Whats On In KZN
Schools Short Story Competition -The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) will host the 15th Time of the Writer international writers’ festival from 19 to 24 March 2012. Evening readings, book launches and discussions will take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. Wide-reaching day activities, including school visits and writers workshops are spread across Durban and surrounding areas as part of the festival’s ongoing effort to promote and nurture a culture of reading, writing and creative expression, particularly among the youth. Time of the Writer invites learners from Grades 8 to 12 to submit material for the short story writing competition to be held in conjunction with the festival. Learners are invited to engage creatively with a topic of their choice. Submissions are due no later than Thursday, 1 March. Entries must be fictional stories and not critical essays. A maximum of 5 pages (preferably typed) are to be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. Illegible entries will not be considered. Entries may be hand delivered to the Centre, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or faxed to 031 260 3074.
Markets/Family Outings
Ist Saturday of each month from 4 Feb - Back to Nature-Fun Family djembe Drumming at Nature Reserve HILLCREST. Join us for a fun filled interactive kids/parents/family drumming event. (Shaker making,diablo and poi demo,trix stix games...) Large Family Kids special: For every 3 children, one gets in free.(Bring along a friend free if you have 2 kids) ... Cost; R30 per participating child / parent. Time: Event starts sharply@ 11.00am - 12.00 Bring: a picnic for after the event, blanket, chair (optional). Springside Nature Reserve Hillcrest Website
21 March 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and for the first time in 2012 this day will be officially observed by the United Nations. For more details visit the website
Join the KZN Philharmonic for a free sundowner concert featuring highlights of the forthcoming Summer Symphony Season. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to classical music concerts and is short enough for younger members of the family as well. These free concerts are aimed at introducing families to our World Symphony Series. The concerts carry no entry fee and will last for just one hour. The programme will include highlights from the Summer Season. The dates for these fantastic concerts are as follows:
2 February 2012, 6-7pm – Glenwood High School, 1 Nicolson Road, Glenwood
8 February 2012, 6-7pm – Hillcrest Primary School, c/r Hospital and Emoyeni, Hillcrest
9 February 2012, 6-7pm – Westville Boys High School, Wandsbeck Avenue, Westville
Doors open at 5:30pm, concert starts promptly at 6pm and lasts for one hour. For further information contact the KZN Philharmonic office on 031 369 9438 or e-mail
The Heritage Country Market - 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest. On the last weekend of every month from 9am to 1pm the Heritage hosts this popular Sunday market. Yummy things to stock up your larder, a variety of art and crafts and an assortment of other treasures. There’s painting and crafts for little artists and face painting for budding drama queens (and kings)! There are also pony rides and the captivating Menagerie Animal Farmyard where young nature lovers can touch the animals and learn more about them. Tel: 031 765 2500.
Visit the Umgeni River Bird Park - Spectacular waterfalls and lush vegetation form a magnificent backdrop at this fine bird park. Set on the bank of the Umgeni River, it displays more than 400 species of birds. Refreshments and light meals served in the tea garden. Catering is provided for children's parties. Free flight bird show 11am and 2 pm daily (except Mondays). Open 9am to 5pm. Tel: 031 5794600.
Take a trip on the Umgeni Steam Railway (Inchanga Choo Choo) - Trips to Inchanga are on the first and last Sunday of each month twice daily 08h45 and 12h30. Trains leave from Kloof Station (Stokers Arms).
Fitzsimons Snake Park - Home to South African and exotic species. Snake feeding on weekends after every venomous snake demonstrations daily: 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30, 15:30. Snake 'touch' demonstrations offered at schools using non-venomous species. Snakebite management lectures offered at hospitals, ambulance companies and medical schools. Telephone: 073 156 9606.
ADULTS ONLY - MYSTERY GHOST BUS TOUR - Groups of 30 or more - Any Night. Teambuilding, Birthdays, Bachelors, Bachelorettes, Clubs Try the EVP on our website Bookings through Computicket or Checkers/Shoprite
Outlaw Farm Pony Camps and Out-Rides – Hillcrest (KZN) Every weekend and school holidays. We take outrides for almost two hours for all levels of experience from total novice to experienced riders. Out into the open, up and down Dale and for those that can ride we canter and trot. For those that are nervous we are always mindful of your abilities and as such you will have a quiet enjoyable ride on a safe horse/ pony. All our horses and ponies are well trained to not run towards home and will go at the speed set by the trail leader. Join us at any time by giving us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you even during the week. Website
Tots n Pots Holiday Programme (Kloof/ Hillcrest) - Call Barbara 083 306 1172 Email
Shongweni Market (KZN) is a farmers market that opens every Sat. From 6am to 10.30am . It is one of the biggest open markets in KZN and offers shoppers anything from food to jewellery, clothing, flowers, nursery plants etc. The market receives people from all walks of life, take your dogs there to be sociable with other dogs! Cnr Alvestone and Kassier roads, Shongweni - “FUN PRODUCTS FOR FUN KIDS” Bath fun, Bath books, Fun Kids books,, ages 2-8; junior sequin books from ages 4 to 12; sun products, mosquito products, and many more quality products available. On view at Shongweni market 0833036055
Bring your family for pony rides at Reunion Park (End of Vintner place), Isipingo. Tempest the Gentle giant will look after you and your children. Remember to bring a carrot or apple to thank Tempest for your ride. Every Saturday and Sunday, and public holidays from 3pm-6pm. Costs only R10pp. Call: 0843008053
Animal adventures (KZN) wild & farmyard animalsNoo Noo Farm- Visit this bug farm to learn about insects in a safe, friendly environment (ages 3-16 years). Or visit the Savage Jungle to learn about mapwork and navigation (ages 7-16 years). Open Monday to Friday for school groups only. The Noo-Noo Farm is an outdoor educational venue on bugs, insects and noo-noo's. The venue allows school kids from 3 years to 16 years the opportunity to get out of the classroom for a hands-on learning experience in a fun environment. A fun school outing to the Noo-Noo Farm takes approximatley two hours. Teachers are free, parents R 8.00 a person and children R 16.00. Teachers and drivers get free tea and biscuits. Discount rates apply if more than one venue is visited on the same day. See Prices page. There is a basic tuck shop selling colddrinks, sweets, chips, biltong and fun toys for the children. Visit the website
Giba Gorge (Durban) is a mountain bike park second to none. With 40km of single track trails, a UCI standard BMX track, and an exhilarating free ride track, Giba promises to cater for all bike enthusiasts. Giba Cafe restaurant, an organic nursery and a superb art gallery for all cultural tastes. We cater for kids parties on weekends with guided rides to the waterfall and a great family set up under the shade of the trees on our lawn. If its exciting exercise or leisurely lazing you are looking for, Giba is the place to be.
