23 things to keep teenagers entertained in Brisbane

Updated: 19 July 2021

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 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. Flipside Circus

Let them fly high with a range of circus activities by Flipside Circus. Learn circus skills from the professionals including juggling, hula hooping, low aerials and more. It's never too late to join the circus.

4. Get creative at QAGOMA

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art come together to showcase world-class art exhibitions that are more often than not free to attend. The major exhibitions are often ticketed but it's a small price to pay to see world-renowned art.

5. Garden Mini Golf at Hillstone, St Lucia

Trying to please a gaggle of unruly teens? A round of Hillstone’s putt-putt is just the solution. The mini golf course curves and bends around the gardens and features bridges, ricochet walls, mountainous rocks, tricky obstacles 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. Bowling, Strike Wintergarden

Organise a small group of your teenagers friends and head to Strike Bowling in the Wintergarden. It features 12 bowling lanes and afterwards they can stay and play laser tag, pool or do karaoke.

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 the Brisbane City Markets every Wednesday and Thursday to stock up on fresh produce and meet the farmers who grow it. 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 than 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. City Sounds

Teens who are into the live music scene will enjoy discovering local bands and solo acts with the City Sounds program.

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.