Finding activities to entertain children during the school holidays can be a full-time job which is why we spent a long time researching this article focused on teenage holiday activities in Brisbane. There are lots of activities for the younger children, but finding age-appropriate, yet fun and engaging activities for teenagers can be quite tricky. Fear not, awesome activities are out there and waiting for your Brisbane teen to discover them, from parkour playgrounds, to dance classes and geocaching.
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Here we have compiled a fantastic list of activities to entertain your teenagers these holidays and where to find other wonderful events and adventures perfectly suited to your teen in the future.
Where to Find Holiday Activities for Teenagers
We all know finding places to entertain the little ones can be quite easy as there is a playground on nearly every street corner but finding activities for teenagers requires a little extra effort (and they are generally harder to please too). When next looking for inspiration, check out:
City Council websites
The majority of local councils have designated programs designed to encourage the community to get active and be healthy. Brisbane City Council has a variety of Active and Healthy events, while Moreton Bay Regional Council runs a program called Healthy and Active Moreton and Logan City Council runs a program called Krank. These programs offer an assortment of low-cost or free events and classes including Zumba, fishing, group fitness, badminton and more. Tip: make use of the ‘age’ filter to find suitable events.
Council libraries
During the school term and over the school holidays council libraries hold a lot of fun, one-off events as well as more regular activities, with many being suited to teens. Events often include author talks, book clubs, online clubs and makerspace events. Or if they prefer, they can just enjoy some quiet time browsing the books, magazines and other services provided at the library.
Sporting Associations (AFL, soccer, netball, cricket, swimming)
Many sporting associations use school holidays to run intensive sporting programs or ‘camps’ to further extend a child’s sporting ability or just provide extra time to practice their skills. Keep an eye on social media accounts or ask your child’s coach if they know of any sporting camps or lessons which run over the holidays of check out our school holiday programs section.
Free Activities for Teenagers in Brisbane
Raising children can be costly, especially when you are trying to entertain more than one child. Holidays can create an even bigger strain on the hip pocket, which is why we have listed these fun and free activities, perfectly suited to the teenager in your house.
Bushwalks
Strap on your walking shoes and enjoy the great outdoors while getting some exercise. You may like to tackle one of the Ten Best Brisbane Walks for Families or a Kid Friendly Bush Walks on the Sunshine Coast. Why not pack a picnic and bring your camera or binoculars to add a fun element to your walk. If you really want to impress then head to some of our favourite walks that feature waterfalls in our Chasing Waterfalls in the Gold Coast Hinterland article.
If they aren’t the bushwalking type then maybe they will appreciate a visit to the Sunflower Fields near Brisbane for some fun pictures.
Geocaching
If you haven’t heard of, or partaken in geocaching, then the school holidays is the perfect time to do so. Grab your teen, a smart device/phone and your walking gear and embark on a high-tech orienteering adventure as you discover Geocaching in Brisbane with Kids.
Parkour Parks
Playgrounds are not only for little ones, teenagers can also have fun scaling, jumping and manoeuvring over the equipment or racing their friends at one of the Best Ninja Warrior Playgrounds in Brisbane which also includes parkour parks.
Brisbane City Hall and Clock Tower tours
Gain an appreciation for the historic City Hall or soak in the view from the top of the Clock Tower during one of the many free tours that run on a regular, daily basis. Check out our detailed review of Brisbane City Hall and Clock Tower Tour. It won’t suit all teenagers but it is worth checking out what is happening at the Museum of Brisbane. They often run craft or immersive art experiences over the school holidays. Sometimes these are aimed at children more than teens but not all the time and often they are free or low cost.
BMX and Skate Parks
Whether you have four wheels or two, head to a local park which boasts a BMX track, scooter tracks or a skate park. Practice your kick flips or get air as you master your wheels at the Best Skate Parks in Brisbane or BMX Riding for Kids in Brisbane.
Beaches
Bring a book, pack the boogie board or just throw on your bathers and enjoy the benefits of a day at the beach. Don’t forget to be sun smart and remember beach safety too. For inspiration check out The Best Beaches in Brisbane or The Best Beaches Near Brisbane.
Waterparks
Not matter how old you are cooling off in one of the Best Free Water Parks in Brisbane for Kids is a welcome relief in the hotter months. Tipping buckets, water jets and swimming pools are an awesome and fun way to cool down with family and friends.
Museums and Art Galleries
We are fortunate in Brisbane to have plenty of museums and art galleries which are free for the public to visit. From looking at artwork, to engaging in interactive displays, there is something for all members of the family at the museums and galleries across Brisbane. Some of our favourites are the Queensland Museum, Redcliffe Museum and Queensland Art Gallery – Gallery of Modern Art.
Cycle or Walk Brisbane’s Riverwalk
Whether the skies are clear and blue or cloudy and moody, it is always a wonderful experience walking or riding along the Riverwalk. Starting at Howard Smith Wharves and running for just under 900m to New Farm, this picturesque, and relatively flat pathway follows the Brisbane River. There are plenty of opportunities for pitstops, including a picnic at New Farm Park, or maybe you can extend your ride further taking in the City Botanic Gardens, the Goodwill Bridge and South Bank parklands.
