Things to do with Teenagers in Sydney that Aren’t Lame!

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Finding things to do with teenagers in Sydney can be surprisingly difficult. They are too old for activities aimed at little kids, but apparently walking around the shops staring at their phones is a perfectly acceptable holiday plan.

We have visited Sydney many times with our teenagers, so I have put together the activities they genuinely enjoyed (and the ones that were a miss!) – as well as several that are still on our list. There are big-ticket adventures, rainy-day activities, animal encounters and some free ideas for those days when the holiday budget has officially given up.

I have included who each activity is best suited to, where it is and anything I think parents should know before booking.

So instead of you wasting time googling “activities for teens near me” (only to get rejected anyway), I’ve done the legwork for you.

From high-energy outings to surprisingly cool experiences, Sydney is full of activities for teenagers. As well as the information below, take a look at my other articles because I DEFY YOU to be still stuck for ideas after you read these:

• Indoor activity options
• School holiday programs (goodbye kiddo – places where you can drop them off!)
• Plus, I know where to get the best and discounted tickets to a truckload of things to do when bored for teens.

How I chose these activities: The kids and I have personally experienced many of the Sydney attractions in this guide. Where we haven’t visited, I have researched current information directly through the operator.

If your teen just rolled their eyes at how long this article is… start here:

Outdoor activities for teens in Sydney

Tired of looking for fun things to do at home for teens? If you want them to spend more time outside, then look no further than my recommendations for outdoor activities for teens I have compiled. Sydney has everything to ensure you have fun days out of the house so there is no excuse for teenage boredom. From adrenaline junky activities to relaxing days out, I have something that is sure to make your fussy kid happy, including free teen activities!

Western Sydney Treetop Adventure Park

Head into the trees for some fun and adventure, featuring flying foxes, zip lines & more at TreeTop Adventure Park Sydney! Located in the forests of the Western Sydney Parklands, this fun outdoor attraction allows teens to harness themselves up and ascend to the treetops to take part in an array of courses, zipping, climbing and flying from one point to the next.

Check out the park online or purchase tickets.

Sydney Tower Eye

We have visited Sydney Tower Eye, and the photo above is my son taking in the incredible view across the city. Located in the heart of the CBD, it is the tallest structure in Sydney and offers fantastic 360-degree views from the indoor Observation Deck.

The Observation Deck is an easy all-weather activity for teenagers and gives them a completely different perspective of Sydney. It is fun trying to spot familiar landmarks, including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and the coastline.

For teenagers who want something more adventurous, you can upgrade to SKYWALK. This guided 60-minute outdoor experience takes you outside the tower, 268 metres above the city. We didn’t do SKYWALK on our visit, but it would be an excellent option for confident teenagers who love heights – and parents who are braver than me!

Sydney Tower Eye is not a full-day activity, but its central location makes it easy to combine with shopping, lunch or another Sydney CBD attraction.

Read more about the Tower Eye or grab tickets before you go.

Visit Sydney Observatory

Whilst the Observatory itself is technically an ‘indoor’ activity, I have included this in the ‘outside’ suggestions because the grounds are so inviting!

Sydney Observatory sits above The Rocks and has one of the best views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. We went inside the Observatory and found it genuinely interesting, although we only spent around 45 minutes there. It is an excellent addition to a day exploring The Rocks rather than an entire day out on its own.

Current guided tours explore the heritage-listed buildings, astronomical equipment and parts of the Powerhouse Collection. Day and evening tours are available, with the night sessions giving visitors an opportunity to explore the sky through the Observatory’s telescopes when conditions allow.

I was surprised how much my son enjoyed stopping in here! This activity will appeal most to teenagers interested in astronomy, science or Sydney’s history. Even if that isn’t your teen, the location and harbour views are worth stopping for!

Check current Sydney Observatory tours and book before visiting.

Taronga Zoo Sydney

We LOVED our day at Taronga Zoo Sydney. My son is a huge animal lover, so honestly, he enjoyed every enclosure. We did think the meerkats were particularly cute!

We caught the ferry from Circular Quay, which is definitely the best way to begin your visit. The journey across the harbour is part of the experience, and the views when you arrive at the zoo are beautiful. Taronga is home to animals from Australia and around the world, with more than 15 daily keeper talks, presentations and activities included in your visit.

This is a big zoo, so allow the entire day. There is a lot of walking, although we didn’t find the hills particularly onerous. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t try to rush your way around it.

