Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities on the North Coast (Umdloti, Balito, Umhlanga and Durban)

Brand Viljoen
Jul 26, 2025
2 min read

Families having fun at the Umdloti Tidal Pool on the North Coast of KZN

Planning a beach holiday to KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast with the family? Whether you’re escaping Johannesburg’s hustle for a long weekend or a full coastal break, Umdloti is the perfect base for sun, sand, and safe adventures. Here's a curated list of top family-friendly things to do near Umdloti, Umhlanga, and Durban—guaranteed to entertain everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

1. 🐠 Snorkel in the Umdloti Tidal Pool

Located directly in front of Pearl of Umdloti at Perna Perna, this natural tidal pool offers calm, shallow waters ideal for little ones learning to swim or families wanting to spot marine life up close.

👉 Nearby Tip: Visit Utopia Holidays’ Umdloti Guide for more local activities.

2. 🌳 Walk the Trails of Hawaan Forest

Explore a protected stretch of indigenous coastal forest just 10 minutes from Umdloti. Home to monkeys, bush babies, and rare bird species, it’s the perfect educational outing for kids who love wildlife.

📍 Read more on Wikipedia – Hawaan Forest

3. 🐬 Watch Dolphins from Your Balcony

Early risers are rewarded with daily sightings of bottlenose dolphins gliding past Umdloti Beach. No need to book a boat—just grab a coffee and enjoy the view.

🔗 Book your sea-facing balcony at www.pernaperna.com

4. 🧘 Join a Beach Yoga or Fitness Session

Many local instructors offer family yoga sessions or group fitness classes right on the beach. It’s a great way for parents and teens to bond with the ocean as a backdrop.

Explore more activities on VisitKZN-SA North Coast

5. 🦎 Visit Flag Animal Farm

Just outside Ballito, this much-loved farm lets kids feed goats, ride ponies, and meet reptiles and parrots. Perfect for toddlers and early learners.

📍 Details on SA-Venues Family Entertainment

6. 🛍️ Shop & Play at Gateway Theatre of Shopping

It’s more than a mall—it’s a rainy-day lifesaver. With over 400 shops, a cinema, indoor skate park, WaveHouse, and arcade zones, Gateway is great for all ages.

🔗 www.gatewayworld.co.za

7. 🐢 Explore uShaka Marine World

Only 25 minutes from Umdloti, uShaka is Durban’s top family attraction. See sharks, stingrays, and penguins, or splash out at the waterpark.

🎟️ Learn more at TripAdvisor Durban Attractions

8. 🎯 Play Mini Golf at Sugar Rush Park (Ballito)

Fun for older kids and tweens, Sugar Rush has mini golf, bike trails, laser tag, and a café with shaded seating—perfect for group outings.

9. 🌊 Surf or Bodyboard in Umdloti

Enroll your kids in beginner surf lessons with local instructors. Umdloti’s surf breaks are gentle enough for learning and fun enough for teens.

10. 🍦 Enjoy a Sunset Treat at Bush Tavern or SandBar

After a day of play, wind down with milkshakes or a seafood dinner at Umdloti’s family-friendly beachfront restaurants. They’re all walking distance from Pearl of Umdloti.

Explore restaurant options on TripAdvisor – Umdloti