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The best things to do in Glasgow with kids
As Scotland’s largest city, it’s no surprise that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Glasgow with kids.
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And while Glasgow is sometimes overshadowed by the capital Edinburgh, the gorgeous Highlands or heading out on a Scottish road trip, it makes for a fantastic city break for families.
My daughter’s first visit came when she was a toddler and I discovered a whole new family-friendly side to the city I’d previously explored child-free – here are some of my top picks if you’re looking for things to do in Glasgow for kids.
Glasgow Science Centre
One of my own personal favourites, the Glasgow Science Centre is so geared towards kids, it’s hard to get them out.
On our first visit when my daughter was a toddler, we spent almost six hours exploring, with only the briefest breaks to eat, and I still felt there was more to discover.
For starters, you’ll find three floors of interactive exhibits, special activities and shows laid on, plus areas that let kids explore the world as they play, with everything from a mini crane to water displays.
Read more about our day out at Glasgow Science Centre here.
Then there’s information on the human body, a small planetarium – which has different shows aimed at different age groups, including a lovely one for younger kids – plus the IMAX next door.
Visit at weekends and during school holidays and there are extra family events taking place, including a live science demo on the day we visited. Definitely one family attraction which tops my list to visit year-round, though it’s ideal if you’re visiting Glasgow in the rain and looking for some indoor entertainment too.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
No visit to Glasgow is complete without stopping at Kelvingrove museum, no matter how old you are, but even the youngest visitors will love the animal galleries, including an animated dinosaur, plus a succession of creatures from an elephant (aka Sir Roger) and giraffe down.
There are also museum bees, arms and armour, a display of masks, a Charles Rennie Mackintosh Gallery, French, Dutch and Scottish art, the Ancient Egypt display and temporary exhibitions – in total, 8,000 objects in 22 themed galleries.
That’s all before you check out the temporary exhibitions too plus some grand architecture and decorative flourishes to spot – not to mention a working organ, with performances. There’s also a lift between floors if you’re pushing a buggy.
Check out my review of a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum with kids
Glasgow Cathedral
Dating back to 1136, Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest and most famous buildings, and if you love history, this is a must-visit in Glasgow with kids of all ages.
After checking out the medieval church’s vaulted ceilings and amazing stained glass windows, head underground into the cathedral’s 13th-century crypt, which is home to the tomb and shrine of St Mungo, the founder and patron saint of Glasgow.
For older children and teens with an interest in history, the cathedral offers short free tours run by its volunteers, ideal for learning more about the cathedral’s past and its significance in Scottish history.
Discover what we thought of a visit to Glasgow Cathedral with a toddler
University of Glasgow
If your kids are Harry Potter fans, a visit to the University of Glasgow campus is unmissable.
Rumour has it that the historic university was the inspiration behind Hogwarts when JK Rowling was writing her first books in Edinburgh.
We don’t know if this is actually true – there are countless places laying claim to having inspired the Harry Potter books, but regardless, it’s hard not to feel transported to Hogwarts when you see the grand Gothic-revival-style building, with its beautiful Cloisters and many towering gothic spires.
As you wander through the grounds and courtyards admiring the architecture, don’t miss the large tree in the courtyard of the Eastern Quadrangle, which many believe could have inspired the Whomping Willow.
The Hunterian Museum
While visiting the University of Glasgow, save some time to pop inside the University’s Hunterian Museum, another of the best museums in Glasgow for kids.
Children can learn about the history of Scotland through the museum’s varied collection of ancient artefacts, with everything from Egyptian mummies and Roman ruins to animal skeletons and dinosaur fossils.
The museum also offers plenty of educational workshops and events for kids of all ages, including special family talks, arts and crafts, themed trails, and more.
The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
The award-winning and free Riverside Museum is home to over 3,000 objects that tell the story of transportation and travel in Glasgow and beyond.
Most famous for its ship-building history, there’s more to discover though, including the city’s vital role in train manufacturing.
Younger guests will love exploring the museum’s interactive exhibits, which include an old cobbled Glasgow street with shops dating from 1895 to the 1980s, as well as the chance to climb aboard vintage steam trains, trams, buses, and even a working fire engine.
There are also plenty of hands-on and educational activities that allow kids to learn about the mechanics of transportation and try their hand at driving a simulated train or car.
The Tall Ship Glenlee
Located on the River Clyde, just in front of the Riverside Museum, you’ll also find the UK’s only floating Clyde-built sailing ship, the Tall Ship Glenlee, now over 125 years old.
You can step on board the historic ship and experience what life at sea used to be like during its heyday by wandering around the restored rooms and exploring the exhibition space.
The Glenlee has plenty of fun activities to entertain younger kids too, including an under-5s soft play area in the cargo hold and lots of family friendly events, such as storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, deck games, treasure hunts, and more.
