Things to do with Teenagers on the Sunshine Coast That Aren’t Lame!

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If you have a teenager who says “I’m bored” five minutes after waking up, you are not alone.

Teenagers are hard to impress.

Screens always win.

Unless you have a plan.

Luckily, there are plenty of things to do with teenagers on the Sunshine Coast that do not feel like they were planned for little kids. Think high ropes, surf lessons, escape rooms, laser tag, giant inflatables, mountain-bike trails and even a cage-free shark dive.

The trick is choosing something with a bit of challenge, freedom or bragging rights. Bonus points if they can bring a friend! I have also included ideas for introverted teens, photographers, animal lovers and families with different energy levels.

As an educator and mum, I know a good teenage activity needs to do more than fill time. It has to meet them where they are. That is why this guide focuses on experiences that give teens something to master, explore, photograph or talk about (and share on their socials) afterwards.

I have checked the age, height and supervision notes below against current venue information, but operators can change their rules. Always confirm the details when you book, especially for water activities, high ropes and experiences for older teens.

Quick picks for impatient teenagers

If your teen has already asked, “How long is this article?”, start here:

Outdoor activities for teenagers on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is made for teenagers who would rather be moving than looking at another display cabinet. These outdoor activities include easy wins, full-day adventures and a few big-ticket experiences for birthdays or special occasions.

Climb over the river at Next Level High Ropes

All three of our teens absolutely loved this. It is super easy to find and kept our kids entertained for around 3 hours!! (We also like the one at the TreeTop Challenge at the Big Pineapple – see below!)

Next Level High Ropes sits at Sunshine Plaza, but this is definitely not a quiet shopping-centre activity. The courses rise above Cornmeal Creek and combine aerial obstacles with long ziplines.

It is a strong choice when siblings have different confidence levels because they do not all have to tackle the same course. Teenagers aged 13 and over can access every level, including the Expert level. Those aged 11 to 17 need an adult to check them in and stay on site, but the adult can supervise from the ground.

That last part may be music to your ears if your teen wants independence and you do not want to balance on a swinging log.

Best for: active teens, thrill seekers and competitive siblings.

Take on TreeTop Challenge at the Big Pineapple

If your teenager likes the idea of climbing through actual rainforest, add TreeTop Challenge Sunshine Coast to the list.

The courses build from easier challenges to the harder Blue and Black levels, with flying foxes along the way. The activity is suitable from age eight, but the reach requirements matter more than age for the advanced courses. Climbers need to reach 165 cm to their fingertips for the Green, Purple and Red levels, and 185 cm for Blue and Black.

It is physical, a little scary and very satisfying when they finish. In other words, it has all the ingredients for a teenage activity that is not lame.

Best for: adventurous teens who enjoy a proper challenge.

Race across Aqua Park Coolum

Aqua Park Coolum is a floating inflatable obstacle course with slides, climbing sections, balance challenges and plenty of opportunities to knock your family into the water.
Sessions are short enough to keep the energy high, and teenagers can make the course as competitive as they like. Bring friends and it becomes even better.

The park is seasonal, so check its operating dates before promising this one. Everyone under 18 also needs the required waiver completed by a parent or guardian.

Best for: hot days, groups of friends and teens who love a challenge.

Learn to surf

There is something very Sunshine Coast about spending the morning learning to stand up on a board.

Coolum Surfing School offers beginner options for teens, while Maroochy Surf School lists teen beginner and kids-and-teens intermediate lessons. Lessons generally include equipment and ocean-safety instruction, which makes this much easier than trying to teach them yourself with a borrowed board and misplaced confidence.

A friend can make a first lesson less intimidating. It also gives them someone to laugh with when both of them fall off.

Choose an accredited local school, follow the instructor’s safety advice and check the weather and surf conditions before leaving home.

Best for: teens who want to learn a real Sunshine Coast skill.

Try efoiling at Golden Beach

If ordinary surfing is not futuristic enough for your teenager, let them try flying above the water on an efoil.

This two-hour Caloundra efoil lesson begins with step-by-step instruction on land before participants head onto the water at Golden Beach. The instructor provides one-on-one guidance as they learn to control the electric hydrofoil board and gradually build confidence.

The minimum age is 12, and anyone that age needs to be accompanied by a guardian. Participants also need a medium level of swimming ability, and the boards have a maximum weight capacity of 100 kg.

