Things to Do in Ballito with the Kids

Start the day on the promenade

Get everyone up early. The Ballito promenade runs from Willard Beach south along the coastline, it is flat, it is well maintained and it is made for walkers, runners and strollers. Early morning is when the light is soft and the sea is glassy. It is beautiful.

Dolphins and whales are often playing in the waves and can often be seen from the promenade if you keep an eye out.

When everyone is hungry, Concha on Compensation Beach Road is the reward. It is a family run bakery with street side seating, good coffee and delicious pastries and brekkies.

Take goggles to the tidal pools

Two tidal pools sit within walking distance of our apartments. Thompson's Bay Tidal Pool, is around 90 metres long and sits close to Martinique with direct access from Santorini Estate. Chaka's Rock Tidal Pool is the one to head for if you have younger swimmers. It is shallower, it is calm and it holds the richest marine life of any publicly accessible tidal pool along this stretch of coast. Skiathos and Chakas Terrace guests can walk to it.

Insider Tip: Go at low tide. At low tide the water is clear and still, the rock ledges come alive with tiny fish and the children can stand up wherever they are.

When they need to burn off energy

Sugar Rush Park sits just inland from Ballito and it has become the default rainy day and restless day answer for most families here. Entry to the open park, play areas, pump track and forest trail is free. The paid extras all run separately, so you can do as much or as little as the day needs.

Holla Trails runs a network of mountain biking and trail running routes through Sugar Rush Park on a day permit.

The Jump Park is an indoor trampoline centre on the same property with a foam pit, a parkour area and a viewing lounge where parents can sit down for an hour.

Surf lessons are the other good option. Ballito Surf School operates daily from Willard's main beach, provides all the gear and generally starts children from around age six. Book at least a day ahead so they can match your slot to the tide and swell.

For the animal lovers

Flag Animal Farm in Salt Rock is better suited to younger children. Children get to feed and hold the animals and run around on the grass afterwards.

The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary on Salt Rock Road suits older children who can walk and listen. It is a indigenous forest that is home to rescued lemurs and monkeys, all of them free roaming rather than enclosed. Guided tours leave regularly from reception and run about an hour.

Where to eat with children in tow

Donna Modern Italian at the New Salt Rock Centre has a supervised play area and pottery painting on site.

La Piazza in The Well in Ballito is a long standing family favourite with its own children's play area.

Karibu in Salt Rock is great for a relaxed afternoon, there is padel for the whole family or the kids can enjoy fishing, trampolines and often a slip and slide is set up on warmer days.

Family friendly beaches

Thompson's Bay: a sheltered cove with the tidal pool alongside it. Calm and shaded in parts.
Chaka's Rock Tidal Pool: shallow, protected and the best snorkelling for small children.
Willard Beach: the main Ballito beach with lifeguards and shark nets, busier and better for older kids who want waves.
Salt Rock Beach: quieter, easy parking, a short drive north.
Granny's Pool at Salt Rock: a sheltered rock pool that is ideal for toddlers.

All of this sits within a few minutes of our apartments in Shakas Rock.

We look after families for a living and we have been doing it long enough to know which apartment suits which group. Tell us who is coming along and we will point you to the right apartment.