Looking for the best things to do in Durban? Read on...
Durban is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. There are many things to do in Durban with children or without them, making it a great place to visit for a fun and relaxing vacation. We love the holiday ambience there.
Durban has a long and rich history dating back to the early days of the Zulu Kingdom. The city was founded in the early 19th century by British settlers and was named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban, the then Governor of the Cape Colony. Durban quickly developed into a thriving port city and was soon one of the busiest in the world.
Today, Durban is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a diverse population and one of South Africa’s most popular and family-friendly holiday destinations – with good reason too. It’s warm all year round, the people are friendly, it’s affordable for those on a budget and it’s got a great location along the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Durban is renowned for its beautiful beaches. With a coastline stretching along the warm Indian Ocean, these beaches offer golden sands, rolling waves, and a tropical climate perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. From the family-friendly shores of uShaka Beach to the more secluded spots like Umhlanga Rocks, Durban's beaches promise relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Many beaches have lifeguards on duty and nearby facilities, making them ideal for families with young children. For additional fun, buy beach toys from the craft markets and build sand castles.
Known as the Golden Mile, Durban's beachfront actually spans approximately 6 kilometers. It is a bustling hub lined with palm trees, playgrounds, and a variety of restaurants and hotels, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Stroll along the promenade to admire the talented beach artists crafting unique sand sculptures.
Go on a segway tour or a colourful rickshaw ride – or ride a bicycle.
Be sure to walk along the pier where you might catch sight of stingrays, sharks, and other marine life in the ocean. We saw a stingray!
Mini Town is a delightful attraction where kids can see miniature versions of Durban's landmarks. It has been running for over 50 years and is both fun and educational, giving children a unique perspective on the city's architecture. Mini Town also has a small harbour and a model railway, both with moving vehicles, which add to the enjoyment. There are great (Godzilla-style) photo opportunities here and the kids will love following the moving boat and train.
Ushaka Marine World is one of Africa’s largest marine theme parks and it is home to the seventh largest aquarium in the world, as well as a fun water park where you will find Africa’s highest water slide, swimming pools and super tubes. uShaka also has a dolphinarium, a fascinating reptile centre and several stores and restaurants. Kids can marvel at the diverse marine life, enjoy water slides, and even snorkel with fish. Plan to spend the whole day here.
For families with older kids, the Moses Mabhida Stadium offers exciting experiences. The stadium was originally built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is now used as a venue for adrenalin pumping activities like the Big Rush Big Swing, officially named the world’s tallest swing. You can also take the high-tech sky car up the grand arch to the viewing platform at the top where you can get panoramic views of Durban. For the more adventurous, try the Adventure Walk, which involves climbing the arch of the stadium.
Eat a bunny chow – hollowed out bread filled with a spicy curry filling. The humble bunny chow has its origins in Durban but its fame has spread the world over. In fact, I even saw a bunny chow restaurant in Soho, London. And yes, kids love bunny chow too, as long as it's not too spicy.
Johannesburg and Cape Town have the City Sightseeing Bus. Durban has the unique Ricksha bus. Hop on one with the kids and see Durban’s major attractions from the comfort of your bus on a scenic 3-hour tour.
Visit the Gateway Theatre of Shopping – one of the largest shopping malls in Africa, which doesn’t only offer retail therapy. It's attractions include an indoor climbing arena, a skatepark, a snow wonderland with snow all year round, go-kart racing on the rooftop, and a bowling avenue.
Umhlanga Pier was once named the most beautiful pier in the world by CNN. It is an architectural marvel located along the scenic coastline of Umhlanga, and its distinctive whale bone design and sleek, modern structure make it an iconic landmark, seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty. The pier extends into the Indian Ocean, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the coastline and a perfect vantage point for sunrise and sunset. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists to take leisurely strolls, enjoy the sea breeze, and capture breathtaking photographs.
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is a serene coastal sanctuary offering scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and the historic Umhlanga Lagoon, perfect for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Access to the reserve is located at the northern end of Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga Rocks. Visitors can park at the entrance near Breakers Resort and follow the well-marked paths that lead through coastal forest, across wooden boardwalks, and towards the picturesque lagoon and beach.
The Durban City Hall is an architectural masterpiece and prominent landmark in the heart of the city, that reflects the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Completed in 1910, this majestic building showcases a blend of neo-Baroque and Edwardian styles, featuring a grand facade adorned with intricate sculptures and columns. Inside, the City Hall houses the Durban Art Gallery, the Durban Natural Science Museum, and the main municipal offices, making it a hub of cultural and civic activities. The adjacent lawns and gardens provide a serene setting for relaxation amidst the bustling city center.
