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HHaving a good time with your family shouldn't cost a fortune. That's why we've sourced 27 of the very best family experiences to do in and around the splendid city of Durban, without breaking the bank.
Whether you're into outdoor adventure, good food, science, fiction, art or going to the movies –we've got the best of Durban on a budget, right here. With warm weather all year round, Durban welcomes visitors to a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle where beaches, barbecues, seafood and curry restaurants, clubs and upmarket accommodation establishments provide everything an out-of-towner could wish for while on holiday.
Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar and Viewing Platform. Tickets cost R60pp and R30 for kids under the age of 12. There’s also the Big Swing ride for R695 per person and the Beach Glide for R190 for 45 minutes.
READ: Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium: What a rush!
Join one of Beset Durban's brilliant public walks for free, mahala, for nothing.
Splash out at WavePark - The Flowrider is R140 an hour for non-members.
Take the family to Mini Town. The iconic Durban attraction's tickets cost only R25 for adults and R20 for children aged 2-12.
You can also head to the Mitchell Park Zoo. Tickets cost R11 for adults and R9 for kids.
Or opt for Fun World. Entrance is free and you can buy tickets at the kiosk for the rides, which cost from R25-R35.
There's nothing like a hot cuppa from Bike & Bean after a good morning cycle. Bike hire is R50 per hour or R40 per hour for the early risers from 06:00 to 08:00. Rollerblades, skateboards, umbrellas, boogie boards, kids bike, tandem bikes, push bikes and swing balls are also available for hire.
Since you're on the beach, why not Learn to surf? Grab a board and do as the locals do with Learn 2 Surf on Addington Beach. It’s R200 an hour for a private lesson.
If you're into art but feeling a little thirsty, the Rivertown Beerhall is just the spot. Contact them to know whether this art gallery, museum and brewery has an entrance fee for the day’s happenings.
Did You Know?
DDurban city is home to uShaka Marine World. This is the world’s fifth-largest aquarium. uShaka sits at the end of the city’s famous “Golden Mile”, a stretch of beach that runs 6 kilometres from uShaka to the Blue Lagoon.
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Otherwise, skip the beer and head to the KZNSA Gallery. Entrance is free. Check out The Golden Mile. The best things in life are free. So is this magnificent stretch.
Make it a day outing at the Umgeni River Bird Park. Entry fees are R55 for adults and R36 for children. Find them at Riverside Road.
Also check out The Morning Trade Market. The market has no entrance fee, but take cash for food and goods.
35 budget friendly Durban
READ: Day-tripping Durban like a local
Take the family to the Durban Natural Science Museum. Entrance is free, and the memories you'll make there are priceless.
If you're feeling a little fancy, take a Sunset Catamaran with Hakuna Matata Charters. They offer a 60-minute Sea Cruise at R180 per adult and R120 per child.
READ: Gateway to Durban: The ultimate road trip planner
For a trendy look at Durbs, check out Freedom Café. Eat something scrumptious in this quirky spot for under R50.
For a dose of culture and heritage, check out the KwaMuhle Museum. Entrance is free. Another free favourite is the Durban Botanical Gardens. Pack a picnic and make the most of this incredible natural setting in Durbs.
Got busy teens? Send them to one of the many Durban Skate Parks. Bay of Plenty offers free entrance. At Wave House in Umhlanga. Members pay R20 for the day, non-members pay R40. They also offer lessons.
Hop on board the famous Durban Ricksha Bus. Tickets are R100 per adult, R50 for kids aged 6-8 and free for children under 5.
If you're after exploring what lies beneath Durbs, why not go Scuba Diving? The Durban Undersea Club offers wreck dives at R250 per non-member.
Also check out the beautiful Beachwood Mangroves. This reserve is open to the public on the third Saturday of every month from 08:00 to 13:00.
There's also the iconic Rooftop Night Market. It's the trendiest market in Durban, yet it will cost you nothing. But take money for food, drinks and other things.
CHECK OUT: Road tripping for the hops: Craft breweries of KwaZulu-Natal
If you're up for an adventure, hop on the Valley of 1 000 Hills Steam Train. Tickets for adults cost R260, tickets for children aged 2-12 cost R190.
Go Giba Gorge Biking. Entry to Giba Gorge MTB Park is R65 for adults and kids over 12, and R35 for kids under 12, non-riders pay R10. The Inanda Mountain is also a gem, and you can spend time here for free.
READ: 10 Durban street food spots you must try this summer
Check out the Mzinyathi Falls and Rasta Caves with a knowledgeable guide. Pay R245 pp to go on a tour to the caves, falls and surrounding area with Green Corridor.
Go Zorbing.! It's as fun to say as it is to do. Pay R100 pp for the first go, and then only R75 for the second one.
Explore Durban's wild side at PheZulu Safari Park. The one-hour game drive costs R240 for adults and R130 for children under 12.
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