Halloween is almost here, and if you have a teenager at home, you probably know that planning something they’ll actually enjoy can be a challenge. Trick-or-treating might still appeal to younger children, but older kids often want something a little different. You ought to think of experiences that offer friendly competition along with outings with friends and activities that feel less like a family obligation and more like a proper Halloween plan.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Brisbane beyond collecting lollies from the neighbourhood.
If your kid enjoys competitive games and simply wants to spend Halloween with friends,which they obviously will; here are some Halloween activities in Brisbane worth considering this year.
Explore Brisbane's Halloween Events
For teenagers who enjoy costumes, themed attractions and the Halloween atmosphere, local events are a great place to start.
Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs offer a range of seasonal experiences, from community festivals and themed markets to spooky entertainment. Some events are designed for younger children, while others offer a more grown-up atmosphere that teenagers may appreciate.
Before choosing an event, check its age recommendations, opening hours, ticket availability and programme. You can also browse local event listings, such as the Brisbane Kids Halloween guide, to discover activities suitable for your family.
If your teenager isn’t particularly interested in dressing up or attending a festival, don’t worry. Halloween can be just as enjoyable when the focus is on doing something together rather than attending a themed event.
Try Interactive Gaming With Friends
Not every teenager wants to spend Halloween standing around at a party. Some would rather be doing something, competing with friends or working together to beat a challenge.
Interactive gaming offers a different kind of group outing. Instead of simply watching a screen, participants move, react, solve challenges and compete against one another.
At EKPE Activate Games in Chermside, players can experience a range of interactive games that combine physical movement, coordination, quick thinking and friendly competition.
Here are a few experiences worth exploring:
- Laser Maze: Navigate laser beams and make your way through the challenge without touching them.
- Super Grid: Race across illuminated floor tiles that test your speed, reactions and coordination.
- Devil’s Eyes: Test your ability to stay still and respond to the game’s challenge.
- Hyper Hoops: Put your shooting accuracy and competitive instincts to the test.
These aren’t Halloween-themed attractions, but they offer an exciting alternative for teenagers who would rather spend time being active with friends than attend another conventional party.
If you’re looking for things to do with teens in Brisbane, an interactive gaming session can also work beyond Halloween, making it an option worth keeping in mind for birthdays, weekends and school holidays.
Explore EKPE’s games to learn more about the experiences available and check tickets and booking options before planning your visit.
Plan a Halloween Outing With Friends
Sometimes, the best Halloween activity is simply getting everyone together and giving them something fun to do.
Teenagers often enjoy spending time with friends without having every moment organised for them. Rather than planning an elaborate itinerary, choose one main activity and leave room for food, conversations and spontaneous plans.That is why Ekpe can be the ideal spot./
You could combine a gaming session with a meal, explore a local Halloween market or visit an attraction everyone has been wanting to try.
For parents organising a group outing, a few practical details can make everything easier:
- Agree on a budget before choosing the activity. Even Ekpe has 2 options, 60 minute or 90 minute gaming session.
- Check opening hours and whether advance bookings are required.
- Confirm transport arrangements and pickup times.
- Choose an activity that everyone in the group can participate in.
- Check age restrictions and any supervision requirements.
If you’re planning an outing around Brisbane’s north side, EKPE at Westfield Chermside is one option to consider. Its interactive gaming experiences give groups a shared activity to enjoy together, making it an alternative to simply meeting at a shopping centre.
Take on a Halloween Photo Challenge
For teenagers who enjoy photography, fashion or creating content with friends, a Halloween photo challenge offers a creative way to celebrate.
Instead of simply dressing up and taking a few pictures, give the group a list of prompts to complete together.
For example:
- Recreate a scene from a favourite spooky film.
- Create a Halloween look using clothes already in your wardrobe.
- Take a dramatic group photograph without using filters.
- Design a fictional horror-film poster starring your friends.
- Film a short suspense video with an unexpected ending.
You don’t need expensive equipment or elaborate decorations. A smartphone, a little imagination and a willingness to experiment are enough.
You can make the challenge competitive by voting for the most creative entry, funniest photograph or best group concept. Just remember to get everyone’s permission before sharing pictures or videos online.
Let Your Teenager Help Plan the Day
One of the simplest ways to make Halloween enjoyable for teenagers is to involve them in the planning.
Ask what kind of experience they actually want. Do they prefer something spooky, competitive, creative or relaxed? Would they rather spend time with a small group of friends or attend a larger event?
Giving teenagers a say in the plan makes it easier to find an activity that suits their interests.
It also helps to consider practical details such as travel time, cost, age restrictions and how late the activity runs. If you’re considering an attraction, check available sessions in advance rather than assuming you can walk in on Halloween weekend.
A little planning can make the difference between a stressful evening and an outing everyone enjoys.
Make This Halloween About More Than Trick-or-Treating
Halloween doesn’t have to revolve around costumes and collecting sweets. For teenagers, it can be an opportunity to try something new, spend time with friends and create memories that feel a little more grown-up.
From Brisbane’s Halloween events and escape rooms to movie nights and interactive gaming, there are plenty of ways to make 31 October more interesting.
If your teenager enjoys activities involving movement, teamwork and a bit of friendly competition, consider exploring EKPE Activate Games at Westfield Chermside. With experiences ranging from Laser Maze to Super Grid, it’s an opportunity to challenge friends, try something different and enjoy an active outing together.
Halloween comes around once a year, but finding activities your teenager genuinely enjoys can make weekends throughout the year easier to plan, too.
Ready to plan your next group outing? Explore EKPE’s games and booking options and discover an alternative to the usual weekend routine.