Things to Do with Kids in Glasgow

Glasgow offers brilliant opportunities for families, with everything from hands-on science experiments to fascinating museums and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a rainy day activity or want to make the most of Scotland's unpredictable weather, the city has something to keep children of all ages entertained. Here are some of the best family-friendly attractions that locals and visitors consistently recommend.

Glasgow Science Centre

The Glasgow Science Centre on the Pacific Quay is often the first stop for families with curious kids. The interactive exhibits across four floors cover everything from the human body to space exploration, and children can spend hours experimenting with the hands-on displays.

The Science Mall houses over 300 interactive exhibits. Younger children particularly enjoy the BodyWorks section where they can crawl through a giant digestive system, while older kids often gravitate toward the technology displays. The centre also features the Glasgow Tower (when operational - check ahead as it's sometimes closed due to high winds) and an IMAX cinema showing both educational films and blockbusters.

Practical tip: Book tickets online in advance for better prices, and allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit. The centre can get busy during school holidays, so arriving when it opens at 10am gives you the best chance of smaller crowds.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

This Victorian museum in the West End is completely free and houses one of Europe's great civic art collections. What makes Kelvingrove special for families is its eclectic mix - you'll find everything from a Spitfire hanging from the ceiling to Egyptian mummies and works by Salvador Dalí.

The museum runs family-friendly activities during school holidays, and the daily organ recitals at 1pm and 3pm usually captivate children. The natural history section includes fossils and stuffed animals that fascinate younger visitors, while the arms and armour displays often appeal to slightly older children.

Practical tip: Pick up a family trail sheet at the entrance desk. These themed worksheets help keep children engaged as they explore. The museum café serves decent food, but it can get crowded during lunch hours.

Riverside Museum

Glasgow's transport museum, designed by Zaha Hadid, sits on the banks of the River Clyde and tells the story of Glasgow's relationship with transportation. Children can climb aboard vintage cars, old Glasgow buses, and even explore a recreated Glasgow street from the early 1900s.

The museum houses over 3,000 objects, including bicycles, motorcycles, trains, and ships. Many of the vehicles can be explored inside, which children love. The tall ship Glenlee is moored outside and included in your free admission - it's a restored sailing ship where families can explore the decks and learn about life at sea.

Practical tip: The museum is pushchair-friendly, and there's plenty of space for children to move around. If you visit the Glenlee, dress warmly as it can be windy on the river, even in summer.

Glasgow Green and People's Palace

Glasgow Green is the city's oldest public park and offers both outdoor space and indoor attractions. The People's Palace, located within the Green, tells the story of Glasgow's social history from 1750 to the present day. While this might sound dry for children, the museum does it well with plenty of visual displays and artifacts.

The attached Winter Gardens is a Victorian glasshouse filled with tropical plants - a lovely warm space to explore regardless of the weather outside. Children often enjoy spotting the different plants and the peaceful atmosphere.

Glasgow Green itself has large open spaces perfect for running around, playing football, or having a picnic. The playground near the People's Palace keeps younger children entertained, and there are usually ice cream vans nearby during warmer months.

Practical tip: Combine your visit with a walk along the River Clyde. The paths are suitable for bikes and scooters, and there are several other playgrounds scattered throughout the Green if you want to make a longer day of it.

Soft Play Centres

For active children or when the Scottish weather isn't cooperating, Glasgow has several excellent soft play centres. Gambado in Braehead is one of the largest, with separate areas for different age groups and a café where parents can grab coffee while children play.

Monkey Bizness on Paisley Road West offers three floors of play equipment, including slides, ball pools, and climbing frames. They have dedicated areas for under-3s, which is helpful when you have children of different ages.

For something different, Clip 'n Climb Glasgow combines soft play with indoor climbing walls designed specifically for children. Kids as young as four can try the climbing walls, all with auto-belay systems for safety.

Practical tip: Most soft play centres offer birthday party packages if you're planning a celebration. Weekday mornings are typically quieter than weekends and school holidays. Remember to bring socks - most centres require them for hygiene reasons.

Additional Family-Friendly Spots

The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in the city centre often has family workshops and is free to visit. While it might seem too sophisticated for children, the interactive elements and temporary exhibitions often surprise families with their appeal.

Queen's Park, on the south side, offers fantastic views over Glasgow from its hill and has a good playground. It's less touristy than Glasgow Green but equally suitable for families.

For animal lovers, Pollok Country Park houses the Burrell Collection (currently reopened after renovations) and offers woodland walks. While there's no zoo, the park often has Highland cattle roaming freely, which children find exciting.

Glasgow provides an excellent mix of educational attractions, outdoor spaces, and indoor activities that work for families throughout the year. Most of the major museums are free, making it an affordable destination for family days out. With good public transport connections between attractions, you can easily combine several activities in one day or spread them across multiple visits to really make the most of what the city offers.