1. KEURBOOM PARK, SQUIRRELS WAY, RONDEBOSCH
Why we love it: There’s something for everybody! Our favourite place to hang out is in the fenced off play area (no dogs). Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the shade while your kids play on the wooden tractor or roll down the hill. There is also an open playground for bigger children. Walk along one of the paths or bring a bike.
2. UPPER LIESBEEK RIVER GARDEN, UPPER NOREEN AVENUE, CLAREMONT
Why we love it: This was once an overgrown unsightly area which has been beautifully transformed as part of an ongoing community project. Picnic in the shade or let the kids have a splash in the river. There is no play equipment but the river itself is the entertainment.
3. GREEN POINT PARK, FRITZ SONNENBERG RD, GREEN POINT Why we love it: There is a huge variety of unique play equipment for different ages. I really like that the toddler area is fenced off. Shade is coveted so get there early to secure your spot. There is a lovely little coffee shop in the middle of the park. Bring your bike as there are lots of paths to explore. A bit far from burbs but worth the travel time.
4. LEVER STREET PARK, KALK BAY Why we love it: Sit beneath the dappled shade with a cup of coffee and the best bagel you’ve ever had from Bob’s Bagel across the cobbled street. The playground is well maintained and has a nice variety of equipment for the kids to play on. 5. BROCKER ROAD PARK, TOKAI Why we love it: It’s nestled away in a quiet, leafy suburb and has a great variety of wooden play equipment. The playground is enclosed with a low wooden fence to keep those wild toddlers from running into the street. It has an adjacent open field for ball games. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the burbs. Toddlers can bring their push bikes as there is a tarred path.