Glasgow is well known for its nightlife, but it’s also the friendliest city in the world as voted by readers of the Rough Guides series. So it’s a perfect family destination! We live less than an hour away from Glasgow and spend plenty of time visiting the city to see some of the major child-friendly attractions. Many of the museums are also free, which is always a bonus! A weekend in Glasgow is always worthwhile.
Here are 10 Things to do in Glasgow with Kids as voted for by my kids and I!
- Glasgow Science Centre. A full on fun and educational day out for the whole family. There are hundreds of interactive exhibits as well as a planetarium, science shows and an IMAX theatre. Make sure you get your car parking ticket validated at the reception desk to get a discount on parking.
- Riverside Museum. This has to be my eldest’s favourite place in Glasgow! The Riverside is a museum of transport (with free entry, donations welcomed), with a huge selection of trains, cars, fire engines, trams, motorbikes and so much more! There are plenty of interactive areas for children, including an old cobbled street with traditional style shops and the occasional thunder sound effect!
- Tall Ship. Outside the Riverside Museum, on the River Clyde is the Tall Ship. It’s also free to enter, but again donations are welcomed. Children can practise swabbing the deck, a surprisingly popular activity with little children! Ring the ships bell, test the fog horn, explore all the areas of the ship with interactive items and even a small soft play below deck.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Kelvingrove is a beautiful building set in a gorgeous parkland. The museum has everything from animals, art, Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibits and armour. A great place for an explore and picnic in the park!
- The Lighthouse. I only found the Lighthouse very recently and can’t wait to take my boys there. It was originally the Glasgow Herald’s building (where my grandpa once worked!) and it was the first public commission by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There are various exhibitions as you climb through the floors, but the best part is the view from the top of the original water tower where you can look out across the Glasgow roof tops. It’s a fabulous view and just off the main shopping street!
- People’s Palace Museum. The People’s Palace is located in Glasgow Green and houses a collection of objects, photos and film of how Glaswegians lived from the past to the present day. After a look around the museum you can also enjoy a wander in the winter gardens amongst palms and other exotic plants.
- Scotland Street School. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh the school was opened in 1906. It is now a museum telling the story of the past 100 years of education in Scotland. You can visit 3 historic classrooms and even dress up for the part!
- Soar at Braehead. Away from the centre of the city children will love visiting Soar at Braehead where they can climb, ski, bowl, try crazy golf, attend a chocolate workshop and so much more.
- Glasgow Climbing Centre. Here there are climbing routes for all ages and stages. You can hire equipment and even enjoy a family session so you can learn together.
- Glasgow Green. The green is Glasgow’s oldest parkland and has numerous paths winding through the park. There are children’s play areas and frequent events on the green, check listings to see what’s on.
And here’s a few more ideas for days out with kids in Glasgow…
- Pollock Country Park
- Provand’s Lordship
- Scottish Football Museum
- Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
- Tennent’s Training Academy
- Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre
- City Bus Sightseeing Trip
If you’re visiting Scotland then why not take a trip to Aberdeen. Here are 30 Things to do in Aberdeen from The Travel Hack!
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Visit Jenny’s blog, Monkey and Mouse, for more great Scottish days out and travels both in Scotland and further afield.
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