HELLO JUNIOR

Baby it’s the weekend! junior hello

Our top places to help you survive weekends with baby

Some parents dread it, while others count down the hours. It’s completely acceptable to have a love-hate relationship with the weekends once you have a little one. We thought we would assist with cabin fever and create our very own baby bucket list on what to do in and around the city.

THE HERB FARM & BISTRO What we love: They have around 400 varieties of herbal plants and an outdoor educational facility and playground. You’ll die over their high tea private function offerings and picnic baskets too. Oh, and they’re organic wherever possible! Best for babe: Not only is there a 70-seater bistro on site for weekend visits, but your sprog can have their very own birthday extravaganza here because they cater for children’s parties. It’s important to mention that they have a kiddies’ holiday programme too, which is priced from R50 to R130 per session. 264 Summit Road, Blue Hills, Midrand m 083 556 5307 K www.herbfarm.co.za Q @herbfarmsa

CASALINGA RESTAURANT What we love: The quality and calibre of food here is outstanding. Take your family to this exquisite location where you can either bask outside in the sunshine under the trees, take your little one to play on the playground, dine inside in the cool interior or picnic in the gardens. We recommend visiting on a Sunday where they serve a set menu at R380 per person, including a starter, main dish and dessert. You can also opt for an all-vegan menu and have a takeaway plate from the Leafy Greens marquee adjacent to the restaurant. Best for babe: You’ll so appreciate being outdoors under the flowing trees. Bring a play mat and a few toys and babe can be entertained all afternoon long whilst you wine and dine (minus the wine). Rocky Ridge Road, Muldersdrift m 011 957 2612 K www.casalinga.co.za Q @casalinga_sa

IRENE DAIRY FARM What we love: It’s a working dairy farm in the city – we mean, what’s not to love?! There’s a stunning barn restaurant where you can dine under the old oak trees and there’s no need to book. On Saturdays they serve an all-day farm fresh brunch buffet from 08h00 to 15h00. And did we mention that you can shop their local produce like eggs, milk, cheese, biscuits and all from local suppliers? Best for babe: If your babe is a glutton or gastronome, good news – all children under the age of five eat for free from the buffet all day long. There are awesome antique tractors to explore, state-of-the-art jungle gyms and farm animals too. Nellmapius Road, Irene, Centurion m 012 667 4822 K www.irenefarm.co.za Q @irenedairyfarm

WALTER SISULU BOTANICAL GARDENS What we love: Children under six are free! It won’t cost you a cent for the kidlets – just bring your own food and drink and blanket oh and also rubbish bag because there are no dustbins inside the gardens. Sorry adults, but there’s a R55 charge for you … no special treatment! Best for babe: Baba will be mesmerised for hours (okay, maybe 2.3 minutes) watching the rolling waterfalls. If you’re brave enough, you can also go for a mini hike around the gardens. Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort m 086 100 1278 K www.sanbi.org Q @sisulu_garden

THE HOUGHTON HOTEL What we love: It doesn’t get fancier than this. We’re also not sure if this is more for the parents, but hey, you lot also deserve some R&R. Amen to that! You can book a spa treatment at the Amani Spa and a Pilates class at Fitbar while you spoil hubby with a round of golf followed by a soothing swim and a poolside luncheon … heaven! Best for babe: If you have a boujee babe, this is perfect for your prince or princess – think five-star treatment, a dip in the crystal blue pool, fresh smoothies on tap and mingling with Jozi’s elite. Lloys Ellis Avenue, Houghton Estate m 011 032 5500 K www.thehoughtonhotel.com Q @thehoughtonhotel

WILLOW FEATHER FARM What we love: You can shop for your plants, herbs and garden tools plus grab a bite to eat while playing with the farm animals. It’s a win-win! Best for babe: Your mini-me will adore all the beautifully looked after farm animals, the countless play areas for kids of all ages throughout the gardens and the clean facilities. Take a walk around the yard to hear the baaaing and bleating. Portion 37, Doornkloof East, Irene m 073 265 9342 K www.willowfeather.co.za Q @willow.feather.farm

LITTLE PARIS What we love: You can pretend to be in Paris for the day when you’re actually in the heart of Hartbeespoort. They even have a lock bridge where you can make a wish and engrave a lock on the walkway and get a family photo taken under the Eiffel Tower. Amour! Best for babe: After exploring, grab a seat at the uber-cool Parisian café, French Toast Koffie Kafee and order their golden fried French toast topped with cream cheese or banana and peanut butter. R511 Hartbeespoort, Hartbeespoort Dam m 078 592 6953 K www.frenchtoastharties.co.za Q @frenchtoastharties