Two years ago I did a post called Kid and wallet friendly places in Nelson Mandela Bay, I noticed that a lot of people are still checking out that post and I realised that I should probably do a bit of an update as things change, people change, and two years is a long time.

So if you have family coming in to the metro this festive season, and you already have the place to stay, I suggest Summerstrand (show the visitors the beach people! it’s our secret weapon)  what wallet friendly places in Nelson Mandela Bay do you point them to?

my top wallet friendly places in Nelson Mandela Bay

1. To see animals

I recently wrote about the luxury that is Kuzuko Lodge  but when it comes to wildlife and and my wallet I tend to lean towards Kragga Kamma Game farm. They have a self drive option for R90 for adults and R40 for kids (those under 3 get in for free). Even the guided game drives are only R230 a head and they have a loyalty card that gets you free access to the park any day for a year. This is only R500 p.a for a couple and R700 p.a. for a family pass (2 adults and 3 kids)

For more domesticated animals, we like to go to Homeleigh farm , here not only do children get to feed the animals and learn about them they can also go on tractor or horse rides. Entry to Homeleigh farm is around  R25 and includes feed for the animals. They also have a coffee shop with the best lemon meringue and an extensive play area.

For aquatic animals we have Bay World here you can visit the Oceanarium, snake park or museum. They have seal and penguin presentations and snake interactions which are always a hit with the kids. Although I know not everyone is pro oceanariums, I have seen first hand the amazing work they do to rehabilitate and save animals so I support them.  Their tickets are R45 for Adults. R40 for pensioners and students. and children 3 to 17 are R35.

2. To play around for free

We love hanging out at the Kings Beach Playground with it’s jungle gyms slides, wooden ride on animals and a whimsical layout is probably at the top of the wallet friendly places in Nelson Mandela Bay.  Back in Uitenhage we opt for Willow Dam which has recently added some more gym equipment. They have a monthly market here with music and crafts and it is a hit with both young and old.

3. For the crafters

DIY outings have become big in Port Elizabeth and although this is not exactly super wallet friendly, I am including it due to the value for money aspect. Painting With Grapes, being a firm favourite. Here you can have a night out with friends, learn to paint and take a canvas home to brag about. For under R300 you get  a welcome drink, two  additional free drinks (this can be wine, beer, ciders or coldrinks), snacks, all painting equipment to use, your canvas to keep and a 2,5-3hr painting class, taught by a qualified artist.

Conquer in Walmer is fairly new but is already being praised for their range of workshops from ceramics to soap making,  under R300. They also have parent and child workshops which are proving to be a hit.

Pic from their facebook pageThere is also yoga and craft lessons happening in Port Elizabeth every Friday at  Little Lotus Yoga in Lower Valley Road. Kids get a yoga lesson, a craft lesson and a snack all for R60 each.

4. In Uitenhage

I need to rep my home town! Our two favourite places are the VW Autopavillion which  proudly showcases the evolution of the Volkswagen group South Africa. So for R10 (R5 for kids) you can see the cars and technology of the past and the future.

Then we have the Science and Technology Centre   where R10 will get you in to a giant warehouse with amazing interactive science experiments where ever you look. Kids can learn about construction by building a house, learn about electricity by powering appliances with a bicycle, learn about air pressure by floating above ground and so much more. The Exhibition area is separated into seven zones: Automotive, electricity, lights and optics, flight, momentum, life sciences, construction, sound and games. A Rock climbing wall and survivor/amazing race type games make this a must for group outings.

• There are so many places to add to a list of wallet friendly places in Nelson Mandela Bay as the Bay has great value for money things happening, so keep an eye on the blog as #TeamMeyers will be reviewing family favourite places around the Bay. The plan is to have something new every Monday so keep and eye out and if you have a place you think we simply have to try out let me know.