Categories > Guides and Tips
The 16 Best Things to Do in Durban with Family
- Spend a day with thrilling rides at uShaka Marine World
- Explore Durban Botanic Gardens
- See some birds and animals at Mitchell Park Zoo
- Taste some South African favourites at Butcher Boys Morningside
- Try riding the SkyCar at Moses Mabhida Stadium
- Have fun and relax at the same time at Umhlanga Rocks Beach
- Walk along the Golden Mile while trying some eateries
- Discover history at the Durban Natural Science Museum
- Learn about sharks at the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
- Witness the free-flight bird show at the Umgeni River Bird Park
- Explore Zulu life at The Valley of a Thousand Hills
- Spend the day unwinding with a picnic at People's Park
- Watch the marine life at uShaka Sea World
- Enjoy a safari drive at the Phezulu Safari Park
- Play some beach activities at Blue Lagoon Beach
- Savour delicious cafe fare at Circus Circus Beach Cafe
Durban truly has something fascinating for everyone in the family with its fun-tastic mix of adventure, culture, and chill-out spots. You’ve got everything from the high-flying SkyCar rides to the serene strolls around the Durban Botanic Gardens.
And let’s not forget: Durban is also home to some fabulous eateries where you can refuel in style! So, gather up your crew and get ready to dive into our list of the best things to do in Durban with your family. Read on!
Spend a day with thrilling rides at uShaka Marine World
Website: https://ushakamarineworld.co.za/?utm_source=Google_My_Business&utm_medium=organic
Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 328 8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- Adults – R204
- Kids / Seniors – R165
- Toddlers (Under 3) – Free
uShaka Marine World is your one-stop shop for family entertainment in Durban. It’s got all the fun, water-fueled escapades that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear.
This place is the perfect opportunity to bond as a family while bouncing around the Wet ‘n Wild water park. And don’t forget to grab a snack and watch one of those epic shows featuring dolphins, seals, and talented performers.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal deals; sometimes uShaka runs promotions for families or on special days. |
Explore Durban Botanic Gardens
Website: https://durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/
Address: 9A John Zikhali Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Contact details: +27 68 598 1396
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 5:45 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Let’s be real: everybody loves a little nature now and then. In Durban Botanic Gardens, you can put on your comfy walking shoes and explore South Africa’s oldest botanical garden, bursting with indigenous and exotic plant species that’ll steal your breath away.
And if you’ve got the little ones tagging along, no worries—they’ve got an awesome play area where the kiddos can let off some steam.
| Pro tip: Be on the lookout for the free Sunday morning concerts staged in the open-air amphitheatre. |
See some birds and animals at Mitchell Park Zoo
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Website: https://visitdurban.travel/destination/mitchelle-park-zoo/
Address: 10 Ferndale Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 322 2998
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Prices:
- Adults – R12
- Children (2 to 12 years) – R10
- School Concessionary (Pre-booked) – R9
- Season tickets – R75
- Pensioners – R6
- Family Tickets, 4 members (Annual Pass) – R185
- Additional member – R65
Mitchell Park Zoo is your ticket to awesomeness if you’re into all things wild and feathery. It’s got a sweet little collection of animals like antelopes, raccoons, and monkeys, and it’s topped off with some seriously amazing birds.
Now, it might not be the biggest zoo on the planet, but it’s got loads of charm, which makes it an easy favourite for families. It’s manageable, which means you can explore the entire zoo without getting completely pooped.
| Pro tip: Grab a snack or ice cream from the Blue Zoo Tea Garden, found within the park grounds. |
Taste some South African favourites at Butcher Boys Morningside
Website: http://butcherboysgrill.co.za/
Address: 170 Florida Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 312 8248
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
After all that exploring, you’re probably craving something delicious, right? Word on the street is that Butcher Boys Morningside is the place to go for some top-notch chow with the family.