It is not a cheap day out, but it is definitely more memorable than another afternoon at the shops.

Best for: confident swimmers aged 12 and over who want to try something completely different.

Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard

For a calmer water adventure, hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the Noosa River, Maroochy River or one of the Coast’s sheltered waterways.

Noosa Heads Boat Hire and Pelican Boat Hire (we used them!) offer kayak hire on the Noosa River, while Sunreef Mooloolaba has watercraft hire from Mooloolaba. Trust me when I tell you that a double kayak is a good option if your teenager’s enthusiasm is likely to disappear the moment paddling becomes actual work. The photo of us is a lie! We eventually had to swap and have one adult + 1 teen in each kayak to get back to shore!

Check the operator’s age and supervision rules, use the supplied lifejackets and choose conditions that match everyone’s ability.

If they would prefer more of an experience than simple equipment hire, try the Noosa Everglades and Stingrays guided kayak adventure. It includes three hours of guided paddling on Lake Weyba, safety equipment, snacks and a visit to a natural stingray sanctuary. Participants need to paddle gently for at least two hours, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Shorter self-guided choices include a two-hour hidden-waterways kayak adventure and two-hour stand-up paddleboard adventure.

Best for: active teens who prefer water without giant waves.

Noosa Everglades cruise

If paddling for several hours sounds like a guaranteed family argument, the five-hour Noosa Everglades Explorer Cruise lets you see the waterways without doing all the work. This is a better fit for nature-loving teenagers, photographers and mixed-generation families than for teens chasing maximum adrenaline.

Go fishing and crabbing on the Noosa River

Fishing is much more interesting when someone else provides the boat, bait, tackle and knowledge.

The Noosa Fishing and Crab Tour combines calm-water fishing with crabbing and sightseeing on the Noosa River. Teens can try catching species such as bream, whiting, flathead and trevally, pull up crab pots and taste freshly cooked crab on board.

All the fishing equipment is included, and the skipper can coach complete beginners. The shaded boat and calm river setting also make this a good option for a teen who likes being outdoors but does not want a high-adrenaline activity.

Just be prepared for a teenager who has never shown any interest in dinner preparation to become extremely enthusiastic when the ingredients come out of the river.

Best for: patient teens, beginner anglers and families who want a relaxed half-day activity.

Ride a fast boat on a Noosa ocean adventure

Wild dolphins are exciting. Looking for them from a fast rigid inflatable boat is more exciting.

Noosa Oceanrider runs ocean adventures, dolphin safaris and seasonal whale-watching trips from Noosa. The combination of speed, sea spray and wildlife gives this more teenage appeal than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and ocean conditions can make the ride bumpy. Read the operator’s health and safety advice before booking if anyone has back or neck concerns.

Mooloolaba also has a 90-minute high-speed turtle tour aboard a powerful rigid inflatable boat. The trip passes Point Cartwright and Alexandra Headland and looks for turtles near Mudjimba Island. Passengers must be at least five and have reasonable movement and agility. For teenagers, the speed and wave riding are likely to be at least as important as the wildlife.

Best for: animal lovers who also want some speed.

Take a 4WD beach adventure to Double Island Point

This is a Sunshine Coast road trip with a lot more sand.

The Noosa to Double Island Point 4WD beach adventure travels by ferry and four-wheel drive along the Great Beach Drive before stopping near Double Island Point. Surfboards, stand-up paddleboards and float rings are included, so teenagers can choose whether to get active or simply enjoy the beach.

The half-day experience lasts about six hours and includes a driver, guide, park fees and light refreshments. The itinerary can change with the weather and tides, and minimum age, fitness and swimming requirements apply, so check these for your teenager before booking.

This is a particularly good choice if you want the adventure of driving on the beach without taking your own car onto the sand.

Best for: teens who like road trips, beaches, wildlife and having several activities to choose from.

Swim with humpback whales

Whale watching from a boat is impressive.

Getting into the water is another level entirely.

The Sunshine Coast whale swim eco adventure takes a maximum of eight guests offshore with experienced marine guides. When the whales and conditions allow, participants enter the water with an in-water guide and watch these enormous animals pass through their natural environment.

The experience is seasonal, generally operating from June to November, and sightings or swims can never be guaranteed. Participants must be at least 10, physically fit and confident enough to swim 200 metres in open water. A medical form is required, and some conditions need a doctor’s clearance.

