Low and no cost activites in Glasgow this summer
Creative sparks
If your little ones love to get hands-on, experiment with textures, or make a bit of a mess, Glasgow's creative studios have you covered.
The Craft Pottery (City centre):
Located on Washington Street, this independently owned studio lets kids unleash their inner artists. Children can select thier own ceramic figurine, plate or mug and use an unlimited palette of paints. Studio feels start at £5.50 per painter. Find out more at The Craft Pottery.
Active adventures and high-energy hubs
If you're looking for some action packed activities to keep your kids entertained, the city has a host of venues and activities to keep you and your family busy.
Roller Stop (Southside):
As Scotland's only dedicated indoor roller rink, Roller Stop has designated 'under 12s family sessions' that feature retro lights, great music and friendly floor marshals who teach kids how to balance through fun games. Summer holiday slots start at £10 per skater, which includes all equipment. To book visit Roller Stop.
Glasgow Science Centre (Southside):
The Glasgow Science Centre offers over 400 hands-on exhibits, live science shows and a planetarium to keep the whole family entertained. Throughout the summer holidays, the Science Centre are offering Designosaurs exhibitions. A hands-on experience using brick building, families can design landscopes, create dinosaurs and test ideas through creative play. Tickets start for free for under 3's and £10 per child. To book visit Glasgow Science Centre.
Kelvin Hall Soft Play & Clip n' Climb (West end):
The perfect place for an adventure, Kelvin Hall Soft Play and Clip n' Climb offer a state of the art soft play area and child friendly climining wall. Tickets start from £15 per child. To find out more visit Glasgow Life.
Free Wheel North (Glasgow Green):
This cycling development charity located in Glasgow Green offers balance bikes and an outdoor track for families during the summer holidays. From trikes to go-karts and family karts, they have something for all the family. For younger children and those with disabilities, they offer 2-seater trikes. Costs start at £1 per person. For more information visit Free Wheel North.
WeePlay (East end):
This exciting indoor soft play in the heart of Glasgow's Parkhead offers slides, ball pits and a whole sports area for little adventurers. With room to climb, scramble, bounce and giggle whatever their age. Prices start from £1.50. for more information on booking visit WeePlay.
Wildlife
Tollcross Children's Farm (East end):
Tollcross Children's Farm in the heart of the east end is home to a wide variety of animals, from lovebirds to alpacas. The farm has lots to see and do, from discovering the facinating world of animals and insects, to seeing the story of Cock Robin in 3D. The farm is free to all visitors. For more information visit Tollcross Children's Farm.
Calderglen Country Park and Zoo (Calderglen):
Slightly further outside of Glasgow, Calderglen Country Park houses a zoo and tropical conservatory. Home to over fifty different animal species, you will be able to see meerkats, wallabies, otters and many more. The zoo is a member of the British and Irish Associations of Zoos and Aquaria and is heavily involved in conservation work. Tickets start from £2.30 for children, to find out more visit Calderglen Zoo.
Outdoor adventure and playparks
Cuningar Loop (Rutherglen):
Build as part of the Commonwealth Wood, this 2014 Commonwealth Games legacy project transformed 15 hextares of unused land into a new park and community space. With lots to explore including bike tracks, Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park and a large adventure playground, this park has enough to keep you entertained all day. All of Glasgow’s parks and playgrounds are free. For more information visit Cuningar Loop.
Top tip– look out for the dinosaur nest and eggs!
Baltic Street Adventure Playground (East end):
Baltic Street Adventure Playground is a supervised adventure playground for children from 6-12 years, with younger children welcome if accompanied by a guardian. This child-led playground allows children to choose what to do and even get involved in day-to-day management of the site. Specially trained play workers keep children safe, cook food on the campfire and support children in their own play, from make-believe to construction projects. Baltic Street run specialised summer holiday programmes and all attendance is free. For more information visit Baltic Street Adventure Playground.
The Yard – Linn Park (Southside):
The Yard is an adventure play area for disabled children, young people and their families aged 0-18. Children can explore the indoor play hall, filled with toys and activities and a dedicated sensory room. Outdoors, The Yard houses a playground with outdoor toys and a sensory garden. Attendance is free. For more information visit The Yard.
Reidvale Adventure Play Association (East End):
This voluntary organisation in the heart of Dennistoun promotes integrational play to all children and young people by providing a wide range of accessible play equipment, activities and resources both outdoors and indoors. From tent building to climbing, there’s activities for everyone. Attendance is free. For more information visit RAPA.
Article last updated: July 2026
