Some family outings require military-level planning. Bags must be packed, bookings confirmed, activities timed and everyone persuaded to leave the house.
A day at De Werf can be much simpler.
Located at the intersection of the N7 and R304, De Werf brings together a restaurant, weekend food market, children’s play area, farmstall, Engen filling station and relaxed country atmosphere in one convenient destination.
Here is a suggested itinerary for making the most of your family visit.
08:30 — Start with breakfast
Arrive early and begin the day with breakfast at the De Werf Farmstall Restaurant.
An early start gives the family time to settle in before the Weekend Food Market becomes busier. Parents can enjoy a proper coffee and breakfast while the children choose from the available family-friendly menu options.
The restaurant opens daily from 08:00, making De Werf a convenient option for families who prefer to get out before the midday rush.
09:30 — Let the children explore
After breakfast, it is time to head towards the play area.
De Werf was designed with families in mind. The outdoor area includes space to run, swings, a jungle gym, tunnels, a jumping pillow and other activities that may be available on selected days.
The grounds give children an opportunity to use some energy while parents enjoy the country setting nearby.
As with any outdoor play area, parents should continue supervising their children and check which activities are operating on the day.
10:00 — Browse the Weekend Food Market
The De Werf Weekend Food Market opens every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00.
With indoor food stalls and a range of sweet and savoury choices, the market gives every member of the family the freedom to choose what they feel like eating.
Options advertised by De Werf include roosterkoek, pizza, ribs, calamari, sushi, burgers, shawarmas, waffles, gelato and other treats. Availability may change from one weekend to the next, which is part of the fun of browsing.
11:30 — Choose a treat or early lunch
Families with young children often find that lunchtime arrives earlier than expected.
Instead of trying to convince everyone to agree on one meal, allow each person to explore the stalls and choose something that appeals to them. One person may want pizza, another may want sushi, while someone else heads directly for gelato.
There are indoor, covered and outdoor seating options, allowing your family to choose a spot suited to the day’s weather.
13:00 — Enjoy the weekend atmosphere
Live music forms part of the De Werf weekend experience, with performances generally taking place during the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays and on many public holidays.
Check the De Werf Events page before your visit to see who is scheduled to perform.
You do not need to attend a formal concert. Simply settle in, enjoy your meal and allow the music to become part of the afternoon.
14:30 — Visit the Farmstall
Before leaving, make time for the De Werf Farmstall.
The farmstall stocks a selection of local products, deli meats, bread, baked goods, seasonal fruit and vegetables, juices, frozen family pies, jams, condiments, gifts, toys and practical road-trip items.
It is an easy opportunity to collect something for dinner, find a gift or pick up a few treats for the drive home.
15:30 — One last play before heading home
Children rarely want to leave immediately, so allow time for one final visit to the play area.
Meanwhile, adults can finish their coffee, collect their purchases and prepare for the drive home without feeling rushed.
One destination, many ways to spend the day
A family outing does not need to involve travelling between several venues. At De Werf, breakfast, play, shopping, lunch, live entertainment and refreshments can all form part of one relaxed visit.
De Werf is situated at the intersection of the N7 and R304. The Weekend Food Market operates every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Check the Events page for the latest entertainment program, or contact De Werf on 064 867 8578 before your visit.