23 things to keep teenagers entertained in Brisbane

With the school holidays now upon us, keep restless teenagers entertained with this list of our favourite teen activities to get the kids off the couch and off your back. 

1. Go karting
Satisfy young speed demons with a trip to the track. Not just for horse racing, Eagle Farm is now home to Go Karting Brisbane which features 400m of adrenaline-pumping action and karts that speed up to 70kph. Kingston Park Raceway delivers on the ultimate fun and thrill of go kart racing that is suitable for the whole family. 

2. Kangaroo Segway Tours, South Bank

Feel the wind through your hair as you glide around South Bank on Kangaroo Segway Tours. Discover interesting facts about Brisbane while having fun.

3. Circus Arts

Let them fly high with a range of circus activities by Circus Arts. Learn circus skills from the professionals including juggling, hula hooping, low aerials and more, or reach new heights on the flying trapeze. Its never too late to join the circus. 

4. Get creative at QAGOMA

Water has taken over Brisbane’s beloved Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery. The exhibition explores this vital element which sustains all forms of life on Earth, through major immersive experiences and smaller-scale treasures by Australian and international artists.

5. Victoria Park Golf Complex, Herston

Trying to please a gaggle of unruly teens? A round of Victoria Park’s putt-putt is just the solution. The 18-hole mini golf course weaves around rocky terrain and features sand, water traps, crazy bridges and swinging poles all to add to the excitement.

6. Slickers Horse Riding, Kurwongbah
Spend the holidays on horseback. Just 45 minutes north of Brisbane, Slickers offers a slew of trail-rides and camps designed for the school holidays. Suited to both beginners and experts, this is an experience the kids will never forget. 

7. RampAttak, Geebung
Zip down to RampAttak for an afternoon of skateboarding or scooter action. Teens can book a lesson, join a scooter camp or have free skate time at this indoor skate park. It is a safe place for kids of all ages to practise and learn tricks.

8. Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point

If the kids are looking for something a little more adventurous, take a trip to Riverlife, 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 roller blades to explore at your own pace. 

9. Tree Top Challenge, Thunderbird Park, Mt Tamborine
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.

10. Markets, across Brisbane 

Visit South Bank’s Young Designer Markets to shop for fashion and jewellery from up to 80 new designers. Then dine at the popular Eat Street Northshore where food and wares are housed in shipping containers.

11. Theme Parks, Gold Coast
With more thrills and spills then you can poke a stick at, the Warner Brothers Movieworld, Seaworld and Dreamworld theme parks are an easy way to keep kids entertained these holidays. The bigger the rides, the better.

12. Crank Indoor Climbing, MacGregor
For a less than conventional gym experience, visit Crank where teens can rock climb, or learn parkour, spartan or warrior training. 

13. Escapism, Strike Wintergarden
This challenging and interactive real-life game will have teens working out clues to help them solve the puzzle against the clock. 

14. Adventure on Moreton Island 

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

15. The City Sounds and Sunday Sessions on the Green
Teens who are into the live music scene will enjoy discovering local bands and solo acts with The City Sounds program or Sunday Sessions on the Green at River Quay.

16. Camping around Brisbane

Pack up the tent and take the family on a camping adventure. There are camp sites and trails to discover in and around the Brisbane region. Don't forget to check whether permits are required before you set off.

17. Bicycle ride
Feel the wind in your hair with a bike ride along the Brisbane River. Extensive bike paths make it safe and easy for the whole family to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

18. Australia Zoo or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Beerwah/Fig Tree Pocket
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.

19. Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island
Jump on board the ferry to North Stradbroke Island 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. 

20. Kick up your heels
Let teens gather a group of dance-loving friends and head to one of these funky places to dance in Brisbane. 

21. Delicious doughnuts
Weekends are the time to let go and have a little fun, so why not jump on board the latest doughnut craze to hit Brisbane. See how many you can tick off your list.

22. Ghost Tours

Forget about scary movies and experience the real deal with a ghost tour around the city, Toowong Cemetery or Boggo Road Gaol. Fright nights just got a whole lot more fun.  

23. Dino Zoo, QUT's The Cube
Meet the most scientifically accurate, life-sized, digital dinosaurs at QUT's The Cube. The Dino Zoo features digital activities, archaeological digs simulator and an interactive Earth timeline. See them now before they become extinct. From 10am-4pm.