Best Family Activities in Glasgow

Glasgow features several interactive museums where children can engage with exhibits hands-on, including the Riverside Museum and Glasgow Science Centre, both designed to keep young visitors interested through practical activities and displays.

The Riverside Museum, situated at 100 Pointhouse Place, has free entry and showcases Glasgow's transport heritage. Children can climb aboard vintage trams, cars, and skateboards, while adults enjoy detailed historical context. The museum’s layout is spacious, with wide corridors and large windows letting in natural light. The smell of polished wood and metal from the displays adds to the tactile visit.

A short 10-minute walk away on 50 Pacific Quay is the Glasgow Science Centre. It opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on certain holidays. Admission costs £14 for adults and £12 for children aged 3 to 15, with under 3s admitted free. The planetarium hosts shows every hour, illustrating the night sky with vivid projections. The interactive science mall features exhibits on physics, biology, and technology, encouraging kids to push buttons, test balance, and conduct simple experiments.

Both locations are accessible by public transport, with frequent buses running from Buchanan Bus Station. For more on Glasgow’s museums, see our guide to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Kelvingrove Park and Pollok Country Park are two of Glasgow’s best green spaces for family outings, providing playgrounds, walking trails, and opportunities to see local wildlife, all within easy reach of the city centre.

Kelvingrove Park covers 85 acres between Yorkhill and Kelvingrove. Its tree-lined paths and flower beds make for a pleasant walk, while the playground near Argyle Street features swings, climbing frames, and slides suitable for children up to 12 years old. The park’s ponds attract ducks and swans, and on warm days, the scent of freshly cut grass mixes with blooming flowers.

Adjacent to the park is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Argyle Street, which provides an indoor option if the weather changes. Entrance is free, and families can see natural history exhibits and European art collections.

Pollok Country Park, located 6 miles south of the city centre, spans 360 acres and includes woodland trails and river views. It opens from dawn until dusk with free parking on site. Highland cattle roam in the park’s fields, an attraction that often delights children. The Pollok House, a historic mansion within the park, has guided tours that include stories about the region.

Public buses 57 and 75 connect the city centre to Pollok Country Park, and cycling paths run through the park for those who bring bikes.

M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, approximately 30 minutes from Glasgow by car, provides rides and activities for all ages, including roller coasters and soft play, with ticket packages starting at £25 per person for unlimited rides.

Situated in Motherwell on Hamilton Road, M&D’s is open from 10 am to 6 pm during peak season (April to October). The park features a variety of thrill rides for older children and adults, as well as gentler attractions such as the soft play area and carousel for younger kids. Families can also find picnic spots and cafés onsite.

Tickets vary depending on the rides chosen, but unlimited ride passes start at £25 per person when purchased online. Children under 90 cm tall have free entry but may be limited in ride access.

For a quieter yet fun activity, the Silent Disco Adventure in central Glasgow provides a music and dance event with headphones, suitable for children aged 6 and up. These events usually take place on weekends and require booking in advance.

Five Sisters Zoo, about 45 miles from Glasgow in West Lothian, hosts over 200 animals across 50 species, including lemurs and meerkats, with admission at £13 for adults and £10 for children as of 2026.

The zoo opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. Walking through the zoo’s paths, visitors hear bird calls and the rustle of leaves, with animal scents ranging from earthy soil to hay. Interactive areas let children feed some animals under supervision.

Closer to Glasgow, the Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium, located in Balloch, about 25 miles from Glasgow, houses Scotland’s largest shark collection. Admission is £15 per adult and £11 per child. The aquarium features touch pools where kids can feel starfish and crabs, and daily talks explain underwater life.

For species details and conservation efforts, visit the official Five Sisters Zoo page: Five Sisters Zoo, and for the aquarium: Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium.

Stirling Castle, reachable in about an hour by car or train, provides interactive tours and exhibits designed to engage children with Scotland’s history, with entry costing £17 per adult and £10 per child.

The castle opens daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm (last admission 4:15 pm). Children can try on replica armour, follow guided trails, and watch live demonstrations of medieval crafts. The views from the battlements overlook the surrounding countryside, where the smell of pine and stone fills the air.

For an organized option, the Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle tour departs from Glasgow’s city centre to cover several sites in a day. Alternatively, private tours like the Stirling Castle, Lindores Distillery and St Andrews option provide a more tailored visit.

Glasgow hosts the Glasgow Youth Film Festival and the Glasgow Mela annually, both featuring programming and activities designed for children and families.

The Glasgow Youth Film Festival takes place each November at venues across the city, including workshops, screenings, and Q&A sessions aimed at children aged 5 to 16. It provides a chance to watch films from different countries and styles, with many events free to attend.

In late summer, the Glasgow Mela occurs in Kelvingrove Park over a weekend, celebrating music, dance, and food from multiple cultures. Food stalls offer tastes such as samosas and jerk chicken, while stages present family-friendly acts. The festival runs from 12 pm to 8 pm each day.

More on cultural events is available in our guide to Cultural Festivals in Glasgow.

Glasgow has several child-friendly restaurants, including Pizza Express on Queen Street and the Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane, both offering menus tailored to younger guests.

Pizza Express, open daily from 11:30 am to 10 pm, serves pizzas and pastas with smaller portion options priced around £5 to £7 for children. The restaurant’s open-plan layout and casual atmosphere help families feel comfortable.

The Ubiquitous Chip, on Ashton Lane, is known for Scottish dishes but also provides a children’s menu with simpler fare like fish and chips or macaroni cheese. Prices for kids’ meals range from £6 to £8. The lane’s cobbled stones and string lights create a relaxed evening environment.

For more ideas on eating out with children, see our Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Vienna guide, which includes tips relevant to Glasgow’s dining scene.