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15 Things to Do in Durban with Kids on a Rainy Day

15 Things to Do in Durban with Kids on a Rainy Day

| Last Updated: February 2024

Let me tell you that a rainy day in Durban can be just as fun, if not more. We’ve got this killer list lined up for you that’s chock-full of indoor gems and sheltered havens perfect for a drizzly day out with your kiddos.

We’re talking adventure, intrigue, creativity, and loads of fun—all under one roof, away from the relentless downpour. So, don’t let the rain buckets dampen your spirits, and read on to the best things you can do on a rainy day in Durban with the little ones!

Check out the indoor aquarium 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 one of those must-do kid-friendly rainy-day activities in Durban. With kids in tow, this incredible indoor aquarium will keep your little ones entertained and mesmerised for, well, hours!

But uShaka Marine World is not just about wowing your family with sea creatures—it’s also a superb learning experience for your kids. They’ll get to discover the fascinating water world, and it’s not just infotainment; it’s more of a hands-on experience too!

Pro tip: 
Keep an eye out for their ‘Kids Pass’ deals, which often offer discounts.

Explore 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

The Durban Natural Science Museum is nothing like your typical drowsy, dusty discovery den. Nah, it’s super intriguing and caters especially to the curious minds of youngsters.

Imagine the excitement on your kids’ faces when they walk through halls filled with dinosaur fossils, meteorites, butterflies, stuffed animals (the cute and not-so-cute ones), birds, and all things fascinating! 

Pro tip: 
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the life-size Dodo replica.

Jump around at the Jump4Joy Trampoline Park Waterfall

Website: https://j4j.co.za/ 

Address: J4J1, P1 Parking Level Watercrest Mall, 141 Inanda Rd, Waterfall, Durban, 3652, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 100 0166

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM

Jump4Joy Trampoline Park Waterfall is more like the ultimate energy-burning paradise for kids. Picture this: your kids bouncing their way through the entire place filled with giant trampolines—big ones, small ones, you get the idea.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there’s a foam cube pit and a special area for trick jumps and flips. I mean, could a rainy day be any more exciting?!

Pro tip: 
Wear non-slip socks for an extra-safe experience.

Learn at the KwaMuhle Museum

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Website: https://visitdurban.travel/destination/chile/ 

Address: 130 Bram Fischer Rd, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 311 2237

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday – 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

KwaMuhle Museum is perfect for older kids who are super keen on learning about the history of Durban. Walking inside, kids will unravel the heart-wrenching stories and accounts of not only resistance but resilience and triumph against adversity.

It’s an experience that’ll leave a lasting impression on young visitors! Yeah, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, but this place is worth every second of your time and will undoubtedly be an eye-opening day for the young ones.

Pro tip: 
Opt for a guided tour with a museum guide to bring the history to life.

Try bowling at Wentworth Bowling Club

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Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Wentworth-Bowling-Club-100057132654027/ 

Address: Old Mission Rd, Wentworth, Durban, 4052, South Africa

Contact details: +27 67 004 6110

Operating hours: 

  • Monday – 9 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday – 9:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM

Get your game face on, people, because we’re taking you to the Wentworth Bowling Club! Now, we know what you’re thinking: ‘Bowling can’t be that much fun.’

But guess what – it’s a complete riot! Imagine the fun of seeing your little ones plan their next epic strike or score that elusive spare.

Pro tip: 
Don’t forget to bring your own socks—for sanitary reasons, you know!

Visit the Port Natal Maritime Museum

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Website: http://www.durban.gov.za/ 

Address: Samora Machel St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 311 2230

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 4 PM

Port Natal Maritime Museum is no dull and drab history chamber. Nah, it’s a gateway into vector diagrams, ocean currents, navigation systems, and everything sailing-related!

It’s home to life-sized replicas of 19th-century vessels, miniature models, and a walk-through of Durban’s maritime history that will keep the kids entertained. They’ll leave with tales of maritime adventures and maybe even aspiring to be the next captain!

Pro tip: 
Don’t forget to explore the interiors of the docked ships!

Ride the rails on a rainy day at Umgeni Steam Railway

Website: https://umgenisteamrailway.com/ 

Address: Train Station, 2 Station Rd, Inchanga West, Inchanga, 3706, South Africa

Contact details: +27 82 353 6003

Prices:

  • Adults – R170
  • Pensioners (+60) and Children (2-12) – R110

Umgeni Steam Railway is not just a classic switch track, folks; it’s a journey back in time on a real ride of a lifetime. I mean, who can resist the vintage charm of a heritage train chugging along old, rustic rails?

Not us, and certainly not your excited little ones. On board, your kids will not only relish rides in the historic coaches, but they’ll also get a chance to watch the locomotive switching manoeuvres and discover the world of steam-powered railway systems.

Pro tip: 
Keep an eye on their website for special-themed train rides during the holiday season.