This is a serious ocean activity, not a gentle snorkel in a resort pool. For a capable teenage swimmer, though, it could be the story they tell for years.

Best for: strong, confident open-water swimmers who want a genuine bucket-list experience.

Try the thrill rides at Aussie World

If your family has not visited Aussie World since the children were small, it may be time to go back.

The teen appeal is in the thrill rides. The SX360 reaches 32 metres and spins through full rotations, while the Dingo Racer is a spinning roller-coaster. The Redback and Giant Slide add more competition if your teen insists nothing scares them.

Height restrictions apply, and individual rides can close or run limited sessions. Check the live ride status before you make the trip.

Best for: thrill seekers and families with teens and younger siblings.

Play outdoor paintball

If your older teenager has a group of friends and a competitive streak, Sunshine Coast outdoor paintball is an easy yes.

The Palmview course has bushland, forts, bunkers and huts to hide behind while teams work out who has a strategy and who is simply running around making noise. The experience includes five 20-minute games, camouflage coveralls, a full-face mask, a semi-automatic marker and an initial supply of paintballs.

Participants must be over 15, so this one is only for older teenagers. Enclosed shoes are required, and extra paintballs may cost more if your teen approaches the game with excessive enthusiasm.

Best for: groups of friends aged over 15, birthdays and highly competitive families.

Become a zoo keeper for a day at Australia Zoo

For a teenager who is serious about animals, a regular zoo visit may not be enough.
Australia Zoo’s Khaki Extreme Zoo Keeper for a Day is designed for ages 12 to 16 and runs during selected school-holiday periods. Participants get a behind-the-scenes look at zoo keeping, which may include preparing food, creating animal enrichment and meeting animals with the keepers.

The exact animals and activities vary by season. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should read the current program rather than promising a particular encounter.

This is one of the better Sunshine Coast activities for teens who are considering an animal-care career.

If the keeper program is unavailable or your teenager wants to explore the whole zoo with the family, you can also book Australia Zoo general admission with Wildlife Hospital entry.

Best for: wildlife lovers and future vets or zoo keepers.

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

Not every teenager wants to spend the day hanging from a rope or being fired into the air. Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World offers landscaped gardens, Glass House Mountains views and an interactive aviary tour. Check the handling rules before entering the aviaries because the birds can land on visitors, and not every teenager will consider that a bonus.

Best for: animal lovers, photographers and teens who prefer a slower day.

Ride an e-mountain bike through the Noosa hinterland

If the family likes cycling but nobody wants to spend five hours grinding up hills, an e-mountain bike may save the day.

The Noosa Biosphere Trail Network e-bike adventure is a five-hour guided ride through subtropical forest, farmland, hinterland towns and scenic lookouts. The experience includes the e-mountain bike, helmet, safety equipment, guide, water and a snack.

Participants need basic bike-riding skills, and mountain-bike tours assume some previous experience riding trails. Confirm age and bike-fit requirements directly before booking for a younger teenager.

It gives active families the scenery and challenge of a longer ride, with just enough electrical assistance to keep everyone speaking to each other.

Best for: capable teen cyclists who want a guided hinterland adventure.

Go mountain biking or swimming at Ewen Maddock Dam

There are two options here. It was hot the day we went, so we took the water option. My grandmother always said about kids ‘if they are crabby, put them in water’. So we put on our swimmers and jumped in the dam’s fenced off swimming area. But, as I said, you have options…

You can also choose to load the bikes and head to Ewen Maddock Dam for a lower-cost day outside.

The Ferny Forest mountain-bike loop is about 12 km and is designed for novice riders. It winds through forest, fern gullies and wetlands, with views across the dam.

The trail may be muddy after rain, so check conditions before setting off. Helmets, water and a basic repair kit are non-negotiable.

If nobody feels like a full loop, the dam also has easier shared tracks and a flat-water paddle route.

Best for: teens with bikes who want a free physical challenge.

Walk the Noosa Coastal Track

The Coastal Walk in Noosa National Park has beaches, rocky headlands, ocean views and plenty of photo stops. It feels like an outing rather than “going for a walk”, which is an important distinction when teenagers are involved.

You do not have to complete the whole route. Choose a turnaround point that suits your family, start early in warm weather and carry more water than you think you need.

Parking near the day-use area is limited, particularly during holidays, so walking, cycling or using public transport can be easier.

Best for: social-media photographers, wildlife spotters and active families.