There used to be no entrance fee to visit the Tall Ship Glenlee, making it one of the best free things to do in Glasgow with kids if you’re visiting on a budget, but there’s now a charge to visit.
Glasgow Police Museum
The Glasgow Police Museum is a small hidden gem in the city centre with various exhibits and displays showcasing the history of policing in Glasgow.
Kids can learn about the different roles and responsibilities of police officers and hear real stories of historic crimes dealt with by the City of Glasgow Police force, the first city police force in Britain. They can even dress up in police uniforms and pose for pictures.
When arriving at the museum, make sure to ask about the two kids’ competitions to challenge younger visitors.
The Lego Manhunt is for kids 8 years and below and involves hunting for Lego cops and robbers hidden among the museum displays. The Museum Quiz is for kids 9+ and requires searching for clues and answering a series of questions to earn their ‘Junior Detective Award.’
Scottish Football Museum
If you’re visiting Glasgow with young football fans, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Scottish Football Museum, Europe’s first national football museum.
Located inside Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium, this museum offers a fantastic experience for football fans of all ages.
The interactive exhibits and displays will teach you all about Scotland’s football history, with plenty of fascinating memorabilia, along with interactive games and challenges throughout the museum for kids.
And for an even more memorable experience, add on a stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes preview of one of Scotland’s largest football stadiums.
There are also other stadium tours on offer while you’re visiting Glasgow with kids, including a chance to explore Celtic Park and the Ibrox Stadium
Scotland Street School Museum
[EDIT: TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR A MAJOR RENOVATION PROJECT] Scotland Street School Museum is a unique experience in Glasgow for kids and adults alike. The museum is set inside the former Scotland Street School, which was designed by the famous Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Inside, you’ll find a range of interactive exhibits that bring to life the history of education in Scotland and allow kids to experience what it was like to be a student in the early 20th century.
Little ones will love dressing up in traditional school uniforms and playing make-believe in the recreated classrooms, complete with desks, chalkboards, and dunce hats.
The Botanic Gardens
On a sunny day, expect to find Glasgow’s botanic gardens packed with families – although it’s spread out so much that it never felt crowded when we visited.
The children’s garden aims to help educate and inspire kids, but is also a lovely peaceful spot to play in Glasgow for toddlers including a small wooden house which kept my daughter entertained for a surprising amount of time.
The children’s garden is also next door to a (less peaceful but also fun) playground which is helpful if you’ve got older siblings as well.
But you can also wander through the rose garden and arboretum, find plenty of open space to run around and discover the plant houses, particularly with older children.
Best of all, there’s no entry charge if you’re looking for free things to do in Glasgow with toddlers or have an hour to kill while you’re visiting the city.
Check out our review of our visit to Glasgow Botanic Gardens with a toddler.
Kelvingrove Park
There are some lovely parks in Glasgow as well as the Botanic Gardens, and wrapped around the Kelvingrove museum building, Kelvingrove Park is perfect to combine with a visit – there are shaded paths along the river Kelvin or several playgrounds (and skatepark) on the other side.
During holidays, you can expect more activities taking place, but it’s a lovely place for kids to stretch their legs regardless – or head further into the park for a calmer spot if you need somewhere to chill out after a busy day in the city.
Either way, if you’re looking for good walks for buggy naps while visiting Glasgow with toddlers or to let older kids burn off some energy after wandering around a museum, keep this on the list.
Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green is a beautiful park in the east end of the city, sitting on the north bank of the River Clyde. It’s also the oldest park in Glasgow, dating back to the 5th century.
Along with walking routes, there’s lots of green space for kids to run around and stretch their legs, several playgrounds, a bike hire station, and a skatepark.
But it’s the Glasgow Green Play Village which is one of the highlights of the park for families, with two fantastic play areas to choose from. One area is for toddlers and younger kids, while the other has a series of climbing frames and slides aimed at older children.
The park is also home to the People’s Palace Museum (currently closed for refurbishment), which is free to enter and provides an insight into the city’s history (better for older children/teens).
Glasgow Necropolis
Set on a hilltop with some amazing views back over the city, this beautiful Victorian cemetery is a fascinating if unusual place to explore for visitors of all ages.
The Necropolis runs guided tours, which are perfect for families, with knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging tour guides helping to make the experience suitable for younger children.
Alternatively, you can learn more about some of the people buried in the Necropolis, helping kids learn about the lives and stories of famous Glaswegians buried here as they explore among the elaborate headstones and monuments.
Pollok Country Park
If you’re looking for a fun family day out in Glasgow away from the busy city centre, look no further than Pollok Country Park, sitting just on the outskirts of the city.
The expansive parkland includes plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, including woodland walks to a large adventure play area, and a small hedge maze, as well as lots of open green space. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many highland cows roaming around the open grassland.
