Ok, so your kids have become teenagers. They’re no longer the snuggly little bundles who came to you with their ‘owies’ or begged you for one more story before bed. They don’t need you to teach them how to ride a bike or help them write their name.
Of course they’re still your kids and they’re adorable, whatever their age. But when they spend most of their time holed up in their rooms and their friends feel like a higher priority than you… How on earth do you hang out with them?
Your teens have probably developed their own interests, and chances are you’re not always invited to participate. But there are plenty of things you can do together, and they don’t have to be cringe.
Here’s a list to get you started, including some ideas for creative and active kids, indoors and out. Some of these Melbourne activities have an option near my property in Hurstbridge. So if you’re coming along for a photoshoot with your teens, why not make a day of it?
Things to do outdoors in Melbourne with your active teens
1. Take a hike (together)!
A walk in nature ticks a lot of boxes for hanging out with teenagers: you’re all getting exercise, there’s lots to look at, silence is fine but it can be easier to talk when you’re moving.
For hikes around Hurstbridge, try the Diamond Creek or Maroondah Aqueduct trails. The options in and around Melbourne are limited only by your time and fitness levels
2. Like an art gallery, but cool: tour the city’s street art
Your kids might already have some favourite laneways—if that’s the case, let them show you the sights! Otherwise, you can take an official tour, or just wander at your leisure (between ice-cream stops). You’ll probably want to start with Hosier Lane and go from there. It’s arty, it’s a bit edgy, and it’s surrounded by food options. Definitely one to increase your parental coolness ranking.
3. Archery could be right on target
Let your kids channel their inner Katniss or Legolas as you all try your hand at shooting arrows towards tiny yellow circles that are much further away than you thought they’d be. One of you might find an undiscovered talent… or, someone might manage to at least hit the target. Either way, take it as a win!
Diamond Valley Archers is a few minutes from Hurstbridge—perfect if you’re coming along for a family photoshoot.
4. Horse around on a trail ride
If your teen loves horses but owning one isn’t an option, a trail ride could be the next best thing. There are trails for different skill levels and budgets. Bush, beach, morning or sunset—it’s all there.
5. Up the creek, with a paddle
Kayaking or canoeing are great options for your active, nature-loving teenage kids. Rowing down a river or creek lets you explore parts of Melbourne you wouldn’t normally be able to access, with the soothing sound of the oars lapping the water as your soundtrack.
6. Floating city tour on a self-drive boat
Charter a boat the easy way and get a different view of the city. ‘Self-drive’ boats don’t actually drive themselves, but a quick lesson is all you’ll need. Usually the driver needs to be over 18, but pack a picnic, let your kids choose the playlist, and enjoy a great couple of hours on the water. Don’t forget the hat and sunscreen!
Indoor activities for you and your teens on rainy Melbourne days
7. Family-time highs: indoor rock climbing
The nice thing about this (apart from those awesome dopamine hits when you make it to the top) is that you and your teens will need to work together—one person needs to belay while the other does the climbing. It’s also a fun, all-weather activity and a decent workout.
Just a warning, though: unless you’re a seasoned climber, chances are your kids will be much better at this than you. But that’s fine, right? Let them show you up with their superior upper body strength and youthful determination. You can be good at other things.
8. A bit of healthy competition: ten-pin bowling
Strike, spare… gutter ball? Whatever your skill level, bowling can be fun. Anyone can play, and it gives you a balance of quality time and activity. And, assuming neither you nor the kids are out on the lanes every week, it’s a pretty level playing field. You might even get to win this time.
9. VR zombie fights
The zombie apocalypse is coming. But don’t worry, you and your teens can save the world. Grab your VR headset and immerse yourselves in another world, one where your family are the heroes. If zombies aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other VR options, from robots to jungles or outer space. Choose your world and save the day together.
If you’ve booked an evening photoshoot with your teens and you want to come fresh from your family’s triumph over evil, there’s a Zero Latency in nearby South Morang (but there are plenty of others around Melbourne).