Book a jet-ski experience for an older teen

This one is for the teenager who thinks a kayak needs more horsepower.

Sunreef Mooloolaba operates supervised ocean jet-ski experiences. Age rules depend on the operator and the type of booking. Some local products allow passengers from age 12 and drivers from age 16, subject to safety requirements.

Do not assume a teenager can drive because they are old enough to hold a learner licence. Confirm the operator’s current minimum age, identification, consent and swimming requirements before paying.

Best for: confident older teens who love speed and water.

Take the controls on a pilot training flight

If your son is anything like mine… he is alllll about aviation. We did a ‘joy-flight’ like this when he was 14 and it kick started his desire to be a commercial pilot when he grew up!

The 60-minute pilot training flight from Caloundra starts with a briefing before the participant climbs into a modern recreational aircraft with a professional pilot. Once in the air, they can take the controls and learn the basics of flying while seeing the Sunshine Coast from around 2,000 feet.

The flying time may be able to count towards a future pilot licence, making this a particularly strong gift for a teen who is already thinking about an aviation career.

Best for: aviation-mad teenagers and milestone birthday gifts.

Tandem skydive over the Sunshine Coast

This is not a casual Tuesday activity. It is a birthday, graduation or “I cannot believe we actually did that” activity.

Skydive Noosa operates tandem skydives from the Sunshine Coast Airport area. The legal minimum age for a tandem skydive in Australia is 16. Anyone under 18 needs parental or guardian consent, and the operator must be told before the jump.

Health and weight requirements also apply, so read every condition before booking.

Will it get them off their phone? Yes.

Will they want the video for their phone afterwards? Also yes.

Best for: fearless 16- and 17-year-olds celebrating something big.

Indoor activities for teens on the Sunshine Coast

Rainy day? Too hot? Everyone a little sunburnt?

These indoor activities for teens on the Sunshine Coast can rescue the day before the words “There is nothing to do here” are spoken.

Get competitive at Laserzone

Laserzone Sunshine Coast in Warana has a multi-level laser-tag arena and arcade games. Laser tag sounds simple until the scoreboard appears and previously mild-mannered family members become extremely invested in winning.

The venue can place your group with other players, so it works even if you have only one teen and one brave adult. Players need to be at least 110 cm tall and wear enclosed shoes. Children under 12 need a supervising companion aged 16 or over.

Best for: friend groups, siblings and parents who claim they are “not competitive”.

Solve an escape room at Sunshine Plaza

Red Lock Escape Rooms in Maroochydore has several themed rooms with different difficulty and scare levels. Most experiences run for about 60 minutes, which is long enough to get properly absorbed without losing a whole day.

Many rooms suit players aged 10 and over, but some are scarier or harder than others. Check the room description before booking, particularly for a younger or anxious teen.

Escape rooms are especially good with teenagers because the adults do not automatically have the advantage. Your teen may spot the clue everyone else has walked past six times.

Best for: puzzle solvers, gamers and mixed-age groups.

Play mini golf or book karaoke at Holey Moley

Holey Moley Sunshine Coast in Maroochydore replaces windmills and polite putting with pop-culture themed holes, loud colours and plenty of chances to embarrass each other.

It works well when you need an activity that is social but not too physically demanding. Add karaoke if your teenager and their friends are the kind of people who will actually take the microphone.

The venue becomes licensed and age restrictions can apply later in the evening, so families should check under-18 entry times when booking.

Best for: groups of friends, birthdays and mixed enthusiasm levels.

Go bowling and play arcade games at Archie Brothers

We love, love love Archie Brothers Sunshine Coast! This is my son and my niece in the photo above at Archie Brothers. Their venue combines bowling with arcade games, NBA hoops, bumper cars, Mario Kart, virtual-reality experiences and enough flashing lights to make everyone forget the weather outside.

You can book bowling or buy an arcade game card, then add other activities at the venue. This makes it easy to adjust the outing to the teenagers involved, including the one who wants to bowl and the one who would rather spend an hour trying to beat a high score.

Under-18s are not permitted after 9 pm, so keep a family visit on the earlier side of the evening and check the current minors policy when booking.

Best for: rainy days, friend groups and families who want several activities in one place.

Go indoor bouldering

Bould Move in Birtinya is an air-conditioned bouldering and fitness centre with routes for different experience levels. Bouldering uses lower walls and padded flooring rather than ropes, and beginners can start without being expert climbers.

