Durban, with its tropical warm weather, is the best place to visit in winter: it’s cool enough not to cause a sweat and it’s never too cold for the beach. In other words, it has the perfect weather for fun Family excursions and activities.
If you are lucky enough to be in this part of the world this winter holiday, here is our bucket list of family-friendly fun, thrill and adventure.
For a holiday guide to Johannesburg, click here, to Cape Town, click here, and to the Garden Route, click here.
Kid-Friendly Events
Arts & Culture
1. The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice
Get transported into the magical world and history of Disney as all your classic and modern characters come to life. A definite family must-see.
When: 13 - 16.07.2017 | 10h00, 14h00, 18h00
Where: Durban ICC, Durban
2. 2017 Vodacom Durban July
This iconic annual event does not need much of an introduction – expect a day of horse racing, fashion and style. Definitely one for families with older kids.
When: 01.07.2017
Where: Greyville Racecourse, Durban
Lifestyle
3. Fun Season at uShaka Marine World
For a thrilling day of family fun, including a walk through an amazing aquarium, live animal shows, a waterpark, restaurants and more, be sure to visit the popular uShaka Marine World. Best news of the season is that they are currently running their ‘Fun Season’ special, where kids between the ages of 2 and 12 get into Kids World at half price!
When: 22.05.17 – 30.06.17
Where: uShala Marine World, 1 King Shak ave, Durban
4. Fishing during the Sardine Run
The Sardine Run is an annual spectacular which usually occurs during the months of June and July when large shoals of sardines move up the coast to spawn in the cooler waters of the East Coast. It is an eagerly awaited phenomenon for anglers and a popular tourist sighting.
When: June / July 2017
Outdoor Excursions & Activities
5. Durban Funworld
The name says it all – a world of fun awaits kids and adults alike at this amusement park, situated on the Durban beachfront.
Where: Opposite Marine Parade Holiday Inn on Durban’s Beachfront
When: 11h00 - 18h00
6. Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
How does a 40km mountain bike trail sound to you? Like the perfect way to get fit and active while bonding as a family? Then this place is a definite holiday must. Also expect a BMX track, a child-friendly restaurant and picnic spots.
Where: 110 Stockville Rd, Westmead 3610
When: Open Daily: 07h00 - 17h00 (Members are allowed 24hour access)
7. Groovy Balls Adventure Park
Take advantage of the great weather by visiting the amusement park and go zorbing on a 120m downhill course! And if zorbing isn’t your thing, then go go-karting, target shooting or paintball. You will have a blast.
Where: Lot 152, Off Capital Hill Drive, Cliffdale
When: Tuesday - Sunday 08h30 - 18h00 (Booking is essential)
8. Hillcrest Paintball
If your kids like strategy and action, then a game a Paintball is the ideal activity for them.
Where: 15 Wootton Ave, Bothas Hill, Durban
When: Open Daily: 08h00 – 17h00
9. Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
This nature reserve offers stunning hiking and walking trails through a dune forest, across a lagoon at the mouth of the Ohlange River, and finally to the beach. Pack a picnic basket, look for birds and enjoy a family day in nature.
Daily guided walks are available, bookings and enquiries to be done at the Breakers Hotel.
Where: Hawaan, Blackburn
When: Open Daily: 08h00 – 17h00
10. Phezulu Safari Park
This game reserve, situated in the Valley of 1000 Hills, offers a crocodile and snake park, among its many other game-viewing pleasures, and as such is an exciting venue for a day trip family outing.
Where: Old Main Road, Bothas Hill, Durban
When: Open Daily: 08h00 - 16h30
11. Rhino River Lodge
This luxury family-friendly game reserve, and lodge, is currently running a winter special until the end of June, offering families the perfect bushveld getaway (on a budget).
Where: Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Kwa-Zulu Natal
12. Outdoor Fun
There are so many child-friendly outdoor activities available in this holiday paradise, including a trip in a steam train and a family outing to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, that we have created a separate blog post for it! Read more here.
Family-Friendly Markets
Who doesn’t love a relaxing stroll through a market, to browse, shop and eat? Markets even offer kids entertainment and activities.
13. Golden Hours Family Market
Where: C/O Uitsig Rd & Radar Dr, Durban
When: Sundays: 10h00 - 15h30
14. The Stables Lifestyle Market
Where: 9 Jaco Jackson Dr, opposite the Rugby Stadium, Durban
When: Monday - Saturday: 18h00 - 22h00 | Sunday: 10h00 - 17h00
15. Essenwood Craft Market
Where: Stephen Dlamini Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001
When: Saturdays, 09h00 - 16h00
16. Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market
Where: Mr551 Rd, Outer West Durban
When: Saturdays, 06h00 - 10h30
17. Umhlali Village Market
Where: Umhlali Village Main Road
When: Every last Saturday of the month
Indoor Activities and Excursions
18. Jump for Joy Trampoline Park
Should you have the bad luck of a miserable day, take an indoor day and ‘jump for joy’, literally, at KZN’s first trampoline park.
Where: Unit 4 Chestnut Grove Industrial, 122 Brakenhill Road, Waterfall | 7 Travertine Crescent, Durban North
When: Open Daily: 10h00 - 18h00
19. Mangwanani African Kids Spa
Another fabulous indoor activity is a day at the spa! And now you can take the kids along so that they can also get pampered!
Where: uShaka Marine World
When: Open Daily: 08h00 – 17h00
20. Indoor Fun
For those rainy, indoor days, here is a list of fun indoor holiday activities (including a variety of inexpensive options).
Child-Friendly Restaurants
21. Durban Resturants Guide
We have put together a guide to 30+ restaurants in the Durban area, including Howick, Umhlanga, Ballito and Salt Rock. Read it here.
Ballito Getaway
22. Family Fun in Ballito
If you are heading to Ballito - click here for a list of child-friendly and family activities is this delightful coastal town.
Stay warm this winter and be sure the collect lots of fabulous family memories!
xxx
Alexa