10. Bring out your own inner teenager and play some arcade games
Were you a Dance Dance Revolution kid, or maybe a Mario Kart expert? This is your time to shine. They’ll probably be mortified, but also somewhat impressed, as they watch you relive your own teenage years. But the best part will be passing on your skills and watching their faces light up when they get a new high score.
11. Grab the popcorn and catch a film
Movies are great for teens who don’t love being forced to interact. It gives you all something to do together, and you can talk about it afterwards whenever they’re ready. And cinema popcorn is delicious.
If you want to catch a movie after a family photoshoot, the cinemas in Plenty Valley and Greensborough are both close to Hurstbridge.
12. Move fast (or slow, if you prefer) and break things
That cracking sound as ceramics break against a solid surface is terrible when it’s an ornate platter that was passed down from your great-grandmother. But it’s incredibly satisfying when you do it on purpose. Let your kids (and yourself) get the crockery-shattering out of their system and have a smashing time doing it.
Melbourne activities for your thoughtful, creative teenage kids
13. Take a cooking class (and mess up someone else’s kitchen)
Cooking doesn’t have to be just another chore. Learning a few new dishes, or trying out a new cuisine, can be a nice way to enjoy some time with your kids. Who knows? You might even get a few nights off cooking once they’ve found their inner culinary wizard.
14. Escape rooms: hard to leave, just like their own bedroom
Is your teen a lateral thinker or a natural problem-solver? An escape room lets you work out puzzles, think beyond the obvious and team up to get yourselves free before the clock runs out. It’s a great way to discover talents you didn’t even know your kids had!
The themes can be spooky, magical, sciencey, adventurous or pretty much anything you can imagine.
15. Get crafty: try a mosaics class
There are several places around Melbourne that offer one-off mosaic workshops. You and your teen can decorate a coaster or a mirror frame, make your own Turkish lamp, or even bring a colourful creature home to hang on the wall.
16. Paint (or draw) the town
If your teens are budding artists, taking a class could be a fun way to spend some time together. Life drawing (within your comfort zone and theirs!), still life, even a paint-and-sip if they’re over 18. When you’re done, you can frame their masterpiece. And, if your own creation hasn’t quite come out the way you’d like, you can put it in that special treasure box/recycling bin that housed their kinder paintings all those years ago.
17. Give back: volunteer for a cause that’s close to your teen’s heart
Do you have a thoughtful or socially-minded teen? Why not nurture that generous spirit by finding a way to volunteer together. It could be a food van, an animal shelter, an environmental charity or really anything close to your teen’s heart.
Things to do with your teens in Melbourne, indoors or out
18. Go for the go-karts
If you’ve got a rev-head in the family but they’re (thankfully?) too young to get their licence, go-karting could be the way to go! There are outdoor tracks with the potential for heart-stopping speeds, indoor sites with augmented reality, or anything in between.
19. Wave pools: surf’s up, safely
Of course there’s nothing like the beach. But a good beach day depends on weather and surf conditions, so it can be hard to plan in advance. The best surf beaches are also a bit out of town.
Wave pools have both indoor and outdoor options, consistently good surf and a more controlled environment to make the whole experience safe and fun for everyone.
20. Mini golf, big fun
This is another chance to get a bit competitive! Like bowling, mini-golf combines action with downtime, so it’s a great way to hang out as a family.
Booked a family session and want to make a day of it? There’s a Goanna Golf just up the road in Yarrambat. But of course there are plenty of indoor and outdoor options all around Melbourne.
Other fun things to do with your teenagers around Melbourne
Pretty much anything! Obviously every teenager is different, and you know yours better than I do. But you’ve got 20 suggestions here, which will hopefully get you started.
Oh, one more idea: you could have a (link) family photoshoot! Beautiful images can capture this unique moment in the history of your family in a way that lasts even longer than the near-eternity it takes them to clean their rooms.
If you like the idea of celebrating your family and this moment in time with a photography session, but don’t think your teenage kids would be up for it, have a look at my blog post on getting teens on board.