It gives teenagers a clear challenge without forcing them into a team sport. They can keep trying the same route, compare techniques and feel the small triumph of finally reaching the top hold.

Ask the venue about first-visit inductions and supervision requirements for your teen’s age.

Best for: independent, sporty or quietly determined teens.

Swim with seals at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

If sharks are one step too far, swimming with the seals at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast gives animal-loving teenagers a very different close-up encounter.

Participants visit the seal’s food-preparation area, learn how the animals are cared for and then enter the water for an interactive swim. Aquarium admission, a wetsuit, mask and one printed seal photo are included.

Swimmers must be at least 13, capable swimmers, comfortable in the water and in good health. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the indemnity form, while children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult into the aquarium. Seafood allergies and jewellery restrictions also apply, so read the conditions carefully.

Only a small number of places are available, which makes early booking sensible during school holidays.

Best for: animal lovers aged 13 and over who are comfortable in the water.

Dive with sharks at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Not going to lie – I haven’t done this one, although personally I would love to! I’m just not sure the teenager in my life is quite as keen. Here are the details so you know what to expect, and if you do it, please let me know what it was like!

The aquarium itself is an easy wet-weather option, but older teenagers can take it much further.

Shark Dive Xtreme at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is a cage-free scuba experience with sharks, rays and other marine life. No previous diving experience is required, but participants must be at least 14 and competent swimmers. Anyone under 18 must have an adult participating in the dive with them.

Medical and fitness conditions apply, and the experience only runs on selected dates. Read the restrictions carefully and book ahead.

This one earns serious bragging rights.

Younger teenagers, or anyone who prefers to stay on the dry side of the glass, can book standard SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast entry instead.

Best for: confident swimmers aged 14 and over.

Dive the HMAS Brisbane wreck

This is a niche activity, but it may be the absolute standout for a teenager who already has the right scuba qualification.

The HMAS Brisbane wreck double dive is a half-day trip from Mooloolaba with two guided dives on the purpose-sunk naval wreck. Divers may see eagle rays, groupers, lionfish, squid and schools of reef fish around the ship.

All participants need the appropriate dive certification. Junior certification, recent-dive and depth rules can affect what a teenage diver is permitted to do, so confirm eligibility with the operator before booking. A refresher may be required if they have not dived recently, and some equipment hire costs extra.

For the right teen, this is not just another day at the beach. It is a proper underwater expedition.

Best for: appropriately qualified teenage scuba divers.

Make a cinema trip feel like an event

Yes, your teenager can watch a film at home.

No, it is not the same as choosing a new release, buying an alarming quantity of snacks and seeing it on a huge screen with friends.

Let them choose the movie and organise who is coming. Pair it with lunch or a walk around Sunshine Plaza and you have an easy half-day plan that requires very little parental performance.

Best for: rainy afternoons, friend catch-ups and low-energy days.

Skate indoors at Chiggy’s

Chiggy’s Indoor Skate Park in Coolum has ramps, rails, ledges, quarter pipes and other obstacles for skateboarders, scooter riders, BMX riders, rollerbladers and roller skaters.
It welcomes beginners as well as experienced riders, and offers hourly sessions and day passes. A waiver is required, so complete it before arrival rather than making everyone wait while you find your glasses and remember your password.

Check the current schedule before travelling, particularly during school holidays.

Best for: teens who already ride and beginners who want to learn.

Free and cheap things to do with teenagers on the Sunshine Coast

Teenagers can make a family day surprisingly expensive.

Food. Drinks. Tickets. More food.

These ideas keep the activity cost down, even if the snack budget remains completely out of control.

Skate at Alex Skate Park

Alex Skate Park overlooks Alexandra Headland Beach and is used by skateboarders, BMX riders and bladers across a range of skill levels.

The setting is hard to beat. Teens can skate while non-riders walk the coastal path or find a coffee nearby. It can become busy, so less-confident riders may prefer an off-peak visit.

Helmets and appropriate protective gear are the sensible move, even if your teenager insists nobody else wears them.

Ride part of the Coastal Pathway

The Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway stretches for 73 km from Bells Creek to Coolum, linking beaches, parks and local centres.

Nobody is suggesting you tackle all 73 km before lunch.

Pick one section, ride to a beach or café, and come back. Letting your teen help choose the route and food stop makes the day feel less like compulsory family exercise.

