Holiday Fun for Families In and Around Durban
OUTDOORS
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Looking for a change of scenery? Take a trip up Moses Mabhida’s Sky walk for an all-round adventure. If not, the Sky Car, Big swing and Beach Glide can make just the right fit for an early morning dose of adrenaline. Costs vary across activities, booking is essential. No children under 10. For more info: 031 582 8242, www.durbantourism.com.
WavePark Gateway
WavePark at gateway has spectacular waves, super tubes, a toddler zone, volleyball for the sports fanatics, a foodies hangout and park facilities to enjoy for family, friends, and parents seeking to keep the kids busy while shopping or having some me-time. Costs vary across various activities. For more info: 031 584 9400 www.wavepark.co.za.
Umgeni River Bird Park
With 900 birds and 180 specie, free- flight bird shows, a restaurant and playground all in one place – Umgeni Rive Bird Park, will have your kids forgetting about their gadgets and becoming engrossed in nature. Tickets: Adults R50, Children R30, Pensioners R25 For more info: 031 322 5750, www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za.
Sunset Catamaran
As the sun rises so shall it set, only this time you’ll be on a catamaran sundowner cruise, with Hakuna Matata Charters cruising out to sea through the harbour channel with a backdrop of the sun settling down after a long day. Tickets: Adults R180, children under 12 R120. For more info: 031 307 3782.
Mzinyathi Falls
Relatively unknown, the UMzinyathi falls and Rastafarian caves are a treat for the hiker. The paths and caves may be tricky to navigate, but the walk leading up to the popular climbing site close-by will make the whole journey worthwhile. Get more out of the tour with the shuttle minibus, for only R250, which includes transport, guides and all entry fees. Book tours with Green Corridor, booking is essential. For more info 031 322 6026, Sifiso: sifiso@durbangreencorridor.co.za.
Ricksha Bus Tour
This is a three-hour guided bus tour of Durban’s best attractions, including the beachfront, uShaka Marine World, Emmanuel Cathedral, Victoria Street Market, Burman Bush, and Blue Lagoon. Adults cost R100 and children cost R50 – children under six ride free! Call 031 322 4209.
KZN Sharks Board
An opportunity to view the kings of the sea (sharks), without getting wet – this is not for the fainthearted! Guided tours, shows and dissections make this an ideal and innovative way of getting the family involved in marine environmental and conservation matters – and a great way to enjoy family time outside the house. No children under 6, booking is essential. Tickets: R350. For more info: 031 566 0400 www.shark.co.za.
Mac Bananas Farm Stall
This is the perfect family outing in Soutbroom – with quad biking facilities, an animal farm, horse rides, mini golf course and a playground located in one area, parents can relax whilst the kids enjoy playing. For more info: 039 319 1454, www.macbanana.com.
Mac Chimp &Zee Rope Adventure Park
This ultimate all-in-one adventure is worth the drive down to Southbroom. Zip-line over dams, greenery and the banana plantation and end it off at the restaurant on-site. Costs vary from R165 – R275 For more info: 039 319 1033, www.macbanana.com.
Tidal Tao Snorkelling
Have fun exploring various fish species, coral, invertebrates, and big shoals. Beginner or not, Tidal Tao will ensure a snorkelling and water experience never to be forgotten. Photos are taken whilst snorkelling and you get a refreshment included. Booking is essential. Adults pay R320, children (5 – 10 years) pay R150, and children under 5 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. For more info: 079 307 0608, snorkel@tidaltao.com, www.tidaltao.com.
LITTLE KIDS
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 R30 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! Contact 031 337 7892 or www.minitowndbn.co.za.
Virginia Circle Miniature Steam Train Rides
A hidden gem in Durban North and well worth a visit. It 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.
Snow Wonderland
If you love the cold and want to dance in the snow, and build a snowman or two, visit Snow Wonderland at Gateway. The snow wonderland produces snow with no chemicals, just water for pure fun – and family bonding time. And for those who are not ready to conquer the cold atmosphere, the Snow Café offers delicious s’mores and more. Tickets cost R95, children under 1 enter free. For more info: 031 566 2010, snowwonderland.co.za.
Sugar Rush Park
Bring the whole family – with a kids’ play zone, beauty bar, petting zoo, tractor rides and trampolines, this venue really does cater for the whole family. Various prices, contact numbers and time slots for different activities. For more info: 060 977 9996 info@sugarrush.co.za, www.sugarrush.co.za.
Litchi Festival
Just past the Flag Animal Farm, you will find The Litchi Festival – it opens in mid-December. Enjoy a tractor ride, and pick (and eat) as many litchis as you wish! A litchi devotee’s dream, this annual litchi fest is only getting better, and you get to take home a 1.6kg bucket of litchis – after a hard day’s work of picking, things couldn’t get better. R150 per person, R50 for toddlers up to 3 years. For more info: 071 438 4290 litchifestival@gmail.com www.facebook.com/litchifestival.
Ushaka Marine World
Focus on the kids for this family outing to Kid’s World at Ushaka Marine World. It’s fun and safe – parents are assured the kiddies will have the time of their lives. Tickets: Adults R29, Children 2 – 12 years old R82 and Toddlers under 2 enter free. For more info: 031 328 8000.
Slime Workshop
Slime Workshop is fun for all involved and focuses on being friendly to the environment while having a great time, and also ensuring safety with slime solutions that are plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Have fun with slime! Booking is essential. For more info: 073 493 6153, info@slimeworkshop.co.za
ARTS AND CULTURE
KZN SA Gallery:
This modern, airy building in Bulwer Road houses the works of up and coming artists and an extensive collection of well-known South African artists like Penny Siopis and Isaac Sithole. The Gallery café spills into a scenic garden, and has a great menu on offer. Entrance is free. For more info 031 277 1705.
