Unforgettable Things to Do With Teenagers in Brisbane
- Natarsha March APP
- Jan 22
- 12 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Teenagers are busy.
Phones are addictive.
Family time can feel like an extreme sport.
These years matter more than we realise. Not because of how much time you spend together, but because of the memories you quietly build along the way.
Which is exactly why having a go to list of things to do with teenagers in Brisbane can turn ordinary weekends into moments they’ll actually remember.
Unplugging to Connect - Things to do With Teenagers in Brisbane
Tthe digital abyss - a place where hours slip away unnoticed, leaving us disconnected from those who matter most.
It's time to pull the plug, quite literally, and set some ground rules for the family. Designate a tech-free zone or specific hours during the day when screens are banished, and true connections take center stage.
As you disconnect from the digital world, you'll find yourself engaging in heartfelt conversations, sharing laughter, and rekindling that long-lost magic of family bonding. The moments when you're fully present with each other are the ones that leave a lasting impact, building the trust and openness that every family needs.
So without screens... what can we do to hang out with the kids?
Segway City Tour
A Segway tour along the Brisbane Riverwalk is basically the parenting cheat code, because the teenagers think it’s cool, you don’t have to walk, and everyone gets to feel mildly superior to pedestrians.
Be prepared for dramatic commentary about who is clearly the best Segway driver in the family.
You'll glide past the water, bridges, and city views feeling far more coordinated than you actually are, there’s plenty of laughing at near misses and overconfidence, and it will somehow turn into actual quality time without anyone realising that’s what’s happening.
Go Karting
Rev up the excitement, pump up the adrenaline and hit the tracks with your teenagers for an epic go-karting adventure!
The smell of rubber on the asphalt, the unmistakable sound of engines revving, and the sheer joy of competing against each other at something you have mastered and they are just learning.
Go-karting isn't just a high-octane activity; it's a fantastic way to bond with your teens in a fun and exhilarating setting. As a professional photographer, I can't help but see the potential for some epic action shots while you are there – the determination on their faces as they navigate the twists and turns, the friendly banter as they jockey for position, and the sheer delight when they cross the finish line (behind you, if youre lucky!)
It's not just about the speed; it's about the shared moments, the laughter, and the friendly competition that make go-karting an ideal family outing. So, strap in, embrace the speed, and enjoy those family moments of pure teenage thrill on and off the track!
Themed Cafe's
Friends Themed Cafe in Deagon
Step into Friends Cafe and suddenly everyone’s talking like they’re in Central Perk, with quirky decor, cosy vibes, and exactly the kind of coffee catch-ups that make you yell “We were on a break…” at least once.
Star Wars Themed Cafe in the CBD
At the Deathstar Cafe in Brisbane’s CBD, lightsabers feel like cutlery and every latte comes with a side of intergalactic fun, perfect for nerding out big time over galactic battles instead of regular brunch chatter. https://www.instagram.com/deathstarbrisbane
Harry Potter Themed Cafe in Samford
The Harry Potter themed Owlery Cafe in Samford turns butterbeer dreams into real sips, with magical interiors and whimsical treats that make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of Platform 9¾ and straight into a story. https://www.theowlerycafe.com.au
Tennis and Crepes
Heading out for a hit at Pure Tennis in Ferny HIlls is one of those easy wins where everyone gets moving.
A little bit competitive, and far more invested than they expected to be. It’s casual but still counts as doing something together. You can book a sand court (a bit slower game and handy to see where the ball bounces in or out) or a blue concrete court for a faster sand-free game.
And by the time it’s done, crepes at the super cute Secret Garden Cafe onsite feels non negotiable, because shared effort followed by something sweet has a way of turning a simple afternoon into one that actually sticks.
FULL DISCLOSURE - I play tennis here every Thursday and can personally attest that the coffe and crepes are bloody good!
Golf - Mini Putt or Driving Range
My favourite mini putt with the kids is at St Lucia - its a fun and challenging course that isnt too busy. Great food in a cool environment as well. They even do $5 Sunday sessions from 3-5pm!
Indoor options like Holey Moley are at Chermside, X Golf at Northlakes and in Southbank or others. Jjust google search for the one you like the best look of.
For a fun driving range you can check out Victoria Park (until May 31st 2026) where they have a digital game available in each bay. We played Angry Birds and loved it!
And if you havent checked out TopGolf yet, its a game-themed driving range by Movie World on the Goldie.
Family Olympics
What's family time without a dash of friendly competition? Gather 'round for the Family Olympics, where fun and laughter reign supreme.
Choose activities that cater to everyone's abilities and interests Ideas could be things such as:
Relay race in back yard
Fill cup from ice machine with exactly 8 pieces of ice
Cup stacking race
Cookie-face race
Balloon keepy-uppy challenge
Put all the results on a big colourful piece of paper to make it "official" and hand out funny prizes such as matchbox cars at the end.
The Family Olympics aren't about winning or losing; they're about the joy of participating together. Embrace the cheers and banter, and remember that the memories made during these lighthearted moments will be treasured for a lifetime.
