How to keep your teens entertained in Brisbane

18 JANUARY 2023

It’s no easy task keeping restless teenagers entertained, we get it. That’s why we’ve scoured the city to find and list our favourite teen activities in Brisbane to get your kids off the couch... and your back!

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

The City

Adventure at Riverlife 

If the kids are looking for something a little more adventurous, take a trip to Riverlife Adventure Centre, nestled below the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Here you can book a guided rock climb, abseil, segway tour and kayak or even hire a pair of rollerblades to explore the city at your own pace. 

Segway through Brisbane City 

Glide around South Bank on Kangaroo Segway Tours and travel circuits of up to 27km passing through Brisbane’s main attractions. This is a great way for your teens to discover interesting facts about Brisbane and see lots of wildlife, birds, beautiful gardens and landmarks. Suitable for all kinds of riders, this is also a safe option for younger children.

Get creative at QAGOMA 

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art come together to showcase world-class art exhibitions and there’s always something free to see. Major exhibitions are often ticketed but it's a small price to pay to see world-renowned art as part of a fun day out. 

Get into the swing of golf 

Trying to please a gaggle of unruly teens? A round of putt-putt is just the solution. Head to Hillstone St Lucia, or Victoria Park for golf courses that curve, bend and surprise you on every turn. If you want something a little more extravagant, head to Holey Moley Golf Club. This indoor mini-golf experience turns traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes, taking inspiration from pop culture, everyday objects and childhood favourites.

Buy fresh at the markets 

Visit the Brisbane City Markets every Wednesday and Thursday to stock up on tasty treats and meet the farmers who grow every item they sell. Does your teen’s stomach resemble a bottomless pit? Be sure to dine at the popular Eat Street Northshore, where the atmosphere is bright, the food choices innumerable and the serving sizes teen-approved. 

Scare them silly 

Does your child love the spookier side of life? Forget about scary movies and experience the real deal with a ghost tour at Toowong Cemetery or Boggo Road Gaol. Fright nights just got a whole lot more fun.

Sounds of the City 

Teens who are into the live music scene will enjoy discovering local bands and solo acts with the free City Sounds program. From alternative and folk to jazz and electro – plus everything in between – there is something to suit all musical tastes in this program. 

Casting off for a fun voyage 

Ready to give your teen a bit of extra responsibility? Encourage them to captain a GoBoat and glide down the Brisbane River in style. They can invite up to eight friends to sit around the central picnic table as they watch Brisbane’s best spots go by. GoBoats make boating accessible to everyone in an eco-friendly, easy-to-drive style.

A family of four enjoying the views from the Story Bridge climb.

Story Bridge Climb, Brisbane City

Straight to the top 

Want to see Brisbane from the very top? Story Bridge Adventure Climb is where you can get 360-degree views of the city and guaranteed bragging rights.

Regional day trips

Saddle up 

No need to buy your child a pony, head just 45 minutes north of Brisbane to Slickers Horse Riding in Moreton Bay Region. Offering a slew of trail-rides and school holiday camps, this experience is suitable for both beginners and experts and one that the kids won’t stop talking about!  

Scenic Rim tree-top challenge 

Get fit while having fun at the same time with the high ropes course at Thunderbird Park. Get teens involved in this family activity or let them challenge their friends. 

Adventure on Moreton Island 

Take the chance to spend a day or a weekend sandboarding, snorkelling, swimming and relaxing in paradise on Moreton Island, just a 75-minute ferry trip from Brisbane. 

Camping around Brisbane 

Pack up the tent and take the family on a camping adventure. There are campsites and trails to discover in and around the Brisbane region. Some of our favourites include Dayboro Showgrounds, Lamington National Park and D’Aguilar National Park. Don't forget to check whether permits are required before you set off. 

Ride on Brisbane’s Best Paths 

Feel the wind in your hair with a bike ride along the Brisbane River. An extensive network of bike paths makes it safe and easy for the whole family to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. 

Visit the Raceway

Does your teen have the need for speed? Kingston Park Raceway is where they need to go. Get their adrenaline pumping as they zoom around the 1100m international standard racetrack. 

Koala at Lone Pine Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket

Make new furry friends

 Kids are never too old to appreciate a trip to the zoo. Cuddle a koala or hand-feed the mighty kangaroos at Australia Zoo or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah 

Jump on board a SeaLink ferry to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah for a family getaway. Have lunch at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel, which offers spectacular views of Cylinder Beach, before taking a leisurely stroll along the Gorge Walk. Don’t forget to grab a gelato from Oceanic Gelati & Coffee Bar.

A distant shot of a couple sitting on a tree trunk on a beach