Yeah, we’re talking juicy steaks and traditional South African favourites that’ll make you go “mmm” with every bite. The vibe is casual and friendly, the kind of place where everyone can have their fill.
| Pro tip: If you’re up for an adventure, try the ‘biltong’, a much-loved South African dried meat snack. |
Try riding the SkyCar at Moses Mabhida Stadium
Website: http://www.mmstadium.com/
Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4023, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 582 8222
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
SkyCar at Moses Mabhida Stadium is one of Durban’s premier attractions—a fun, exhilarating ride that takes you right up to the top of the stadium. The view, folks, is nothing short of epic!
Can we all agree that seeing a city from a bird’s-eye view is always an adventure? So why not elevate this experience with the SkyCar and get the family to share in the love of breathtaking panoramas?
| Pro tip: Check the weather before you go. The SkyCar doesn’t operate on windy days. |
Have fun and relax at the same time at Umhlanga Rocks Beach
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Entrance Fee: Free
Next up on our list has got to be Umhlanga Rocks Beach. It’s all about rolling waves, golden sands, and pure fun.
The beach vibe is exactly what you need to chill with the family. There’s plenty of sand to build majestic sandcastles and shallow waters for the little ones to splash around in safely.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the perfect photo spots and the Instagram-worthy lighthouse. It makes for some epic family photos. |
Walk along the Golden Mile while trying some eateries
Address: Beach Walk, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
The Golden Mile is your free ticket that combines a leisurely family walk with, wait for it, food! Yep, you read it right. The Golden Mile serves up ample eateries where you can tuck in for a bite or two with your loved ones.
See, the Golden Mile is not just about the walk and the stunning beach views. It’s also about tucking into some local flavours without breaking stride.
| Pro tip: Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles are a must for this sunny walk. Also, giving the local street food a try is a must-do affair. |
Discover history at the Durban Natural Science Museum
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Website: https://www.durban.org.za/artculture/museums/natural.html
Address: 1, City Hall, 234 Anton Lembede St, Durban Central, Durban, 4000, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 311 2256
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3:45 PM
Now, for some exploring in Indiana Jones-style, the Durban Natural Science Museum is your jam! It’s the place to take a walk amidst the wonders of the world right from the comfort zone of Durban!
With displays ranging from an ancient dinosaur replica to stories about the universe, this place is an exciting delve into the world of natural sciences. Even kids can get a kick out of the cool stuff they can see and learn about.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the life-size dinosaur display. It’s super Instagram-worthy! |
Learn about sharks at the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
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Website: http://www.shark.co.za/
Address: 1a Herrwood Dr, Umhlanga Ridge, uMhlanga, 4320, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 566 0400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
The KwaZulu-Natals Board is your hookup for everything you’ve wanted to learn about sharks. We’re talking interactive displays where you can get a close-up view of different shark species in their, well, not a natural habitat, but it’s still super cool!
You’ll walk away with some fantastic stories and crazy shark facts to share at the next family dinner. And you get to tell everyone that you were at the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board in Durban for a first-hand experience.
| Pro tip: Time your visit for a shark dissection demonstration. It’s highly educational but not for the faint-hearted. |
Witness the free-flight bird show at the Umgeni River Bird Park
Website: http://www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za/
Address: Riverside Rd, Durban North, Durban, 4051, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 322 5750
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Next up, we’re heading into bird paradise, and by that, we mean Umgeni River Bird Park. With over 200 species of birds, this spot is a festive riot of colours, sounds, and movement.
The park’s feathered stars take to the sky, and they’ll have you absolutely stunned. Quite frankly, it’s like a tropical getaway but with an army of parrots, toucans, and flamingos thrown in.
| Pro tip: Grab a seat in advance for the bird show; it gets pretty packed! Also, try to head over to the feeding area because watching the birds feed is quite a fun spectacle. |
Explore Zulu life at The Valley of a Thousand Hills
Now, heading on over to the Valley of a Thousand Hills will have you soaked in the rich Zulu culture. Not only is this place spectacularly beautiful, but it also offers an unparalleled insight into Zulu life.
