Eat, Play, Love at Little Picasso’s Café

Parent and child heaven has a new address

Please note that Picasso's is no longer open.

If you are a mom, dad, granny, grandpa, uncle, aunty or baby sitter you will recognize that little voice in your head that says “I will not throttle the child, I will not throttle the child” when you are stuck at home with nothing to do with the little one(s). But when you have exhausted all the toilet paper rolls, when the batteries of THAT annoying toy have died (a kind Christmas donation from a friend who doesn't have children) and when you are all peek-a-booed out there is only one thing to do – head down to Little Picasso’s Café.

Many times my little one and I drive each other crazy being stuck at home all day and there really aren’t many places that are child friendly.  There are certain child friend places in Cape Town and they are generally great but you spend 99% of the time running after your child, constantly checking where they are and what mischief they are getting themselves into. You return home completely exhausted and your child is still bouncing off the walls.

Don’t get me wrong – I love spending time with my child but just as adults cramp each other’s style, it can quite easily happen to mother and child. That's why I couldn't contain my excitement when husband and wife team Monique and Jacques Van Niekerk opened the pearly gates of Little Picasso's.

I did a Happy Feet dance right on the spot!

On the 12th of November 2010 I was invited to a group called Little Picasso’s Café and their first post was: “‎*OPENING SOON* in Parklands, Cape Town! The fun filled family venue you have been waiting for!”

Their next post was: “*soft play*jungle gyms*jumping castles*outside play*arts & crafts studio*movie & console games room*babies play area*wi~fi*project room*beautician*cupcake icing station*parties*fantasy playroom*restaurant... opening soon!”

They dangled this delicious carrot of child-friendly heaven at us until their opening on the 4th January 2011.

Both children and their moms (parents) will have an experience worth writing about

Walking into Little Picasso’s with a nappy bag over my shoulder and a child attached to my hip I was blown away by the set up. The huge blow up water slide that greets you as you walk in has become the firm favorite amongst the kids as well as a sand pit, mini animal touch farm, fantasy room, an indoor room that boasts a jumping castle, a ball pool, mini rock climbing, a fantasy room, a movie room, a dedicated baby room … and a restaurant with an incredibly tasty menu.

Possibly the best feature are their child minders who whisk your child away to play while you can take out that long awaited YOU magazine and get stuck into a treat from the menu. Why not sink your teeth into delicious buffet breakfast every second Saturday of the month? Speaking from experience you WON'T want to miss out on that.

Not only can your kiddies play but Picasso's is interactive and educational, offering splash art classes, green fingers gardening, drum kids, playgroups, tiny chefs and so much more. They even cater for birthday parties, so ditch the Spur and take the birthday princess or prince to Little Picasso’s.

Calling all moms! They have a Mamma Picasso’s Beauty Treatment salon which will give you time to touch up your sexy mamma look while your child is well taken care of (probably having so much fun they won't even notice your absence).

A word from the owners:

CTMag: When and how did the idea come to you?
“About a year ago when it became more and more apparent that there was a lack of facilities that catered for families being able to enjoy themselves (both old and young).”

CTMag: Have you had any feedback since opening?
“It’s been incredible – better than we could have ever hoped for, and the feedback has come from both the parents and the kids!”

CTMag: What is your proudest moment?
“I would say the positive response, amazing compliments we get and the "WOW" from most parents that have visited us... and of course that we already have our regulars! And that all our hard work and dreams have become reality!”

I wish I could tell you more but I would be spoiling the fun – you have to get out there, explore and experience everything Little Picasso’s has to offer for you and your family.

Get in touch with Little Picasso’s for their monthly activity timetables and prices.

Little Picasso’s Café
4 Northumberland Way | Parklands | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 557 7950
www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Picassos-Cafe
play@littlepicassoscafe.com

By Tamryn Tinline