What’s on for Families in Durban this Summer
The holidays have arrived and what better way to celebrate the warm South African festive season than by heading to the beach! Durban is famous for its iconic beaches, rickshaws and warm, tropical weather and if long, lazy days on the beach, building sandcastles and splashing in the warm Indian Ocean is not enough, this popular family holiday destination has an abundance of fun family entertainment and activities on offer.
Festive Entertainment: Festivals and Shows
Sapphire Coast Summer Festival
Sapphire Coast Tourism is hosting a jam-packed beach holiday programme, so head on over to any of the mesmerising Amanzimtoti Beaches with your picnic blanket and beach gear and be sure to take part in the free-timed Parkrun to be held every Saturday at the Amanzimtoti Main Beach.
When: 10 - 31 December 2016, 10h00
Where: Amanzimtoti, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Cost: Entrance is Free
KZN Christmas Market Festival
Expect a festive auditorium filled with arts and crafts, hand crafted & unique gifts, delicious food and various activities for the kids, complete with shopping baskets and credit card facilities.
When: 13 - 17 December 2016, Tuesday - Friday: 09h00 - 20h00, Saturday: 09h00 - 13h00
Where: City Hill Church – 1 Greenmeadow Lane, Hillcrest
Cost: Entrance is Free
Durban Ice Arena
The Durban Ice Rink has, since it opened its doors again, gained popularity as a party venue and activity centre for weekend ice skating sessions and more. This December, the Ice Arena is hosting an Ice Skating Festival holiday programme which includes a Sunday lunch buffet special , Monday Disney movies , live music videos , a foam party on ice and more.
Where: Corner Somsteu Road 81 & Sylvestor Ntuli Road (Brickhill Road), Durban 4000
When: 12 - 24 December 2016, 10h00 - 23h00
Cost: R 50.00 - R 100.00
The Sound of Music
A classic musical based on the famous feel-good story of the Von Trapp family set to delight everyone lucky enough to watch it.
When: 24 November - 30 December 2016
Where: The Playhouse Company, 29 Anton Lembede St, Durban, 4001
Cost: R 150.00 - R 225.00 per ticket
Sleeping Beauty
Inspired by Disney’s ‘Frozen’, this family pantomime will take you on a magical adventure filled with enchantment.
When: 02 December 2016 - 08 January 2017
Where: The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Mazisi Kunene Rd, Durban, 4001
Cost: Children & Pensioners: R 120.00 - R 170.00 | Adults: R 150.00 - R 220.00
Rumpelstiltskin
Visit the Rhumbelow Theatre and be mesmerised by this childhood favourite - a story filled with unforgettable, interesting and magical characters.
When: 30 November - 22 December 2016, 11h00 & 13h30
Where: Rhumbelow Theatre, 42 Cunningham Rd, Berea, 4075
Cost: R 70.00 per ticket
Holiday Adventure: Activities & Excursions
Jump 4 Joy Indoor Trampoline Park
Let the kids go wild at one of these indoor trampoline parks and book a jump for yourself as well - it's tons of fun!
Where: Unit 4 Chestnut Grove Industrial, 122 Brakenhill Road,Waterfall | 7 Travertine Crescent, Durban North
When: Open Daily: 10h00 - 18h00
Cost: Jolly Jumper (Under 10 years): R 40.00 /hour | Open Jump (Over 10 years): R 80.00/hour
Giba Gorge MTB Park
This mountain bike and adventure park (and party venue) offers a fun-filled day of exhilaration for the whole family, including outdoor running and biking trails, a BMX and Super Cross Track, a restaurant, picnic spots and camping sites.
Where: 110 Stockville Rd, Westmead 3610
When: Daily. 07h00 - 17h00 (Members are allowed 24hour access)
Cost: R 10.00 - R 50.00 per person
Groovy Balls Adventure Park
If you are in the mood for an outdoor family excursion including zorbing, paintball or off-road go-karting, then Groovy Balls in the place to visit.
Where: Lot 152, Off Capital Hill Drive, Cliffdale
When: Tuesday - Sunday 08h30 - 18h00 (Booking is essential)
Cost: Costs vary depending on the activity
Durban Funworld
This beach-side amusement park will keep the kids entertained for hours with various rides, carnival lights, music and more.
Where: Opposite Marine Parade Holiday Inn on Durban’s Beachfront
When: 11h00 - 18h00
Cost: Entrance is Free. Various charges apply per ride / activity.
Phezulu Safari Park
Situated in the Valley of 1000 Hills, this African-bush-inspired Game Reserve offers meals, game drives, live crocodile shows and a snake park, ideal for a day outing away from the crowded beaches.
Where: Old Main Road, Bothas Hill, Durban
When: Daily, 08h00 - 16h30
Cost: R 50.00 - R 225.00 per person (cost depending on activity)
Rhino River Lodge
If you are based in Durban and looking for a weekend getaway to escape the holiday crowds, take the family on a Safari adventure in the heart of the Zululand. Rhino River Lodge is a malaria free game lodge offering various family friendly activities, including guided game drives and walks.
Family-Friendly Markets
Who doesn’t love the relaxing atmosphere of a weekly market? The good food, indulging in a relaxed stroll whilst browsing and the various kids entertainment is enough to make anyone’s day special. Herewith our favourite Durban based family markets:
The Stables Lifestyle Market
Although this market is usually open three times a week only, it is opening its doors weekly from the 09th December 2016 to the 04th January 2017.
Where: 9 Jaco Jackson Dr, opposite the Rugby Stadium, Durban
When: Monday - Saturday: 18h00 - 22h00 | Sunday: 10h00 - 17h00
Cost: Entrance is Free
Essenwood Craft Market
Where: Stephen Dlamini Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001
When: Saturdays, 09h00 - 16h00
Cost: Entrance is Free
Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
Where: Mr551 Rd, Outer West Durban
When: Saturdays, 06h00 - 10h30
Cost: Entrance is Free
