WHEN it comes to school holidays, keeping kids entertained is paramount to maintaining parental sanity.

Sure, dumping the kids in front of a video game system or TV is the easy way out, but there is an array of active pursuits to get the kids out and about this school holidays.

Epic Skate Rink owner Leanne McMahon said that holidays don't have to be a stressful time for busy parents.

"Monday to Friday we've got sessions from 10.30am to 4.30," she said.

"They can rock up for a few hours or all day.

"We're the cheapest babysitters in town if the kids are old enough to look after themselves."

She said that with a cafe for Mums and Dads to come and relax the rink was a great activity for when the Tweed was wet and rainy.

"The kids love it and the parents love that they get some exercise," she said.

"Holiday can be stressful, especially for working parents.

"But we take care of them and send the kids home worn out and ready for bed."

Destination Tweed CEO Bill Tatchellsaid there was an abundance of activities around the Tweed to entertain the kids.

His personal favourite was Cudgen Creek, which often kept his 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter entertained for hours.

"My kids love the creek," he said.

"It's safe water, great fun, there's kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and swimming...as a dad and a single parent I love that I can relax and have fun too."

He also recommended getting out and about in the Tweed's stunning natural environment.

Some suggestions for the holidays-

• Skate the day way at the Epic Skate Rink

Sessions are available Monday to Friday from 10.30am- 4.30 throughout the whole school holidays.

Skating for two hours cost $9 and all day is $15, plus $3 skate hire.

• Catch a flick

Head down to The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah, Hoyts at Tweed City, Showcase in Coolangatta or the Cinemax in Kingscliff.

Movie times are available at the venues respective websites.

• Beat the boredom with the beach (but not today obviously)

There is a great variety of pristine beaches to choose from in the Tweed, from Kirra Beach, to Fingal Heads.

Most beaches are patrolled, especially near Coolangatta.

• Bowl 'em over with ten in

Tenpin Coolangatta and Tweed Heads have a variety of school holiday specials available.

Ring 07 5536 1606 for more details.

• Hit the water at Jack Evas Boat Harbour

Enjoy the crystal clear water of Jack Evans while taking out a paddleboard or kayak from Big Trev's Watersports.

Costs vary depending on equipment hired, contact Big Trev on 0404 606 508 for more information.

• Chill out at the local library

Tweed and Murwillumbah Libraries offers some great activities over the school holidays.

Get in touch on 07 5569 3150 or 02 6670 2427 for more information.

• Be at one with nature

Get out and experience nature at one of many camping sites around the Tweed.

Big 4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park offers sites, but free camping can be found around the shire.

Avoid illegal camping or you will risk a large fine.

• Get creative at the art gallery

Tweed River Art Gallery in Murwillumbah often hosts art based activities for kids during the school holidays.

Contact the gallery on 02 6670 2790 for more information.

• Temt your tastebuds at Tropical Fruit World

Tropical Fruit World in Duranbah has a variety of interesting attractions such as a fauna display, mini-train ride, jungle river cruise and native bird feeding. Tickets cost $44 for adults ($35 concession), $25 for kids and (ages 4-16) $110 for a family pass. Call 02 6677 7222 for more information

• Make a miniature friend

Visit Crystal Creek Miniatures to get a chance to interact with miniature horses, as well as donkeys, cows and other farms animals.

A tour for four costs $60, with extra people costing $15 each.

Call 0266791532 for more information or to book your visit.

- Got any other great holiday happenings or ideas, please share them in the comments section below.