Barefoot Bowls
Barefoot bowls looks harmless.
It is not.
What starts as a casual roll quickly becomes a high stakes family showdown.
Teenagers go feral.Parents discover an unexpected need to win.
Rules are suddenly very important.
There is trash talk.There are victory laps.There are claims of cheating.
Shoes off. Egos on.If your family is even slightly competitive, this is basically an extreme sport in disguise.
Hijinks Hotel Chermside
Hanging out with teenagers looks different these days, and honestly I’ve learned that if you want them to actually come along willingly, it has to be fun, a little bit ridiculous, and not trying too hard to be cool.
A trip to Hijinx Hotel at Chermside absolutely nailed that brief, because it’s hands-on, competitive in a friendly way, and gives you something to do together rather than just sitting side by side on your phones pretending you’re bonding.
You laugh, you fail, you accidentally show your lack of coordination, and somehow that’s the magic, because those shared moments turn into proper memories instead of forced small talk, and for a couple of hours your teenagers actually seem glad they came along.
Fishing
Fishing at Shorncliffe Pier is one of those deceptively simple activities that creates space for real fun and connection with your teenager.
Lines go in, snacks come out, conversation ebbs and flows naturally, and there’s no pressure to perform or fill the silence.
There’s excitement when something bites, friendly competition over who nearly caught the biggest fish, and long stretches of just being together, which is exactly why it deserves a spot on any list of things to do with teenagers in Brisbane when you want time that actually counts.
Camping
Swap city lights for starry skies with an overnight camping adventure and watch the pace of family life instantly slow.
Camping isn’t just tents and campfires, it’s teamwork, laughing at tangled poles, and building a temporary home together.
The magic really kicks in after dark, when phones disappear, marshmallows burn, and conversations stretch out under the stars.
With great overnight spots close to Brisbane, from Moreton or Straddie to bush and farm stays inland, these are the nights that quietly become family legend.
Op Shopping
From books to bags and of course the hunt for the perfect vintage “piece”, an afternoon of op shopping can be a teenager’s ideal retreat.
It’s slow enough to wander, competitive enough to compare finds, and unpredictable in the best way, with everyone convinced they’re about to uncover absolute treasure for five dollars.
There’s judgement, celebration, unsolicited fashion advice, and that very real thrill of spotting something first, and by the end you’ve spent hours together chatting, laughing, and bonding over other people’s questionable donations without it ever feeling like a planned family activity.
Pottery
This is so hot right now. Pottery is THE new thing - its overkaen the whole paint n sip craze.
Pottery has a sneaky way of pulling teenagers in, whether you book a proper class, paint a pre made piece, or go the budget friendly route with air dry clay at home.
Hands get messy, expectations are high, and the results are… humbling, which somehow makes it even better.
There’s quiet focus, bursts of laughter, mild frustration, and a lot of pride over very wonky creations, and before you know it you’ve spent real time together making something tangible, even if it does end up slightly crooked and permanently on display out of guilt.
Treetop Challenge
The treetop challenge at The Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast turned out to be one of those unexpectedly great teenage hangs, where everyone is clipped in, slightly nervous, and suddenly very invested in cheering each other on.
TreeTop Challenge hits that sweet spot of physical, a bit scary, and genuinely fun, which means no one is bored and no one is pretending they’re bored either.
You end up laughing mid course, negotiating who goes first, and having those natural chats that seem to happen when you’re all doing something together rather than forcing conversation, and it feels like proper time spent, not just another outing ticked off the list..
Abseiling Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs is one of those activities that quietly levels the playing field with teenagers because everyone is a little bit nervous, everyone is clipped into the same ropes, and suddenly no one is rolling their eyes.
Standing at the top looking out over the river, taking that first step backwards, and hearing your teen laugh or swear under their breath is the kind of shared experience that sticks, because it’s real and slightly scary and genuinely exciting.
It turns into encouragement, jokes, and that post climb glow where conversation flows easily, and you walk away feeling like you actually did something together rather than just supervising from the sidelines.
Kayaking on the Brisbane River
Being out on the water together changes the whole vibe, especially with teenagers, because there’s no eye contact pressure, no forced chatting, and nothing to perform.
Drifting along the Brisbane River in kayaks gives everyone something to do with their hands while conversations come and go naturally, mixed in with the occasional splash, race to the next bridge, or comment about how different the city looks from water level.
It’s relaxed but still feels like an adventure, and by the time you pull back in, you realise you’ve spent real time together without anyone counting the minutes or asking how long is left.
Stand Up Paddle Board - The Gap Reservoir
Being out on the water together changes the whole vibe, especially with teenagers, because there’s no eye contact pressure, no forced chatting, and nothing to perform.
Drifting along the Brisbane River in kayaks gives everyone something to do with their hands while conversations come and go naturally, mixed in with the occasional splash, race to the next bridge, or comment about how different the city looks from water level.
It’s relaxed but still feels like an adventure, and by the time you pull back in, you realise you’ve spent real time together without anyone counting the minutes or asking how long is left.
Geocache Hunt
Never heard of it? Step right this way!
