Family activities

Attractions for all the family

A must-visit for all the family is The Burrell Collection and Pollok Country Park in the city's southside. The museum is incredibly modern and accessible, with hands-on and interactive displays bringing the stories behind the Collection to life. The recently refurbished museum is set in Pollok Country Park, which is home to a playpark, fairy garden, mini maze, woodland walks and a herd of Highland Cows. Visit burrellcollection.com to plan a day out.

Set on the banks of the River Clyde, the Glasgow Science Centre will be a hit with the little ones (and the big ones!) with amazing displays on life, science and the universe. You could spend the whole day at the centre, which includes a planetarium, The Imax cinema, Newton Flight Academy, where you can pilot simulators, and a cafe. Visit glasgowsciencecentre.org to book tickets.

Across the River Clyde is not 1 but 2 free-to-visit attractions. The Riverside Museum houses the city's transport collection, with through-the-ages displays of bikes, trains, buses and cars, as well as a recreated old Glasgow street. For an adventure on the water visit the Clyde-built Tall Ship, berthed beside the Riverside Museum. Visit The Tall Ship's website and visit glasgowlife.org.uk for info.

In the west end is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. From animals and Ancient Egypt, there are displays that will appeal to all the family. And be sure to have fun trying to recreate the expressions of The Floating Heads installation! Visit Glasgow Life's museum pages for details.

Unusual attractions

Water-based adventures

The north of the city is known as an urban playground along the Forth and Clyde Canal. Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park and Outdoor Pursuits all offer a range of experiences on the water for all ages. For everything including kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, wakeboarding and river tubing, check out pinkston.co.uk, visit glasgowwakepark.com and go to Outdoor Pursuits website.

Fun on bikes and boards

The Loading Bay is a brilliant facility for skateboarding, BMXing and scootering. Based in the north of the city, the custom-build plaza has great surfaces and shapes for trying out moves. Visit theloadingbayglasgow.com.

Cycling enthusiasts of every level are well catered for with facilities like Free Wheel North Cycle Centre. Kids can have fun on trikes, tandems and go-karts. Visit freewheelnorth.org.uk to book. For those with their own wheels, head to Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails for some cycling with beautiful city views.

For wheelie-good fun for all the family, book a session at Roller Stop roller-skating rink. And for boards without wheels, visit Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre in Bellahouston Park for snowboarding and skiing. (check out their range of activities online).

Climbing for all ages

Clip 'n Climb at Kelvin Hall is a fun and thrilling climbing experience for all abilities. Only those brave enough should try the 'Leap of Faith'! Those 12 and under can also enjoy the Circus in the Park themed soft play. Visit kelvinhall.org.uk to book.

The Newsroom in the southside and Prop Store in west end are both brilliant places for kids who love to scale heights. The climbing centres both have dedicated children's areas, plus nice cafes for the all the family. Visit theclimbingacademy.com.

Tours and trails for all the family

You can't go far in Glasgow without spotting colourful and quirky street art. From floating taxis to panda bears, enjoy choosing your favourite city mural - visit our City Centre Mural Trail page for a map and details.

The open-topped city bus tour is a great way to take in many top attractions in the fresh air - visit the City Sightseeing Bus Tour website to book a trip. For details on city tours, covering everything from music to cycling, visit our tours in Glasgow page.

Outdoor time at city parks

Glasgow has plenty of options for getting outdoor time in green spaces with over 90 parks and gardens. Enjoy a woodland walk at Cathkin Braes, adventure play at Glasgow Green, the skatepark at Kelvingrove Park, children’s farm at Tollcross Park or the Highland cows and mini maze at Pollok Country Park. Visit our parks and gardens page for more information.

A hidden gem at Pollok Country Park is Dumbreck Outdoor Playbarn. The former horses' hay barn is now a sensory play zone, ideal for preschoolers. Visit outdoorplaybarn.co.uk for more details.

Family shopping and entertainment

The city's shopping malls are great for family shopping, eating and entertainment. At the top of Buchanan Street is Buchanan Galleries, home to popular family stores, The Lego Store, The Entertainer, Flying Tiger and Smiggle.

At the bottom of Buchanan Street is St. Enoch Centre, home to shops such as Hamleys, as well as entertainment options, including the Vue Cinema. For fun activities, there is Boom Battle Bar, where you can play ping pong, mini-golf and more, and the UK’s first Level X, where you can play Gutterball, arcade games and enter virtual reality zones. Book an activity at boombattlebar.com and book via levelx.co.uk

For a more intimate cinema experience, try a family-friendly movie at the independent Glasgow Film Theatre - check out their film schedule online. Or visit Princes Square for the boutique Everyman Cinema, where you can get food, including a great range of sundaes and milkshades delivered to your seat. Visit everymancinema.com.

Many independent retailers offer fantastic kids shopping, entertainment or both! The Root of Magic run a children’s potions and science class, which is perfect for fans of Harry Potter! Visit Root of Magic's website for details.

Arty kids can enjoy making their own decorated ceramics at The Craft Pottery (visit the Craft Pottery's website for details) and gamers of all ages will love retro gaming store and social space R-cade (visit rcadeglasgow.com).

Article last updated: February 2023