Inanda Heritage Trail
The Inanda Heritage Route visits the Inanda Valley – a densely populated semi-rural settlement roughly 30 km outside of Durban. It explores four major movements – Gandhi’s movement of passive resistance (Satyagraha), John Dube’s Ohlange Institute for African boys (he was also the founder of the ANC), the Shembe church, and the Inanda Seminary, a mission secondary boarding school that catered exclusively for African girls. There is much history to be learned with a tour guide available to give more in depth understanding of South African history in Inanda. Booking is essential and you need to call to get connected with the tour guide. The cost is R870 per person and they also have group rates – meal, transport and guide included. For more info: 073 189 5616- Bajabulile Bhengu, brbhengu@gmail.com.
Port Natal Maritime Museum
This is great fun for kids and adults alike. Backed by a panoramic view of Durban Harbour, the 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 R10 per adult and R5 per child. Visit www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za/port-natal-maritime-museum.
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
The 2019 panto is a spectacular new production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND based on the classic book by Lewis Carol. With zany, topsy-turvy characters, including an array of colourful puppets, magical scenery, vibrant costumes, topical jokes and toe-tapping songs, this show is guaranteed to delight the whole family! The show runs from 29 November to 5 January 2020 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban. Performances are every day of the week except Mondays – Tuesdays to Sundays at 2.30pm and Fridays at 7pm. Tickets costs from: R150- R250. Book at Computicket: www.computicket.co.za or phone 0861 915 8000.
Mitchell Park Zoo
Take the kids for an adventurous educational thrill at the zoo – previously an ostrich farm, but now home to crocodiles, buck, meerkats, cranes, flamingos and more. Enjoy a delicious meal or coffee and cake served at Blue Zoo Tea Garden. Tickets: Adults R11, children R6. For more info: 031 303 2275.
Phezulu Safari Park
Take a drive to Botha’s Hill and enjoy a game drive with viewings of giraffe, impala, crocodiles and snakes at the safari park. If you’re daring enough, lunch with the crocodiles, and enjoy Zulu dancing in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. There is a curio shop to buy hand-made souvenirs. Tickets cost R45 – R200pp – this varies across activities and combos. For more info: 031 7771000, infor@phezulusafaripark.co.za.
EXTREME ADVENTURE
Action Karting at Gateway Theatre of Shopping
This is a guaranteed adrenaline spike for the speed fanatics – karting has never been experienced this way! With trained professional marshals present, your kids are in safe hands. Tickets range from R60 – R150pp. Ages: 13 years older, minimum height: 1.5m. For more info: 031 942 6729 www.actionkarting.co.za.
Hillcrest Paintball
Feeling energetic enough to live out your criminal investigator/special opps character? Well, this one’s just for you. There are two arenas, with various colours to choose from, – let the shooting being! For ages 7 – 9 the offer Splat Master paintball, and for age 10 and older regular paintball. Booking is essential. Costs R100 – R250pp. For more info: 074 172 1309.
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
This park boasts an exciting BMX track and impressive 40km mountain bike trail that extends through the wooded farmland overlooking Umtamvuma River Gorge. With a restaurant and picnic spot – you can quench you thirst after an adventurous ride. Everything is on location. Costs range from R10 – R50pp. For more info: 031 769 1527 www.gibagorge.co.za.
Segway Moses Mabhida Stadium
Experience Durban on a Segway! Bring your family and friends to the world-renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium. Glide effortlessly in and around the stadium, stopping for picture-perfect photo opportunities. Experience the majesty and sheer engineering genius of our Stadium. Or “Chase the Sun” down Durban’s spectacular Golden Mile or glide to Ushaka Marine World, with plenty of stops along the way. This is the ideal way to experience Durban. The fun-filled guides will point out key sites and give you a few fun facts. Training is provided before all tours and is included in tour times. Bookings are essential! For more info: 078 458 0055, www.segwayglidingtours.com.
Ballito Microlighting
Experience Durban’s coastline from the sky, with spectacular scenery – view the sugar cane estates, the Indian Ocean and marine life from above. Minimum age is 9 years and maximum weight is 120kg. Booking is essential to get time slot. For more info: 082 659 5550.
Big Swing
The tallest swing noted in the Guinness world book record, the Big Rush at Moses Mabhida Stadium is not for the faint-hearted, but offers a bungee jumping experience like no other!. Tickets: R695, no children under 10. For more info: 031 312 9435.
FREE
KwaMuhle Museum
Located in Bram Fischer Road, Durban, the walls of this post-apartheid museum are adorned with photographs and artefacts from South Africa’s history – an educational experience for all ages. Entrance is free. For more info: 031 311 2237.
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.
Cator Manor Heritage Centre
The township of Cato Manor boasts a multicultural community, various religious sites and a deep history of events and people who contributed to change in South Africa. Entrance is free. For more info: 031 261 3216, durbanhistorymuseums.org.za/cato-manor/.
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.
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. Entrance is free. Visit www.mmstadium.com/attractions/peoples-park.
Botanic Gardens
This is also a free venue with loads of fun to offer. You can take a walk around the beautiful gardens or lounge by the lake and have a picnic in the shade. Look for tadpoles in the pond, explore the orchid house, or feed the ducks in the lake – make sure you feed them bird-friendly foods like oats or wild bird seed – NOT bread! And watch out for the cheeky monkeys and geese! Visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za.