Best things to do in Glasgow for families with kids

Glasgow is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty of fun and exciting activities for families with kids. Whether you want to learn something new, enjoy nature, or have some adrenaline-fueled adventures, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Glasgow. In this article, we will share some of the best things to do in Glasgow with kids for an unforgettable day out.

Glasgow Science Centre

What is it?
Glasgow Science Centre is an interactive attraction on the south bank of the River Clyde. It offers a range of hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and science shows for visitors of all ages.

Why should you go?
The Glasgow Science Centre is a great place to visit with kids as it is both educational and entertaining. One of the most popular attractions is the Science Mall, which features over 400 exhibits that cover topics such as space, energy, and human biology, and that visitors can touch, play with, and explore. Additionally, there is an IMAX cinema, which shows educational movies and feature films on a giant screen. Lastly, the Glasgow Tower is a must-visit for stunning views of the city.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

What is it?
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a free art museum with 22 galleries with different themes that show 8,000 exceptional items and relics.

Why should you go?
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a great place to visit with kids as it has many exhibits that appeal to all tastes. The galleries have collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. The museum does not charge admission and has some of the world's most famous paintings, such as Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross and Rembrandt's A Man in Armour. The museum also organizes regular organ concerts, workshops, and special exhibitions. One of the current exhibitions is Mary Quant – Fashion Revolutionary, which honors the legendary British designer.

Glasgow Riverside Museum

What is it?
The Riverside Museum is a transport and travel museum on the edge of the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland. It showcases over 3,000 items, ranging from bicycles and cars to ships and planes. The museum was built by the famous architect Zaha Hadid and welcomed its first visitors in June 2011.

Why should you go?
The Riverside Museum is a fun destination for families as it reveals the fascinating history of transport. The museum has over 150 interactive exhibits that let visitors discover different ways of moving around, such as trains, buses, and classic cars. In addition, the museum has a recreated street from the 1890s, complete with shops and a subway station, showing visitors how Glasgow looked and felt in that era. The museum also has a tall ship docked outside, which can be accessed for a small extra charge. The Riverside Museum received the 2013 European Museum of the Year Award for its creative design and displays.

The Tall Ship at Riverside

What is it?
The Tall Ship is a museum ship located at the Riverside Museum. It is a restored sailing ship that was once used to transport goods around the world, and it now serves as a floating museum with exhibits on maritime history and shipbuilding.

Why should you go?
The Tall Ship is a unique destination that offers families the chance to experience life on board a historic sailing ship. Kids can explore the ship's decks, cabins, and cargo holds and learn about the challenges of life at sea through interactive exhibits and displays. The ship also offers regular family-friendly events and workshops, such as pirate-themed treasure hunts.

Pollok Country Park

What is it?
Pollok Country Park is the largest park in Glasgow and covers over 146 hectares. It is home to a range of wildlife, including deer and Highland cattle.

Why should you go?
Pollok Country Park is a great place to visit with kids as it offers a range of outdoor activities. The park has many walking trails, a bike hire facility, a large playground, and it is also home to Pollok House, which is a Georgian country house built in the 18th century and extended in the 19th century. You can explore the house and its beautiful gardens for a small fee. Additionally, there is a working farm in the park, where kids can see and feed animals such as cows, sheep, and pigs.

Glasgow Green

What is it?
Glasgow Green is a large public park situated in the east end of Glasgow, Scotland. It covers an area of 136 acres and has been a popular leisure destination for the city's residents since the 15th century making it the oldest park in Scotland. The park features lush green lawns, a boating lake, a play area for kids, a winter garden, several historical monuments, and an amphitheater.

Why should you go?
If you're looking for a place to have fun, learn, and relax with your kids, Glasgow Green is the perfect spot for you. This park is the oldest and most vibrant in Scotland, hosting spectacular events like the World Pipe Band Championships and the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Arts. You can also discover the fascinating stories of Glasgow's people at the People's Palace or admire the stunning monuments that dot the park, such as the Nelson Monument, the McLennan Arch, Templeton's Carpet Factory, and the Doulton Fountain.

But Glasgow Green is not just a place to admire, it's also a place to enjoy. You can picnic on the grass, play sports on the fields, or rock out to live music in the summer. Glasgow Green is a treasure trove of nature and culture that you don't want to miss.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

What is it?
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a public garden situated in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland. Opened to the public in 1842, the garden contains a variety of plant species and a wide range of glasshouses, including the Kibble Palace, which is one of the largest cast-iron glasshouses in the world.

Why should you go?
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a place to discover, learn, and relax. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it here. Whether you and your kids love plants, history or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll find Glasgow Botanic Gardens a delight. Step into the Kibble Palace and marvel at the exotic plants from around the world under the stunning glass dome that towers over you. You'll feel like you've entered a different realm.

But there's more to explore in the gardens than just the palace. You can join a guided tour, learn something new at a workshop, or admire some artworks at an exhibition. And when you need a break, treat yourself to some delicious refreshments at the Tearoom, where you can enjoy homemade cakes and scones.

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