As we always do, we packed our own lunch. Food is available inside the zoo, but the prices are not cheap. Bringing lunch also meant we could stop and eat whenever it suited us.

Taronga also has Wild Ropes, a high-ropes adventure overlooking Sydney Harbour. We didn’t add it to our visit because there was already plenty to fill our day, but adventurous teenagers would probably love it if you have enough time and energy.

Click here to find out more about Taronga Zoo or purchase tickets online.

Luna Park

Luna Park is the ultimate theme park. This iconic waterfront theme park offers rides to thrill teens and some awesome Instagram-worthy shots (and we know they love those!). For those less adventurous, simply stroll through this historic park and enjoy the views of Sydney.

Read up on this historic theme park and skip the queue to get tickets before you go.

Shark Attack Thrill Ride

Experience thrills and excitement on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. Easily accessed via Circular Quay in the heart of the city, this famous red shark boat will have teens on the edge of their seat during this 30-minute ‘hot lap’ ride of Sydney Harbour. A fun thing to do with friends for teens and they will come back loving you for sending them!

Take a look at the Oz Jet boat online or get tickets here.

Symbio Wildlife (and Splash) Park

Located near Helensburgh, south of the Sydney CBD, Symbio Wildlife Park is approximately a one-hour drive from central Sydney, depending on traffic. It is home to Australian wildlife and a range of exotic animals, giving teenagers plenty of freedom to roam and explore.

During the warmer months, the park’s Splash Park is an added bonus, particularly if you are also travelling with younger children. Pack swimmers, sunscreen and a picnic, invite a few friends and make a full day of it.

Click here for the Symbio Zoo website and you can purchase tickets here.

BridgeClimb Sydney

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is well known to most, but how many have actually climbed it? Give your teen bragging rights when they get back to school with one of the four experiences available. Depending on the experience chosen, your teenager could tackle up to 1,621 steps before reaching the top. Definitely a memorable moment and a great holiday activity for teenagers.

Find out more about BridgeClimb

Surf lessons – Bondi Beach

Located at 128 Ramsgate Avenue, Bondi Beach, this learning to surf activity is sure to elevate your teen’s level of coolness and is a fun school holiday activity for teenagers. Bondi Beach is an iconic surfing destination and is perfect for teens who want to take up a new sport. And, it is a great way to improve their fitness, strength and confidence.

Find out more about learning to surf at Bondi.

Learn to surf at URBNSURF Sydney

Want your teenager to learn to surf without relying on the waves at the beach? URBNSURF Sydney is a purpose-built surf lagoon at 15 Hill Road, Sydney Olympic Park, offering consistent waves for every ability level.

Complete beginners can start with a 90-minute group lesson using gentle white-water waves, while teenagers who already surf can book coaching sessions matched to their skill level. Lessons are available from age six, so this also works if you are visiting with younger siblings.

Surfboards and wetsuits are available to hire, and the venue has change rooms, heated showers, free lockers and an outdoor heated leisure pool. Parents who prefer to remain dry can purchase a spectator entry pass and watch from the sidelines. Everybody wins!

Find out more about surfing and lessons at URBNSURF Sydney.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures

Glenworth Valley is approximately an hour north of Sydney, depending on traffic. The company specialises in spending time outdoors. Horse riding, quad biking, abseiling, kayaking and laser skirmish are some of the fun things teens can do. Set in beautiful natural scenery, this is a great day out and even better if your teen lets you go with them!

Read up on what’s available at Glenworth.

Create a free Sydney photo challenge

If your teenager likes taking photos, turn a walk through the Sydney CBD into a challenge to find some of the city’s most interesting and Instagrammable locations.

Start at the ANZAC Memorial and Pool of Reflection in Hyde Park before walking towards the State Library of NSW and Royal Botanic Garden. The gardens are free to enter and have beautiful views across the harbour, including several excellent vantage points for photographing Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Make sure you also find Angel Place, a pedestrian laneway between George and Pitt streets. Suspended above the laneway is Forgotten Songs, an art installation featuring empty birdcages and the recorded calls of 50 bird species once heard in central Sydney. We thought it was very cool – and it gave the teenagers something far more interesting to photograph than another shopping centre!

Give everyone a theme or photo list and let your teenagers navigate between the locations. They are walking, exploring and learning something about Sydney, but we don’t necessarily need to point that out to them.

Explore the Chinese Garden of Friendship

After eating your way through Chinatown and Darling Square, take a break inside the Chinese Garden of Friendship at Darling Harbour.

