Keeping teens busy and active is not always easy, but thankfully there are some great places for them to get fit, learn and meet up with friends in Mount Gambier.
Here are some ideas for April 2022 and general activities that you can either get your teen involved with or enjoy as a family.
Get inspired by some local theatre
Country Arts SA presents two compelling dance performances in April for teens who want to broaden their cultural horizons. Home-grown, internationally renowned choreographer Lewis Major and his company bring to the stage two contemporary dance works that have been described as “an exquisite work, a perfect fusion of design, light and movement.”
The performances will be held on April 13th, with tickets starting from $15.
Get lost in a good book
Still on the cultural theme, Mount Gambier Library offers a Borrowbox membership for online book borrowing. Homebody teens can stimulate their imaginations with the latest popular titles, for free (and without even having to go to the library).
Some of the latest Young Adult books on offer include:
- Dustin Thao’s You’ve Reached Sam
- The Storyteller by Kathryn Williams
- Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
- Dave Reardon’s The Deep Enders
Check out more Borrowbox titles here
Get active
Blue Lake’s CrossFit classes for kids and teens are specifically designed for young people.
The program is structured with a focus on learning good basic movement patterns with the help of qualified coaches in a fun and safe environment. Your teen will learn new skills, meet new friends and build the essential lifelong habits of fitness and fun.
Teens who are over the age of 13 can join Thursday classes at 4pm.
For some quality family time – even if your teens groan at the thought – bowling or mini golf are both on offer at Kaboom Entertainment. There’s also a game arcade lounge and snack bar so you can make a day or night of it, and the staff always take care to ensure everyone has a good time.
Downstairs is NextGen Entertainment with virtual reality experiences including racing, roller coasters and fear challenges – something for everyone!
Hit the skatepark
Outdoorsy kids appreciate Mount Gambier’s skate parks.
Dimjalla Skatepark has recently been upgraded, and includes a ‘bowl’ for skaters and BMX riders. You won’t miss the bowl because it has been painted to look like a watermelon.
Suttontown Skatepark is on Wireless Road in the north of Mount Gambier and is often busy with kids practising their moves and skills. There is also a playground for younger children nearby.
Bike riders will also enjoy the Velosolutions Pump Track, which has a mix of berms, roller jumps, doglegs and transfers catering for beginners through to elite biking athletes. Located in Hastings Cunningham Reserve, the pump track is just minutes away from Mt Gambier town center.
Go to the cinema
Mount Gambier’s Oatmill Cinema has some teen movies coming up in the school holidays, and upcoming 2022 releases include The Lost City, The Secrets of Dumbledore, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Jurassic World Dominion and Thor: Love and Thunder.
Oathill Cinema screening times
Learn a new skill
Teens who are looking to get their start in the workforce have a number of options at Mount Gambier TAFE.
An espresso-making course is a good place to start if your teen wants to pick up some cafe work on the weekends. Other short course options include qualifications in beauty therapy, children’s education and building trades.
Special activities
Tracx Robe Adventure Tours offer guided mountain bike tours for all fitness levels across the nearby local coastline. Teens are led by knowledgeable guides, given quality bikes to ride and provided all the trimmings including helmets, gloves, and a take-home drink bottle.
You can also get out and enjoy Mount Gambier’s many natural wonders including its incredible sinkholes and lakes – they are different every day and always offer something new.
What have we missed?
Do you have any other ideas and suggestions to keep teens occupied in Mount Gambier? We’d love to hear from you.
