Durban - It’s the summer holidays and parents need to keep their children busy – all those weeks away from school is a long time. This can also be tiresome – and very costly.
I don’t have kids, but having a nephew, five, and niece, three, in Durban for the holidays at the most expensive time of the year, makes me something of a parent during this time.
What I’ve learnt is that planning outings to accommodate their adrenalin-filled little bodies is expensive. Even a few trips to the beach – with just pizza and ice-cream adds up, so this year I have put together a plan: Something that is fun, yet won’t leave a hole in my pocket by the time the holiday season ends.
It’s something for you to consider too.
Summer time in Durban is especially fun. The weather is always good and the atmosphere in the city is livened by holiday makers – domestic and international. Durban also provides some fun day activities during this season – which are free, so my first rule is to set a budget per day or week and stick to it.
This helps you to plan an activity for your kids within that specific budget. And if your kids are older and more responsible, then you can give them their own allowance per day or week. Make sure they understand that when their allowance is finished – there will be no more. This will teach them to control their spending and be more responsible. There is no better way to teach the value of money.
Another way for them to have more money, is to earn it. Ask them to help you around the house with chores and pay them.
Back to my holiday ideas. Here are a few to help keep them entertained on a budget.
A trip to the beach
Hot days call for a swim in the warm Indian ocean. So pack a picnic basket, to save you from buying take aways, a beach umbrella and costumes and head down to your favourite beach. Build sand castles, swim and enjoy quality time with your family. You will be surprised how quickly the time will pass.
Movies and popcorn
Going to the cinema to watch a movie can be extremely expensive. My alternative is to make a trip to the DVD store with the kids and let them chose their own movies to watch.
Prepare fresh bowls of popcorn, and you can have the little ones entertained for up to four hours.
A visit to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium
There are many attractions at the stadium. If you and your kids have not yet enjoyed the experience of the SkyCar, this is your chance. It’s a two minute SkyCar ride up to the stadium arch, before you step on to the platform and take in the 360º view of Durban.
If you want more of a workout you can take the stairs… there are 500 of them. The stadium also offers “The Big Rush Swing” which dips 80m into the stadium bowl for adrenalin junkies.
People’s Park is designed with everyone in mind and kids will have fun in the designated play areas. The park is open until 5pm on weekdays and 6pm at weekends.
Picnic at the park
Durban has various parks to choose from. Yet again, pack a picnic basket, a few toys and a mat and enjoy hours of tranquillity among lush greenery – while the kids play.
Ushaka Marine World
Ushaka has been around for a while now, and you might be thinking that you’ve seen it all, but there are always new things to do. They recently opened the Chimp & Zee Rope Adventure, which is loads of fun and relatively inexpensive.
They also offer a tour of the aquarium, snorkelling, shark diving, dolphin shows, animal encounters and a range of other activities for teenagers and kids.
Go zorbing at the Groovy Balls Adventure Park
Hop inside a giant, transparent ball and roll downhill. It’s simple and great fun. KZN has one of the best zorbing parks in the country. GroovyBalls Adventure Park in Cliffdale, outside Hillcrest, is the place for you and the kids to try your hand at this crazy sport.
The Park offers different courses such as the “Kamikaze Run” – a 120m downhill roll – and a 60m ride for kids. If you want to combine your zorbing with some other activities, the park also offers go karting, target shooting and paintball. Booking is essential.
GO WiLD at the WaveHouse
GO WILD is the hottest new venue in Durban where being active and outdoors is celebrated with a host of fun activities for all ages – all under one roof.
It’s the ultimate playground, featuring uniquely crafted fun zones for different ages from toddlers, tweens, teenagers and adults. Some of these activities include, an undercover toddler play zone, a waterplay splashpad, the newest activity in recreation, Pumptrax. Doors open from 8am.
I’m looking forward to saving money this festive season. I hope these fun ideas will help you with keeping the kids entertained without breaking the bank. Enjoy!
Alyssia Birjalal, Sunday Tribune