Let’s face it: the world of babies can be pretty confusing. Which nappie brand is best? Do you really need knee pads for when they start walking? Baby City’s informed, friendly staff are here to help you answer these questions and more, so that you can navigate the truly vast range with ease. You got this, mama! – www.babycity.co.za
From cute-as-a-button ‘gros for your brand new baba to the latest looks for your budding fashionista, Ackermans is all about value for money quality. Don’t forget to pick up those essentials while you’re doing a wardrobe shop: the store has a range of must-haves for kids up to 10 years old, including baby goodies and school uniforms. – www.ackermans.co.za
No South African childhood is complete without a visit to Spur. The awesome play areas aside, the kids’ menu leaves your little ones spoilt for choice, with pizzas, burgers, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, fish fingers and even vegetarian options up for grabs. Spur also makes a great venue for parties, too. – www.spursteakranches.com/za
Name one animal kids love more than monkeys. You can’t, can you? That’s what makes Benoni Money and Bird Park a fantastic party venue: the kids will be beside themselves with wonder. The venue also offers a play area and picnic and braai areas, and moms can relax in the tea garden while the kids enjoy themselves. – https://benoni-monkey-and-bird-park.business.site, Cnr Swallow and Barbet Roads, Benoni, 082 787 3932
McDonald’s really is our Old Faithful – when you’re too time-pressed to cook (or simply want to treat the kids), you just can’t go wrong with a Happy Meal. It’s pretty cool to know that there’s more diversity on the menu these days, with vegetarians catered for, and great coffee for mom… – www.mcdonalds.co.za
Online schooling has become as much of a part of our lives as remote working, and both parents and learners who follow this model swear by its flexibility (great for kids whose families travel a lot) and the cost savings – no uniforms or transport. Curro Online gets the thumbs up for its outstanding approach, excellent teachers and quality curriculum. – www.curro.co.za
St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls takes pride in addressing the natural hunger for learning that’s inherent in every child. While taking every care to develop the values that ground a Christian education, the school is also cognizant of the skills that will equip children for the workplace of the future, including collaboration, presentation, coding, robotics, being more human, ethics and critical thinking. St Dominic’s accommodates girls from pre-school to Matric. – www.stdominics.co.za, Kruger Street, Boksburg, 011 917 5150
At Rynfield Primary, values form the foundation of an education that aims to develop every facet of your child’s potential: academic, social, spiritual, and physical. The goal is to inspire the desire to live with a spirit of significance, and this is achieved not only through the dedicated staff and involved parent body, but also by giving children access to top facilities and an extramural programme curated to allow them to explore their talents. – www.rps.org.za, Malherbe Road, Benoni, 011 849 5215
Having recently celebrated its centenary, Benoni High School places firm emphasis on helping learners develop creativity and innovativeness, with an eye to seeing them leave the school as nation builders. A relaxed learning environment and full range of extramurals completes the package. – www.bhs.co.za, Dalrymple Street, Northmead, Benoni, 011 849 4129
‘Witsies’ have been leaving their mark in business, science, the arts and every other sphere for more than 100 years, and the university’s reputation as a centre of excellence stands strong. In fact, did you know that Wits include four Nobel Laureates amongst its alumni? Impressive, indeed. – wits.ac.za, Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 011 717 1000
Even the most dignified of us brims with excitement upon entering Toys R Us! From crafts to cuddlies, puzzles, STEAM toys, Lego and even electronic gadgets, the store feels like a door into the imagination. You’ll love it almost as much as your kids do! – toysrus.co.za, 087 234 8697
Earth Child is all about letting your kids live their best lives in clothes that are cool, comfortable, and enviro-conscious. Look out for trendy styles fashioned in natural fabrics allowing freedom of movement (for them) and long-lasting durability (for you). Earth Child caters for boys and girl up to age 10. – www.truworths.co.za