Taking teens anywhere during the school holidays can be a gamble. Will they enjoy it. Or will they complain. Will they pretend to enjoy it while secretly wishing they were at home scrolling.
I am super happy to report that Prison Island in Fortitude Valley passed the teenager test. Actually, it smashed it. I took Ben who is 16 and Sophie who is 14. Both declared it brilliant. I am still recovering.
Check out my Instagram reel here:
What is Prison Island
Prison Island is an indoor adventure venue with more than 30 themed challenge rooms. Some test your body. Some test your brain. All test your patience if you are the slowest thinker in the group. Spoiler alert. I was.
Think escape rooms blended with obstacle courses and puzzles. Every room has a different challenge and a points system. Swipe in. Race the clock. Try again if you get it wrong.
Booking and Arrival
We booked ahead. I recommend doing the same. Even though it was the school holidays it was not busy when we arrived. Parking is limited so the easier option is to catch the 50 cent train to Fortitude Valley station. It is a short walk from there.
Before entering the rooms you can store your belongings in a locker. This sounds simple. It was not. The kids watched me try to open the locker. I stressed. They laughed. It set the tone for the day.
The Experience
Once we swiped into our first room the adrenaline kicked in. The kids took off like seasoned escape artists. I followed behind like someone trying to pretend she was still young and agile.
The physical rooms were a huge hit. Climbing. Jumping. Balancing. I attempted to climb a pole. I failed. The teens have not let me forget it.
The puzzle rooms were a favourite too. We had to think fast. Search for clues. Solve problems as a team. I say team but the teens were very much carrying the group. They were showing me up in almost every cell. I am humble enough to admit that.
One of the best parts was learning that you can retry rooms. We did not realise this at first. When we found out we went back into a few to boost our score. The kids were chuffed. I was competitive. It got loud.
Staff and Atmosphere
The staff were great. Friendly. Helpful. Patient. They explained everything clearly and cheered us on as we dashed from room to room.
The venue felt safe. Clean. Welcoming. Even during school holidays it did not feel crowded which made the experience comfortable.
How long does it take?
Most people spend about 90 minutes in the challenge rooms. This felt perfect. Enough time to get sweaty and competitive without anyone melting down or getting hangry.
What the Kids Thought
Ben absolutely loved it. He is already planning a trip back with his mates. Sophie wants to return with her cousin. She said the physical challenges made her feel strong and that the puzzles were actually fun which is the highest compliment a teen can give.
My Thoughts
It was brilliant. I loved the mix of physical and mental challenges. Watching the kids problem solve and lead the way was actually surprising. I loved that I got involved too even if I did embarrass myself along the way.
Prison Island is ideal for teens. It is also perfect for families who want an experience that is active and engaging. You leave feeling energised and a bit proud. Even if you cannot climb a pole.
Get Out with Kids Tips
- Read the website before you go. There are things we should have known. We did not. We survived anyway.
- Take water and wear comfortable clothes. You will sweat. The kids will love this. You might not.
Final Thoughts
Prison Island Brisbane is a winner for families with teens. It offers fun. Movement. Laughter. Teamwork. A touch of chaos. And an experience you will talk about on the way home.
Visit the Prison Island website to find out more and start planning your escape.
