There is no question that finding ways to get our teens off their devices and outdoors is a lot harder nowadays. With so many electronic and gaming lures keeping them happily on the couch and indoors, encouraging them to be active, seek the sun and chase adventure outside has never been harder. Sometimes though, it is less about their lack of desire to get out, and more about finding an activity that interests them enough to make them keen to join in. If you are looking for some inspiration to get your teens up and out, below is a list we have made of all the best outdoor activities you can do with your teens in Brisbane.
Do the Skywalk at Mt Tamborine
Take their breath away on the Tamborine Mountain Skywalk. Walk over pristine rock pools and through butterfly lookouts, before reaching the breathtaking 40 metre long span cantilever which hovers 30 metres above the valley.
Visit the West End markets
If your teen loves to shop then why not take the experience outdoors? There are a million different markets that pop up each weekend around Brisbane, but most teens seem to really love the eclectic and colourful West End market vibe the most.
Try an outdoor fitness class
There are many outdoor fitness classes that are perfect for teens looking to get active in a more fun and interesting way. Boxing, Tai Chi, PT and other outdoor fitness classes are a great way to get them being healthy without being stuck in a gym.
Do the Story Bridge Climb
Our famous central landmark also doubles as a fantastic outdoor activity opportunity you can do with your teen. The Story Bridge bridge climb is exhilarating and will no doubt captivate their attention as they walk precariously high above the fast-flowing traffic below.
Go for a bike ride along the Bulimba Creek Bikeway
The Bulimba Creek Bikeway is one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon outdoors with our teen. Travelling from Murrarie to Wishart, the easy grade bike path travels for 33km past Minnippi Parklands, Carindale Recreation Reserve and a number of other parks, lakes and open spaces.
Head to a BMX track
Teens who love their bikes generally wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get outdoors and hit their local BMX track. With so many of them around Brisbane, you can work your way through our list of the the best ones together.
Head to Victoria Park for a round of golf (or putt putt)
Head to Victoria Park for a round of golf or putt putt with your teen. A fun and challenging outdoor activity, you can finish off the day with a meal or donut from the Sunday afternoon food vans as the sun sets.
Go abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Abseiling is the perfect outdoor activity for teens. Not only is it challenging but it also involves a fair amount of strength, both of the mind and body. Kangaroo Point is one of the most popular places in Brisbane to do this, as they can enjoy sweeping views of the river and city as they descend.
Go for a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane
For a different view of Brisbane City, why not take your teen for a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane? Situated in Southbank, you can always head in for a swim in the pools or lagoon before having a bite to eat too.
Do a ghost or cemetery tour
Teens love to take risks or do something a little out of the ordinary and the different crime, ghost and cemetery tours of Brisbane offer just this. Even if they are not easily spooked, heading out after dark and hearing about the historical tales will definitely get the goosebumps rising.
Kayak along the Brisbane River
An outdoor activity that most teens love is kayaking along the Brisbane River. Head out for a few hours, stopping in at different locations along the way or simply taking in our beautiful city from a different vantage point.
Head to to a Theme Park
Just 30 minutes south of Brisbane and you will hit a stream of action-packed theme parks that teens will love. Whether they are chasing movie stars, thrill rides, sea animals or waterslides, grab an annual pass for cheaper tickets and go as often as they like.
Give outdoor yoga a go
Yoga. The perfect outdoor activity if your teen is looking for a bit of meditative relaxation – especially as exam period approaches. You can find a list of places to practice yoga outdoors in Brisbane here.
Go for an afternoon at Top Golf
Take a swing and give your teen an afternoon at Top Golf. Located on the way to the Gold Coast, teens will love getting any frustrations out by hitting that tee and seeing how far their ball can fly. With music, food and drinks on hand, it makes for a fun few hours for your teen and the whole family.
Sign them up to be a Keeper for a day
If your teen is an animal enthusiast then signing them up as a keeper for a day is a wonderful outdoor activity for them. Seaworld and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary both offer hands-on keeper day experiences for teens that will give them a wonderful introduction to what the role really entails.
Book them in to a V8 Supercar experience
If your teen loves fast cars, then giving them an experience riding alongside a professional race car driver will definitely get their blood pumping. Not cheap, but definitely memorable, there are a number of companies in Brisbane that can offer you this experience.
