Ballin' on a budget: Fun, cheap things for families to do in Durban this festive season
For most of us, the month of December is about the three F's - fun, festivity, and most importantly - family. But it can also be the most expensive time of year for those on a budget - especially parents looking for interesting (and inexpensive) ways to keep their kiddies entertained. But fear not! We have a few novel ideas to save you money, while making the most of family fun in the city!
It's the festive season, which means school holidays, annual leave, and Christmas!
December also brings with it much-anticipated family time. But with the weakening rand and an ever-increasing cost of living, it's difficult for some families to spend time exploring the city with their loved ones - without having to fork out a fortune on food and activities.
And let's face it - with a visit to the movies these days costing a family-of-four an average of R600 - it's difficult to entertain on the cheap, especially in Durban.
But this festive season, fun doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, Newswatch has managed to find some interesting things to do in Durban - for a family-of-four - for less than the cost of one 3D movie ticket!
These are just some of our ideas for frugal festive family fun:
Picnic in the park:
A quaint way to enjoy quality family time together - and make the most of the perfect summer weather - is by visiting a local park. Why not pack a picnic basket with some yummy fruit, snacks (leftovers can go a long way here), and drinks - and carry a ball or a frisbee to play around with. Entrance to most city parks is free, but if you have to pay - it will only cost you a few rands per person.
These are a few of Durban's park gems, which are family - and pet friendly:
Durban Botanical Gardens:
From outdoor concerts, to charming tea gardens, and a majestic setting - the Botanical Gardens is a firm favourite for residents and tourists alike for its host of offerings to visitors.
Specialising in the conservation of plants and animals, the perfectly-manicured gardens offer a tranquil and shady refuge from the heat - especially in the scorching summer heat.
For the little ones, the picture-perfect setting also offers more whimsical features - such as dragonflies and damselflies which hover around the waterlily-filled ponds, and a variety of mushroom species which pop up everywhere in the gardens. (Not all are edible though, so tread with caution as some mushrooms are highly poisonous.)
Mitchell Park:
Tucked away in the tranquil suburb of Morningside, Mitchell Park is one of eThekwini’s most beloved parks. For children, the park is a wonderland of exciting sights, sounds and experiences. It also boasts a playground that is specially designed for smaller children. The various jungle gyms, swings and slides - as well as a sand pit - are ideal for busy little ones to play with.
Japanese Gardens:
This beautiful sanctuary is opened seven days a week. Situated in Durban North, the Japanese Garden is the most-recently developed of the larger parks.
There are water gardens with Japanese structures laid out in a traditional style, and the garden ponds also attract a variety of water birds - which people can sit back and marvel while enjoying a snack in the picnic area.
Pokemon lovers:
The popular Pokemon Go game captured the imaginations of both young and old around the world this year - and that fever also spread to South Africa.
For those who love playing the game, there are quiet a few hotspots for you to find those elusive Pokemon - including Ushaka Marine World, Durban Botanical Gardens, Suncoast Casino - and even along the Durban promenade.
Believe it or not, this game can be quite the bonding experience for families, so put on some comfy shoes, and get ready to 'catch 'em all!' (It's also a great way to work on that summer body, with all the walking you're guaranteed to do!)
Visit the Durban City Hall:
Located in the Durban city centre, City Hall was built in the early 1900s. And despite being more than a century old, the building remains one of the most famous - and loved structures in the city.
It also houses a public library, auditorium, and the Durban Art Gallery and Natural Science Museum - which makes it a multifaceted attraction.
The art gallery showcases an array of South African and international artworks, while the museum displays a selection of fossils – including that of a dodo (a now extinct bird species) – animals, birds, reptiles and insects.
Another great museum for families to visit (and learn a thing or two about our local history) is the 1860's Museum in Chatsworth, south of Durban, which commemorates the arrival of the first indentured Indians to Durban in 1860 - and their legacy in the city thereafter.
The KwaMuhle Museum in the CBD is also a historical treat - and showcases the history of apartheid.
Take a walk/ ride along the promenade:
Durban is famous for its Golden Mile, and the Durban promenade adds to that appeal. This paved walkway links Blue Lagoon in the north with Addington Beach in the south.
Families can take long walks together along the beach, while enjoying the sea breeze and sunshine - and maybe an ice-cream or a chilli-coated pineapple-on-a-stick snack (available from local vendors.)
Or you could rollerblade, skateboard or cycle in convoy along the promenade, while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of the city.
There are always fun things to do along the Durban beachfront - so there's no excuse for families not to explore the various creations by talented sand artists who are always willing to showcase their skills, or enjoy the free entertainment that's offered by street performers - including nimble acrobats and musicians.
There are also a number of flea market stalls dotted along the beachfront, a perfect spot to grab a few last-minute (and proudly South African) Christmas presents.
Flea Markets:
Looking for a bargain? Durban is home to a number of flea markets - which means bargains galore!
Why not treat your family to hot dogs or burgers and a few drinks from local vendors, and enjoy a fun walkabout through any one of the city's flea markets.
There are also a number of festive markets on at the moment, which makes it a great place to shop for Christmas presents, on a dime!
If you're a book lover, flea markets are also great places to find second-hand books at a fraction of the cost of a chain store bookshop.
Visit the Zoo:
If you liked the picnic at the park idea, you will love what comes next. For just a small fee (under R50) you and your family can pay a visit to the Mitchell Park zoo.
This wonderful and interactive attraction is home to various animals - including blue duikers, South American Monkeys, raccoons, crocodiles, rabbits, various bird species - and so much more!
It's also a great learning experience for kids. And you'll earn bonus points for being the coolest parents around - for introducing your brood to the magical animal kingdom housed in one of Durban's most beloved parks!
Port Natal Maritime Museum
For just R5 per person, you can treat your family to a unique experience by exploring the various ships at the Port Natal Maritime Museum.
The museum boast an exhibition hall that encompass the entire nautical experience - showcasing weather prediction equipment, navigation by the stars, and communication equipment linking ships at sea to dry land.
There's also a number of small craft, and three ships for children to scramble about on - as they learn about maritime history.
The 75-year-old Ulundi, with its coal-fired engine, is the oldest of the ships on display. While the 38-year-old JR Moore - which was driven by an oil-burning engine - worked as a tugboat in the Durban harbour, but was well-equipped to brave the open seas during salvage operations.
The largest of the three ships is the SAS Durban, a 42-year-old naval minesweeper.
Take a hike (literally):
The Paradise Valley Nature Reserve - situated in the Pinetown area - is a fun family hangout, and a nature-lovers paradise (no pun intended.)
It has picnic spots, a hiking trail, and is home to a variety of animals - including bushbuck, blue duikers, water mongoose, otter, and numerous species of bats and birds.
The entry fee is just R5.
Oh, and did we mention there's a waterfall? (You can thank us later!)
