SCHOOL holidays have started in both NSW and Queensland this week and kids everywhere on the Tweed are looking for things to do.

The area offers many great activities so we decided to check out what was on the menu this school break.

First stop was Coolan

gatta Tweed Tenpin where several families were on the lanes trying to line up a strike or two.

Jenna Betts and her sister Taysia were busy knocking over some pins at Coolangatta Tweed Tenpin, and loving every minute.

"I am going to use the gutter bumpers because it is more fun that way," nine-year-old Jenna said.

As they enjoyed bowling the sisters chatted about what the rest of the week would hold for them.

"We have been to the beach already, everything is fun on holidays," Taysia said.

Coolangatta Tweed Tenpin is open from 8am until 10pm weeknights and later on the weekends. Manager Ray Trenham said the weather played a big part in the bowling alley being busy.

"Ordinarily the two states' holidays are separate but they are all together this year so we are busier than usual. If the weather becomes rainy we get really busy during this period," Mr Trenham said.

The Ashton circus is in town as well, the big top is set up and in full swing in Coral St Park on the banks of Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

Shows are running this Thursday through the weekend with two shows running on Friday and Saturday at 4pm and 7pm.

The circus will only be in town until Sunday, when it moves up to Palm Beach.

Epic Skate Rink in Tweed Heads South are holding special school holiday events as well, Night Teen Discos are on from 7.30pm on Friday nights and the rink is open for business from 10.30am weekdays.

The beach is an old and reliable favourite, heading down to the sand for a swim or surf in the holidays is a timeless activity conducted by generations of kids.

The Tweed offers many patrolled, safe beaches during holiday periods, Kingscliff and Cabarita are two favourites.

When you think you have had enough sun, the Tweed has three cinema complexes you can visit to take in a movie, Birch Carol and Coyle at Showcase on the beach in Coolangatta, Tweed City Cinemas and Cinemax Arthouse Cinemas in Kingscliff.

Kids movies like Smurfs 2 and Planes will be favourites with younger kids, Percy Jackson might appeal to the slightly older primary school children.

THINGS TO DO:

• Tenpin bowling
• Roller skating
• Tweed beaches
• Go to the cinemas
• Ashton circus