From the simple joy of Glasgow’s sprawling parks to the excitement of its bustling attractions, the city offers a perfect balance of learning, play, and discovery. Explore hands-on science centres, meet fascinating wildlife, wander historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in vibrant cultural spaces - all just a short journey from the peaceful retreat of Mar Hall.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in and around Glasgow with kids, featuring a mix of free and paid experiences, must-see sights, and rewarding days out - all easily paired with our Family Adventure stay for a memorable family break.
Key Takeaways
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Kids will love hands-on learning at science centres and museums.
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The city has plenty of parks, gardens, and play areas for outdoor play and nature exploration
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Play centres, soft play and trampoline parks make it easy to enjoy a day indoors
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Easy day trips and activities beyond the city mean adventure isn’t far away.
Glasgow Science Centre
Glasgow Science Centre is a fantastic day out for curious minds. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits, try out interactive experiments, and even enjoy a spectacular IMAX movie. From mini-labs to engineering challenges, there’s something to spark every young scientist’s imagination.
Best of all, the centre has family-friendly facilities, including a café and soft play area, making it easy to spend the whole day exploring science together.
Tollcross Children’s Farm
Tucked away in the East End of the city, Tollcross Children’s Farm is a true hidden gem. Inside the idyllic cobbled courtyard, you’ll find a wide assortment of animals - from farmyard favourites such as rabbits, chickens and sheep to more unusual critters such as colourful lovebirds and alpacas - to introduce kids to.
Best of all, the farm has free entry, with plenty of activities available in the surrounding Tollcross Park area, including a children’s play area, a nature walk and secret garden.
Outdoor Adventures at Mar Hall
Mar Hall offers a range of exciting outdoor adventure activities, making it a great destination for family fun in the Scottish countryside.
Popular experiences include:
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Archery for safe, supervised target practice and friendly competition
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Scenic cycling routes around the estate and along the River Clyde
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Falconry experiences, where children can observe birds of prey
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Pony trekking across woodland trails and open fields
Riverside Museum & The Tall Ship Glenlee
Located on the banks of the River Clyde, Riverside Museum is a treasure trove of transport history. Children will love spotting vintage cars, trains, and fire engines, while interactive exhibits let them engage with history in a hands-on way. Outside, the historic Tall Ship Glenlee offers even more adventure on deck.
Entry to the museum is free, and the surrounding area has riverside paths and picnic spots, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Mar Hall’s Leisure Facilities
Complimentary for all hotel guests, Mar Hall’s leisure recreational facilities are perfect for whiling away the hours.
Parents can take a well-deserved break at the luxury spa, sauna and steam room or fitness centre, or join in family fun in the indoor swimming pool.
For those who prefer to relax in the great outdoors, enjoy a world-class golfing experience on the par-70 championship course or refine your playing style with expert-tuition from a PGA professional.
Finlaystone Country Estate
Located just outside Glasgow in Langbank, Finlaystone Country Estate’s park and visitor centre is open year-round, offering a variety of family-friendly activities and walks, including forest fairy and gnome-themed trails, play areas, gardens, and ranger-led activities.
Specific events - such as den building, mini-beast hunts, and nature walks - can be booked through the visitor centre, while the trails are self-led and can be accessed via a QR code at the same venue.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Nestled in the West End of the city, Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a peaceful escape where children can roam wide lawns and colourful flowerbeds. The glasshouses are home to tropical plants and exotic trees, creating a mini adventure through the world’s climates.
Entry is free, and families can enjoy picnic areas, walking trails, and seasonal events that make every visit feel like a nature-filled treasure hunt.
Wonder World Soft Play
Wonder World Soft Play is a bright and lively indoor play centre located in the Kinning Park area of Glasgow. Kids can climb, slide, and bounce through themed zones designed to keep little ones active and entertained, while imaginative play areas encourage role-playing and creativity.
It’s an ideal activity for rainy days, with a café for parents and plenty of space for energetic children to let off steam safely.
Flip Out Glasgow
For high-energy fun, Flip Out in Rutherglen is the ultimate indoor trampoline and adventure park. Children can jump on trampolines, dive into foam pits, and try out dodgeball arenas, all under supervision in a safe, colourful environment.
The centre also offers birthday parties and activity sessions, making it a perfect spot to burn off energy whatever the weather.
