What can teenagers do in Hobart for free?

They can visit the museum, walk on Kingston Beach, skate at the Cultural Park or hike on the mountain. The listings show what is free.

Is the skate park good for beginners?

It depends on the layout, so check the listing. Weekday mornings are calmest for anyone learning.

Where can a teenager go in Hobart when the rain sets in?

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a good option, and the library gives a quiet place to hang out. The listing has the details.

How do we get a teen to come along at all?

Offer a choice and a role, such as picking the destination or the snack stop. A little independence goes a long way at that age.

Free things to do with teenagers in Hobart

Hobart's free list for teenagers is short, and it is worth treating it as a starting point rather than a menu. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has enough variety to hold the attention of an older child, particularly one who likes history, science or art. Kingston Beach is a good place for a walk, a chat and a bite to eat, and the Cultural Park and North Hobart Skate Park give those with boards somewhere to go. Beyond the list, the mountain and its tracks offer a reward for those who like a challenge, and many teens enjoy the view from kunanyi more than they admit. The best approach is to let them choose. Offer two options and see which one wins, then give them a role such as navigator, photographer or snack buyer. Independence matters at this age, so a plan that allows a little wandering will go down better than a schedule. Hobart is small and easy to move around, which helps. Layers, a charged phone and a bit of cash for a hot chocolate go a long way. Check each listing for opening arrangements, because some places change their hours with the seasons.

Our picks

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Hobart
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in Dunn Place, Hobart, has art, artefacts and natural history collections and free entry.

★ 4.5 (3,617)
Kingston Beach Kingston Beach
Kingston Beach, 15 km south of Hobart, is patrolled by Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club from the first Saturday in December to the last weekend in March; swim…

Patrolled First Saturday in December – last weekend in March · All-abilities access
Cultural Park and North Hobart Skate Park North Hobart
Cultural Park and North Hobart Skate Park, on the corner of Tasma and Murray Streets in North Hobart, is a City of Hobart skate park that the council describes as…

★ 4.2 (82)

Before you go

Best for which ages

These ideas suit thirteen and older, from younger teens who want company to older ones heading out with friends. Active teens will enjoy the skate park and the mountain, while others will prefer the museum or a beach walk. Younger teens may like you close, while older ones want friends and freedom.

What to bring

Warm layers, water, a charged phone and a little spare cash. A helmet and pads for skating, and sturdy shoes for walking. A camera or phone is handy for the view from the mountain. Pack a water bottle and a beanie, as teens seldom remember either.

Parking and facilities

The museum and skate park are close to public transport, which suits older teens travelling in a group. Parking in the city can be limited. The listing covers what is on site. Older teens can catch a bus, which gives them a taste of independence in town and a ride home.

Best time of year

Summer is the most comfortable for beach and outdoor days. Autumn and spring suit walks, and winter suits the museum and a hot drink. Dress for sudden weather changes at any time of year. Mid-week visits are calmer at the museum during school holidays, when family groups fill the foyers.

How to make a day of it

Let teens plan part of the day, agree on a meeting point and give them space. Pair a lively morning with an easy lunch, and hold the plan loosely. Settle on where and when to regroup, and let them wander off with a camera.

Free museums, galleries and science

Permanent collections with free entry. Special exhibitions can be ticketed; the listing says so.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Hobart
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in Dunn Place, Hobart, has art, artefacts and natural history collections and free entry.

★ 4.5 (3,617)

Beaches, rock pools and ocean baths

Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrol seasons and hours on each listing come from the surf club or council page.

Kingston Beach Kingston Beach
Kingston Beach, 15 km south of Hobart, is patrolled by Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club from the first Saturday in December to the last weekend in March; swim…

Patrolled First Saturday in December – last weekend in March · All-abilities access

All beaches and rock pools in Hobart, free and paid

Skate parks, pump tracks and bike paths

Council-run and free. Bring helmets; the listing notes lighting, shade and whether there is a beginner area.

Cultural Park and North Hobart Skate Park North Hobart
Cultural Park and North Hobart Skate Park, on the corner of Tasma and Murray Streets in North Hobart, is a City of Hobart skate park that the council describes as…

★ 4.2 (82)

All skate parks and bike tracks in Hobart, free and paid

Questions parents ask

What can teenagers do in Hobart for free?: They can visit the museum, walk on Kingston Beach, skate at the Cultural Park or hike on the mountain. The listings show what is free.
Is the skate park good for beginners?: It depends on the layout, so check the listing. Weekday mornings are calmest for anyone learning.
Where can a teenager go in Hobart when the rain sets in?: The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a good option, and the library gives a quiet place to hang out. The listing has the details.
How do we get a teen to come along at all?: Offer a choice and a role, such as picking the destination or the snack stop. A little independence goes a long way at that age.