The wind blowing through your hair, the screams of strangers heard near and far, and the excitement in the air. A day out at a theme park can provide a much-needed change in scenery, and thankfully, Scotland has plenty of those. So, let’s have a look at the very best theme parks to check out near Glasgow that will make for an exciting day out.
1. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park
As the biggest theme park in Scotland located at Strathclyde Country Park, M&D’s visitors can enjoy fairground rides, adventure golf, soft play, as well as Scotland’s indoor rainforest. The indoor rainforest is particularly unique, boasting exotic animals, such as monkeys, parrots, snakes, frogs, tarantulas, fish and more. The nocturnal area also features bats, kinkajou, snakes and scorpions. The rides are plentiful, too, with something for everyone. The newest addition to 2024 is Space, a ride where thrill seekers will be rocked back and forth to a range of 130 degrees as well as spun around as the pendulum gets higher reaching heights of 50ft.
2. Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Animal lovers can enjoy a wee day out to probably one of our favourite theme parks near Glasgow, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park in Stirling. Expect to see giraffes, lions, alpacas, rhinos, chimps and many more out of the 300 animals there. Guests can choose to drive through the park for a true safari experience, or opt for a safari on foot. Plus, you can watch giraffes, chimps and rhinos on their live webcam!
3. Valley View Adventure Park
This one’s for the wee one’s with lots of things to do to keep the kids entertained. Valley View Adventure Park near Larkhall is fully equipped with activities for the whole family, such as pedal go-carts, giant tractors, barrel train, bouncy pillows, crazy golf, quad bikes, trampolines, picnic tables and more.
4. Clyde Valley Family Park
Clyde Valley Family Park is a farm-themed day out in South Lanarkshire, with farm animals and fun attractions, and one of the most exciting theme parks super close to Glasgow. Visitors can enjoy things like Pedal Go-Karts, Pedal Tractors, Crazy Bikes, Climbing Frame, Trampolines, Jelly Bellies, Folly Slides, 18-hole Crazy Golf and the Cattle Court where you can walk above the animal pens. Guests can also take a ride on the Safari Train travelling through the fields to meet the friendly animals. And yes, there are Highland cows, llamas, rabbits, guinea pigs and more!
5. Conifox Adventure Park
Another great activity centre and park for the wee ones, Conifox Adventure Park is a local family business located near Edinburgh. The 35-acre site boasts the Adventure Park, an indoor Activity Centre with a 400-seat café. With seasonal festivals and fixed attractions, families can delight in a wholesome day out any time of year, with pedal go-karts, jump pillows, a 9-hole foot golf course, a pedal tractor farm and more.