Give Go-Karting a go
Not too keen on introducing them to fast cars just yet, but you know they will love the exhilaration of speed on the track regardless. Take them to Kingston Park Raceway for an afternoon of go-karting they will love.
Do a tour of the Brisbane River
Jump on board a City Cat or the free CityHopper ferries and do a day on the Brisbane River. Hop on and off at different landmarks (Southbank, Hamilton, Kangaroo Point, Botanical Gardens) and immerse yourself both on the river and in the surrounding areas we love.
Go for a bush walk
With so many different parks, wetlands and green spaces in Brisbane, going for a bush walk in nature is a great way to help your teen reset for a busy week. Check out our list of the best walks in Brisbane to find one that you think most appeals to your teen. Or travel further afield to one of the many bushwalks at the Gold Coast (many of them featuring waterfalls)
Ride to the top of Mt Cootha for the views and lunch
Grab your bike or hop in the car and head to Mt Coot-tha for the day. The botanical gardens are a beautiful spot to have a picnic or you can visit the cafe at the top and enjoy sweeping views of our city skyline when there.
Climb a mountain together
Brisbane is surrounded by some of the best mountains to climb with your teen. Regardless if you think they would prefer ones with short, easy walks or more challenging, longer climbs, the breathtaking views from the top is usually reason enough to take on the journey.
Go for a horse ride
Whether you join an actual pony club or book in for a horse ride adventure in Brisbane, this is one outdoor activity that an equestrian-loving teen will be very keen to try.
Enjoy an afternoon of barefoot bowling
When most people hear the words ‘lawn bowls’ they usually immediately think of old retirees moving slowly across the green. In truth though, teens love an afternoon of barefoot bowls, a cheap meal and something to drink. With so many awesome bowl clubs in Brisbane, once you get a taste for it we guarantee you will end up a regular before you know it.
Explore Riverlife Adventure Centre
Riverlife Adventures Centre definitely makes this list as it is a company that provides several different outdoor adventure activities in Brisbane that are perfectly suited to teenagers. From rock climbing to abseiling to kayaking and more. Jump online and check out all the amazing things you can try.
Do the Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park
The treetop challenge at Thunderbird Park will have your teen up in the leafy canopies in no time as they navigate a series of rope pathways and obstacle courses high above the ground. If that doesn’t sound like the perfect outdoor activity for teens, we are not sure what does?! There are also high ropes courses on the Sunshine Coas
Go Hang Gliding at Mt Tamborine
For those chasing a bit of adventure to the tune of throwing yourself off a mountain and gliding out over the most amazing views, why not introduce your teen to hang gliding at Mt Tamborine? There are several places that offer lessons and tandem glides to beginners.
Wander the streets at Montville and Maleny
Sometimes the perfect outdoor activity has nothing to do with adventure and everything to do with relaxation, unwinding and resetting in a busy teenage life. Our neighbouring mountain towns of Montville and Maleny make for the perfect weekend escape with your teen. Wander the many craft shops on the main street, stop for a bite to eat and breathe in that fresh mountain air.
Head out on an island adventure
This. Island hopping with your teen is an absolute winner when it comes to outdoor activities they will love. Grab the board, snorkel and swimmers and head out to one of the many spectacular islands that line our eastern coastline for the day. If you don’t fancy such a huge adventure, then you could drive down to Wellington Point and walk to King Island on low tide instead.
Go camping
Camping has long been something that parents of teens recommend. Not only does it get them outdoors and in nature, but there are a number of important skills they can learn when immersed in the wilderness too. They can swim in lakes, go bushwalking and lay out under the stars. Ending the evening toasting marshmallows around a fire is a pretty good incentive too.
Visit a farm or zoo
All kids, regardless how old they are, will get excited about visiting with farm animals. Even teens will enjoy time outdoors alongside llamas, alpacas, goats, cows, sheep, horses and more.
Head to Archerfield Speedway for a Car Show
If your teen loves big cars, giant wheels and all things action, book an evening at Archerfield Speedway. With the air filled with gunning engines, thundering cars and squeals from the crowd, the atmosphere here is simply electric.
For more ideas on outdoor and indoor activities, check out our resource covering a variety of fun activities for teenagers in Brisbane.
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