There is nothing a South African likes better than a braai. Meat sizzling on the fire, a drink dripping condensation in hand and good conversation over a bowl of Lays; South Africans know how to braai in style. So, with summer just around the corner, LekkeSlaap decided to seek out the best public braai spots in Gauteng where you can enjoy a cold one with friends as you keep the kids entertained:

 1. Pines Resort, West Rand

Pines Resort (C) Pines Resort

With water slides, jungle gyms, a tuck shop, lockers, and braais at every picnic spot, the family-friendly Pines Resort in Krugersdorp is a perfect weekend outing. As a licensed facility, no alcohol or glassware is allowed on the premises as drinks can be bought from the tuck shop. Bring your own picnic baskets filled with food and soft drinks.

Open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 – 17:00. Hours during school holidays may vary. Make sure you book online to avoid disappointment.

Entrance: Click here for pricing.

Where: 2 Ivan Smuts Avenue, Silverfields, Krugersdorp

Contact: +27 (0)11 955 3845 / info@pinesresort.co.za

2. Brookwood Estate Trout Farm, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp

Picnic Table at Adams Lake by J.Stephen Conn (Flickr)

Set in the Cradle of Humankind, an hour away from Joburg and Pretoria, Brookwood Estate Trout Farm is a fishing paradise that’s an ideal spot for a family outing or a day out with friends. The shady picnic area has beautiful views of the river, safe swimming in summer for children and plenty of braai areas and tables.

Open weekdays from 07:30 – 18:00, weekends from 06:00 – 18:00. Open on public holidays excluding Christmas. No pets allowed.

Entrance: R70 per adult, R50 per child (under 12).

Where: Portion 30, Farm Rietfrontein, Krugersdorp, West Rand

Contact: +27 (0)11 957 0126 / info@brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za

3. Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Krugersdorp

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve (C) Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is one of Johannesburg’s Big Five Tourist Destinations and has some great amenities where you can relax after a game drive. Picnic spots and braai areas are available, as well as a play park for children with jumping castles, trampolines, swings, an obstacle course and jungle gyms.

The main entrance gate is open Tuesday – Sunday, 08:00 – 16:00 while the childrens’ playground is open 09:00 – 16:00.

Entrance: R160 per adult, R120 per child, R130 per pensioner

Where: 520 Kromdraai Road, Krugersdorp

Contact: +27 (0)11 957 0106/09 | bookings@rhinolion.co.za

4. Gnu Valley Farm, Muldersdrif

Gnu Valley Farm

Gnu Valley Farm is a catch-and-release fishing venue with braai facilities, picnic areas and an indoor and outdoor playground with a splash pool for children. They cater for kiddies parties, functions, events, adult parties, kitchen teas, baby showers and year-end functions, and as of January 2017 they will be hosting “little girl spa parties” as well.

Entrance: R130 per adult/child over 12 years of age if fishing, R70 per adult/child if not fishing and R40 for birders (however then no fishing, braai or picnic is allowed)

Where: Beyers Naude Extension, Muldersdrif

Contact: +27 (0)74 920 7784, +27 (0)60 962 3863, +27 (0)83 379 3792

5. Golden Harvest Park, Randburg

Bird on a braai by confluence (Flickr)

Stretching almost 4km, with picturesque views and a charming ambience, Golden Harvest Park is tailored for a great day out. Frequented by dog walkers and families who traverse the indigenous bushveld, you can also visit the remains of an ancient iron smelting bloomer, and furnace, on the top of the little koppie. Open daily.

Entrance: Free

Where: First Avenue, Northgate

Contact: +27 (0)11 712 6600

6. Zoo Lake, Randburg

Zoo Lake by Dyltong (Creative Commons)

Zoo Lake is the beloved annual venue for Jazz on the Lake and Carols by Candlelight, and you’ll see early morning joggers, bikers, dog walkers, and couples strolling its pathways. There are designated braai areas and picnic spots on the lawns. The sports club and the zoological garden are also worth visiting while there. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Entrance: Free

Where: Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Westwold Way, Parkhurst

Contact: +27 (0)11 483 1017

7. Gillooly’s Farm, Germiston

Gilooly Farm via Rodic84 (Flickr)

Gillooly Farm is a firm favourite among local families and fishermen with wooden walkways encircling the lake, an abundance of bird species and plenty of picnic spots. Braais are available at the farm, by prior arrangement with staff.

Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Conferencing and venue hire are available.

Entrance: Free

Where: 47 Boeing Road West, Johannesburg

Contact: +27 (0) 11 453 8066 | gillooly@mweb.co.za

8. Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre, Alberton

Braai by Jon Mountjoy (Flickr)

Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre has it all with putt-putt, picnics, farm animals, a steam train, pony and tractor rides, as well as bicycle and walking trails. Bring your own portable braai or hire a drum from the office. Open daily 09:00 – 18:00.

