Durban is a fun and entertaining destination for those travelling with children. The famous Golden Mile beachfront offers gentle waves in which kids can splash and play, and wading pools for those too little to venture deep.Sharks nets protect most of Durban's coastline, making the ocean very safe. There are usually some funfair rides and other fun distractions along the beachfront, including the old gondola which allows a view of the beach from above.Minitown in North Beach is another way to get a bird's eye view of the city, as it allows visitors to wander through miniaturised versions of buildings and landmarks. uShaka Marine World gives children an exciting educational experience in its massive aquarium. By contrast, parents can let kids loose in the Wet 'n Wild Water Park, which is home to numerous exciting water slides. Parents should pack sunscreen though, as the Durban sun can be brutal, especially in the summer months.Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga has much to offer children of all ages, and ensures there's a lot to do in Durban for kids and teenagers, with a massive indoor climbing wall, and a skate park designed by Tony Hawk. It also boasts an IMAX theatre, ten-pin bowling, a video arcade, indoor carnival rides, and go-kart racing. Gateway is the best place to head with kids on a rainy day.For a relaxed afternoon picnic, the Durban Botanic Gardens are a scenic oasis in the middle of town. Otherwise, travellers can visit the manicured Mitchell Park, which has a restaurant and tea garden, a small and slightly dilapidated zoo, and a playground that features a special area specifically designed for handicapped children.
For something fun and educational, parents should take their kids to the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board. Located just nine miles (15km) north of Durban, it offers visitors the chance to learn about the marine life found off the coast of Durban's Golden Mile. The Sharks Board maintains the coastlines shark safety gear. It also does research into sharks and runs a public education programme. There are almost daily presentations and shark dissections at the complex. Kids will love visiting the display hall to view the variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays, including that of a 1966-pound (892kg) great white shark. The dissections can be disturbing for sensitive kids but they are fascinating and very educational. Indeed, some odd things have been discovered in the bellies of sharks. Visitors can join boat trips to view shark nets being serviced. On these trips, kids can see and learn about the dolphins, seabirds, and fish life that abound off Durban's coast. Boat trips must be booked in advance. The Sharks Board is near Gateway Mall and the Umhlanga Rocks city centre.
Address : 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga
Website : www.shark.co.za
Located on Durban's beachfront, this knee-high miniature replica of Durban makes a great outing for families and kids of all ages. It features moving models of planes and trains, a circus complete with animals, a movable bridge which makes way for passing ships, several of Durban's landmark buildings, and a tug boat that makes its way around its very own miniature dock. All models and buildings have been created on a 1:24 scale. Mini Town was established more than 30 years ago and, although it is very well-maintained, it has retained a charming, old-fashioned appeal. There is a small restaurant kiosk where snacks and refreshments can be purchased. Mini Town is owned by the Quadriplegic Association of KwaZulu-Natal and is used as a method of raising funds for their organisation while providing employment for some of their members. It is therefore a worthwhile tourist attraction to support. It is located on a main bus line, and is within easy walking distance of Suncoast Casino and many popular beachfront hotels.
Address : 114 Snell Parade, Beachfront
Tucked away near an industrial section of Durban North and the Umgeni River, the Umgeni River Bird Park houses an ever-growing bird population. Over 200 species of birds live as residents along the shady winding paths. The park is situated in a lush tropical garden in what used to be an old quarry site. It was opened in 1984 after extensive landscaping. The park's free-flight bird show, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday at 11am and 2pm, has been entertaining families and school groups for over a decade. It featuring vultures, owls, cranes, and other impressive fowl. The free-flight shows are also available on Mondays during South African school holidays. The birds included in the show change frequently and a visit to the park is hardly complete without seeing this performance. There is an undercover cafe in the heart of the park that offers refreshments and light meals. The park is accessible by bus, but the route is not in constant use.
Address : 490 Riverside Road, Durban
Website : www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
uShaka Marine World is the largest marine theme park in Africa. The park is tastefully themed with African imagery and has five zones offering entertainment, dining, shops, water slides, and access to uShaka Beach. Wet 'n Wild contains a number of water thrills, ranging from heart-stopping, adrenalin-pumping rides to lazy activities for the less adventurous. There is an aquarium with thousands of fish, reptiles, and aquatic mammals on display; a dolphinarium that performs regular musical shows; a penguin rookery; and underwater activities like snorkelling and the 'shark walk'. The Village Walk features the Dangerous Creatures exhibit, which includes spiders, snakes, frogs, scorpions, and other poisonous creatures. Rayz Kids World gives children a place to burn off energy with massive jungle gyms and climbing structures, while Moyo Restaurant is a wonderful option for adults. uShaka is in South Beach, so visitors can walk there along the beach, or take a bus or taxi. The area can be dangerous, but once inside, the park security is good and it's perfectly safe. Lockers can be rented to keep belongings safe.
Address : 1 Bell Street
Website : www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
