September school holidays: Six things to do with kids in Durban

School’s out and it is officially “mom, dad, I’m bored” season for many households in South Africa. Here’s a look at six things Durban parents can do with their kids during the school holidays.

SIX THINGS TO DO IN DURBAN

EXPLORE MINI TOWN

Mini Town on Snell Parade shrinks Durban’s landmarks down to miniature scale. This mini town allowskids wander through a pint-sized version of the city while learning about the sights around them. It’s a great low-key option for younger children not quite ready for a full day out.

Entry fee – R40 for adults. R30 for kids between the ages of 2-13.

DURBAN BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Durban Botanic Gardens offers wide open spaces and plenty of greenery for a screen-free stroll. Set the kids a nature scavenger hunt — spotting leaves, flowers, birds or bugs and snapping photos instead of picking anything. You could also have cute little picnics with the little ones just to get them out the house for a bit. There is also wildlife within the gardens.

Entry fee – Free

MITCHELL PARK ZOO

For animal-crazy kids, Mitchell Park Zoo in Morningside makes for an easy, shorter outing that combines wildlife with fresh air in a park setting. This is ideal destination to just spend a few hours outside. There are lawns, picnic spots and playgrounds aside from the zoo.

Entry fee – R17 per adult and R15 per child

PEOPLE’S PARK

The precinct around Moses Mabhida Stadium isn’t just for football fans. People’s Park gives kids room to run around and burn off all that energy. While older children can enjoy seeing the city from a different angle.

Entry fee – Free

BUNNY ZONE

Bunny Zone on Hopewell Road in Malvern lets kids interact with ducks, guinea pigs, chickens and bunnies while parents can sit down and relax at the café. There are play areas for younger kids, plus putt-putt and paintball for teens.

Entry fee – free. Feeding cups around R25.

USHAKA MARINE WORLD

For water babies, uShaka Marine World is hard to beat. Sea World features penguins, seals and dolphins. The shipwreck-themed aquarium takes visitors on an underwater journey. Younger kids have their own space at uShaka Kids World, complete with a giant sandpit and play areas. A school-holiday programme with extra shows and feeding times runs until 4 October.

Entry fee: Depends on activity. Sea World tickets cost R267 for adults and R216 for kids and seniors. Aquarium-only entry is R138.

Take a look at how much it costs for a family of four to visit the Wet ‘n Wild here.