We visited the garden and loved exploring its waterfalls, lakes, pavilions and hidden pathways. It feels surprisingly peaceful considering it is in the middle of one of Sydney’s busiest entertainment precincts. Teenagers who enjoy photography will find plenty to capture, while everyone else can enjoy a quieter moment before launching into the next activity.

The garden requires an entry ticket, but it is an easy and relatively inexpensive addition to a day exploring Darling Harbour.

Check current admission prices and opening hours for the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Catch the ferry to Manly and walk to Shelly Beach

The ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is not just public transport – it is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy a Sydney Harbour cruise! You will travel past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with plenty of opportunities for your teenager to take photos along the way.

Once you arrive in Manly, walk along the beachfront to Shelly Beach. The walk is easy, scenic and short enough that teenagers shouldn’t complain too much. Stop for lunch, have a swim or snorkel, then wander back to Manly for an ice cream before catching the ferry home. This is an excellent option for teenagers who enjoy the beach but don’t necessarily want a heavily organised activity.

Explore Barangaroo and the harbour foreshore

Start at Barangaroo Reserve and follow the harbour foreshore towards Walsh Bay, The Rocks and Circular Quay. The walk combines harbour views, landscaped parkland, historic buildings and plenty of places to stop for food.

If The Rocks Markets are operating during your visit, allow time to browse the stalls. Teenagers can look for locally made clothes, jewellery, art and food while exploring one of Sydney’s most historic areas.

This is a good free activity for teenagers who like photography, shopping or exploring without a strict itinerary. You can make it a short wander or continue all the way to the Sydney Opera House if everyone still has enough energy.

Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal route

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is approximately six kilometres and passes some of Sydney’s best-known beaches, including Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee. You can complete the entire route or choose a shorter section if your (or your teen’s) enthusiasm starts to disappear!

There are hills and plenty of steps, but the ocean views, swimming spots and food stops make this far more appealing than announcing that you are taking your teenager “for a walk”. Let them choose where to stop for lunch or a swim and, suddenly, you have an excellent free day out rather than forced family exercise.

Indoor activities for teens in Sydney

My recommendations for fun things to do with teenagers range from indoor skydiving and virtual reality to extreme go-karting, and there are heaps of activities that work well at night too.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Spend a day seeing some iconic Australian animals without leaving Sydney. Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo (not to be confused with Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek) allows you to get up close with some of Australia’s most renowned creatures. Afterwards, grab a coffee (and ice cream for the teens) and wander Darling Harbour.

Find out more about the zoo here and get tickets before you go.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

We have visited SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour, and it is an easy choice for teenagers who love marine animals. The aquarium is home to more than 4,000 animals from over 300 species across nine interactive zones.

Teenagers will particularly enjoy walking underneath the sharks in Shark Valley and seeing the king and gentoo penguins in the Penguin Expedition. There are also optional experiences available, including the Penguin Encounter, Shark Dive Xtreme and a virtual reality experience.

Allow approximately 1.5 to two hours for a general visit, or longer if you book one of the additional experiences. It is also easy to combine SEA LIFE with WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds or another Darling Harbour attraction.

Find out more on the website and get tickets online.

Madame Tussauds

We did this when Master 16 was heavily into Marvel, so unsurprisingly he spent most of his time posing with the superheroes. I expected Madame Tussauds to be a fairly quick walk-through, but the interactive displays kept us there longer than I anticipated.

Teenagers can explore several interactive zones, including Marvel, Justice League, Sydney Live!, Sports, Wild Australia and Illuminate Sydney. This isn’t just a museum where you walk past wax figures and quietly admire them. Your teen can pose for ridiculous photos and interact with many of the displays, which makes it much more fun.

I would combine it with SEA LIFE or WILD LIFE rather than treating it as a full-day activity. On the same day, we also visited WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. It was a very big day, but we managed to fit a surprising amount in! When my son was younger, we also spent time at the excellent Darling Quarter playground nearby.

I think Madame Tussauds is worthwhile as a standalone attraction, particularly if your teenager loves celebrities, sport or Marvel. However, if you also plan to visit WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, check whether a combination ticket will save you money.

Visit the Madame Tussauds website then skip the queue and get tickets before you go.

iFLY

At iFLY Downunder in Penrith, teenagers can experience the feeling of freefall inside a vertical wind tunnel – without jumping out of an aeroplane. An instructor stays with them inside the tunnel, making it suitable for complete beginners as well as confident thrill seekers.

