So, you know exactly what you would like to do in Durban but you are not really sure how to keep the little ones entertained. No need to worry – here is a list of 20 things to do in Durban with the kids! Now the whole family can make the best of their time in Durbs…
Planning a trip to Durban? Looking for things to do? Check out these pages below:
1. Flag Animal Farm
Photo courtesy of Flag Animal Farm
If the little ones are longing to learn about farm life, let them do so at Flag Animal Farm. Here, they will be taught how to milk a cow and feed various animals. They will also come into contact with their favourite animals – from reptiles to wolves and chicks to goats! They have the option of taking a break from these enclosures and rather spend time at the indoor play centres!
Address: Sheffield Beach Road, Salt Rock
Also Read: Explore Johannesburg Zoo
2. Wild Waves Water Park
Photo courtesy of Sun International
Wild Waves Water Park offers enticing rides for kids and grown-ups alike, and is one of the best things to do in Durban as a family! The “Boomeranga”, a tube ride, is a crowd favourite. You will be happy to know that your toddler’s need to play will be tended to in the interactive kids’ play area.
Address: Wild Coast Sun Main Bizana Road, Port Edward
3. Crocodile Creek
Photo courtesy of Crocodile Creek
Crocodile Creek can be found among the tropical coastal bush, housing around 7000 crocodiles including the Nile, West African dwarf and slender-snouted species. These crocs have snake and tortoise friends, too! Experienced guides will be with you as you and the kids meet these creatures.
Address: 77 Greylands Road, Greylands, Tongaat
4. Boat Cruises Durban
Photo courtesy of Boat Cruises Durban
Can you really miss out on a boat trip in Durban as you are treating the kids with things to do? We don’t think so – so make that booking with Boat Cruises Durban. Now is the time to soak up the sun and take in fresh ocean air – you may even spot a dolphin or two!
Address: 18 Boatmans Road, Durban
5. Valley Of Thousand Hills
Valley of 1000 Hills is the gift that keeps on giving – from unmatched views of rolling hills dotted with tropical forests and waterfalls to endless activities to participate in. We highly recommend taking your children to a cultural show to get insight into the rich Zulu culture or let them experience the vintage steam trains on the Umgeni railway!
Address: The Valley of 1000 Hills, Durban
6. Virginia Bush Nature Reserve
Photo courtesy of Colour Africa’s Outdoors
With trails suitable for the young and the old, Virginia Bush Nature Reserve deserves a spot on the list of things to do with your kids in Durban. You can even bring the family dog along for some trails! This is a peaceful excursion to take – perfect for those wanting to disconnect a bit!
Address: Adelaide Tambo Drive, Durban North
7. Crocworld Conservation Centre
Photo courtesy of Crocworld Conservation Centre
A visit to Crocworld nature reserve poses the opportunity to teach the kiddies about a wide range of fauna and flora, not just crocodiles! Every minute spent here holds new excitement – even the time at the crockery shops and restaurants!
Address: Old Main Road, Scottburgh/Umzinto North
8. Mini Town
Also placed on our list of 20 Cheap Things to do in Durban, Mini Town is the best place to learn more about SA’s famous landmarks. Built to the scale of 1:24, this colourful little city features Durban buildings, along with well-known buildings from the rest of the country. We can already see your little one acting like a giant!
Address: 114 Snell Parade, North Beach
9. Mitchell Park Zoo
A 30 Things to do in Durban entry also made its way to the list of things to do in Durban with the kids. Mitchell Park Zoo started as an ostrich farm in 1910. Over time, it became a place with many animals, including an Indian elephant named Nellie that was donated in 1928. Which animals will your children discover while visiting this zoo?
Address: 10 Ferndale Road, Morningside
10. Umgeni River Bird Park
Another favourite is Umgeni River Bird Park. Here, you can find over 800 birds from 200 different species. The park spans 3.5 acres and has a variety of animals, some of which are found only in Africa and others that are kept as household pets. Now you know where to go if your kid is a bird lover…
Address: Riverside Road, Durban North
11. Paradise Valley
Photo courtesy of Trip Hobo
Have you heard of the Umbilo River? At Paradise Valley, you and the kids can experience this along with a gushing waterfall and four picturesque trails. If your family has a soft spot for nature-filled surroundings, Paradise Valley was placed on Earth just for you.
Address: 10 Oxford Road, Pinetown
12. Gugu Dlamini Park
Photo courtesy of Trip Hobo
This park holds great importance as it honours HIV/Aids warrior Gugu Dlamini. Take your kids to see the prominent red ribbon (the symbol of Aids awareness) and use the opportunity to educate them on this epidemic. Other structures found in the park can help with this lesson!
Address: Samora Machel Street, Durban Central
13. Burman Bush
Photo courtesy of Trip Hobo
From the forest fever berry to red beech trees, you can find an abundance of these at Burman Bush. A calming walk through this forest might just be what you and the rest of the family need, seeing porcupines and monkeys along the way. Will you undertake the Pithi (500 m), Hadedah (1 km) or Forest Olive (2 km) trail?
Address: Burman Drive, Morningside
14. KZN Science Centre
Photo courtesy of Wanderlog
So, your kid is a budding scientist. Treat them to a day at the KZN Science Centre. Unfortunately, the centre is closed for now but don’t worry – they are opening soon! Here, the little ones will be able to interact with different experiments and exhibits. How fun!
Address: 1 Airport Road, Reunion
15. Groovy Balls Park
Photo courtesy of SA Venues
If you are looking for something unique to do in Durban with the kids, this is it! Head to Groovy Balls Zorbing Adventure Park and give zorbing a shot! This involves being rolled along the ground, or downhill, in a big transparent ball – and it’s super safe! You can choose between a wet (Aqua Zorb) or dry ride (Harness Zorb).
Address: Lot 152, 70005 Street, Off Capital Hill Drive, Cliffdale, Inchanga
16. Hillcrest PaintBall
Photo courtesy of Hillcrest Paintball
Trigger-happy buds unite and make your way to Hillcrest Paintball! Choose what your setting will be: an African bush experience or a SWAT-team-style battle. You can even host a braai at this establishment – just be sure to book in advance.
Address: 15 Wootton Avenue, Bothas Hill, Ximba
17. Giba Gorge Biking
So, we mentioned that Valley of a 1000 Hills is the gift that keeps on giving – that is why it made this list twice! Giba Gorge Biking is one of the many things to do in Durban if you and the kids are adrenaline junkies. Just imagine taking on a 45km mountain biking trail!
Address: 110 Stockville Road, Westmead, Pinetown
18. Phezulu Safari Reptile Park
Hey look, another 20 Cheap Things to do in Durban entry! If your child is a reptile enthusiast, make your way to Phezulu Safari Park today! They will learn interesting facts about snakes, tortoises, crocodiles and exotic reptiles.
Address: 190 Old Main Road, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban
19. Funworld
This beachfront amusement park has a myriad of rides to choose from and will keep both the young and the old entertained! With free entrance, you only have to spend money per ride at Funworld.
Address: 78 Marine Parade, South Beach
20. uShaka Marine World
Photo courtesy of Wanderlog
We could not let this specific 30 Things to do in Durban entry slip! There is always something to do at uShaka Marine World, from daytime activities at Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild and uShaka Beach to nighttime Village Walk celebrations.
Address: 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point
