No winter holiday blues for Durban kids
Durban has it all, get out and have fun in the winter sun, writes Arthi Gopi
WHERE there’s sun, there’s bound to be fun, and in Durban there is no such thing as the winter blues.
With kids on the winter school break, and three long weeks to get through, The Independent on Saturday brings you a handy list of events in and around Durban to keep the young ones, and the adults, entertained.
Durban Botanic Gardens Outdoor Cinema:
There’s more to do at the gardens than a lazy picnic and a cool walk around Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens.
An outdoor cinema will be held on July 8, on an 8m screen. Tickets are limited, so organisers urge people to book early on www.webtickets.co.za. The film choice, The Lion
King, will appeal to young and old, and there will also be music entertainment. Movie starts at 5pm.
uShaka Marine World
It’s not so cold that you have to avoid the water in Durban.
At uShaka, the Chimp & Zee Rope Adventure Park is proving popular among the kids, but of course adults need some play time too, hence there are two courses: one for the less adventurous (you?), and the second which would appeal to those who want some thrills (probably the kids!)
uShaka’s winter special is R199 for a combo package of uShaka Chimp ’n Zee Rope Adventure Park as well as Wet ’n Wild. Popular rides are the Jika Jika, body tornado and mamba tunnel slides, squid mini super tube, the multilane racer, torpedo, and the highest slide in Africa called the Drop Zone. Visit www. ushakamarineworld.co.za
Christmas in July on the Inchanga Choo Choo Train
For the first time, the Umgeni Steam Railway Inchanga Choo Choo Train will transport its guests to the magical Christmas season on July 15 at 4.30pm.
The organisers are following the growing trend of hosting Christmas-themed events in the thick of winter, for a real taste of what a Christmas in winter feels like.
Father Christmas will be on the train chatting to kids, carols will be sung, and a Christmas-themed fair will be held at the craft market at the Inchanga Station. Bookings at www.umgenisteamrailway.com
KZN Sharks Board:
Watch a shark dissection and learn about the ocean. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board offers tourists and pupils an informative peek into the blue world, with the dissection of a shark.
At this time of year, when the sardines are on their annual run up the coast, the Sharks Board is a buzz of activity monitoring the shoals.
For more information on show times, call 031 566 0400.
Children’s Theatre:
James and the Giant Peach is at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from Wednesday until July 23. Award-winning production house KickstArt put their spin on the Roald Dahl classic about a young orphan who has an adventure involving a peach and insects.
Directed by Greg King and starring Bryan Hiles, Clare Mortimer, Peter Court, Belinda Henwood, Nhlakanipho Manqele and Lyle Buxton, the play includes an original music score by Durban band the South Jersey Pop Poms.
Bookings at Computicket.
Disney on Ice:
For all things Disney, from Mickey, Minnie and Donald to Goofy, kids will enjoy the Disney on Ice show at the ICC between July 13 and 16. Movie scenes come alive with favourites such as Finding Dory, Frozen and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Bookings at Computicket.
Seaworld education classes:
If the kids want more than just holiday entertainment, then signing them up for the Seaworld’s Kid’s Education Course will keep them occupied.
Between July 11 and 13, the course will teach them about the ocean and conservation.
Call 031 328 8128 for more information.
Jump4Joy:
Energetic kids with not much to do? Trampoline parks may be the thing to get the edge off them, as hours of jumping will keep them entertained with friends and family and leave them well exercised and hopefully ready to rest.
The Jump4Joy indoor trampoline parks in Durban North and Waterfall are popular spots, and prior booking is encouraged. Call 031 563 0106 or 031 766 0104.
South Durban Tourist Route:
One of Durban’s newest routes which people can use to explore the city is the South Durban route – take guests on an informative bus trip along the coast and its communities.
Included is the Wildlife Society of South Africa’s (Wessa) Treasure Beach office among the popular tourist beaches on the Bluff, and the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, which has a castle. Also included is the Shree Siva Soobramaniar Temple in Clairwood. For more information visit https:// sodurba.co.za.
Durban beaches
Durban’s beaches offer endless ways to keep the family entertained this winter. From early morning bathing in the sea, to afternoons eating ice cream along the promenade, having fun need not cost a lot of money at the beach.