We’re On A Break!

It’s that time of the year again when the heat dies down, and there’s a gentle, cool breeze in the air, with the kids being at home for a short time. Here are a few ideas to keep the whole family entertained and make new memories.

Close By

At The Well Centre, Mr Funtubbles and Bambini Land are popular amongst the young ones. They get to unleash the madness, having plenty of supervised fun with delicious meals in between to recharge their batteries, while parents can relax. Eterna Events on Moffat Drive is an indoor play centre with large inflatables, karaoke, a café and much more. Located inside Ballito Junction Regional Mall, The Magic Company is a much-loved arcade spot, bringing nostalgia and immersive fun to kids and our inner child, with something for everyone.

For something a bit more adventurous, why not try the 5-line zipline tour or take your shot at archery (pun intended) at Adventure Valley? Switching gears, Mindgame Escape at Tiffany’s Shopping Centre has three rooms full of secrets, magic, and surprises. Grab the smartest minds you know, and solve the clues within the time limit to escape.

Nothing screams “coastal” more than a guided horse ride, through a bush trail or on the beach with the seabreeze against your skin, by Ballito Beach Rides. If you’re not fond of horses, you can always relax on your favourite local shores. Take a trip to Thompson's Bay Beach, Salt Rock Beach, or walk the Ballito Promenade – which stretches from Salmon Bay to Willard Beach – with a little sunscreen, non-scorching weather, and a good beach read, you’re all set.

Approximately 40–43km north of Ballito, Zinkwazi Beach is for those looking for a laid-back holiday. From camping and canoeing to water skiing, bird watching, and fishing, fun is found in every corner. Also offering a fantastic experience in Zinkwazi is Sugar Bay Camp. A unique kids-only camp with over 100 activities, like kayaking, surfing, dance, paintball, skating, zorbing, with themed weeks such as Marvel, Wicked, Wednesday and more!

Let’s Travel East

You’re standing behind a hedge listening in on two voices, one of which is your mate talking to a person you are unfamiliar with. Do you step closer or leave? You decide to step closer, so you roll the D20 die, and it lands on seven. You step on a branch, the other person catches you, and then … oh no! Lore, mystery, adventure, The Big Bang Shop on Aurora Drive is filled with warriors, pop culture-themed figurines, and games to last a lifetime. Grab your sword or lightsaber, the Sam to your Frodo, and your wits because you’re going to need them.

Nu Metro at Gateway Theatre of Shopping has become a popular movie spot for all, offering a newly opened child-friendly cinema, the 270-degree screen, and stylish modern design, amongst other viewing experiences.

Autobots, roll out! The Fun Factory, located at Cornubia Mall, offers little ones a space to interact with beloved characters such as Spider-Man, Optimus Prime, Bluey, and others. Offering play areas, face painting, games, and delicious food, it’s the perfect spot for parents to relax whilst their kids make new friends and memories. If your family prefers being in the water, why not have a kitesurfing session with Ocean2Air in La Lucia? Safe, guided, and fun, with autumn bringing more consistent, steady winds, there’s no better time than now.

Need to touch some grass? Lay out your picnic blanket at Japanese Gardens in Durban North, pack a basket with fruits, nuts, a few sandwiches and refreshing drinks, books, board games, a ball, your dog’s favourite toy and your family is all set for a relaxing day. One of my favourite places to visit in Durban North was the Umgeni River Bird Park. I actually still have a bird keyring I purchased from there hanging on my bag. It is a wonderful wildlife sanctuary, home to more than 800 birds and 220 species from around the globe. I have to say, the laughing kookaburras, as cute as they may look, really scared me with their cackle!

And there you have it, just a few cool things to liven up everyone’s holiday!

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