously running here, so check out their website to keep yourself up to...

The Deets: So this past week we’ve had some decidedly cold days in Joburg, leaving me wondering what to do with a busy toddler. Kidz Fun House is undoubtedly the answer. Find it at 11 SunRock Close, SunnyRock Park, Ext 2 Edenvale: Open 9.00am – 5.00pm (Mon – Sun) Kidz Fun House is complete with Pit Stop Cafe, The Nail Bar, Natasha’s Hair Salon and a huge indoor play area. There are also three venues that you can book out for birthday parties, making this playground a hit with moms and children alike. The food: PitStop Café boasts a huge counter with all sorts of chocolates, sweets and fridges filled with different cold drinks and waters. Off the menu you can order the likes of toasted sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, Cappuccinos (always a necessity!) and milkshakes (Yay!). The Atmosphere: The atmosphere is mostly mom orientated – which means you’ll either see groups of moms, or a lone mother watching her child play. PitStop café has a separate area (de...

I walked into the indoor play area, sat down and ordered myself a milkshake while I encouraged my little man to go and play. My friend,who I was supposed to meet, couldn't make it because kids, pregnancy and life, so I decided to make the best of it and just hang out with my little guy and play with him. It took him a while to warm up to the situation and overall setting, but once he did he just wanted to play, and play and play! He spotted two little girls roughly the same age as him and he immediately made a beeline towards them (we're talking about 1 year olds here). I followed him cautiously, trying not to be a helicopter mom, but also wanting to make sure that they played nice. By the time he got there, the moms of these two little girls went quiet. I asked how old the girls were, I tried to make small talk as our kids started to get closer to one another, and before they were in touching distance these moms stood up and swooped their children away from my son and m...

The Deets: So this is a regular hangout spot for me because a) the coffee is GOOD and b) it’s got a really great vibe. Find it at 24A Riley Road, Bedfordview:            Open 8.00am – 5.00pm (Tues – Thurs)                                                                                             8:00am – 8:00pm (Fri & Sat)                           ...

The Deets: So I recently found this gem of a restaurant called The Fat Mermaid. A friend of mine recommended a play date there, and honestly in a two week period I’ve been back three times (whaaat!?). Find it at 4 Jasmine Road, Bedfordview: Open 7.30am – 5.30pm The road actually looks like a long, pan-handle drive-way (so don’t be alarmed) and it’s in a face-brick house that has been converted. On the same premises you’ll also find a hairdresser (Panthea) and a boutique (because who doesn’t like shopping). The restaurant boasts an outdoor eating area, as well as an indoor area. There is a pool (with a bar stretching across the width of the pool), with cabana beds that one can lounge on. The pool area is a function area and is closed off to the children unless booked out for them. Think a ‘a day in mykonos’ and you’ll completely understand the venue’s vibe. The food: The menu is decidedly Greek, with all of your favourites from traditional Yiros to English farm...