School’s out and that means that parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, brothers, friends, babysitters and grandparents are looking for exciting and fun things to do with the kids.

Luckily, the Bay is your oyster when it comes to fun things to do; it is filled with experiences educational, events memorable as well as activities affordable.  There are even free things to do in Nelson Mandela Bay, like exploring a hiking trail, a museum, a market as well as our beautiful beaches for a picnic and a dip if you’re brave enough to get in the cold water.
 

There are numerous holiday specials up for grabs within the next two weeks until the schools open again and today we explore just how far a R50 in your pocket can get you and your kids this vacation!

1) Donkin Lighthouse for R5

While exploring the colourful mosaic floor of the Donkin Reserve is free of charge, did you know that you can also go up in the lighthouse? Experience the view from the top for only R5 for kids and R10 for adults.

Where:  Belmont Terrace, Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth.

2) Cuyler Manor for R5

Visiting Cuyler Manor Museum, situated on the outskirts of Uitenhage and Despacth, is like taking a step back to yesteryear when the Landdrost of Uitenhage, General Jacob Glen Cuyler, lived in this homestead from 1806 to 1827. Entrance to explore the grounds is R5 per person and for a guided tour, offered by Rosy, it is R10.

Where: Pienaar Road, Manor Heights, Despatch.

3) VW Autopavilliion for R5

This is a must visit if you have boys, but don’t be surprised if the girls’ jaws drop just as much! The VW AutoPavilion captures Volkswagen's legacy with state-of-the-art technology, entrance for children under 16 is R5, and it is R10 for adults. But don’t stop there, you can also go on a FREE Volkswagen Factory Tour to experience the intricate vehicle manufacturing process. Be sure to book in advance.

Where: 103 Algoa Road, Alexander Park Industrial, Uitenhage. 

4) Unicorn Café starting from R10

Enter magical land of rainbows, colour, sprinkles, marshmallows, puffy clouds and of course, unicorns; come with the kids or be a kid yourself, and stay for a unicorn drink and something to eat. Kids can also enjoy a play park, an arts and crafts activity as well as a mini mani or pedi ; prices on the menu start at R10.

Where: 154 Main Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth.
 

5) Holmeleigh Farm Yard for R25

Many adults who grew up in the Bay have fond memories of celebrating a birthday (or a friend’s birthday) at Holmeleigh Farm Yard. Why not treat your kid to some of your best memories, or, if you’ve never visited the animal touch farm, make some new memories? Entrance fee for kids is R25 and you can additionally buy food for the animals and go on a horse or tractor ride.

Where: Grey Dawn Road, Kragga Kamma, Port Elizabeth.

6) SANCCOB for R20

Head in the direction of Cape Recife Nature Reserve (where you can also hop on a hiking trail) and make a stop at SANCCOB (previously known as SAMREC). At SANCCOB you can learn more about the endangered African Penguin, see them waddle and splash around and also experience a feeding time (14h00).  The entrance fee for children is R20.

Where: Cape Recife Nature Reserve.
 

7) Van Stadens Resort for R30

Winter in Nelson Mandela Bay so far has been filled with numerous sunny, and quite perfect, beach days. Grab the kids, a picnic basket or something for a braai and travel the short 40km from Port Elizabeth’s city centre to Van Stadens Resort. You can get into the resort for R30 per person (children under 10 free) thanks to their current winter special (May to August).  The activities you’ll find around the ocean, lagoon and rolling dunes are endless; there are trampolines, a play park, snooker and table-tennis as well as sandboards, canoes and paddle skis for hire.

Where: Van Stadens Road, Uitenhage Farms, Port Elizabeth. 

8) Nitro Park at Baywest for R45

While the ice rink at Baywest Mall is on everyone’s lips, did you know that you can also have some explosive fun at the Nitro Park Arcade? You are in for a surprise, whether you want to get in line to play an old school arcade game,  go bowling or experience the  thrill of the X-Rider which is a 4D experience with 3D visuals and motion.

Where: 100 Baywest Boulevard, Hunters Retreat, Port Elizabeth.

9) Kragga Kamma Game Reserve for R40

The close proximity of Kragga Kamma Game Reserve to the city as well as its plethora of wildlife makes it an excellent choice if you’re after a wildlife wow in Nelson Mandela Bay. You can go on a self-drive for R40 for scholars and R80 for adults. They also offer game drives, meals at the Bush Café and there is also The Forest Walk.

Where: Kragga Kamma Road, Port Elizabeth.
 

10) Algoa Grand Prix Indoor Go-Karting for R60

While this experience is technically not making the R50 cut, it is still a steal at R60. Algoa Grand Prix Indoor Go-Karting it is situated in the basement of Moffett on Main, so while one parent quickly pops into the shops for some R & R the other can stay behind and watch the race of a lifetime!

Don’t forget to have a look at the events happening in July (click here), and if you’re keen on experiencing more of the Bay and more of winter and more adventure, get yourself a Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Pass.