Geocaching is like a global outdoor scavenger hunt. Using the website above or an app downloaded to your smartphone, follow coordinates to find hidden containers (caches) placed by other players. When you find the cache, you add your name and date into the log and hide it again for the next person to find.
Yes. There are literally thousands of these little treasures hidden in local parks all around you!
Geocaching isn't just a GPS-guided adventure; it's a really fun (sometimes frustrating!) experience that combines technology, exploration, and the sheer joy of discovery.
The beauty of geocaching lies not just in finding the cache, but in the journey itself – the shared laughter, the strategic problem-solving, and the unexpected surprises along the way. It's a chance to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure, filled with moments that seamlessly blend family bonding and the thrill of the hunt.
Volunteering
Whether it's participating in community clean-ups, planting trees in local nature reserves or assisting at a charitable event, volunteering provides a powerful platform for teenagers to develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
Volunteering together becomes more than just a task; it's an opportunity to connect on a deeper level, discovering the joy that comes from making a positive impact as a family.
Beyond the altruistic benefits, these experiences often become cherished memories, reinforcing the values of kindness and community engagement in your teenagers. So, roll up your sleeves, get involved, and let the spirit of volunteerism be the glue that strengthens your family bonds while making a difference in the world.
From helping at events such as the Lifeline Bookfest to weekly visiting in retirement homes, there are loads of ways to be involved in community support. Check out what is local to you in the link above.
Water Adventure Park Clontarf
There’s something about turning everyone loose in the water that instantly drops the teenage attitude a few notches, and the water adventure park at Aqua Park Clontarf does that brilliantly.
It’s hectic in the best way, with slipping, splashing, laughing, dramatic wipeouts, and zero chance of anyone standing around pretending they’re bored.
You end up racing each other, helping each other back up, and laughing at who stacked it the hardest, and without even noticing it you’ve created one of those shared experiences that gets talked about later, usually with a lot of exaggerated retelling.
Or if youre like me, you sit on the beach in the shade with a good book while they wear themselves out...
Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks
A day trip out to snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks feels like sneaking a proper adventure into a single day, with clear water, colourful fish, and that shared excitement of spotting something new under the surface.
We have seen so many amazing animals out there, from turtles and dolphins to octopus and the most colourful tropical fish!
It’s active without being exhausting, impressive without trying too hard, and gives everyone something to talk about long after you’re back on the ferry, which is exactly why it works so well with teenagers who want experiences that feel a bit special and very real.
Ghost Tour
Book you and your teenager in for a spine-chilling adventure with a ghost tour.
Picture this: navigating dimly lit streets, stories of paranormal encounters echoing through the air, and the thrill of the unknown sending shivers down your spines.
Ok. So its not for me (I scare WAY too easily) but I know loads of kids who would absolutely love this!
I can't help but imagine the expressions of excitement and trepidation on your teenagers' faces as they immerse themselves in tales of haunted history.
A ghost tour isn't just about the spooky tales; it's a chance for your family to bond over shared thrills and chills. It's an experience that blends history, mystery, and the shared adrenaline rush that comes with exploring the eerie side of a city.
Horse Riding
Horse riding at Fordsdale Farmstay in the Lockyer Valley has that rare ability to slow everyone down in a really good way, especially teenagers who are usually moving a million miles an hour in their heads.
Once you’re on horseback, phones disappear, conversations soften, and there’s this quiet focus on balance, trust, and not accidentally steering your horse into a fence.
Riding side by side through open paddocks creates space for easy chats and comfortable silences, and it feels grounding without being boring.
You'll likely come away dusty, relaxed, and oddly connected, like you’ve shared something calm and meaningful without having to force a single deep and meaningful conversation.
Escape Room
The ghost tour is not my jam - but escape rooms are!
We have done 3 rooms now, one at Everton Park and 2 at Fox in a Box in the city. 100% reccommend!
The escape rooms had us completely stressed, overconfident, occasionally brilliant, and absolutely convinced the fate of the room rested on our individual shoulders.
When we cracked the puzzles and the door finally opened, the relief was instant and dramatic, followed by laughter, high fives, and a very heated discussion about who actually solved what, because somehow we all remembered it differently and were certain we were the reason we won.
So there you have it, a treasure map to creating unforgettable family bonding experiences with your tween and teenage kids.
In this busy world, time is our most precious asset, and spending it with loved ones is an investment like no other.
Here's to the endless joys of spending time with your incredible teenage kids!
About the Author
Natarsha March is an award-winning Brisbane newborn, baby, and family photographer who specialises in creating timeless, heartfelt images that capture the love and connection between families. With years of experience and a passion for working with little ones, she’s known for her relaxed, stress-free sessions that result in beautifully natural photographs. Based in Bunya, Brisbane, Natarsha has helped countless families preserve their most precious moments, from the tiny details of a newborn to the joyful chaos of a growing family. If you're looking for a trusted photographer in Brisbane who values quality, safety, and genuine connection, Family Photography by Natarsha March is the perfect choice.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER BRISBANE | NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER BRISBANE
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