Fun Street Soft Play at Silverburn
Situated inside Silverburn Shopping Centre, Fun Street Soft Play is a fantastic indoor playground for younger children. With role-play areas, slides, and interactive zones, kids can explore and use their imagination while parents relax nearby.
It’s a convenient and engaging destination for families, combining playtime with shopping or lunch at the centre’s family-friendly facilities.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum & Kelvingrove Park
Offering free entry and a diverse range of galleries for children to explore - from animals and nature to historical exhibits - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit.
Highlights for kids include:
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Giant stuffed animal Sir Roger the Elephant
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Ancient Egypt sections
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A full-sized Supermarine Spitfire suspended from the ceiling
If you’re visiting in warmer months, Kelvingrove Park is adjacent to the museum, offering expansive lawns, ponds, and playgrounds.
Children can feed ducks, explore wooded paths, or join seasonal family activities while enjoying one of Glasgow’s most picturesque green spaces.
The Children’s Wood and North Kelvin Meadow
Hidden in Glasgow’s West End, The Children’s Wood and North Kelvin Meadow are wild green spaces designed for children to connect with nature. Little ones can climb trees, explore trails, and play in imaginative natural settings away from busy streets.
Visits are free, and families often enjoy seasonal events and workshops, making it a magical spot for outdoor discovery and creative play.
Adventure Planet Paisley
Adventure Planet Paisley is an indoor wonderland for kids of all ages. With climbing frames, ball pits, slides, and activity zones, children can spend hours exploring and playing in a colourful, safe environment.
The centre also offers birthday parties and themed events, providing a full day of entertainment close to home.
Outdoor Playtime at Glasgow Green
Offering kids a fantastic, large, enclosed play village with climbing frames, swings, and a cableway, alongside open grassy areas for playing ball games, Glasgow Green is a great place to spend a day outdoors.
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Hit the bike with the nearby Free Wheel North cycling centre, which offers one-to-one or small group lessons and a dedicated cycling track, and keep an eye out for family-friendly events such as the On the Green Festival.
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For a slice of Glaswegian history, you can explore The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens and discover a collection of objects which tell the stories of people from the past. Be sure to keep an eye on The People’s Palace website for up-to-date availability, as it can close temporarily due to refurbishment work.
Barshaw Park in Paisley
Barshaw Park is a local favourite for family outings, featuring playgrounds, open fields, a skate area, and a seasonal paddling pool. Children can run, climb, and play while parents enjoy a stroll along the park’s paths.
Entry is free, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed, active day out with the whole family.
Sport Activities at Glasgow’s Dedicated Indoor Skatepark
Situated a short walk from Glasgow City Centre, The Loading Bay indoor skatepark offers kids the chance to learn action sports such as skateboarding, quad skating and BMX in a dedicated class or a summer camp.
There’s ample space for beginners to practice too, including a street plaza featuring both smooth and forgiving ply transitions, a modular area that can be reconfigured to switch up the challenge and a parkour and trampoline room.
Enjoy a Family Fun Day Out to Loch Lomond
While there’s plenty to see and do in the city, there are also a number of day trips from Glasgow that can be reached by car or public transport.
If you’re looking for plenty of activities to entertain the kids, Loch Lomond offers a mix of family-friendly walking trails, wildlife experiences and boating excursions reachable within a half-hour drive from Mar Hall.
Family-friendly things to do include:
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Taking a cruise on the loch for the best views
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Visiting The Maid of the Loch, a vintage 1950s steam boat located on the southern shore
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Getting up close to birds of prey at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
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Exploring breathtaking viewpoints, including Whinny Hill Wood, the Conic Hill walk, Luss Viewpoint, and Balloch Castle Country Park
For even more hidden gems and attractions, see our guide to the best things to do near Glasgow.
Discover Your Next Family Adventure at Mar Hall Resort
Escape to Mar Hall for a family retreat where adventure meets absolute refinement. From grand suites to secluded lodges, our 240-acre estate offers the perfect backdrop for your next getaway. Discover our curated Family Adventure break and create memories that last a lifetime.
Combine outdoor activities like pony trekking, axe throwing, and air rifles, with relaxing spa days, pool access, and delicious dining and mixologist experiences at our award-winning restaurants and elegant Slàinte bar.