LIBRARY TIMES CLICK HERETots N Pots Umhlanga/La Lucia/Durban North: The Children’s cooking classes are small hands-on classes in a relaxed “kitchen” environment. The classes will be held from Oscars in Durban North , in Mackeurtan Avenue, next to the Woolworths and Northland Boys School. As from 1 October - 26 November, classes will run from 9am - 10am at a cost of R800 per term. Please book early as the class numbers will be restricted. Tel: Sam Valiallah 079 124 8839 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website.
Fine Young Cooks (Ballito) - For kids age 4 to 12 years. Join in cooking classes and learn about manners, kitchen safety and more, while learning to cook snacks, lunches or dinners.
Bruce's Boot Camp Fun, military-style fitness programme, running over 6 weeks. Price includes three morning or evening sessions a week, and a pre-camp consultation. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Morningside Primary School, Lumsden Crescent, Morningside Cost: R1000 Tel: 0825565540@Tap Childrens Playground - open Tuesdays to Saturday for parents & children. There is a coffee corner for parents & large safe playground for the kids. Don't miss storytime on the big screen at 10am on Saturdays.Contact 031 563 0882
Umgeni Steam Railway - Next steam trains KLOOF-INCHANGA-KLOOF and INCHANGA-KLOOF-INCHANGA SUNDAY 29th JANUARY 2012 Normal Kloof-Inchanga-Kloof trains departing at 08h30 and 12h30 and Inchanga-Kloof-Inchanga trains departing at 10h30 and 15h00 or Kloof-Inchanga (one way) at 16h00 (make your own return transport arrangements). Catch the 06h30 departure from Inchanga to Kloof, have a Wimpy breakfast [now open at 07h00] at the Kloof Wimpy across the road from Kloof Station and be back on board by 08h25 for the return trip departing Kloof at 08h30 for a 09h30 arrival at Inchanga. Then you can visit the Inchanga Craft Market before making your way back home. "Early Bird" - Inchanga-Kloof-Inchanga at 06h30 (telephone booking only) Imagine traveling in a 2010 train consisting of 1930's coaches, one being built in 1908, all pulled by a 1912 loco !! Visit the website
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Wave House - Family Day Outing Wave House boasts the biggest man made stationary wave in the world – The D-Rex – which is a 10 foot barreling left and right point break wave. It’s a fusion of surfing, snowboarding, skating and wakeboarding and is a challenging ride for people of all ages. There are also two FlowRiders for family fun and the biggest skate park in South Africa. The new ride in town is the Wave House Tube Ride – which features four water slides for the whole family in a safe and secure environment. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ART CLASSES: Drawing and painting classes for beginners and advanced. Classes are conducted by well-known artist Fransie Pretorius, who is also an accomplished photographer and ceramicist. Venue: 22 Portman Rd, Dawncliffe, Westville. Saturdays 2pm to 5pm and Wednesdays 9am to 12pm. Contact Fransie on 031 – 266 6422 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Duck 'n Deck Animal Farm - Walk and talk to the animals, Pony rides,School groups by appointment. Tea Garden is available serving delicious farm style breakfasts and light lunches. Secure environment and parking. Open Tuesday to Sunday, School Holidays and Public Holidays9:30am to 4:00pm/ Entrance fee: R15.00 per person - children will receive a free packet of animal food and babies under 1 year FREEThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mitchells Park Playground and Zoo is open daily - has spacious shady lawns, landscaped gardens and a playground with jungle gyms, swings and slides. Durbanites enjoy this Park with its spectacular, colorful flower beds, which are redesigned and replanted every season. Telephone: 031 303 2275
Opening times: Daily 8am to 4pm Entrance fees: Adults: R4, Children under 18 years: R3 Facilities: Mini Zoo. Refreshments at Blue Zoo Restaurant and Alley’s Snacks in the Zoo Where to find us: 10 Ferndale Road, Morningside, Durban, 4001
Minitown - Open every day of the week. Mini Town is located near Fitzsimmons Snake Park on Snell Parade. There is an entry fee of R15 for adults and R10.00 for children (age 2 to 12). Mini Town has a small refreshment kiosk where cooldrinks and snacks may be purchased. 031-337 7892.
Ice Skating - Birthday Parties for kids and Teens -also open 7 days a week during school holidays. There are various skating sessions during the day. Call Call 031 - 332 4597 or Read more...
Essenwood Craft Market Durban Every Saturday, 9am – 2pm - Read more
View all the outings for Durban & surrounds click here
Earn Extra Money for part-time work - Teachers/ students/ Moms required to sell “School Ready Packs” containing Educational Computer Games, puppets and books. Commission structure and incentives. Own car a requirement. Call Carol 082 764 5955.
