Nelson Mandela Bay stood right in front of the line the day beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities were handed out; from coast to forest, wildlife to inner-city entertainment, most of our activities, sights and things to do in the Bay revolves around being outside where a whole lotta everything is just waiting to be explored.

But what about those days when you have to escape a sweltering heatwave or give the outside life a miss because of a rain shower with roaring thunder?

There are just some days on the calendar which we have to mark as “indoor days”, and luckily, in the Bay of plenty, there is no reason to get blue and bored when you have to bid the outside air adieu and stay indoors… a whole lotta everything is still just waiting to be explored.

Indoor Activities in the Bay

Trampoline away in the Bay

Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park is a fun and active way to keep everyone entertained while being indoors; it is an opportunity for young and old to jump on trampolines, bounce off the walls and leap into foam pits. The indoor trampoline park is a perfect replacement for a gym session, or as a venue for a birthday party or just a place to get the adrenaline flowing; come rain or shine, get yourself to Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park in Framesby, opposite Makro.

Did someone say coffee?

It is safe to say that the coffee culture in Nelson Mandela Bay is big; we are home to the oldest coffee roaster in South Africa that lures us with that familiar smell of beans being roasted while multiple artisan coffee shops are spread out all over the city. Grab someone special, or get a good book, and indulge in all the caffeine that you can handle.

Cool off

Cool off at an indoor swimming pool. The Newton Park Swimming Pool is an Olympic sized heated (25º - 28º) indoor swimming pool and has hosted its fair share of swimming championships and events. Be a mermaid, or a Ryk Neethling, and head to the corner of Worraker Street and Second Avenue. Opening hours are 05:00 to 20:00 from Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 12:00 on a Saturday.

Need for speed

King Karts, situated in the parking basement of Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre offers an indoor kart circuit that is carefully laid out to challenge even the most experienced driver. The karts are fast and full concentration is required to negotiate the turns and pre-plan passing manoeuvres. Moffett on Main offers a variety of shops, restaurants and a gym to keep you busy for a whole day. King Karts operates in all weather conditions and after hours with basement lighting to anyone taller than 1.5 meters.

Retail therapy

Treat yourself, you deserve it! You are spoilt for choice with the variety of shops which can be found at the Bay’s shopping malls where food, fashion, entertainment and fun all come together to promise you a day to remember.

Watch something

There is never a dull moment when it comes to the entertainment in the Bay; whether you want to watch a movie, a show, a comedy, a theatre performance or a concert there is always something to see at the Bay’s renowned venues such as the Boardwalk’s Amphitheatre, the Barkley Theatre in Uitenhage, the Opera House and the Little Theatre at the Athenaeum. To stay up to date with what’s on just visit the Events Page on Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s website.

Museums to modern day technology

If you are a history buff then visit one (or all) of the museums which can be found in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch; go to the South End museum, Castle Hill Museum, the Art Museum, the Old Railway Museum or the Drostdy Museum.

But if you are not that much interested in things of the past and prefer a bit of modern day technology, don’t forget to visit the VW Autopavillion for a mix of past, present and future and the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre, also situated in Uitenhage.  

You can visit a lot of these facilities for free by using your Nelson Mandela Bay Pass.

Grab a bite

If your stomach is after something some sugar and spice, rest assured, the Bay offers you everything that’s nice.

Local foodie, blogger and Instagrammer, A Girl Named Kez, once said: “Foodie culture is definitely on the rise in the Bay. There’s an electric energy in the air as people start to push creative boundaries within the industry. We have so much potential and the only way that’s going to grow and blossom is if we get behind the people that are willing to go out on a limb and do something different.”

Read the interview with A Girl Named Kez to get some ideas of where to wine and dine in the Bay.

Bowling

Whether you are young or old, a pro or someone who never miss the chance to miss the pins, tenpin bowling is fun for everyone. Make your way down to Summerstrand and visit Lighthouses, next to the Boardwalk, for a game of pool and some tenpin bowling.

Ice Skating

Travel to the winter wonderland of Baywest Mall's Ice Skating Rink and test your balance on the state of the art rink while having peace of mind that you and your family are in a safe and secure environment with medics on standby. Baywest Mall Ice Skating Rink also offers courses with professional coaches and there are also group classes (from tots to adults) available.