{
  "id": 10446554,
  "title": "Get off the couch, put away the phone | Fun things to do in Durban this holiday",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/get-off-the-couch-put-away-the-phone-fun-things-to-do-in-durban-this",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/lifestyle/2026-09-28-get-off-the-couch-put-away-the-phone--fun-things-to-do-in-durban-this-holiday/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The school holidays have begun, leaving parents searching for engaging activities to keep their children entertained at home. Luckily, Durban offers numerous options for family fun. Mini Town on Snell Parade allows children to explore a miniature version of the city and learn about familiar landmarks. Mini Town charges R40 for adults and R30 for children aged 2 - 13 years old. Heading outdoors is another option, with the Durban Botanic Gardens providing a chance to walk among plants and enjoy open spaces away from screens. Parents can turn the visit into a mini nature hunt by asking children to find and photograph different leaves, flowers, birds or insects. Mitchell Park Zoo in Morningside is ideal for animal lovers, offering a relaxed family outing and educational opportunities. Before visiting, choose three animals for children to learn about; upon arrival, have them remember one interesting fact about each animal. Moses Mabhida Stadium's People's Park is perfect for outdoor activities and burning off holiday energy. Older children can experience Durban from a different perspective, while younger children simply enjoy being outdoors. Bunny Zone, located at 17 Hopewell Road in Malvern, lets kids roam and interact with ducks, guinea pigs, chickens, and bunnies while parents enjoy sandwiches and milkshakes. The area offers two play areas for younger children and activities like putt-putt or paintball for older ones. For marine life enthusiasts, a day at uShaka Marine World is a hit. The attraction features marine life, shows, an aquarium, and water-based fun. Sea World showcases penguins, seals, and dolphins, while the aquarium displays an underwater world inside a shipwreck-themed setting. uShaka Kids World caters to children aged between two and 12, with activities like a giant sandpit, painting, and play areas. During these holidays, the aquarium runs a school-holiday programme with shows and feeding times from September 28 to October 4. uShaka Marine World costs R267 for adults and R216 for children and seniors, with aquarium-only entry priced at R138. Please note that prices may change.",
  "summary": "The holidays are here and there's no reason to be bored with these activities and ideas to keep the kids out of kitchen, off the couch and away from their phones.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mini Town on Snell Parade lets kids explore miniature Durban landmarks for R40/adult, R30/child.",
    "Mitchell Park Zoo offers animal learning opportunities with educational activities.",
    "uShaka Marine World provides marine life experiences with shows, aquarium, and water activities."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}