Best activities for teens

Looking for something fun to do with the older kids?

There's no beating around the bush - doing something they find amusing is not as easy as it once was. A teen’s definition of fun is a little more complex. But we’re here to help! All you need to do is match their new energy with something a little more grown-up.

We’ve gathered some of the top experiences teenagers will find fun.

If you’re looking to do something exciting with your teens, Sydney is stacked with experiences that'll keep the older ones interested.

A high-speed adventure on the water? The cool kids can definitely get around that. The <a href=”https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/central-coast/1-hour-jet-ski-safari-hawksbury-river"> Hawkesbury River Jet Ski Tour is a top-pick for teens. No license needed, they can jump on a jet ski and cruise the riverbanks for one whole hour. A good time for most ages, anyone over seven can join in the action too. You will need to get there 45 minutes before the tour start time and it is roughly an hour away from the CBD so just keep this in mind when planning your day.

Now this is something they wouldn’t dare call “lame”. An <a href="https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/sydney/axe-throwing-experience-for-2”> axe throwing experience for 2 is just as popular with the teens as it is with the adults. A real-life Minecraft moment, they’ll have a ball hurling an axe around as an expert shares techniques and tips before giving them a chance to battle it out in a friendly competition. Teens under 18 do need an adult to accompany them, so parents, this is definitely a good reason to join in.

No teenager can resist the hype of a real-life game of Mario Kart. Made for ages 14 years and up, this go kart track in Picton is a guaranteed fun-time for the older kids. A treat for any motorsports fan, they'll have the time of their life zipping around one of the best outdoor tracks in Australia in a powerful 9HP go kart. Enclosed shoes are a must for this one so make sure you leave the thongs at home and go for sneakers instead.

Now that they’re old enough to appreciate the importance of Indigenous cultural heritage, this Sydney Harbour Aboriginal Cultural Cruise is a good one to share with your teen. Cruising around the iconic harbour, you’ll learn more about the ancient traditions and stories of Sydney's Indigenous peoples on this fascinating journey. It does go for two hours, so we’d recommend grabbing something to eat before you go but there is free tea and coffee on board.

Call Melbourne home? This city is buzzing with teen-friendly activities that you can do with your older kids.

Replace screen time with some good ol’ fashioned sport. Giving them a deeper insight into the game of golf, a one-hour golf lesson with PGA pro Jamie McCallum will help your child up their game. Who knows, you might have the next Tiger Woods on your hands. Don’t stress if you don’t own a gold club set – club hire is included at no extra charge. This experience does take place on a golf course so a neat standard of attire is a must as are golf shoes with soft spikes (no metals allowed!).

Looking to get them moving? This <a href=”https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/melbourne/moonlight-kayak-tour"> moonlight kayak tour through Melbourne City is a cool experience that even parents will enjoy it. Paddling down the Yarra River, you'll come across Insta-worthy sunsets views of the city skyline (which we all know our teens love). Oh, and dinner is also sorted with a unique on-the-water dining experience. Just remember to grab a couple of waterproof phone cases before you go, just in case a phone goes overboard.

They may not be old enough to hit the clubs, but you can still win points by taking them for a little sneak peek. Literally the coolest place in town, go check out the only IceBar in the country. All about keeping things fun and frosty, this place is a chilly -10ºC all year round, but don’t worry about dressing for the occasion because your ticket includes snow gear to keep you warm. As for the adults, you’ll get a well-deserved complimentary cocktail and ice shot (sorry kids!).

Is your big kid all about fast-paced action? Here's some fun they won’t pass up – indoor go karting ! Taking control of a pro racing kart, they’ll fly around this track, coming face to face with sunken corners, switch tracks and hairpins. The best part is that it’s all inside, meaning it’s good to go rain, hail or shine. Not bad for the wallet either, prices start as low as $52 per person and vary depending on the length of the session.

As the go-to family holiday destination, it’s no surprise that the Gold Coast has plenty on offer for the bigger kids.

Usually reserved for adults, a little skydiving action will get any teen excited. Giving them a taste of the real thing, this indoor skydiving experience on the Goldy is an absolute treat. In a glass wind tunnel is where they’ll reenact the heart-pumping feeling of a 14,000 feet free fall, minus the terrifying jump. Heads up, lace up runners are a must, but you can hire them there if needed.

A mix of diving, flying and heart-pounding fun? Sign them up! Flyboard lessons will definitely keep your teen occupied. A good way to get them out of the house, your teen will be propelled through air and water as they learn to hover over water and try a mix of basic turns and manoeuvres (don’t worry, it is safer than it sounds). A literal blast, participants will need to be 12 and up. It will also help if they’re confident swimmers.

Adventure and views? Sign them up! If your big kid loves a thrill, parasailing will be sure to excite them. Strapping into a parasail, they’ll be taken around to see the best views of Surfers as they fly 100 metres up in the air. A flexible ride, they can choose to go solo or enjoy it with you and a mate as a tandem or triple. To make it extra exciting, ask the driver to skim your feet in the water – you won’t regret it.

Who needs video games when there’s a virtual reality escape room ? Send your teen on a mission to decipher codes, find objects and solve puzzles as they race against the clock to make their escape. Gearing up in V4 eyewear and controllers, they’ll be transported to a whole new world when they pick from seven different themes. Next level fun, this experience is also wallet-friendly, with prices starting from $39.

Who needs video games when there’s a virtual reality escape room ? Send your teen on a mission to decipher codes, find objects and solve puzzles as they race against the clock to make their escape. Gearing up in V4 eyewear and controllers, they’ll be transported to a whole new world when they pick from seven different themes. Next level fun, this experience is also wallet-friendly, with prices starting from $39.