You see, it’s not just about the scenic drive through the hills (which is incredible, by the way); it’s also about soaking up the real, the visceral, and the local. And what better way to do that than by immersing yourselves in the vibrant Zulu culture?
| Pro tip: Try to plan your visit around one of the local Zulu dance performances. Then make sure to top off your visit with an authentic Zulu meal! |
Spend the day unwinding with a picnic at People’s Park
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Website: http://www.mmstadium.com/
Address: 65 Masabalala Yengwa Ave, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4025, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 322 9956
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 7 PM
Here’s something we can all agree on: food just tastes better outdoors amidst greenery. That’s exactly what you get at People’s Park—a perfect spot for a family picnic day.
You know, that chill-out zone where everyone just hangs, laughs, plays, and eats? That’s People’s Park for you; it’s like your backyard, just bigger and better so that the little ones can burn off some energy in the mega play area.
| Pro tip: Try to head out early to grab the best picnic spots. And don’t forget balls and frisbees—there’s plenty of space for some fun and games! |
Watch the marine life at uShaka Sea World
Website: https://bit.ly/3wRCdrb
Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 328 8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Prices:
- Adults – R214
- Kids / Seniors – R163
- Toddlers (Under 3) – Free
If there’s one spot in Durban that gets everyone oohing and aahing, it’s uShaka Sea World. We’re talking exotic marine life, thrilling shows, and an underwater world that brings out the Nemo in all of us.
You can all catch the highly entertaining dolphin shows or marvel at the wonders of the deep from the safe confines of an underwater viewing gallery. UShaka Sea World is your go-to for the ultimate mashup of fun, excitement, and education.
| Pro tip: Try to catch the feeding sessions—it’s quite the spectacle! |
Enjoy a safari drive at the Phezulu Safari Park
Website: http://www.phezulusafaripark.co.za/
Address: 190 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, 3610, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 777 1000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Prices:
Zulu Dancing
- Kids (Under 12) – R110
- Kids Combo – R160
- Adults – R160
- Adults Combo – R220
Reptile Park
- Kids (Under 12) – R60
- Adults – R70
Segway Tour
- 30 min – R150
- 1 Hour – R250
- 2 Hour – R700
Safari Game Drive
- Kids (Under 12) – R150
- Adults – R250
Who’s up for a safari adventure? If hands shoot up, Phezulu Safari Park is just the ticket! Imagine cruising through the park, keeping your eyes peeled for that moving bush or the swish of a tail.
You can see different kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat, and it never gets old! From mighty elephants to stalking leopards, Phezulu Safari Park gives you a memorable up-close experience with some of Africa’s most iconic games.
| Pro tip: Remember to keep quiet during game sightings; loud noise tends to scare off the animals! |
Play some beach activities at Blue Lagoon Beach
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Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
With its wide sandy stretch and calm waters, Blue Lagoon Beach is just the spot for a day of frolicking by the seaside. Volleyball, sandcastle building, frisbee—this place has got your beach games covered.
Blue Lagoon Beach is where you let the ocean air blow through your hair, relish the warmth of the sun on your back, and just chillax! The sound of laughter mixed with the crashing waves is just what you need to forget about the world outside.
| Pro tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit. |
Savour delicious cafe fare at Circus Circus Beach Cafe
Website: http://www.circuscircus.co.za/
Address: 1 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban, 4063, South Africa
Contact details: +27 31 337 7700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 5 PM
And now we have a special treat for your taste buds: Circus Circus Beach Cafe. Right on the beachfront, with all those fantastic views, sits this gem. It’s chill, it’s trendy, and boy, oh boy, does it make some delicious grub!
From tasty burgers to decadent milkshakes, Circus Circus tugs at all your foodie cravings. And it doesn’t just stop at good food; pair your grub with some laughter, sea views, and lots of love!
| Pro tip: Try to bag a beach-facing table for the best views. |
