What makes the perfect plan for all the family to enjoy? Well, it really depends on who you ask. Adults may say one thing, and kids will probably turn around and say something completely different. Us older folk may be more partial to a bit of educational fun on a budget, whereas the younger ones will only be satisfied with action-packed adventures accompanied with lots and lots of pizza and ice cream. And let’s face it, youngsters aren’t always the easiest to please. Many have the attention span of a goldfish, which makes finding fun things to do with kids in Glasgow sometimes feel like a battle not worth fighting.
To help you get the best of both worlds, we’ve compiled a list of fun-filled activities in the city that will keep both the little ones and the grown-ups happy for hours on end. Museums, castles, animal farms, mini golf courses…there are tons of things to do with the kids in Glasgow, and here are our favourites!
1. Enjoy a bit of healthy competition with a game of mini golf
Not much gets the kids as excited or competitive as a game of mini golf. And with the fun-filled courses that Jungle Rumble Mini Golf has on offer, the little ones are in for endless hours of fun. Go all exotic with the 16-hole Surfers Paradise course kitted out with palm trees, tiki huts totems and more, or push the boat out a little more at the 18-hole Indian Ocean course that’s a neon extravaganza. Pick up your putters and play the day away!
đź“Ť15 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HY
2. Take a trip to Bellahouston Park
Tucked in between Mosspark, Ibrox and Pollokshields lies Bellahouston Park, a 71-acre green oasis offering a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Looking for things to do with kids in Glasgow on a budget? The park is jam-packed with impressive sculptures that you can see without paying a penny, and the collection of colourful jelly statues is always a big hit with the kids. There’s a great playground equipped with swings, a zipline, slides and more, and you can get lost in their triangular maze of shrubbery that’s perfect for a quick game of hide and seek.
đź“ŤBellahouston, Glasgow G52 1HH
3. Experience the magic of the movies
You’re never too young to be a film buff, and thanks to these amazing ticket deals at ODEON and Vue, the kiddos can spend hours watching the latest blockbusters and animated classics in front of the big screen. Taking a trip to the cinema never gets old, and it always makes for an unforgettable experience that’s fun for all the family. When the trailers roll, legs excitedly swing over the edge of the seat while the youngsters eagerly wait in anticipation for Hollywood’s latest offering to start.
This season, you can also take the little ones to a magical live-music concert inspired by the soundtracks from your kids’ favourite movies. Create new memories with the weans and let them know they’ve got a friend in you by treating them to an enchanting Candlelight Kids concert in Glasgow.
Secure your spot at this Candlelight Kids concert here!
4. Escape to one of Glasgow’s enchanting castles
Glasgow’s castles are some of the oldest in the world. Take Dumbarton Castle for instance. This historic landmark has guarded the point where the River Leven joins the River Clyde for over 1500 years. From the depths of the dungeons to the tips of the turrets, Glasgow’s castles hold enough secrets, mysteries and untold stories to spark the imaginations of young minds up and down the country. Tales of kings, queens, grand banquets, bloody battles and spooky happenings line the walls of these ancient relics, and kids love spending hours and hours exploring them.
đź“ŤVarious locations
5. Have a blast on the water at a Water park
Along the Forth and Clyde Canal you’ll find Pinkston Watersports – a fabulous sports complex offering super fun activities on or under the water. Activities on offer include canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and more. Children aged 12 and over can even channel their inner daredevil at Scotland’s only artificial whitewater course, too. So, if you and the kids are seeking a super thrill or just something to get the heart racing a little faster, then this water wonderland is the place for you.
đź“Ť75 N Canal Bank St, Glasgow G4 9XP
6. Feed curiosity at Glasgow’s top-notch museums
Some of Glasgow’s most famous museums host an array of workshops, exhibitions and hands-on activities that all the family will love. The little ones can have the time of their lives and adults get to be kids again, even if only for a few hours. If the youngsters are feeling the footy fever, then be sure to head to The Scottish Football Museum. You can tour The World of Football exhibition, wander around the iconic Hampden Park stadium and try your luck from the penalty spot.