Entrance: R30 per adult, R20 per child (2 – 12 years), R10 per person if disabled or in a wheelchair or a pensioner, R40 per car for the picnic area (free parking available outside picnic area)

Where: 101 Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg South

Contact: +27 (0)11 024 1512 | info@rietvleifarm.co.za

9. Dorothy Nyembe Park, Soweto

Braai vleis by barbourians (Flickr)

Comprising of 23 hectares, the Dorothy Nyembe Park offers a haven for sports and nature lovers, with walking trails, volleyball, netball and basketball courts, and wetland-fed dams. There are also morabaraba and chess areas, a children’s playground, and ample areas for you to braai. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Entrance: Free

Where: Corner of Mashinini and Mofolo Street, Soweto

Contact: +27 (0)11 938 7600

10. Thokoza Park, Soweto

Kebaabs on the fire by saaleha (Flickr)

Set beside Moroka Dam, and a venue of choice for Jazz concerts and art exhibitions, Thokoza Park is popular year-round destination for families, wedding parties, photographers, and outdoor visitors. The netball and basketball courts are well-kept, and you’ll often see children feeding the ducks which frequent the dam. Braai areas, and shady spots for picnics, are plentiful. Open daily, 10:00 – late.

Entrance: Free

Where: Corner of Chris Hani Road and Ntuli Street, Moroka

Contact: +27 (0)11 938 1820

11. Pioneer Park (Wemmer Pan), Johannesburg South

Braai by Jim Sher (Flickr)

You’d find it hard to believe that Pioneer Park is built on top of a reclaimed mine dump when you see the lush flora and lawns, heated swimming pool, expansive Wemmer Pan lake, dancing fountains, and children’s playground. Braai areas are available – please bring your own portable braai stand. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Entrance: Free

Where: Corner Turf Road and 11th Street, La Rochelle

Contact: +27 (0)11 435 0425

12. Innesfree Park, Sandton

Sunset braai via jeppestown (Flickr)

Found in the heart of Sandton with two dams, picnic spots, and grassy areas that are often utilised for sport matches, Innesfree Park is a peaceful haven to escape the hustle and bustle of Sandton. The area also plays host to concerts, motor shows and arts and cultural exhibits. Braai areas are available – please bring your own portable braai. Open daily, 06:00 – 18:00.

Entrance: Free

Where: Katherine Street and Grayston Drive, Sandton

Contact: +27 (0)11 728 1999

13. Footloose Trout Farm, Midrand

Footloose trout farm (C) Footloose trout farm

Green grass, safe swimming, fresh air and plenty of braai facilities make Footloose Trout Farm a natural choice for an outing with your friends and family. The venue is able to host private events and conferences. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 07:30 – 17:00. Rod hire and bait available.

Entrance: R70 per adult, R55 per child

Where: Plot 101, William Nicol Drive, Deepsluit, Midrand

Contact: +27 (0)11 464 5264

14. Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm, Centurion

Flickering braai fire by Abspires40 (Flickr)

The Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm with a farmstead that dates back to 1880, an animal farm for the children to visit, a restaurant, playground, and two barns, is a national monument that makes for a convenient family outing. There are a variety of braai facilities available to the public, while lapas are available for private function rental. Open daily.

Entrance: R11 per child 0 – 6 years old, R18 per child 7 – 12 years old, R30 per person over the age of 13, R19 per person if older than 60, R350 per group minibus

Where: Rooihuiskraal Road, Centurion

Contact: +27 (0)12 661 4284 | 076 519 4717

15. Fountains Valley Resort, Pretoria

Apies River via NJR ZA (Creative Commons)

Set within the Groenkloof Nature Reserve beside the Apies River, Fountains Valley Resort is a firm favourite with weekenders. It has a caravan park, swimming pool, playground, lapa and braai areas available to visitors. This, combined with the adjoining Groenkloof Nature Reserve, form the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Open daily, 09:00 – 00:00.

Entrance: R12 per child 0 – 6 years old, R20 per child 7 – 12 years old, R32 per person older than 13, R20 per person if older than 60

Where: Fountains Road off of Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof

Contact: +27 (0)12 440 2121 | dirkm@tshwane.gov.za

16. Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Pretoria

Groenkloof nature reserve via LekkeSlaap

Groenkloof Nature Reserve is a popular spot with shady hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming options in the river, a childrens’ play park, historical ruins, and guided horse trails through the reserve where kudu, blue wildebeest, giraffe and ostrich roam. The Moyo restaurant is set within the reserve, though it also provides numerous picnic and braai areas. Open daily, 05:30 – 19:00 (summer), 07:00 – 18:00 (winter).

Entrance: R12 per child 0 – 6 years old, R20 per child 7 – 12 years old, R32 per person older than 13, R20 per person if older than 60

Where: Off Eeufees Road and Christina De Wit Avenue, Groenkloof

Contact: +27 (0)12 440 8316 | groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za

17. Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve, Bronkhorstspruit

Pork Spare Ribs On The Hot Flaming Barbecue Grill by David Horn (Flickr)

Found at the southern end of the dam, Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve is known for its scenic views, angling opportunities and braai spots. Open 07:00 – 18:00 (summer) and 07:00 – 17:00 (winter).

Entrance: R22 for adults, R11 for children (aged 7 – 1), R6 per child (0-6 years), R11 pensioners and disabled guests

Where: Off the R25, Bronkhorstspruit

Contact: +27 (0)71 671 8605

Don’t hesitate, check out the abovementioned braai spots this weekend and let us know which one is your favourite!