The park is also home to Pollok House, a historic stately home, and its beautiful gardens, for an interesting insight into upper-class life in Glasgow during the Victorian period. EDIT: The house is currently closed for restoration and expected to reopen in late 2025
The Glasgow Mural Trail
The Glasgow Mural Trail is a unusual and exciting way to explore the city’s vibrant street art scene as well as Glasgow itself with kids.
With over 30 murals scattered throughout the city, the trail is a fun and interactive way to discover Glasgow’s rich history and culture. From giant portraits of famous Scots to whimsical cartoon characters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the trail.
It can take several hours to complete the entire mural trail, so if you’re planning to do it in one go, that might be a bit too much walking for little legs (and shorter attention spans). But you can always just pick one area of the city to focus on and try to see as many as you can.
You can also take a street art tour of Glasgow on a 90-minute walk around the city
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The City Sightseeing Bus Tour is a great way to explore Glasgow with children – especially those with little legs who may struggle walking around big cities.
The open-top bus takes you around many of the city’s most popular sites and attractions, including Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Green, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
You can hop on and off at any of the 22 stops as many times as you like for either 1 or 2 days, depending on which City Sightseeing Glasgow ticket you buy, making it an easy way to get around the city.
And while you’re moving around the city, kids can also learn some fun facts about Glasgow’s historical landmarks via the onboard audio guides.
Go Quest Adventure
For a fun and unusual way to spend a family day out in Glasgow, set yourself the challenge of taking on the Go Quest Adventure.
The online game involves the whole family solving clues and puzzles, and completing challenges, as you head out exploring Glasgow’s iconic landmarks and more hidden sites. You’ll also discover lots of fun facts and interesting stories about the city’s history along the way.
Great if your kids (or you!) don’t fancy the idea of a traditional walking tour of Glasgow too. All you need to do is purchase the Glasgow Quest, download the app onto your phone, input all players (up to 5 people), and get going.
The quests are suitable for kids of all ages, although children under 10 may find some of the questions and challenges a little difficult.
Head to the theatre
There are some great theatres in Glasgow for kids as well, including family shows at the King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal – check out some of the latest theatre productions in Glasgow for families here.
If you’re visiting the city with toddlers and younger kids, there are other options targeted at the youngest visitors. The Tron Theatre has performances targeted at the under fives, including Tiny And Tall Tales
Or if you’re travelling with slightly older children, it’s worth checking out the performances which are taking place at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre as well.
Glasgow Climbing Centre
One of the first dedicated indoor climbing gyms in Scotland, today the Glasgow Climbing Centre is the latest indoor roped climbing centre in the west of the country.
With options for all ages and levels, you don’t have to have tried climbing before with sessions for novices as well as family options. There are often extra activities during the holidays as well.
Check out my guide to Glasgow with kids for more tips on visiting the city
Things to do near Glasgow with kids
The city also makes a great base to explore some of the surrounding countryside, with a string of easy day trips from Glasgow. Here are a few ideas for family days out.
Loch Lomond Nature Reserve
Around an hour from the city by car, beautiful Loch Lomond gives you a taste of the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, as it stretches across both landscapes.
Head to the RSPB Loch Lomond Nature Reserve on the banks of the loch, where you can spot deer as well as bird galore – including fishing osprey if you’re lucky.
Visit in spring and you’ll see a carpet of bluebells, or watch buzzards soaring overhead in summer, plus the beautiful changing colours of the woodland in autumn. There are often family activities taking place during holidays as well as pushchair-friendly trails.
Stirling Castle, Stirling
Less than an hour from Glasgow by train or car, Stirling Castle was built in the style of a French Renaissance palace to make James V’s French queen feel at home – kids even get the chance to meet Marie of Guise, mother to Mary Queen of Scots, alongside the king during visits.
As well as encountering royalty and seeing the lavish Royal Palace, you can head into the Great Kitchens and down into the palace vaults with their interactive exhibitions on music and art, as well as jesters and tailors.
There’s also a family trail in the unicorn garden for kids to follow. Back inside, an exhibition on the castle, telling its history – including the 50-year period when the castle changed hands eight times during the Wars of Independence.
Plus the Great Hall, peaceful Queen Anne Garden, the Chapel Royal and the fascinating Stirling Heads, huge 16th-century oak medallions carved with images of kings, queens, nobles, Roman emperors and characters from the Bible and Classical mythology.
Edinburgh
You’re certainly not short of things to do in Glasgow with kids, but with direct trains linking the city to Edinburgh, it’s easy to combine the two.
And there’s lots more family fun to be found in the Scottish capital, from museums and history to quirky tours and child-friendly attractions.
Along with the fantastic Edinburgh Zoo, there’s lots to discover for Harry Potter fans, ghoulishly ghostly fun for teens and even some chocolate as an added temptation.
Check out my pick of the top things to do in Edinburgh with kids here
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Glasgow science centre/Botanic garden copyright MummyTravels, street art via Picfair, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
