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It’s a week into the holidays, which means the novelty has worn off and the boredom has kicked in. And you still have two weeks to go…
No fear! We’ve rounded up some great kid-friendly outings to keep the young ones entertained and the parents sane!
From magical musicals and steam trains to surfing festivals, crocodile encounters, and mind-bending museums, there's no shortage of family fun across Durban this winter.
Here's where to head over the next two weeks.
KZN North Coast
Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill
- Dates: Until 18 July 2026
- Venue: Willard Beach, Ballito
- Time: Daily from 8am
- Cost: Free
The Ballito Pro is much more than world-class surfing. For two epic weeks, there’s a full-on festival programme with extreme sports, seaside games, retail offerings, and just general Ballito fun.
There’s a dedicated Kids' Corner featuring face painting, sandcastle competitions, water ball activities, beach dashes, and interactive entertainment including Jive with Jen – all taking place on Willard Beach.
There are also volleyball and soccer activations, beach rugby, BMX displays, conservation activities, retail stalls, and plenty of food vendors.
There's also the Ballito Pro Skate Jam on Saturday, 11 July at the Ballito Skate Bowl, and the Ballito Pro Surf & Turf Tag Team Event on Thursday, 16 July where soccer stars meet surf legends. Plus there are World Cup fan screenings to add to the festival atmosphere.
More information: www.theballitopro.com
READ: Hang 10 or just hang out! The Ballito Pro returns on a ‘Wave of Unity’
Laser Rush Holiday Fun
- Dates: Daily during the school holidays
- Venue: Salt Rock Country Club, Salt Rock
- Time: 9am to 4pm
- Cost: R200 per person (any two activities for two hours)
If your kids have energy to burn, Laser Rush has the perfect holiday adventure. Running daily at Salt Rock Country Club, the action-packed experience lets youngsters mix and match two exciting activities for two hours of outdoor fun.
Choose from laser tag battles, inflatable obstacle courses, gel blasters, airsoft target shooting and archery, which make for a great outing for adventurous children, teens, and even parents wanting to join in.
There's no need to book ahead either – simply arrive, choose your activities and let the games begin.
Book or find out more: www.laserrush.co.za | Call 083 233 5165
Sugar Rush Inflatables Park
- Dates: 13–19 July 2026
- Venue: Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
- Time: 10am–2pm (weather permitting)
- Cost: R100 per child
Looking for an easy way to keep the kids active these holidays? Head to Sugar Rush Park in Ballito, where a giant Inflatables Park will be open daily from 13 to 19 July.
Children can spend hours bouncing, climbing, sliding, and burning off holiday energy on a variety of inflatable attractions, while parents relax with a coffee or meal overlooking the park's beautiful surroundings.
With plenty of open space and family-friendly facilities, Sugar Rush is the perfect spot for a fun-filled winter outing on the North Coast.
Book or find out more: www.sugarrush.co.za
Durban
Museum of Illusions
- Venue: Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga
- Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am–8pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am–10pm | Sunday: 9am–7pm
- Cost: From R180 (family packages available) from moidurban.co.za
One of Durban's newest attractions is quickly becoming a holiday favourite. The Museum of Illusions features more than 80 interactive exhibits that challenge your senses and create unforgettable photo opportunities.
Expect gravity-defying rooms, optical illusions, mirror mazes, infinity spaces, and the famous Giant Chair and Clone Room.
READ: Real or not? You decide as the Museum of Illusions lands in Durban
The Prince of Egypt
- Dates: From 10 July 2026
- Venue: Playhouse Opera Theatre
- Time: 11am performances (selected dates)
- Cost: R150 to R220 from Webtickets
This classic story comes to life on stage in this spectacular musical featuring music by Stephen Schwartz and orchestral compositions by Hans Zimmer.
Following the story of Moses and Ramses, this family production promises breathtaking sets, memorable songs, and plenty of heart.
KZN Upper Highway
Umgeni Steam Railway
- Date: Sunday, 12 July
- Venue: Inchanga Railway Station
- Cost: Adults: R250| Children (2–12) and pensioners: R195 | Family (2 adults & 2 children): R790 from Umgeni Steam Railway
Step back in time aboard a beautifully restored steam train as it travels between Inchanga and Botha's Hill. Families can also browse the Inchanga Craft Market, enjoy a picnic, visit the Railway Museum, and tuck into local food stalls while watching the historic locomotives in action.
For more information: www.umgenisteamrailway.com
KZN Midlands
ARTopia
- Dates: Until 19 July 2026
- Venue: Liberty Midlands Mall, Pietermaritzburg
- Cost: Free
Young artists take centre stage at ARTopia, an inspiring exhibition showcasing colourful ocean-themed artwork created by local primary school learners.
Visitors can vote for their favourite displays, helping schools compete for R45,000 in prizes, while also standing a chance to win a R2,000 Midlands Mall shopping voucher.
It's a wonderful way to encourage creativity while supporting local schools.
KZN South Coast
Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre: Kids Crafts
- Venue: Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre, Scottburgh
- Dates: 13 to 15 July
- Times: 9am to 2pm
- Cost: R350 per child per day
Crocworld has a packed programme to keep young adventurers entertained, including its Kids' Craft Days. Youngsters can choose one creative activity to take home, including canvas painting, tote bag painting, slime making, bracelet making, rock painting or Plaster of Paris painting.
Each child also receives:
- Full-day entry to Crocworld
- A guided trail walk
- An up-close crocodile feeding experience
- Access to all Crocworld Adventure Centre activities
- A snack pack including a junior burger, chips, Liqui-Fruit and ice cream
Bookings are essential for the Kids' Craft Days. More information and bookings: www.crocworld.co.za | Call 039 976 1103.
READ: Celebrate the World’s Oldest Nile Crocodile in Style at Crocworld
Oppi Kus Music Festival
- Dates: 10 to 11 July 2026
- Venue: Douglas Mitchell Sports Ground, Uvongo
- Gates Open: Friday: 3pm | Saturday: 2pm
- Tickets: Adults: R280 | Children: R180 from iTickets
One of the South Coast's biggest festivals is also surprisingly family-friendly, with a supervised children's play area and entertainment throughout the weekend.
Families can enjoy performances by Bok van Blerk, Demi Lee Moore, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Bernice West, Riaan Benade, and Ross Learmonth while youngsters enjoy the dedicated kids' facilities.
Go Whale Watching and Experience the Sardine Run
- Best Time: June to November
- Cost: Free
Winter is one of the best times to visit the KZN South Coast. Thousands of humpback whales migrate past the coastline, often breaching close to shore. Top viewing spots include Ramsgate Whale Deck, Umtentweni Conservancy Lookout, and Impithi Beach Kiosk.
There’s also the spectacular Sardine Run which attracts dolphins, sharks, and countless seabirds. Netting took place in Port Edward this week, so it looks like the Sardine Run action is underway.
READ: It’s official: The Sardine Run has arrived in KZN!
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