Umgeni River Bird Park lies along the banks of the Umgeni River, and is a vibrant sanctuary showcasing over 800 birds from more than 200 species. This lush tropical park, adorned with waterfalls and rich foliage, provides a picturesque setting for visitors to explore the diverse avian life. Home to both native South African birds and exotic species from around the world, the park offers a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts to observe a wide variety of colorful and rare birds. A free-flight bird show is held on most days.
For something totally different, visit The Huletts Sugar Mill for a sugar terminal tour. The terminal consists of three enormous arched silos housing more than half a million tons of sugar. You get a video presentation and a guided tour of the terminals. The “wow” moment is when you see the huge mountain of sugar. The children will be awestruck.
The Durban Botanic Gardens are the oldest surviving botanical gardens in Africa and one of the most fascinating ones I've ever visited. They are home to the rarest cycad in the world, the tree that changes colour, the walking tree from India and several other fascinating treasures. See more about the Durban Botanic Gardens.
The Inchanga Choo Choo is a charming heritage steam train that offers a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Valley of a Thousand Hills. Operated by the Umgeni Steam Railway, this vintage train departs from Kloof, a picturesque suburb 25 km from Durban, for the historic Inchanga Station, a beautifully preserved relic from the early 20th century. The journey takes passengers on a scenic ride through rolling hills, lush landscapes, and quaint villages, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history and natural beauty. The train stops at the bustling Inchanga Craft Market, where local artisans showcase their handmade goods, for a while before making the return journey to Kloof.
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, located along the banks of the Umgeni River, is a unique ecological haven spanning approximately 76 hectares. This protected area is home to the last extensive mangrove swamps in the city, featuring a diverse array of flora and fauna, including three types of mangroves and numerous bird species. The reserve's elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms provide visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the intricate mangrove ecosystem without disturbing its delicate balance. The reserve is only open to the public on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 08h00 to 13h00.
Take the children to Funworld, a beachfront amusement park where they can enjoy the rides and go on the cable car.
2023 Update: Funworld has closed down unfortunately.
Looking to spend the night? Check out the best hotels in Durban or see more options here.
See the best weekend getaways from Durban.
See 25 tips for travelling with kids here.
Visit Cheapflights for great local and international flights to Durban.
What are your favourite things to do in Durban with kids?
Disclosure Level: 3
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Incredible write-up
Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
Appreciate the recommendations. Let me try it out.
Why isn't bunny chow a thing EVERYWHERE?? That is such a good idea for a dish! Your photo of the promenade is perfection - getting serious travel envy sitting here in 20 degree F weather wondering why I'm not in Durban!
Who knew there was so much to see and do! I love the sand art, would love to see them make those things!! I love a seaside! 😀
Wow looks like there is a lot to do in Durban! Minitown looks so fun and those sandcastles are amazing!
I've never heard of bunny chow before but it looks delicious and I definitely want to try it!
MMmmmm, the bunny chow looks delicious! What a fun bunch of activities, the miniature town is quite unique and I am always ready for beach time.
I can see why it's known as such a family friendly town. The beach and promenade look so inviting. I bet my kids would have loved those rides when they were little. And I would love to see the birds.
I love bunny chow! South Africa is on my list of places to visit so much! I don't have kids but to be honest always end up doing the kids stuff myself, so I'd love the bird sanctuary and the marine world. What a great place to take your kids!
I have been hearing a lot about Durban these days. Those colorful rickshaws remind me of rickshaws of Kolkata, India. I am surprised to see that those are also in use in Durban.
My daughter would love Ushaka and also the bird park. She's sorted for Durban, I'd love to take her there for valentines day! The craft market is well stocked! Those are the products you'd expect to find in South Africa.
Wow I didn't know Durban was such a holiday destination! It sounds fun to segway around the boulevard. Not sure if I would dare to try the Big Swing, my stomach is already churning round by the idea of it!
hahaha i love that you have eat a bunny chow on here. classic.
I def wanna build a sand castle and go to the waffle house.
Haha, a bunny chow is one thing you cannot leave out when doing a list of things to do in Durban, Enricoh. I love the sand castles too but I'm not at very good at them. I haven't been to the Waffle House yet but I've been hearing alot about it.