Take a look online or purchase tickets here.

The Ledge Climbing Centre at Sydney Uni

Located at the University of Sydney’s Camperdown campus, The Ledge Climbing Centre is a fun indoor activity for teenagers of all experience levels. The centre has state-of-the-art climbing walls, bouldering areas and experienced staff available to assist. Beginners also receive a complimentary safety induction.

The Ledge is currently open Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 9pm. Check the current opening hours and age requirements before visiting.

Get climbing today.

Sydney Opera House

This iconic landmark is a must-see for teens (and parents!) who love culture. Home of music, shows and performances and set on the spectacular Sydney Harbour, teens will be awed and inspired. Take a tour for a behind-the-scenes look under the Opera House sails and then treat them to morning tea (while you enjoy a coffee) at one of the many restaurants. A great activity to do with your teenager.

Find out more on the website or purchase a tour ticket here.

Art Gallery of NSW or Museum of Contemporary Art?

We visited both the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art – and our teenagers had very different reactions!

The Art Gallery of NSW was a huge hit. The teens took ages exploring the collections and were far more thorough than I was. General admission is free, although some special exhibitions require tickets, and the gallery is located beside the Royal Botanic Garden within easy walking distance of the CBD.

Unfortunately, the Museum of Contemporary Art was a miss for us. (We didn’t go on the same day, so I don’t think the problem was too much “sameness”.) My son was bored and we didn’t stay nearly as long. That doesn’t mean your teenager won’t enjoy it, particularly if they love modern and experimental art, but I promised activities that aren’t lame, so I am giving you his honest verdict! The MCA is at Circular Quay, overlooking Sydney Harbour, and visitors under 18 currently receive free entry.

If I were choosing only one based on our experience, I would take teenagers to the Art Gallery of NSW.

Plan your visit to the Art Gallery of NSW or see what is currently showing at the MCA.

Virtual Room Sydney

Located at Level 5, 393 George Street in the Sydney CBD, Virtual Room combines virtual reality with an escape room. Rather than competing against each other, families work cooperatively to solve puzzles and complete a virtual mission.

Each team has between two and four players, with larger groups divided into multiple teams. The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes and is suitable for ages eight and over.

Players have their own physical space but can see and communicate with their teammates inside the game. Glasses can generally be worn underneath the headset unless the frames are particularly large.

Virtual Room has also designed its games so that your movements inside the virtual world match your actual movements. This helps reduce the disconnect that can sometimes cause motion sickness during virtual reality experiences.

This is the better VR option for families who enjoy puzzles, escape rooms and working together. Whether your teenagers will actually listen to your suggestions once you are inside is another matter!

Find out more here or buy tickets.

Q Station Ghost Tour

Located at North Head in Manly, Q Station occupies the site of Sydney’s former Quarantine Station—and it has developed quite a reputation for being haunted!

During the Ghostly Encounters Tour, visitors explore the historic buildings after dark while hearing stories about the people who once lived, worked and were quarantined there. Armed with a lantern, your teenager will venture through some of the station’s most atmospheric locations and hear about the ghostly encounters reported over the years.

Q Station offers several history and ghost tours, with different minimum ages and conditions. Check the requirements for your chosen tour before booking, particularly if you are visiting with younger teenagers. Anyone under 18 may also need to be accompanied by an adult.

This would be a memorable Sydney night activity for teenagers who enjoy history, spooky stories and being thoroughly creeped out!

Take a look at the website for more info.

Zero Latency

Zero Latency is the more physical VR option for teenagers who would rather battle zombies than solve an escape-room puzzle! Unlike Virtual Room, players are not confined to individual spaces. They can walk freely around a 200-square-metre arena without cables or backpacks, using their whole body to move through the game.

Current game choices include Far Cry VR, Sol Raiders, Undead Arena, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Haunted, Singularity, Engineerium and Outbreak. Some involve teamwork, while others allow teams to compete against each other.

Sessions run for approximately 30 minutes with up to eight players and are suitable for ages 13 and over. Zero Latency Sydney is now located next to Archie Brothers at 75 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria. Bookings must be made online, as walk-ins are not accepted.

Click here to read up on Zero Latency.

Extreme Indoor Go Karting Villawood

Get your teenager’s adrenaline pumping at Extreme Indoor Go Karting in Villawood. Its main 500-metre track features fast straights, sweeping turns, an overpass and unrestricted 270cc petrol karts capable of reaching speeds of up to 80km/h.

