Fun Things to do in Canberra for Teenagers

Sometimes you need some inspiration to get your teens off their devices and out into the world. They want independence, freedom, and something to do, but they don’t want to hang out with their boring family. Here’s a list of fun things to do in Canberra for teenagers, so you can get them away from the house and out with their friends. 

Driving ranges in Canberra

Whether they’re into sports or just after a bit of fun, the driving range can be a great boredom buster for teens. Driving ranges cater for any ability level, whether your teen is a pro golfer or doesn’t know which way to hold a club. It can also be done solo or in a group, and is a great way to keep teenagers active and social. Can’t get your teen out in the cold? Try the Status Indoor Golf Centre in Civic. 

Driving ranges in Canberra: 

Canberra International Golf Centre in Narrabundah 

Gold Creek Country Club in Nicholls 

Gungahlin Lakes in Nicholls 

Status Golf Indoor Golf Centre in Civic

Bidgee Driving Range in Kambah 

Fairbairn Golf Club in Fairbairn 

Federal Golf Club in Red Hill

Ice Skating

If your teen isn’t afraid of looking like a bit of a dork, ice skating is a great option. They can have a laugh at themselves while they get some exercise in - what could be better? This is great for a group to attend, or even as a first date idea. 

There are two ice skating venues in Canberra - the Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre, located in Phillip, and iSkate at the PowerKart Raceway in Griffith. Visit their websites for pricing info, opening hours and special events (like Friday night roller discos!).  

Jumping & Climbing

It’s easy to think that a place dedicated to trampolining would be for little kids, but that’s certainly not the case! Canberra offers two indoor trampoline parks - Flipout at Majura Park, and Bounce in Belconnen - both of which are perfect places for teens to burn some energy in any type of weather. There’s parkour, ninja courses, rock climbing, dodgeball, basketball, wall running, and of course, a whole lot of trampolines. Both venues include after dark activities, where your teens can jump with the lights down and the music up!  Definitely add this to your list of fun things to do in Canberra for teenagers.

If jumping’s not their jam, your teen could always try bouldering. It’s like rock climbing but with shorter, angled walls, and with padded mats on the floor, so there’s no need for ropes/partners/other gear. It can be done with or without a partner, and can be a great social activity. BlocHaus Canberra has two venues, Fyshwick and Mitchell. If your teen is up for something different, definitely encourage them to give this a try! 

Swing dancing

We know it can be hard to get teenagers to try new things. But, if your kid loves dancing, wants to meet new friends and have a ball, try and encourage them to give swing dancing a go. Canberra Swing Katz runs beginner swing dance classes in a no-pressure environment where all are welcome - you can fly solo or bring some friends along. Classes are held at Majura Community Hall in Dickson on Thursday nights, and are followed by the Swing Katz speakeasy regular social night. 

No Lights No Lycra

Teenagers often feel pretty self conscious. We’ve all been there, and know how awkward it can feel to grow up. No Lights No Lycra offers the perfect opportunity to dance like no one’s watching - because no one is! In case you haven’t heard of these incredible gatherings before, NLNL is a place where anyone (from 12 year olds to 100 year olds!) come together to dance, in the dark, and let out their inhibitions. It is a sober event where normal, everyday people (mums, dads, students, professionals, and anyone in between) come together in a dimly lit hall to shake the blues away and get lost in the music. If your teenager wants to break free but doesn’t want the possibility of mum or dad (or younger annoying siblings) to see them, then NLNL is the perfect place. 

Hijinx Hotel

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you shout your teens to a night out at a hotel (although it would be a nice break, right?). Hijinx Hotel Canberra isn’t a hotel, it’s an interactive game experience that’s themed like a quirky New York-style hotel. It’s got 15 different rooms, and each room contains a game (giant piano, word scramble, giant ball pits, life sized games of ‘Operation’, and giant naughts and crosses, to name a few). Each challenge room can be completed with 2 - 6 players, and your group versus other players (who play in other rooms) at the same time as you. Once you’re all finished, you’re ranked on a leaderboard to see who scored the most points and is the ultimate winner. Trust us, it’s a lot of fun! 

Mini Golf

It’s been around for a long time, and it’s still just as much fun now as when we were kids ourselves. Everyone loves a good game of mini golf, especially competitive teenagers. Holey Moley (located inside Hijinx Hotel in Civic) is a whacky mini golf course that turns putt putt into something a whole lot crazier than you’ve probably ever seen before. Most importantly, it’s very likely to impress your teenagers. The best bit - they have a student deal where all day putt putt on Mondays - Thursdays is only $12. How great is that? Why not combine a game of mini golf with a round of challenge rooms at Hijinx Hotel for a few hours of unique entertainment! 

If you want to try something different, PowerKart Raceway offers Jungle Golf - Canberra's first indoor glow in the dark mini golf course. If you want your teen out of the house for a few hours, they can also have a go at ice skating and karting as well. 

Escape Rooms in Canberra

Escape rooms are a one of a kind experience that promote problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills, all while having fun and playing a game. Racing against the clock, your teen and their team will need to decipher clues and find their way out of the escape room before it’s too late. There’s a number of escape rooms in Canberra, all with different themes ranging from fun to spooky. There’s also some virtual reality escape rooms in Canberra too, just in case the real deal is a little too, well, real. Make sure you add escape rooms to your list of fun things to do in Canberra for teenagers.

Escape Rooms Canberra in Phillip 

Riddle Room in Mitchell 

Kingpin in Civic

Metaphysica in Mitchell and Tuggeranong

Revelations Puzzle Rooms in Fyshwick

VR Canberra in Mitchell

Pinot & Picasso

Think paint and sip is just for hens nights or corporate team building? Think again! Pinot & Picasso’s Paint and Sip classes in Belconnen aren’t just for adults, they are for kids and teens too (minus the pinot, of course). They have some awesome activities, like ‘Paint your Pet’, or their RnB nights featuring UV lights, neon glow paint and the best RnB hits. 

Instala DIY Studio

If your teen is seeking a creative outlet, Instala DIY studio offers hands-on projects like perfume-making, candle-crafting, fluid bear creation, and jewellery-making. This gorgeous gallery offers a calming and creative space for your young adult to explore their self-expression and creativity. Their classes are very reasonably priced, and offer something a little different that your teen might not have done before. 

Tabletop Gaming

Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve a screen! Tabletop gaming has a great culture in Canberra and there’s plenty of places to do it. Whether it’s role playing, card-based, strategy or even board games, there’s plenty to keep teens entertained in the Canberra tabletop gaming world. Check out the venues below for their scheduled events. 

Good Games in Belconnen and Civic

Ronin Games in Belconnen and Woden

Warhammer in Belconnen and Phillip

The Canberra Games Society in Deakin

Small Worlds Cafe in Wanniassa 

If you've got more ideas of fun things to do in Canberra for teenagers, let us know in the comments below!