The December holidays have started. Like a broken LP, cries of, "I'm bored" reverberate through the house and you're left wondering — "What can I do to keep them occupied?"

There are many options such as hiking, going to the theatre and watching a movie, but what about taking advantage of your surroundings?

We bring you a location-based guide on what to do during the long stretch of laziness known as the December holidays.

Cape Town

Two Oceans Aquarium:
A perennial favourite for both young and old, the Two Oceans Aquarium provides the ultimate look at what life in the sea is like (or what it used to be like). With the V& A Waterfront nearby, it's an attractive location for children and parents alike.

Entry fees: R82 for adults, R65 for children (14-17) and R38 for children (4-13).

Contact them on +27 21 418-3823 or visit www.aquarium.co.za

Cool Runnings:
The first toboggan track in Africa is certainly an exhilarating experience. With speeds of up to 40km per hour on a steel slope, the day pass is well-worth it.

Entry fees: Children up to the ages of 14 pay R20 for a single ride, while a day pass costs R150. Adults pay R25 for a single ride; while a day pass will set you back R200.

Contact them on +27 21 949 4439 or visit www.toboggan.co.za

World of Birds:
Situated in Houtbay, the World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa, home to more than 3000 birds and small mammals such as monkeys.

Entry fees: Children pay R35 and adults pay R55.

Contact them on +27 21 790 2730 or or visit www.worldofbirds.org.za

Scratch Patch:
Established in Simon's Town in 1970, the Scratch Patch allows you to bring your kids to forage for their favourite gems amongst thousands of stones.

Entry fees: No entry fee, you only pay for the bags or containers you put your stones in.

Contact them on +27 21 786 2020 or visit www.scratchpatch.co.za

Durban

uShaka Marine World:
Africa's largest marine park features all sorts of activities, from snorkelling to shark cage diving. For those not wanting to dip into the water, there are always dolphins on hand to entertain.

Entry fees vary depending on the exhibits.

Contact them on +27 31 328 8000 or www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Minitown:
Minitown is a replica of Durban, with every detail painstakingly recreated. Owned by the Quadriplegic Association of KZN, Minitown is an important fundraising tool for the group.

Entry fees: R15 for adults and R10 for children under 13.

Contact them on +27 31 337 7892

Funworld:
Funworld provides a fantastic carnival atmosphere on the beachfront. Activities range from paddling pools and fun rides to catering for birthday parties.

Entry fees: N/A but prices vary for the different rides.

Contact them on +27 31 332 9776 or visit www.funpark.co.za

Wavehouse:
With artificial wave machines, the Wavehouse is the ideal place to take your kids to on a hot day. For the older children, there is a skate park designed by Tony Hawk —don't forget to wear a helmet!

Entry fees: N/A, however, prices vary for hiring equipment.

Contact them +27 31 584 9400 or visit www.wavehouse.co.za

Gauteng

Johannesburg Zoo:
Established in 1904, the Johannesburg Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. The Zoo has many fun rides as well as hippo cars for toddlers.

Entry fees: R38 for adults and R22 for children.

Contact them on +27 11 646 2000 or visit www.jhbzoo.org.za

Sci Bono Discovery Centre:
The Sci Bono is the largest science centre in Africa, with hands-on exhibits and science stage shows, your child receives an education too!

Entry fees: R20 for adults, R10 for children (6-8) and free entry for children under six years.

Contact them on +27 11 639 8400 or visit www.sci-bono.co.za

LaserQuest:
Similar to Paintball, Laserquest sees players equipped with laser guns and running amok in an arena riddled with hiding places and catwalks. While not painful at all, this is where the big boys play.

Entry fees: R30 for 20 minutes, R40 for 30 minutes and R70 for 60 minutes.

Contact them on +27 11 789 3036 or visit www.laserquest.co.za

Jimmy Jungles:
Described as an "indoor adventure playground", Jimmy Jungles is exactly that. A unique facility allows kids to be dropped off while parents shop.

Entry fees: An hour for toddlers and kids will set you back R20 and R25 respectively.

Contact them on +27 11 467 8652 or visit www.jimmyjungles.co.za

Whether you have little tots or teenagers, this guide should help solve their boredom woes and in the process, perhaps even your own.