In exactly one week shoes will be polished, shirts ironed, books covered and bags packed as the kids of the Bay head back to school.

But that is a whole week away and there’s still a whole lotta fun you can fit into 7 days.

Nelson Mandela Bay – with its beaches, adventure and wildlife – offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Plus, January is usually a long month for most and you’ll be pleased to know that there are also a bunch of free activities for the whole family.

 

5 FREE family things to do in Nelson Mandela Bay

Zero. Niks. Nada

 

Visit the beaches, rock and tidal pools

Blue flag beaches, more beaches, massive dunes, tidal pools, rock pools, kilometers of sandy stretches, go snorkeling and take a dip in the ocean. The Bay's beaches know just how to please any ocean fanatic or mermaid-to-be.

Want to go? Click here.

Venture out for a picnic.

Pack your own lunch and head out for a picnic at one of the Bay's green parks. 

Want to go? Click here.

 

Experience Route 67 with all its art installations.

Route 67 adds a whole lotta colour to the Bay but it is a lot more than just art. The public art works symbolises Madiba's 67 years he dedicated to the freedom of South Africa. You can download a brochure here, and explore it on your own with your family. 

Want to go? Click here.

 

Go on one of the Bay’s hiking trails.

Grab your takkies and get some fresh air on one of the Bay's hiking trails. Click here to see what Bay local and avid hiker, Jonker Fourie, suggests.

Want to go? Click here.

 

The Campanile

Walk the steps all the way to the top of this iconic Bay tower which was built in 1923; it is 51.8 meters tall and houses the largest carillon of bells in South Africa.

Want to go? Click here.

 

3 Family things to do in the Bay for R1 to R20.

You choose, a Coca-Cola or an activity?

 

VW Autopavilion

How much? R10 adults, R5 children.

When you say Uitenhage, they say Volkswagen. Be part of this iconic name in the Bay and visit the museum that will take you on a tour through the history of VW to the modern technology of the automotive industry. (Factory tours resume 1 February 2018).

Want to go? Click here.

 

Cuyler Manor Museum

How much? R5 entrance fee or R10 for a guided tour.

Take a walk through the 1800s at this living museum where you can see demonstrations of traditional activities from back in the day when General Cuyler was the landdrost of Uitenhage (1806 to 1827).

Want to go? Click here.

 

Donkin Lighthouse

How much? R10.

It's not inside, it's on top! Instead of admiring the Donkin Lighthouse from below, make your way to the top of the lighthouse - built in 1861 - for an incredible view of our city and Algoa Bay. 

Want to go? Click here.

 

2 Family things to do in the Bay for R21-50

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” (Henry Miller)

 

SANCCOB

How much? R30 per adult, R25 per child.

The islands off Port Elizabeth's shore are some of the few places in South Africa that's home to breeding pairs of the African Penguin. Due to overfishing, pollution and many more activities, penguins often get stranded and SANCCOB - a marine bird rehabilitation and education centre - is there safe haven. The centre has permanent penguin residents but also releases healthy penguins back into the ocean after their health has improved.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Holmeleigh Farmyard

How much? R25.

Experience life on a farm; your kids can feed the animals, go on a tractor ride, enjoy the play park and run wild and free at Holmeleigh Farmyard.

Want to go? Click here.

5 Family things to do in the Bay for R51-R100

Go watch a movie or live the adventure...

 

Addo Elephant National Park

How much? R68 for adults, R34 for children.

You can go on a self-drive adventure in Addo Elephant National Park and see the Eastern Cape's gentle giants in their natural habitat, plus you also have the opportunity to see the other members of the big five gang.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Kragga Kamma Game Park

How much? R80 for adults, R50 for scholars.

One minute you can be in the city and the next you're surrounded by giraffes and more. Kragga Kamma Game Park is home to vast herds of African game in lush coastal forest and grassland.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Algoa Grand Prix Indoor Go-Karting

How much? R70 (10 laps).

Who can say no to a good 'ol race? Experience the thrilling rush of go-karting with your whole family. For once you don't have to worry about the petrol price.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Paintball Heaven

How much? R100 (gun, mask, overall and 100 balls).

Get tactical and engage in a game of harmless colourful fun, you might walk away with a bruise or just a bruised ego so choose your paintball team members wisely.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park

How much? R70-90 per hour (get your second your for free until 18 January 2018). 

Jump, jump, jump! But other than just jumping on the interconnected trampolines you can also enjoy the foam pit, basketball and dodgeball arena. Bring a whole lotta energy if you want to do this activity. First timers have to purchase non-slip socks for R30.

Want to go? Click here.

 

2 Family things to do in the Bay for R101-R200

"Adventure is worthwhile." (Aristotle)

 

Adrenalin Addo Giant Swing

How much? R150.

If you are an adrenalin junkie, don't mind heights and being strapped to a harness then the giant swing at Addo has your name on its helmets. Go take a swing, a big swing.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Valley Crag Climbing Wall

How much? R150 (Intro Rope Course).

Be a spider for a day and climb some walls at the Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre. No need to be experienced as the experienced staff will show you the ropes.

Want to go? Click here.

 

Do more for less!

Get a Nelson Mandela Bay Pass Card and do more activities for less moola! You can get a free ziplining experience at Addo Adrenaline (worth R300), free Addo River Cruise (worth R390), free game drive, free Discover Scuba Course, free surfing lesson and much more free, free free things to choose from.

There are different types of passes to suit your needs, click here to find out which one is perfect for you.