If you’re looking for fun, family-friendly things to do in Durban, then look no further. Durban is quite literally a playground of activities, places to see and things to do which is why we’ve put this list together. From shark sightings to mini-golfing - Durban has got it all.

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Kwazulu Natal Shark Board gives you the opportunity to view sharks without getting your feet wet. They provide guided research tours and visitors are taught about the conservation they do with tagging and monitoring sharks in the area.

Their aim is to protect swimmers from shark attacks, conduct biological research and educate the public on marine environmental issues. Their international reputation for conservation and protection of marine life will give you a new appreciation for the ocean.

• Contact Number: (031) 536 0400
• Address: 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga
• More Info: Website

Another fun activity for the whole family is a visit to the Umgeni River Park. Originally a stone quarry, the park now spans over 3,5 hectares of lush tropical land, home to a collection of more than 800 birds.

With various educational programs and the frequented flight show, the park will keep you entertained for hours.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm
• Contact Number: (031) 579 4601
• Address: 490 Riverside Rd, Durban
• More Info: Website

You can’t visit Durban without going to the world-renowned uShaka Marine World. Located on Durban’s Golden Mile, uShaka is a much-loved tourist spot.

The park is right on its own stretch of beach with activities to suit all age groups and thrill seekers alike, from learning about marine wildlife and other animals to meeting a dolphin.

There are adventure rope courses and tree top zip lines. Friendly staff members often dress as happy sea creatures and they’re always around to turn any kid’s frown upside down.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm
• Entrance Fee: Kids R118 / Adults R146
• Contact Number: (031) 328 8000
• Address: 1, King Shaka Ave, Durban
• More Info: Website

Visit Adventure Putt Putt for a family fun day of mini golfing and go-cart racing located on the 2nd floor of the Gateway Shopping Centre. The 18-hole game of indoor miniature golf is set among natural rock and waterfalls and is themed Play at your leisure or join a tournament — you are guaranteed to have a good time.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am-10pm
• Address: Gateway Shopping Centre

If mini golf isn’t your speed, hop into something a little faster with Gateway’s Action Karting! A fast and exciting track awaits you. Delicate care goes into the maintenance of their karts, providing hours of safe and uninterrupted fun.

All races are monitored by trained professional marshals and after the race you can receive a print-out of the race stats just like the F1. All riders must be 10 years or older to participate. This fun venue suits every kid or ‘kid at heart’.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am-10pm
• Address: Gateway Shopping Centre

Found on Cliffdale Hills, Groove World offers adrenaline junkies just the right fix with Zorbing! Zorbing is an extreme sport where you are secured inside a large transparent ball and rolled along the ground or even downhill for that extra rush.

It’s great fun and quite safe as the ball is made up of two inflatable parts, the outer area and the inner ring that you are secured to. You can choose between the Kamakazi or Twister runs, both spanning a 120m track.

Featuring many different zorbing experiences catered to each patron’s adrenaline level, you can do it alone or with a friend in your ball. Whatever you choose will leave you smiling.

• Contact Number: 084 330 3112
• Address: Off Capital Hill Drive, Cliffdale

The international-sized Durban Ice Arena has recently been upgraded with new equipment, fully renovated and expanded, promising more spacious icy fun for the whole family. Enjoy strapping brand new rental skates on your feet and testing your speed on a now full-sized Olympic rink.

Have fun getting assistance from skating aids Bobby the seal and Penny the penguin, or book a foam skating party session with an in-house DJ for a special event.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 2pm-5pm
• Entrance: From R50 - R90
• Contact Number: (031) 332 4597
• Address: 81 Somtseu Rd, Durban
• More Info: Website

Feeling a little trigger happy? Then try your hand at a game of paintball warfare. With two arenas to choose from, you can put your skills to the test in an African bush setting or a SWAT-team-style battle. Either way, a day at Hillcrest Paintball will not disappoint.

• Contact Number: 074 172 1309
• Address: 23 Wootton Ave, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban
• More Info: Website

Durban has a handful of fun, inexpensive activities that promise to keep you and your family busy on a day off. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or take to the African bush with a paintball gun in hand, you’ll always have something to do when in Durban.

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