kid in a car: picture: pexels
Looking for ways to keep the children busy during the school holidays? Of course, you are.
Here are 1o cool things to do with your kids in Durban during the holidays.
Things to do with your kids in Durban
1. Take a hike in Umhlanga
A great (and affordable) idea for a family day trip is to head to the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and stroll through the coastal dune forest and across the Ohlange River towards the Umhlanga Lagoon. The guided walk is half an hour long, so it shouldn’t be too strenuous for little hikers.
The Reserve is brimming with over 208 bird species as well as plenty of small mammals. Keep your eyes open for vervet monkeys and blue and red duiker. The route is well-marked but walking through the reserve alone is at your own risk.
2. Visit the People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium
Take the kids to the People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium. There is a kid’s play area for under 12s, expansive lawns and a kilometre-long track.
Parking is right at the playground, which is made secure for the tiny tots by a little fence. There is a huge space on marble-like paving for the older ones to skateboard and ride bikes down the ramps of the stadium.
3. Take the family to Funworld
Durban Funworld may seem like an obvious addition to this list but, hey, there’s no doubt it will be a huge hit with the kids. Plus, it’s actually quite affordable. And during the school holidays, Funworld will be open until late every day.
Be sure to take a family ride on the aerial cableway overlooking the city, the tilt-a-whirl or the swing boat. Or why not have a family bumper car battle at the Dodgems Arcade?
4. Splash around at uShaka Marine World
A visit to uShaka Marine World is a must on the to-do list. It’s one of those places that will leave the entire family entertained. Swing by the Sea World aquarium and marvel at the incredible sea creatures or take things a step further and get wet in a world of slides and pools (including the highest slide in the Southern Hemisphere) at Wet ‘n Wild.
And if you need to get the kids out of your hair, uShaka Kids World has an awesome play area and offers several fun activities and adventures for children.
5. Visit the Virginia Nature Reserve
A moderate walk is a great way to drain off some pent-up energy. The Virginia Nature Reserve is in the heart of Durban North. Once inside the gates, your kids will forget they are in the city and Dora the Explorer adventures take over.
On a great day, you’ll see blue duikers, mongoose and some rare species on this popular bird-watching site. To reach the reserve, take exit number 5 off the M4 to Hinton Grove Road in Durban North (to Virginia Airport). Make sure to enter via the main entrance on Hinton Grove Road, which is five minutes from the freeway.
6. Go biking at Giba Gorge
Take advantage of Durban’s fantastic winter weather and get outdoors. The Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park in Hillcrest is an awesome place for you and the kids to shake off the extra adrenaline that’s been building up during the school term.
Giba Gorge sports an excellent BMX track and a 40km mountain bike trail that slithers through the wooded farmlands overlooking the Umtamvuma River Gorge. Giba Gorge also has a restaurant, an art gallery and picnic areas. BMX and mountain bike clinics are also offered.
7. Confront crocodiles and snakes at PheZulu Safari Park
Nestled in the Valley of 1000 Hills just over half an hour’s drive from Durban, PheZulu Safari Park is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Apart from the breathtaking beauty of the area, the park’s highlight is definitely its menagerie of crocodiles and snakes.
If the kids like facing up to all sorts of creepy creatures, a visit to the PheZulu Crocodile and Snake Park will be a treat. Please keep a look out for Ramesis their 90-year-old Nile crocodile, and Cleo their 42kg Burmese python.
8. Take a trip on Umgeni Steam Railway
Grab the kids and creep through the Valley of 1000 Hills on a vintage steam train on the Umgeni railway, one of the country’s oldest railway lines. The train journey is from Kloof Station to Inchanga Station and back on the last Sunday of every month. The trains leave Kloof Station at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm and take half a day.
There are also special school holiday trains on Saturday 4 July (10:30 and 14:30 departures). At Inchanga Station, you’ll find a craft market, picnic area and pony rides. When you get back to Kloof Station, be sure to pop into the Stokers Arms pub.
9. Play a round of paintball at Hillcrest Paintball
Hillcrest Paintball is a must-visit if you and the little ones are a tad bit trigger-happy. It has two arenas for distinct types of paintball warfare: one offers you an African bush experience while another is for SWAT-team-style battle. Hillcrest Paintball also has a pro shop, a tuck shop and braai facilities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
10. Get drumming at The Drumshack
If your kid is the musical type (or if you just need some musical therapy) you can do worse than taking part in a djembe drumming circle. This is one of those activities that’s not too much of a hassle to organise – the Drumshack in Morningside has interactive shows every Sunday evening – and it’s super fun for both young and old.
If you haven’t taken part in a drumming session, you have no idea what you’re missing. It’s extremely energising and a great way for the family to bond over a cool activity.
Compiled by: Getaway
First published by Getaway
Also see: Holiday road trip? Here’s how to arrive safely at your destination
