If you are looking for things to do with teenagers in Brisbane, well then stop the search and look no further! We have complied the best list of teens activities and fun things for teens to do so that you can get back to the million other things we know you have to do as a parent.
With beautiful weather and a family friendly reputation, Brisbane is full of activities for teenagers that we know they will love. Think waterparks, shows and outdoor adventures. No matter what your teen is into, we have found fun activities for teens that aren’t lame, including school holiday activities for teens.
Take a look at our list of activities for teens and make sure you have it on hand for when you hear the words “I’m bored” (because you know you will!). Better still, print it out and write in big letters ‘THINGS TO DO WHEN BORED FOR TEENS’ and leave it lying around. We bet it will be snapped up in no time.
In this article we have divided up this list of things to do with teenagers into sections to help you find the most suitable teens activities
Activities for younger teens in Brisbane
Tired of looking for fun things to do with younger teens in Brisbane? Look no further as this list is going to have heaps of ideas for you and your teens!
1. BMX Parks
There are more than 20 parks across Brisbane offering BMX facilities where teens can practice their moves. BMX facilities cater for different skill levels, but generally consist of dirt tracks, with some offering built-up dirt hills and various types of jumps. Visit your local BMX track to practice new tricks, improve bike skills, or get ready for BMX racing.
Find out where BMX Parks in Brisbane are here.
2. Wheel of Brisbane
One of the fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane is to ride the huge Wheel of Brisbane. Located inside South Bank, the wheel has guests ride in a fully enclosed air-conditioned gondola, and rises to 60 metres above the ground for fantastic 360 degree panoramic views of Brisbane. During the 12 minute ride, they can listen to the audio commentary or simply take 100 Instagram worthy photos!
Take a look at the website or simply purchase tickets for Wheel of Brisbane here.
3. Explore the Brisbane River on the City Cats
A wonderful mindfulness activity for teenagers is to spend time by the water and an easy way to do this in Brisbane is to ride a CityCat. CityCats are Brisbane’s public transport on the river. The CityCats go as far as The University of Queensland at St Lucia all the way down to Hamilton and operate every day. Riding a CityCat is also one of those cheap activities for teenagers that you can do at any time.
Find the times and prices of City Cats here.
4. Brisbane’s Cross River Rail Experience Centre
Brisbane’s Cross River Rail Experience Centre opened in November 2019 to give visitors an insight into the new underground rail system – but it’s a lot more than just boring facts and figures. The Experience Centre is a hive of immersive and interactive activities to engage and inspire kids of all ages.
It’s air-conditioned, free to enter, and has heaps for kids to do, so we went along on a hot December day to check it out.
5. Dreamworld
We weren’t sure wether to put this is the younger or older teens category but we think this is the perfect spot fot it.
Dreamworld is one of Queensland’s BIGGEST theme park, offering an experience for locals and tourists unrivalled anywhere in Australia. Since 1981 Dreamworld has been a place of thrills, excitement, wildlife and award-winning entertainment, and with a massive investment in NEW RIDES and experiences already underway, the only way is up for this beloved destination.
Find out more about Dreamworld here.
6. Australian Outback Spectacular
This spectacular live show features actions, animals and some amazing lights and immersive technology. Take a journey through the outback and feel like you are part of the action. The venue has been carefully themed to look the part and is located just south of Brisbane. Also part of the night is 3 course meal – yum!
Tip: This is a fun thing to do with your teenage daughter or son for a night out.
Grab dinner and show tickets here.
7. Urban Xtreme
Urban Xtreme is more than just an adventure park. Rock-climbing, parkour, trampolines, laser tag and dodgeball are just some of the thing on offer for your teen. I bet you didn’t think of Brisbane when you thought about winter activities for teenagers, but Urban Xtreme has you covered with skiing and snowboarding – yes, you read that right! Indoor simulated slopes will have your teen carving it up all day.
8. WhiteWater World
WhiteWater World is no ordinary water park! Co-located with Dreamworld, WhiteWater World features ground breaking technology to deliver some serious splash. Having just introduced the newest slide, Fully 6, WhiteWater World now offers guests even more value with a variety of slides and attractions. Definitely not lame!
Find more information on WhiteWater World here.
9. Keeper for a Day
Has your teen ever wondered what it would be like to work as a zoo keeper? Well they have the opportunity to give it a go in a few location in and around Brisbane. We have a list of places with things to do with teenage kids to help them live out their dreams as a zookeeper:
10. Victoria Park Golf Complex
Victoria Park is located two kilometres from the city centre on Herston Road, Herston. There is an awesome 18 hole mini putt putt course which is a fun group activity for teens and their friends to enjoy while you sit back with a coffee at the bistro (that is, if they let you come!).
