While winters in Durban tend to be warmer than those in the rest of the country, there are still those chilly days when the scarves come out and the cabin fever kicks in. For a child-friendly outing, head to one of these cheerful spots offering fun indoor entertainment for the little ones.

Chez Nous (Westville)

This family-friendly eatery is perfect for chilly weather. Little ones can enjoy play time in the cosy child-friendly playroom while parents enjoy bistro-style dining. There’s a warm indoor room equipped with colouring-in stations, bean bags, computers and a toy box. The kid-friendly menu – which comes with a free toy – offers a range of easy options like pizzas, BBQ ribs, and mac and cheese.

Home Ground (Westville)

Aside from the colourful crayon fence that welcomes you on arrival, this new spot is dedicated to making dining out with the kiddies a breeze. There are fun activities to keep the little ones busy, including a ball pit and games. If the winter weather permits, there’s also a wooden jungle gym, a mini city, and a fire truck in the large garden. Parents with infants can also take advantage of the quiet area with comfy couches and a changing table. Kids can tuck into dishes like rainbow toasted cheese or spaghetti and meatballs, while parents are looked after with laid-back café-style dishes like wraps, burgers and toasties.

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La Piazza (Ballito)

This is a good spot for all-day Italian food with the whole family. There’s both an indoor and outdoor area here, which is suited to the sunny yet crisp Durban winters. Let your budding little chefs play at the pizza/play-dough section or keep them entertained with the PlayStation in the indoor playroom. On Tuesdays your littlies will eat free.

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Nonna at Makaranga (Kloof)

There’s an under-cover eating and play area for your tiny tots at this popular family-friendly restaurant. Here kids can roll their own pizza dough and take part in a range of arts and crafts. There’s also an indoor play area with sand art, DVDs and games. On the food front, enjoy Mediterranean-style dishes while the kids munch on pizzas, mac and cheese, and fish cakes.

A little one enjoying something off the kid’s menu at Nonna at Makaranga. Photo supplied.

Olive & Oil (Hillcrest, Pietermartizburg and Umhlanga)

A favourite amongst Durban locals, Olive & Oil offer diners classic pizzas and pastas while keeping the kids happily entertained. Inside all three branches is a children’s playroom equipped with a television, DVDs, foosball tables and other fun games. Fill up the little tums with pizzas, pastas, calamari and chicken nuggets. On Sundays kids eat free.

The festive playroom at Olive & Oil in Hillcrest. Photo supplied.

Pallet Jacks (Hillcrest)

This happy and colourful spot offers a safe and friendly environment for families to enjoy a meal and have tons of fun indoors. The enormous indoor play area is equipped with slides, carousels, climbing walls and more, with tables surrounding the area for parents to keep an eye on the little ones. Enjoy chicken wing combos, pizzas, steaks and burgers, while your kids tuck into chicken strips, fish fingers, toasties and burgers.

The bright and fun dining area at Pallet Jacks. Photo supplied.

Have you been to any of these spots recently? Review them on the new Eat Out app now and we will pledge a meal for a hungry child through Rise Against Hunger. Download and register on the app now.