For something fun and educational, take the kids to the Natal Sharks Board, just 9 miles (15km) north of Durban in Umhlanga, to learn about the marine life that lives off the shores of Durban's 'golden mile' as well as the shark nets that provide protection against shark attacks across the Kwazulu-Natal coastline. There are daily presentations and shark dissections at the complex and kids will love visiting the display hall to view the variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays, including that of a 1966-pound (892kg) great white shark. There are even boat trips running seven days a week to view the shark nets being serviced and to see and learn about the dolphins, seabirds and fish life that abound off Durban's coast. Boat trips must be booked in advance. The Sharks Board is near Gateway mall and the Umhlanga Rocks city centre, but isn't within walking distance of public transportation.

Address: 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga

Website: www.shark.co.za

Telephone: 031 566 0499

Opening times: Open Tuesday to Thursday at 9am and 2pm; Sundays at 2pm. Closed public holidays

Admission: Presentation and dissection: R25 (adults); R12 (children). Boat trip: R250. Bookings for boat trip essential. Tel: 082 403 9206