Entertaining your kids during the 2010 Fifa World Cup

Even the most proactive of parents must be forcing a smile at the idea of having to think of ways to entertain their kids during the six-week school holiday coinciding with the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

However, this need not defeat you. South Africa is a land a vast offerings, and there is no doubt that kids will be as enthused about their winter holiday as their parents are about the upcoming giant sports spectacle.

"Our country offers a wealth of fun, enjoyment and relaxation for both children and their parents - a bit of planning is all that's necessary to make the tournament period a fun time for all.

"Remember though that proper supervision of children is imperative at all times. There are fears that there will be a marked increase of human trafficking, child exploitation and drug trafficking cases during the World Cup so extreme caution and vigilance is key," says Robyn Farrell, managing director of 1st for Women Insurance Brokers.

1st for Women advises on the top fun things to do with the kids in Johannesburg:

* Gold Reef City - located just south of the city centre on the site of an old gold mine, Gold Reef City includes a funfair and a mineshaft. Children will be able to watch gold being poured and minted.

* Johannesburg Zoo - Located in the northern suburbs, the zoo offers children the chance to view 3000 species in a park setting. There are regular shows and programmes for children.

* The Lion Park - The Lion Park, located near Fourways, offers visitors the opportunity to see lions and other carnivores up close. Children can feed giraffe and hold young lion cubs in the 'cub world' area.

* Duck feeding - Children can feed ducks and geese at Zoo Lake, Emmarentia Dam and Gillooly's Farm.

* Indoor go-karting - children can race against friends and family at Randburg Raceway.

* Skate parks - Give your children the opportunity to show their moves at skateboard parks at Montecasino and Brightwater Commons.

* Tenpin bowling - Lanes in Cresta Shopping Centre, Rosebank The Zone and in the Carlton Centre in the CBD.

* Quad bikes - Bikes of various sizes cater to children four years old and up. Older children can take advantage of a guided outride into the bush and across rivers at Daytona Adventure Park in Fourways.

* Miniature Johannesburg - View the miniature town of Johannesburg at Santarama Miniland at Wemmer Pan. There are mini trains, jumping castles and fairy boats, plus an indoor play centre.

* Ice skating - The Northgate Ice Arena in the Northgate Shopping Centre runs a skating academy, with eight-week courses held on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

1st for Women advises on the top fun things to do with the kids in Cape Town:

* Camping at Salmonsdam Nature Reserve - brave the cold at this spacious campsite with 120 species of birds, and take the family mountain biking.

* Noordhoek Farm Village - Just 25 minutes from the city centre, it has horses, pigs, cows and other farm animals in gardens and public spaces. Free activities include crafts and face painting.

* Let's Go Bowling Alley - Use of equipment is included in the price including special bowling shoes and balls.

* Ice-skating - The rink at Grandwest, Goodwood offers public sessions, educational sessions and introductory lessons.

* Kids Junction - Located in Newlands, kids can enjoy fully supervised activities, such as action ball, drumming workshops, storytelling and martial arts.

* Kidz Get Wild - Children aged 7-14 years old are offered a unique camping experience, packed with over 100 activities, including abseiling, rock climbing and kite making.

* Iziko Museum Planetarium - Kids aged 5-10 years can learn about the marvels of space during the holidays from Silly Solly, a snail, who wants to be chosen for his garden's football team.

* Butterfly World - Tropical butterflies from Costa Rica, Philippines, Malaysia and China are found at the crossroads of the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington Wine Routes.

* Cape Town Lion Park - Home of the white lion and located just outside Paarl, the park offers hourly educational tours.

1st for Women advises on the top fun things to do with the kids in Durban:

* Ushaka Marine World - The largest oceanarium in the southern hemisphere overlooks the Indian Ocean. Regular dolphin and seal shows delight both kids and adults.

* The Durban Natural History Museum - The museum is renowned for its realistic animal dioramas (habitat groups), life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex model, near-complete Dodo skeleton, and Egyptian mummy, Peten Amen.

* Animal Farmyard - Children can wander through the farm, feeding and patting the animals. They can milk a cow, have a pony or tractor ride, or play on the jungle gyms, swings and slides.

* Crocworld - Home to 10 000 crocodiles as well as 200 bird species and small mammals. Kids can watch the reptiles being fed and explore the snake tunnel and freshwater aquarium. Crocworld is located in Scottburgh on the KZN/Natal South Coast, a 30-minute drive from Durban.

"Another idea is to give your kids a feel for the World Cup by staging a soccer game in your garden, complete with team colours. Invite friends with their children and revel in the fun and exercise," says Farrell.