BOXING Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide. Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, nowadays, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday or a day for family time. In Durban, most families head to the sunny shores of Durban’s beaches, and as a result, the beaches are often jam-packed with people on December 26, making it rather unpleasant for families who would like to spend time together in a less crowded environment. Luckily, Durban is full of family-friendly places to visit on Boxing Day. Here is a list of fun, local places to visit with your family and friends this December 26!

Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens is situated in the heart of Berea and is Africa’s oldest surviving Botanic Garden. The Durban Botanic Gardens curates major collections such as cycads, palms and orchids, and in the true tradition of a botanic garden, which is really several gardens within one. Plants weird and wonderful, from remarkable ones that are edible to those that are simply admirable, all are landmarks to be marvelled at in the Durban Botanic Gardens. The local botanic gardens are the perfect place to take the family for an educational trip or a family picnic and a fun day in the sun – this Durban gem is the perfect spot to head over to on Boxing Day.

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Moses Mabhida Stadium

The Moses Mabhida Stadium is a football stadium in Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, named after Moses Mabhida, a former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party. It is a multi-use stadium. The stadium became a venue for several events, like bungee jumping, concerts, cricket, soccer, golf practice, motorsports and a rugby union after the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The stadium is also home to The People’s Park where you can take advantage of the green space or head over to the People’s Park Café to pop in for a light weekend lunch, or unwind over Saturday morning coffee. There is a wide range of activities to get into at the Moses Mabhida stadium that the whole family can get involved in!

Durban Funworld

Located at 78 OR Tambo Parade in South Beach, Durban Funworld has been a staple for families and children for decades. Visitors can park on the Marine Parade and spend a fun-filled day at the local amusement park. The park’s facilities include a cable car, which provides a scenic view of the Durban beachfront, while the older kids can have fun on the exhilarating Breakdance and Swingboat rides. The little ones can enjoy themselves on the Elephant Ride or Carousel, just to mention a few. There is no entry fee to enter Durban Funworld, and you only pay per ride. Durban Funworld is a wonderful place to visit if you have children, and adults can get into the fun, too, with rides and activities such as the Bumper Cars available.

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Mitchell Park

This Municipal Park and zoo offers a fun and educational day for the kids. Animals include crocodiles, buck, raccoons, cranes, flamingoes, wallabies, monkeys and tortoises, and the park has a walk-through aviary for bird lovers. Pack a picnic basket, bring a skottel braai while the kids play in the dedicated play area. Mitchell Park is situated in the Morningside suburb of Durban and is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled day with your family.

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World is a world-class entertainment theme park and tourist destination located on Durban’s Golden Mile. uShaka brings together cultures, like no other place in Africa – into a safe, secure and clean environment that resonates with the sounds of fun, laughter and the spirit of togetherness. With a water park, aquarium, reptile zoo, dolphin shows and much more, the entire family will have a blast at the popular Durban festive spot.