Plan a beach challenge

A beach day does not need to mean sitting on a towel together for six hours.

Take a ball, bodyboards or a beach-cricket set. Add a photo challenge, a sunrise breakfast or a mission to try a beach the family has never visited. If your teenager can bring a friend, even better.

Always swim at a patrolled beach, stay between the red and yellow flags and check current conditions.

Browse the Eumundi Markets

The Original Eumundi Markets run on Wednesdays and Saturdays and combine local art, clothing, food and live entertainment.

Give your teenager a small budget and let them explore. Even a teen who claims not to like markets can usually be persuaded by street food.

Check the current trading hours before you go.

Walk through the Dularcha railway tunnel

The Dularcha National Park Tunnel Track is a 3 km one-way shared trail that can be walked or cycled. The old railway tunnel gives it a stronger sense of adventure than an ordinary bushwalk.

Bring a torch if anyone dislikes dark tunnels or wants to look for the bats roosting in ceiling crevices. Cyclists should slow down and watch for walkers and horses on the shared path.

Turn Point Cartwright into a sunset mission

Pack dinner, take a camera and head to Point Cartwright for late-afternoon views. During whale-migration season, keep an eye on the ocean, but remember that wildlife does not work to your timetable.

This is a particularly good option for a teen who likes photography. Give them the job of capturing the best sunset shot, then let the family vote on the winner.

Check current council access information before visiting, as conditions and permitted areas can change.

Sunshine Coast school holiday programs for teenagers

Teen-specific programs change every holiday period, so I have compiled my favourite places that offer programs where your teen can spend a full day with supervision.

Before each break, check:

• Sunshine Coast school holiday activities for current local programs and events
• Queensland school holiday dates before booking leave or accommodation
• Local libraries for free workshops, gaming, creative sessions and youth events
• Council and venue event calendars for skate, sport and performing-arts programs
• Australia Zoo for current Zoo Keeper for a Day dates
• Surf schools and climbing venues for holiday intensives

Book early if your teenager wants to attend with a friend. Good holiday sessions can fill quickly, and apparently an activity is completely different when a friend is there.

What can teenagers do on the Sunshine Coast at night?

Evening options depend on age and venue rules, but there are still ways to avoid spending every night on the couch.

• Play mini golf or book karaoke at Holey Moley, checking under-18 entry times first.
• Choose a new release and make a proper cinema night of it.
• Look for an after-dark event at Aussie World during selected holiday periods.
• Pack an early dinner and watch the sunset from a coastal lookout.
• Book a late laser-tag session where available.
• Check current theatre, live-music and council event listings for all-ages performances.

For older teens going out without you, agree on transport, check-in times and a clear meeting point before they leave.

Things for teenagers to do at home

Not every day needs a booking. Sometimes the budget is done, the weather is terrible or nobody wants to get in the car.

Try a blind taste test using different chocolates, drinks or strange international snacks. For reasons nobody can explain, teenagers will often participate if food and judging things are involved.

Alternatively, give them a Sunshine Coast theme and ask them to create a photo or video called “things tourists miss” or “a day on the Coast for under $20”. They are still using a screen, yes – but they are also planning, creating and possibly leaving their bedroom. That counts as a win.

You could also let your teenager plan your next Sunshine Coast family day. Give them a budget and geographic limit, then leave them responsible for the activities, transport and food. They get more control, you get less planning, and they discover that “we should just go somewhere” is not actually a complete itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Choosing the right Sunshine Coast activity for your teenager

Finding things to do on the Sunshine Coast with teenagers does not have to be a battle.
Choose an activity with challenge, choice or a good story attached to it. Let them bring a friend where possible. Feed them before they become impossible.

Most importantly, do not plan every minute. Teenagers may want an adventure, but they also want a little independence and enough downtime to recover from being asked to leave the house.

For more ideas, browse all our Sunshine Coast school holiday activities, explore things to do with teenagers across Australia, or plan a day trip with our Brisbane teen guide and Gold Coast teen guide.

Even more QLD school holiday ideas:

If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our other articles:

• Cairns school holiday activities
• Townsville school holiday activities
• Mackay school holiday activities
• Rockhampton school holiday activities
• Gladstone school holiday activities
• Bundaberg school holiday activities
• Hervey Bay school holiday activities

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

• Brisbane school holiday activities
• Gold Coast School holiday activities
• Byron Bay School holiday activities
• NSW School holiday ideas

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