Find all the details of Victoria Park Golf Complex here.
11. South Bank Cineplex
Young film buffs and those who just want to be entertained will enjoy catching a flick at the South Bank Cineplex. There’s always something for all ages, and with prices this affordable, they can go all the time which make it a great holiday activity for teenagers!
Find out movie times at South Bank Cineplex here.
12. Iceworld
This is a wonderful activity you can visit on a rainy day. Iceworld™ Olympic Ice Rinks have been part of the Brisbane landscape for over 30 years, providing exclusive access to Olympic size ice rinks on the north and south side of Brisbane. Both rinks have a fully stocked skate shop…so no need to panic if you forget your socks or gloves! Better still, both rinks have a cosy coffee shop so if you’re beginning to feel the cold, you can enjoy a hot drink and food, whilst you sit back, relax and view all the fast-paced action on the ice!
Find out more about Iceworld Boondall and Iceworld Acacia Ridge here.
13. Fox in a Box
An innovative, exciting and creative way for teens to have fun together in an escape room. Real-life room escape games are a type of game where everyone is together in a room and they have to work together to find clues or objects to solve a series of puzzles and escape the room within a 60 minute time frame. This is a great team building activity for teens.
Find more information about Fox in a Box here.
Activities for older teens in Brisbane
Although there are lots of fun things to do with younger teens in Brisbane, there is also heaps of things you can do with older teens which you can find out below!
14. Riverlife Adventure Centre
Get your teen outdoors and active with an activity at Riverlife Adventure Centre. Nestled on the river’s edge at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs they can hire bikes, scooters and rollerblades. If they are feeling adventurous, why not get wet and wild with kayaks and stand up paddle boarding.
Find the details and prices of Riverlife here.
Purchase tickets for their day kayak adventure here or rock-climbing here before you go.
15. V8 Supercar experience
The ultimate adrenaline seeking boredom busting activity has to be doing hot laps in a V8 Supercar. Teenagers 14 years and above can strap themselves in and experience what Supercars are really made of. Choose between Holden or Ford and get set for an once in a lifetime experience.
Find out about doing hot laps here or purchase a 5 hot laps experience.
16. Story Bridge adventure climb
If your kid isn’t afraid of heights, this is a cool thing for teens to do. Climb to approximately 80m above sea level and look out on Brisbane and the surrounds. For those that are thrill seekers, why not add ‘The Cantilever Lean Out’ or “Walk The Plank” to the experience? Lean out into thin air or try a modern day experience walking a plank 50m above the traffic.
Find out more on the website or purchase day climb tickets here.
17. Kingston Park Raceway
Experience an adrenaline rush go karting! With 2 different types of karts to choose from and a 1100m international standard track, their hearts will be racing and their blood pumping! This is one of the great fun things to do with friends for teens (if they think you are too uncool to race).
Get racing here or purchase a racing package before you go.
18. Strike Bowling
Located in the Wintergarden complex of Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall, Strike Wintergarden is not a normal bowling alley and has raised the bar when it comes to entertainment in the city. Home to 12 bowling lanes, an amazing laser tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and three exciting escape rooms, Strike Wintergarden is the ultimate place for a great night out!
Book a session at Strike Bowling here.
19. Dracula’s Cabaret
Dracula’s Cabaret is an activity for young adults. More mature teens (15+) can enjoy a dramatic night out at Dracula’s Cabaret. The night features comedy, cabaret, music, dance and much more. Add to the experience by enjoying dinner and then ride the ghost train. Tip: The show includes adult concepts and themes. Make sure this is suitable for your teen.
Read more about the show here.
20. Laserforce
Up your level of cool and take your teenager to Laserforce. Conveniently located just outside the city centre, this is Brisbane’s largest laser tag arena (nothing lame about that!). Whether you join individually or as a group, Laser tag is a great rainy day activity for teenagers. There are also arcade games to keep them occupied for a while when they finish.
Take a look at Laserforce online.
21. Go horse riding
Learning to ride a horse is a unique and special thing for teens to do. Located just outside the city, teens can enjoy 7 acres of horse riding bliss at Wattle Creek Equestrian Centre. In additional to weekends, they offers a school holiday program where teens can fast track their skills. A great opportunity for teens to spend time outside with animals.
22. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Get their adrenalin pumping these school holidays by doing some indoor skydiving! iFLY lets you re-enact the experience of a skydive from 14,000 from the 360° glass tunnel. The glass tunnel also means that friends can come along and watch – and get the ultimate photo.
Take a look at the iFLY website and take advantage of discounted tickets here.
23. Cat Cafes in Brisbane
Brisbane’s cat cafes are the purrfect place to encounter domesticated felines. This indoor activity is the perfect way to spend your day, as all cats are friendly, and ready for adoption. The irresistible coffee and delicious cakes are just a bonus!
Find out more by checking our Cat Cafes in Brisbane article.
School holiday programs for teens in Brisbane
School holiday activities for teenagers can be hit and miss, that’s why we have done the hard work for you and found the best of the best. From arts and crafts for teens, winter activities for teenagers and things to do for teens at night we have a heap of activities that will make sure they are happy.
We know that juggling time is hard during the holidays, that’s why we have included half day, full day and multiple day holiday programs. Some are even good team building activities for teenagers (but don’t worry, they won’t even know it!). You can find a huge range of excellent school holiday programs in Brisbane here.
Fun things to do at home for teens
When your kids can’t get out and about, finding activities for teens at home can become a full time job. Because we know everyone is different, we have compiled a heap of entertaining and interesting activities, including art ideas for teens. This list of stuff to do for teens to do at home is about to elevate your level of parental coolness!
24. Be a rubber band engineer
Got teens that love to tinker? This book will teach them (step-by-step) to create their very own rubber band launchers and gadgets. You will never believe what they can make with just a rubber band and the ideas between the pages. Plus, it will keep them out of your hair!
25. Get procrastibaking
Tired of looking for outside activities for teenagers? Then send them into the kitchen to have some fun. Not only will they love these recipes, but they will (hopefully!) end up with something delicious to show for it. Filled with 100 non-boring recipes, there is sure to be something they want to make.
26. Non boring board games
Put away the boring board games for teenagers and take a look at these. Challenging, creative, hilarious or even straight up ridiculous, these games will have them putting down their devices and actually enjoying themselves. It even includes some team building games for teens.
Get playing with these board games.
27. Learn how to ride a hoverboard
If they want to impress, encourage your kids to learn how to ride a hoverboard. Imagine showing up to school or sport on one of these. It even has built in speakers, so they don’t even have to turn off their music to ride. Ride into the future on one of these hoverboards.
28. An escape room in a book
Get involved in a mystery without even leaving the comfort of home with this unique book. With just 60 minutes to escape from a labyrinth, you must take on the challenges, solve mysteries and clues to finish the book. Perfect to entertain teens that love to read or those that love a good mystery.
29. Put your time to good use
With a lot of time to kill during school holidays, reading any of these books is a great way for teens to learn how to put their time to good use. This selection includes books on becoming more efficient, techniques to increase their level of happiness and even confidence building books like ‘What’s my super power’. Perfect for those that are looking to learn more about themselves or just read a good book on a rainy day.
Check out this selection of books on highly effective teens.
30. Master a remote controlled car
Take a look at this selection of the latest, greatest and quirkiest of remote control cars and vehicles. Racing cars, 4WD’s, mini coopers and heavy machinery vehicles are just some of the vehicles you can control. You can even build your own from Lego! Some can even be used on grass so your teen can take them (and themselves!) outside for a bit.
31. Fun things to do when stuck at home
Finding fun things for teens to do at home doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, this book makes it easy and interesting in a quirky way. This book is full of things for teens to do when bored.
Read up on things for teens to do here.
32. Fly a drone
What could be cooler than spending a day flying a drone! Teens will love getting off the couch to spend time in the backyard when they have a drone to play with. From a basic model to something much more sophisticated (some with handheld screens), teens will be sure to find a drone that is cool enough for them.
33. How to draw cool things drawing guide
Looking for art activities for teens? Learn to draw cool stuff with this awesome book ‘How to draw cool things’. It contains step-by-step instructions that will suit even a very beginner. Optical illusions, 3D letters, cartoons are just some of the things they can learn to draw.
Boggo Road Gaol | Temporarily Closed
Boggo Road Gaol (Jail) – once the largest and most notorious prison in Queensland – is definitely NOT a lame activity for teenagers. Walk through Division 2 and discover the history of this notorious prison with one of their knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Find tour times and prices for Boggo Road Gaol here.
Fun activities for teens in Brisbane
While it can be almost impossible to find things to do for teens that they will 100% love, we think our activities for teenagers to do is pretty impressive, and not at all lame! Try it out with your teenager and let us know what they think. We are quietly confident!
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