We all know it’s difficult (and expensive) trying to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. But you need to get them out of the house or they will drive you bonkers! So here is a list of AFFORDABLE places you can visit in Durban that won’t break the bank!
Umgeni Bird Park
Take your time wandering around, learning about all the birdlife and even feed and interact with some of them. They have daily bird shows and an awesome playground and coffee shop. They are open every day from 9am to 5pm. Entrance is R55 per adult, R36 for kids over three and R30 for pensioners. Visit www.urbp.cp.za.
Mitchell Park Zoo
Mitchell Park Zoo only costs R9 for kids and R11 for adults. There are various animals and birds – even giant tortoises and an alpaca! There is lots to see – my son just loves going there. Afterwards you can stop in at the restaurant where there is a play area and activities for the kids – sand art, beading and a playdough station.
Call 031 303 2275.
Beachwood Mangroves
The Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is only open to the public on the third Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm (or you can arrange a special visit with the conservation officer). Although this technically does not fall during the holidays, it is a great outing for the whole family. There is no cost and it’s great to be out in nature, learning about this important ecosystem on our doorstep.
Contact 082 559 2839.
Durban Natural Science Museum
One of South Africa’s smallest but busiest natural science museums; it is renowned for its realistic dioramas (habitat groups), life size T-Rex model, near-complete Dodo skeleton and Egyptian mummy, Peten Amen. It is open to the public 363 days a year and admission is free!
Call 031 – 311 2256.
Mini Town
Mini Town is a mini replica of Durban and is one of Durban’s iconic beachfront attractions. Entrance is R20 for kids and R25 for adults and it is also an NPO that raises funds for the Quadriplegic Association of KZN. Children of all ages will love this outing – it even has a working harbour!
Call 031 – 337 7892.
Virginia Circle Miniature Steam Train Rides
Virginia Circle Miniature Steam Train Rides is at The Durban Society of Model Engineers, and every 2nd Sunday of the month they open the club to the general public to come and ride on the trains that the members have built. It is great fun and the kids have a ball. They have diesel engines and full steam engines that pull the children around the club grounds. And it’s affordable too.
Visit www.dsme.co.za.
Port Natal Maritime Museum
Backed by a panoramic view of Durban Harbour, the Port Natal Maritime Museum offers an insight into the influence of maritime culture on local life while also reflecting on the rigours and romance of lives lived at sea. Amazing voyages, dramatic tales and old yet inspiring collections form the basis of an unforgettable experience, with attractions including the multi-ton floating vessels. It’s an affordable outing at R5 per adult and R3 per child.
Visit www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za/port-natal-maritime-museum.
People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium
This is a free outing that has so much to offer. The huge playground offers fun for the kids, plus there is ample space to ride bikes/scooters and rollerskate etc. There are usually go-karts for hire as well, and a lovely restaurant where mom and dad can relax.
Visit www.mmstadium.com/attractions/peoples-park/.