Senior karts are for drivers aged 13 and over who are at least 140cm tall. Junior karts are available for children aged six to 12 who are at least 125cm tall. On weekends, school holidays and public holidays, junior drivers use a separate Rookie Track while teenagers aged 13 and over race on the Sprint Track.

From Monday to Friday, younger drivers can race before 7pm, but sessions after 7pm are restricted to ages 13 and over. Drivers under 18 require adult consent, and everyone must wear enclosed shoes.

Find out more online.

Take the Chinatown and Darling Square snack challenge

Give each teenager a budget and let them create their own Chinatown and Darling Square snack challenge. The aim is to find several interesting foods to share, then score each one for flavour, appearance and value.

They might choose dumplings, noodles, bubble tea, desserts or something nobody else is brave enough to try. It gives teenagers some control over the day and turns lunch into an activity. It can also be as cheap or expensive as you make it—although I accept no responsibility once they discover how many desserts are available!

More Sydney activities for teenagers

Still haven’t found the right activity? Experience Oz has additional Sydney tours, attraction tickets, cruises and day trips. It is worth checking for combination passes if you plan to visit several of the Darling Harbour attractions, as buying them together may be cheaper than purchasing separate entry tickets.

• Sydney Museum of Illusions
• Holey Moley Mini Golf Alexandria
• Sydney Immersive Gamebox, 60 Minutes
• Sydney Immersive Challenge Room
• Quiz Room Sydney
• Escape Hunt Sydney
• Sydney Virtual Reality Escape Room, 60 Minutes
• Archie Brothers Arcade and Bowling Alexandria
• Australian National Maritime Museum
• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Shark Dive Xtreme
• Sydney Cricket Ground Guided Tour
• Sydney Boeing 737 Flight Simulator
• Sydney Magic Show with The Gentleman Magician

Click here to see even more ideas across Sydney for teenagers!

School holiday programs for teens in Sydney

School holiday activities for teenagers can be hit and miss, that’s why I have done the hard work for you and found the best of the best. From arts and crafts for teens, fun activities for teenagers and things to do for teens at night I have a heap of activities that will make sure they are happy.

I know that juggling time is hard during the holidays, that’s why I have included half day, full day and multiple day holiday programs, as well as some cheap activities for teenagers. Some are even good team building activities for teenagers (but don’t worry, they won’t even know it!). You can find a huge range of excellent school holiday programs in Sydney here.

Fun activities for teens in Sydney at night

Sydney is spectacular after dark, and there are several evening activities that work particularly well with teenagers. Brave a Q Station ghost tour at North Head, ride the attractions at Luna Park after sunset or visit Sydney Tower Eye in time to watch the city lights appear. During the colder months, Vivid Sydney also adds light installations and evening events throughout the CBD and the Botanic Gardens of Sydney sometimes host installations too!

Find more things to do in Sydney at night with kids here.

10 Fun things to do at home for teens

Not every school holiday day needs an outing. Sometimes the weather is terrible, the budget is exhausted or nobody can be bothered leaving the house. Creative teenagers could try a How to Draw Cool Things guide, while those who love building and experimenting may enjoy becoming a rubber band engineer. Send hungry teens into the kitchen with Procrastibaking, challenge the family with some non-boring board games or see whether they can complete an escape room in a book within 60 minutes.

For teenagers who need to burn off some energy, try a hoverboard, remote-controlled car or drone. Quieter teens might prefer these books for becoming happier, more confident and effective, while this quirky boredom-busting book is packed with more things to try at home. They may still disappear into their bedrooms afterwards, but at least you made a respectable attempt!

Choosing the right Sydney activity for your teenager

For adventurous teenagers, I would shortlist BridgeClimb, iFLY, the jet boat or Treetops. Animal lovers will get more from Taronga, SEA LIFE or Symbio, while Virtual Room and Zero Latency are safer bets for teens who would rather be gaming. If the budget is looking frightening, take the ferry to Manly or plan a coastal walk and save the paid experience for another day.

Even more NSW school holiday ideas:

If you are heading north these school holidays check out these helpful guides:

• Newcastle & Central Coast school holiday activities
• Port Macquarie school holiday activities
• Coffs Harbour School holiday activities
• Byron Bay school holiday activities

If you are heading south these school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:

• Wollongong school holiday activities 
• School holiday activities on the South Coast of NSW

And if you are heading to our nation’s capital, I have got lots of suggestions for the best school holiday activities in Canberra too!

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