The Glasgow Science Centre gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of science via one of their many interactive exhibitions. At their cutting-edge Explore! installation, you can try and avoid detection by a thermal camera and strike a pose with colourful shadows while learning all about space, atoms and more.
Get tickets to Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour here.
đź“ŤVarious locations
7. Attend a captivating Candlelight concert
If your kids are eight or older, a candlelit tribute at some of Glasgow’s most enchanting venues is a great way to introduce your kids to classical music. These performances recreate the works of classical greats in the likes of Vivaldi and Bach. And best of all, they only last 60 minutes so your kids won’t zone out or get bored.
Now, classical music is not everyone’s cup of tea (both for adults and kids). But Candlelight offers a range of tributes spanning a multitude of genres and themes. So if you and your children like to shake it off, there is a tribute to Taylor Swift waiting for you at Ă’ran MĂłr. Or if you enjoy swaying to the soundtracks of your favourite films, you can experience them too in a magical setting.
đź“ŤVarious locations
8. Get up close and personal with wildlife
Kids and animals are the perfect mix for a guaranteed day of fun, and Lamont Farm Project is one of our favourite animal-friendly spots to visit. From reptiles and donkeys to geese and sheep, their huge selection of animals is big enough to give Noah’s Ark a run for its money.
Located in Erskine, the farm’s a little out of the way from central Glasgow, but their fun family-friendly events and activities make this place worth the short drive out of the city. At this animal sanctuary, visitors can watch pot-bellied pigs rolling in the mud before feeding the rabbits, hamsters and other furry friends on site (just be careful not to get too close to the spitting llamas).
đź“ŤBarrhill Rd, Erskine PA8 6EZ
9. Go off the grid on a wild camping adventure
Pack a picnic, explore the wilderness and hike through the highlands before camping down for the night at one of these magnificent wild camping spots. Duncolm, Kilpatrick Hills and Three Lochs Forest Drive are some of our favourite areas to spend a night or two under the stars. You can make the outdoor experience extra special for the youngsters by roasting marshmallows over the fire, singing campfire songs and playing games all night long.
đź“ŤVarious locations
10. That’s a strike! Enjoy some bowling fun with the whole family
At Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Springfield Quay, visitors can enjoy all sorts of entertainment all under one roof – food, drinks, arcade games, pool and of course, some good old bowling. If one of the weans is about to turn a year older, then this is a great spot to host a birthday bash without having to worry about the big cleanup the next day. Their birthday party package starts at ÂŁ12 per child and includes an hour of bowling, a kid’s meal, a free game voucher and party invites to send off in the post before the big day.
đź“ŤÂ Springfield Quay, Glasgow G5 8NP
11. Have a wee day out at Pollok Country Park
For those who love greenery, Highland cows, beautiful mansions and museums, Pollok Country Park is the place to be. At the massive park, visitors can enjoy brisk walks in the fresh air, away from the city noise and pollution. What is more, Pollok House is one of the most Instagrammable spots in the park, perfect for that postcard-like family picture. Pollok Country Park also has Highland cows, which the kids will most likely love the most, as well as The Burrell Collection, a huge museum which hosts 225 displays across 24 galleries.
12. Go to a thrilling theme park
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is the biggest theme park in Scotland located at Strathclyde Country Park guests can enjoy fairground rides, adventure golf, soft play and an indoor rainforest. The indoor rainforest boasts exotic animals, such as monkeys, parrots, snakes, tarantulas and even bats and scorpions. The newest thrilling ride is called Space, where thrill seekers will be rocked back and forth to a range of 130 degrees as well as spun around as the pendulum reaches up to 50ft.
13. Enjoy some hearty pancake stacks around the city
Let’s face it – pancakes are the best. Whether you’re after American-style pancakes or fluffy soufflĂ© ones, these Glasgow cafĂ©s and restaurants serve up some sweet stacks. So, enjoy a family outing by checking out our guide to the best pancake spots in Glasgow.
14. Pick your own flowers at this farm
Scotland is not lacking in farms which grow flowers – Gloagburn Farm Shop is hosting a huge tulip field this April, where visitors can pick their own flowers or simply marvel at the beautiful colours. During the summer, the farm is also hoping to host a sunflower field, so we shall keep our eyes peeled in the coming months!