By Sholain Govender-Bateman – an experienced news reporter, magazine editor, freelancer, loving wife to Barry, mum of one beautiful girl, Isobel and someone with a passion for life and everything fun.
The recession has been hard for many South Africans and as parents we already have financial strain trying to keep sticked up on nappies, groceries, pay for extra lessons and all the other pre-requisites that we feel our kids can’t do without. So, it has been a relief for me to find quite a few places in Pretoria where I can take my active (almost) two-year-old toddler and keep her entertained for free! Here’s my top five list – would love to hear where other parents take their kids for low-cost fun!
1. Safari Garden Centre – another gem which can be easily found on Lynnwood Road, – this garden centre is a fantasy world waiting for your child to explore. Isobel loves the water features section and then we usually have a light lunch at the outdoor restaurant. The menu offers yummy starter portions that pass as mains and a delicious cheese burger and we walk off the calories at the play area with jumping castles, sand pits, pigs and all sorts of other entertainment on offer including ‘train’ rides which you can pay for. Cost – budget for tea and treats, plants and other garden goodies, and the car guard, entrance – free.
2. Atterbury Value Mart pet shop, Atterbury Road – if you don’t have a free petting zoo in your area, a pet shop is just as fun for a toddler, pre-schooler or under 6-year-old child. Animal Kingdom on Atterbury Road has puppies, kittens and reptiles on display and a walk-through ‘aquarium’ which is fun for both kids and adults. Cost – change for the car guard and cash for whatever pet supplies you need.
So where do you take your kids to have fun?
Since this article was written many of the original venues no longer exist. If you are looking for more venues in Pretoria to take your kids click here.
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Hi Sholain,
You must defintely visit our market!
It is absolutely great for kids!
We have a massive sandpit with toys and blackboards.The kids play traditional games, ride around on their bikes and go look at the cows and also go on a tractor ride through the farm. The only two activities that you pay for is R5 for a pony ride and R10 for unlimited trampoline access.
Our next market is on this Sunday and is a must for families!
Hope to see you here! Theresa
Hi, I would like to visit one of the kiddies place around Pretoria, specially Pretoria North on 15 February, I mean today! Thanks
Have a look at these places in Pretoria North. https://www.jozikids.co.za/johannesburg/day-trips/city/pretoria-tshwane/town/pretoria-north/
@Theresa, where is your market?
The market Theresa is referring to is called Rosemary Hill Market in Pretoria. Find more details on Jozikids at:
https://www.jozikids.co.za/johannesburg/to_go/markets/rosemary_hill_market.html
Thanks so much for this. I live so close to Atterbury Value Mart and Never knew about Animal Kingdom.
what a lovely day to have ke thabile.
I just needed information on places that are entertaining, im speaking relation to we are a group of 30 women 4rm hammanskraal we want a child friendly area wer we can take our children and spend time with them
thanks came across this whilst trying to find the name for te place we drive past everyday in moreleta I think it's the tea garden you mentioned above
very usefull ino sholain, thanks
If that’s all there is for kids in Pretoria it’s really disappointing. Jingle Jangle is closed permanently.
Hi Yvonne, . Thanks for the feedback about Jingle Jangle and not thats not all there is at all. I will add a list of other family and child friendly venues
Do you know the Olifants Cafe at the Big Red Barn? https://www.jozikids.co.za/listing/olifants-cafe-at-the-big-red-barn