Paid Activities for Teenagers – Indoor
Escape Rooms
One of the latest crazes to sweep across Brisbane is the intriguing and entertaining Escape Rooms. Ideal for teenagers (and perhaps their parents) Escape Rooms challenge participants to work as part of a team to figure out how to escape a themed room, using codes, clues and riddles, all while racing against the clock. With new venues popping up all over Brisbane, there is sure to be an Escape Room near you.
Indoor Rock Climbing
When it’s too hot or wet to scale the rocks outside, head indoors and enjoy indoor rock climbing. Catering for all skill levels and in a variety of environments, rock climbing allows participants to flex their muscles, conquer their fears and climb to new heights, all while having fun and making new friends.
Yoga Classes
The lives of a teenager can be complex and complicated and at times, rather tricky to navigate. Attending a yoga class is an activity children of all ages can participate in (there are even classes where teens can join in with their parents). The benefits of yoga practice are well documented and far reaching, including improvements in anger management, fatigue, anxiety, flexibility and fitness.
Indoor Trampolining
Practice your flips, bounce around and have fun with your mates at any number of indoor trampolining centres around Brisbane. Trampolining is a great way to exercise while have a laugh with your friends. Aside from regular trampolines, many centres also have ball pits, climbing walls, basketball hoops and often have the latest tunes playing in the background.
Circus Classes
Is your teen as funny as a clown, flexible as an acrobat or has a flair for juggling? If you answered yes, then perhaps they might be interested in joining a circus class. Not only can they develop cool new skills (who doesn’t love someone who can juggle six balls while standing on one leg?) it also fosters confidence, co-ordination, co-operation and fitness, which are all important skills, especially in the teenage years.
Urban Xtreme
Teenagers could comfortably spend hours, if not a whole day, having Xtreme fun at the popular indoor attraction Urban Xtreme in Hendra. There are more than ten adventure activities on offer including snow sports, rock climbing, Xtreme ninja and parkour, trampolines, fitness classes, dodgeball, laser tag and more. Adventure sports camps, school holiday programs and workshops are held over the holidays and are a great way to have fun, exercise and make friends.
Ten Pin Bowling
There is nothing wrong with a bit of old school ten pin bowling fun. Teens can get a group of friends together or take the slightly less cool option of playing with the family. Bowling is also techified and you will find the vast majority of modern blowing alleys offer food on demand, scoring with selfies and other fun ideas to engage teenagers. Some alleys like King Pin also offer arcades and pool tables within their complex.
High Tea
Tempt your teens palate by treating them to a high tea in Brisbane. Brush up on table manners, put on good clothes and enjoy an afternoon of tasty treats and conversation as you sample an assortment delicious food.
Indoor Skate Parks
Get your teenager moving with a visit to an indoor skate park. Whether they enjoy ice skating, roller skating, roller blading or scootering, there are plenty of venues around catering to all your wheelie needs. Many also offer classes, workshops, demonstrations and other fun events during the holidays.
Other ‘paid’ indoor activities
- Manicure/pedicure
- Cooking Classes
- Cinemas
- Indoor Golf Simulators
- Laser Zone/Laser Tag
- Art classes
- Game arcades
- Concerts and stage shows (check out the Brisbane Kids calendar)
Paid Activities for Teenagers – Outdoor
When the weather is fine and your teens are craving some sunshine and fresh air, head outdoors and experience one of these fun activities. Prices vary so be sure to check individual websites for deals and family packages.
Horse Riding
Teenage years are a great time to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with the lovable species – horses. Beginners and those more advanced can experience a range of horse-based activities in and around Brisbane, including horse riding lessons, hands-on horse management, trail rides and more.
Putt Putt/Mini Golf
Who doesn’t love trying to score a hole-in-one under a bridge and through a clown’s mouth!? Whether you have a competitive teen or one that is just after a bit of fun, check out some of Brisbane’s best putt putt locations and see how many birdies or eagles you can score.
Archery
Your teen can build up their arm muscles and hone their hand/eye coordination while trying their hand at one of the many archery venues across Brisbane. Be instructed by professionals as they learn the basics and have fun. All abilities and skill levels are catered for with come and try sessions, school holiday workshops, special events, as well as more regular classes on offer.
Brisbane Segway Tours
Experience Brisbane on wheels when and join one of the many Segway tours that cruise the streets of the City. Taking in historic landmarks, picturesque parks and stunning scenery, participants will have fun and may even learn something new as they manoeuvre their Segway around Brisbane.
Other ‘paid’ outdoor activities
- Go Karting
- Treetop Challenge (Mt Tamborine)
- Ropes course
- Wheel of Brisbane
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb
- Ghost Tours (Boggo Rd Jail)
School Holiday Programs for Teenagers
The Brisbane Kids Website has one of the biggest list of holiday programs in Australia. Just run through the list and you will fine the vast majority have an offering for teens. Many run all day too and range from sports and ballet, to entrepreneurship and circus workshops. Find out more in our school holiday programs section.
If you can think of any ideas we have missed please let us know in comments below!
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