Organised Mayhem for Kids during the World Cup Holidays in Cape Town

Think fast! Pack your tent, your ice-skating boots and prepare to pull a rabbit out of a Noordhoek hat

Attention all parents! The 2010 World Cup is not just annoying horns and bringing the world together – it means that your brood will be off school for a whopping 32-days.

Deliver a dose of football fever, by re-enacting the World Cup

Stage a World Cup soccer game in your garden, complete with team colours. Invite friends with their little-ones. It’s educational, fun and fantastic exercise for all.

‘Are we there yet?’

Whilst the atmosphere will be electric, you may get stuck in traffic with restless tykes kicking the back of your seat. So, consider driving off the beaten track.

How about an action-packed camping holiday? At Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, share a spacious and shady campsite with a Bontebok, watch 120 species of birds and take the family mountain biking. Then, reward your hard work with a satisfying braai. For more information, visit: www.capenature.org.za

Parents with aspiring Doctor Doolittle’s for children, should head out to the Noordhoek Farm Village. This treasured destination is only 25 minutes outside of the city centre. Mingle with horses, pigs, cows, hens, rabbits and sheep in the gardens and public spaces. The farm offers free activities including; crafts and face painting. More farmyard tales @ Noordhoek Farm Village

Free stuff for mini-me’s and little bees

In 1959, the great Barrett Strong proclaimed: ‘The best things in life are free….’, and you can give them to your little bees.

Take your mini-me’s for a picnic at one of Cape Town’s beautiful open spaces. Families can indulge in a spot of Frisbee or educational pursuits. Enjoy the majestic flora and fauna at the Company Gardens or visit Signal Hill, home of the Noon Gun.

You don’t have to pay to witness Cape Town’s fascinating aquatic life. Perch yourself at the V&A Waterfront, for some harbour-side seal watching.

Why does it always rain on kids?

Some may find winter rain refreshing; however, a soaking wet infant with a runny nose, not so much. There are indoor activities to keep your kids occupied, yet cold-free.

For low-cost protection from the winter clouds, head to Let’s go Bowling Alley. Use of equipment is included in the price including; special bowling shoes and balls. For Goodness sake, try not to get too competitive with your offspring! More bowling fun @ Get Rowling at Ten Pin Bowling

Families can zip around an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink at Grandwest, Goodwood. The rink offers public sessions, educational sessions and introductory lessons. Prepare for a chilling read @ Ice-skating in Cape Town

At Iziko Museum Planetarium, 5 – 10-year-olds will be taken on a fun journey through the educational planetarium, by galactic celebrities. During the Holidays Silly Solly (a snail) wants to be chosen for his gardens football team. Children can join him as he asks a shooting star to help him slither faster. Will it work? Find out if the last guy was successful @ Davy Dragon Teaches Kids About Space

Some time out for the parents

So, you’ve been hen-pecked and slipped over on some ice, landing painfully on your backside. Although it was fun, it’s time to hit the spa whilst your kids do something supervised.

At Kids Junction, Newlands, kids can enjoy fully supervised activities, such as action ball, drumming workshops, storytelling and martial arts. For more information, visit: www.kidsjunction.co.za

Kidz Get Wild, offer 7–14-year-olds a unique camping experience, packed with over 100 activities, including; abseiling, rock climbing and kite making. For more information, visit: www.kgw.co.za

For more ‘kidspiration’, check out: Kids Decide

By Lisa Nevitt