Family activities in Glasgow
Attractions for all the family
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. From animals to Ancient Egypt, there are displays that appeal to all ages.
Across the road is the Kelvin Hall, which has activities such as climbing and soft play. It also has museum exhibits and archive films at the National Library of Scotland. Throw in a café and Lego trail, and you can see why this venue is one for all the family.
Find out what to expect at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and Kelvin Hall.
Set on the banks of the River Clyde, the Glasgow Science Centre will be a hit with the little ones (and the big ones!). You could spend the whole day at the centre, with amazing displays on life and the universe. There is also a planetarium, IMAX cinema and flight academy, where you can pilot simulators. Visit Glasgow Science Centre to plan your trip.
Across the River Clyde discover two more unique attractions. Find out about transport across the centuries at the Riverside Museum. Kids will love the through-the-ages displays of bikes, trains and buses, and entry to the museum is completely free. Berthed beside the museum on the River Clyde is The Tall Ship. Explore the upper and lower decks and discover a fascinating history. Find out more about these amazing attractions at the Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship.
At Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct you can explore 5 different venues:
Provand's Lordship
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
Glasgow Cathedral
Necropolis
Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum
And to celebrate Glasgow 850 there’s currently a Nature Trail for children. Enjoy activities at each stop to earn a limited-edition Glasgow 850 badge. Learn more about the Cathedral Precinct.
A must-visit for all the family is The Burrell Collection, which is found in Pollok Country Park. Kids will enjoy the hands-on displays that bring the museum exhibits to life. There are also good café options in the award-winning museum. Meanwhile, the park is home to a playpark, fairy garden, mini maze, woodland walks, and a herd of Highland Cows. Visit The Burrell Collection to plan a great day out in the city's southside.
Water-based adventures
The north of the city is known as an urban playground. Based along the Forth and Clyde Canal are Pinkston Watersports and The Wake Yard. Try out kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, wakeboarding, river tubing, and more. Visit Pinkston Watersports and The Wake Yard to find out what range of activities are on offer.
Going slightly further afield, check out West End Adventure. They run paddleboarding and bushcraft sessions.
Unusual attractions
For something completely different, visit the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Tiny figures hand-crafted from metal perform to haunting music.
Hear stories of the crimes and characters of the city with a visit to the Glasgow Police Museum. Did you know that Glasgow was the UK's first ever police force?
The Hunterian Museum is found on the campus of the University of Glasgow. It has many collections that kids will enjoy, including dinosaur bones. Also, be sure to take in the campus, as it is said to be the inspiration behind Hogwarts. Visit The Hunterian Museum.
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-built plaza has great surfaces for trying out moves. Check out The Loading Bay to see what to expect.
Cyclists of every level are well catered for in the city. Kids can have fun on trikes, tandems and go-karts at Free Wheel North Cycle. Take your own bike to Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Track. Zoom down the trails and take in the beautiful city views. Visit Free Wheel North Cycle.
For wheelie-good fun for all the family, check out Roller Stop. The disco sessions give retro 80s vibes. For boards without wheels, visit Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre. You can try out snowboarding and skiing on the slopes in Bellahouston Park.
Climbing for all ages
Clip 'n Climb at Kelvin Hall is a fun climbing experience for all abilities. Those brave enough can try the 'Leap of Faith'! Age 12 and under can also enjoy the circus-themed soft play. Visit Kelvin Hall for opening times and more.
The Newsroom in the southside and Prop Store in the west end are both ideal for people who love to scale heights. The centres both have dedicated children's areas, plus nice cafes. Visit The Climbing Academy for info on both centres.
Tours and trails for all the family
You can't go far in Glasgow without spotting colourful street art. From floating taxis to panda bears, enjoy choosing your favourite city mural. Check out the city centre mural trail for a map and details.
The open-topped City Sightseeing Bus Tour is a great way to take in top attractions in the fresh air. While Go Quest Adventures is good fun for all the family, as it turns a walk around the city into a treasure hunt. Find out more at City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Go Quest Adventures. And for details on a whole range of city tours, check out our tours in Glasgow page.
Outdoor time at city parks
Glasgow has plenty of options for getting outdoor time in green spaces. For play, there is adventure play at Glasgow Green and a skatepark at Kelvingrove Park. If you love animals, head to the children’s farm at Tollcross Park or to see the Highland cows at Pollok Country Park. Check out 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 for little ones. Visit Dumbreck Outdoor Playbarn for details.
Family shopping and entertainment
The city's shopping malls are great for family shopping, eating and entertainment. The St Enoch Centre is home to many restaurants as well as the Vue Cinema. Enjoy playing ping pong and mini golf at Boom Battle Bar. You can also find the UK’s first Level X, where you can play gutterball, arcade games and virtual reality. Visit St Enoch Centre to view what is on offer.
The city is home to many cinemas, including the independent Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT). Visit the GFT and find out what free family films are on at weekends.
The Everyman Cinema in Princess Square is a small boutique cinema. You can even get sundaes and milkshakes delivered to your seat. Visit The Everyman Cinema.
Article last updated: October 2025