Enjoy a thrilling escape at the Mystery House Escape Room

Website: https://www.facebook.com/MysteryHouseDurban/ 

Address: 25 Lieutking Cres, bluff, Durban, 4052, South Africa

Contact details: +27 82 856 1018

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday – 9 AM to 9:30 AM

Dig a little bit deeper into your detective skills and get ready for an absolute escapade at the Mystery House Escape Room! Here, you’re given a scenario, find clues, solve puzzles, and, most importantly, race against time!

And the Mystery House Escape Room is no exception—it’s unexpected, exciting, and full of thrilling moments. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to stimulate your little detectives’ problem-solving abilities.

Pro tip:
Take note of the age recommendations for each room, as some themes may be complex for younger kids.

Have indoor fun with rides and games at Funtubbles

Website: http://www.mrfuntubbles.co.za/ 

Address: 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge, uMhlanga, 4319, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 584 6645

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

There’s another place in Durban just brimming with good vibes and oodles of fun—it’s called Funtubbles. Yeah, with a name like that, you know it’s got to be a riot!

Funtubbles is like the superstar of indoor fun—stuffed with rides, games, and amusements. Whether your kids are into carousel rides or they’re more gaming tycoons, Funtubbles is prepared to spoil ‘em rotten!

Pro tip:
Keep your eye out for special promotions; they’re quite a steal!

Marvel at Mini Town: Durban’s tiny, iconic replica world

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Website: http://www.minitowndbn.co.za/ 

Address: 114 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 337 7892

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Mini Town is not just a town; it’s Durban in miniature! Walking into Mini Town is like being zapped by a shrink ray.

You are suddenly towering above tiny highways, railways, and an array of exact replica landmarks that Durban is famous for. The kids will love watching the mini trains whizzing past and boats sailing in the model harbour.

Pro tip: 
Don’t forget to take the tour—each building has its own interesting backstory!

Enjoy action-filled indoor battles at Durban Paintball

Website: http://www.durbanpaintball.co.za/ 

Address: 31 Uitsig Rd, Durban North, Durban, 4051, South Africa

Contact details: +27 76 444 5570

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM

Durban Paintball is an indoor battlefield where your kids can chase adventure, navigate tricky terrain, strategize, and, of course, shower their opponents with paint. Doesn’t that get your pulse going? We thought so.

Indoor paintball here lets your thrill-hungry kiddos storm the battlefield, even as the storm rages outside! This big old warehouse offers oodles of fun, action, and tactics, but above all, unmatched excitement on a day that could otherwise be a bummer.

Pro tip: 
Unless you’re a fan of rainbow-coloured clothes, dark clothes are suggested.

Cruise the Durban Harbor aboard Isle of Capri Cruises

Website: http://www.isleofcapri.co.za/ 

Address: 11 Boatman’s Road, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27614358202

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

The Isle of Capri is one of those luxurious, sheltered boats where you can get a grand tour of all the buzzin’ harbour action, even on damp days. 

You’ve got the bustling harbour scene, and thriving marine life—oh, and the anecdotes shared by the friendly captain are worth their weight in gold! So, gone are the days when rain used to mean a day stuck indoors, especially for kids.

Pro tip: 
Don’t forget to bring a light jacket; it can get a bit windy.

Discover a bird paradise at 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

Umgeni River Bird Park is packed to the brim with feathery delights! We’re talking about an awesome variety of species from all over the world, perched, squawking, and just waiting to be marvelled at.

Rain or shine, Umgeni River Bird Park is always a go-to. With sheltered walkways and gripping bird shows in the theatre on wet days, you and your kids are sure in for a drool-worthy day in this bird paradise!

Pro tip: 
Do not miss the bird show; it’s packed full of fun facts and close encounters.

Meet adorable animals at Flag Farm Animal Farm

Website: http://www.flaganimalfarm.co.za/ 

Address: Sheffield Beach Rd, Durban, 4390, South Africa

Contact details: +27 32 947 2018

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Flag Farm Animal Farm is the perfect pick-me-up for a gloomy, rainy day. After all, who would deny a nice, warm fuzzy hug from an absolutely cute bunny rabbit or a cheeky peep inside a hen’s laying nest?

With heaps of sheltered areas and indoor spaces, there’s plenty to explore without getting drenched.

Pro tip: 
The picnic area is wonderful, so consider packing a lunch.

Challenge friends at S.W.A.T. Laser Tag Durban

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Website: http://www.durbanlasertag.co.za/ 

Address: 31 Uitsig Rd, Durban North, Durban, 4051, South Africa

Contact details: +27 76 444 5570

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

S.W.A.T. Laser Tag caters to all kinds, whether your kids are strategists or they’re the all-guns-blazing types. Kids zipping around corners, laser guns zapping, and excitement levels on overdrive—now, doesn’t that sound like the perfect antidote for a rainy day?

Of course, we’re not suggesting leaving the kids to go rogue here! It’s all in good fun, with safety being the top priority, and not every day do you get the chance to unleash your inner spy, right?

Pro tip: 
Plan and book ahead, especially on rainy days, as it can get overcrowded.
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