Whether you are a local or visiting the city for a weekend with the family, Glasgow offers great kids activities all year round! The city is relatively compact and as a result, easy to walk around, with over 90 parks and gardens.

In this guide, I will help you out on finding a fantastic range of indoor attractions to visit with your kids, including museums, independent cinemas and theatres, smart shopping, entertainment arcades and indoor soft play play centres.

Glasgow is a great city with lots of things to do with kids
Source: Pexels

The city of Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland in terms of population with over 600,000 inhabitants and even 1 million in the Greater Glasgow region. Located in the West Central Scotland, Glasgow is a great hub to connect other destinations in the country such as Edinburgh on the East or the Loch Lomond in the North.

The urban life of Glasgow is as good as in other big cities in the UK with plenty of things to do with kids to keep them busy.

In short, you’ll find you are never far from somewhere for the kids to burn off some energy. Above all, the city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including wild beaches and awe-inspiring mountains and lochs.

To make your journey easier to travel around the Scottish city, I have added a map at the bottom of this article where you can see all the activities you can do in Glasgow.

If you’re visiting Glasgow or are already in town, check out below my selection of the best things to do with children. Enjoy! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

First opened in 1901, this museum and gallery is a firm favourite with families, both locals and tourists. It boasts stunning architecture and 22 galleries displaying a diverse range of treasures, from Ancient Egypt to Art and Animals. There is also an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. At weekends and during the school holidays there are lots of family-focused events on offer too, many of them free.

Address: Argyle Sreet, Glasgow G3 8AG

Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm (11am – 5pm on Fridays & Sundays)

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2. Hollywood Bowl

If you are looking for a fun family activity to do indoors in Glasgow, you simply can’t go wrong by spending some time at Hollywood Bowl. The venue has 25 lines including VIP Lanes. Moreover, you can challenge your children in different arcade games including air hockey.

You can also have a family meal at the Hollywood Dinner where you can eat burgers, salads, hot dogs and plenty more.

Address: Springfield Quay, Glasgow G5 8NP

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A fun indoor activity to do in Glasgow
Source: Pixabay

3. Fun Street Soft Play Glasgow

A lot of local families organise birthday celebrations with their kids in this unique soft play venue in Glasgow. Fun Street Soft Play is a great indoor attraction to do with young children with plenty of space to let them go wild.

We particularly love the fact how the venue is organised in play houses. You can explore the Hair & Beauty corner, an Art Gallery or even a Hospital. Lots of fun guaranteed for your children for sure. And parents can also enjoy their time at the café Erina’s Kitchen and sip their favourite hot drink with snacks.

Address: Silverburn Shopping Centre, Barrhead Rd, Glasgow G53 6AG

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An indoor soft play in Glasgow for children - things to do in Glasgow with kids
Source: Fun Street

4. Glasgow Police Museum

This little museum is a hidden attraction in Glasgow that families are discovering bit by bit. Who thought a museum dedicated to Police would be so attractive to children and their parents. Well, Glasgow Police Museum has a unique collection of police memorabilia including over 2,000 uniforms through different times and different countries.

If you feel adventurous and learn about the greatest crime, thief cases solved by the police, this place is also a great start. We’ve heard the owner and the guides are very nice and can answer any questions you may have during your visit.

Address: First Floor, 30 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG

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a small museum to visit in Glasgow with kids
Source: The Glasgow Police Museum

5. Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

Are you looking for something unique and exciting to do in Glasgow? Well, Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre might be the best attraction to do with your children. This theatre is home to unique mechanical creations: they are called kinetic sculptures which made from different objects.

Expect to spend 30 min at the exhibition but we highly recommend booking also one the main 1 hour shows called Promenade and Wheels of Life. This attraction will probably trigger some nice conversation with your children during and after the show for sure!

Address: Trongate 103 – A Centre for Arts & Creativity 103, Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HD

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a unique attraction for families in Glasgow
Source: Sharmanka

6. Go Wild Soft Play Centre

If you are searching for a soft play venue in Glasgow to let your littles ones having fun with others, Go Wild is a great option for families. Go Wild has a huge soft play area but also a mini town with some role play actions called Play Street.

Your toddlers will have their own designated area too, especially if they are bit shy to play with older kids.

Address: 59 James St, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BZ

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a fun indoor attraction for children in Glasgow
Source: Go Wild Glasgow

7. The Riverside Museum & Tall Ship

The kids will love this award winning transport museum where they can see everything from skateboards to historic trains, and get hands on with interactive displays. Step back in time as you can walk through recreations of Glasgow’s historic streets, climbing aboard vintage trams and fire engines along the way. When you’re done inside, head out to the Tall Ship that’s moored outside – a floating museum detailing Glasgow’s rich shipbuilding heritage.

BabyBreaks Tip: Don’t miss the pop-up ‘Riverside Beach’ during the summer!

Address: 100 Pointhouse Rd, Glasgow G3 8RS

Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm (11am-5pm on Fridays and Sundays)

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8. Glasgow Science Centre

The ultra-modern, unique domed architecture of Glasgow’s Science Centre hints at what you will find inside – boundary-pushing experiments, research and displays to enlighten young minds and get them excited about the world around them. Finally, there are loads of interactive activities, from a workshop highlighting the importance of bees, to an alien show in the Planetarium.

Address: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA

Opening Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm.

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9. Soar at Intu Braehead

Located within one of the city’s largest shopping centres, Soar is an amusement centre which provides loads of entertainment for a rainy day. There are also laser games, a climbing wall, bowling, indoor skiing, a trampoline park, adventure golf. And let’s not forget a chocolate making experience and a 17 screen cinema!

There really is something for all ages and tastes here. When you’ve worked up an appetite after all that excitement, there are also lots of dining options to choose from within Intu, including Pizza Express, TGI Fridays and Nandos.

Address: King’s Inch Rd, Glasgow, Renfrew PA4 8XQ

Opening Hours: Individual attractions vary, check the website for more details

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10. Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Finally, enjoy a family friendly show at this arts centre in Glasgow’s West End. The kids will be enchanted by the puppet master’s performances, and there are also workshops and special events where they can get involved, at weekends and during the school holidays.  As well as the theatre, there is a mask and puppet museum, library and a café onsite.

Address: 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Glasgow. G12 0QF

Opening Hours: Open 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday.

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Source: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre / Facebook 

We have 20 more things to do in Glasgow for your kids

11. Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Wander around the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens and greenhouses. Including the famous Kibble Palace which houses the National collection of tree ferns. Get lost amongst the exotic and rare plants, soak up the history of the iconic buildings, established in 1807. Afterwards, head to the charming tea shop for refreshments on the sun terrace.

Address: 730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE

Opening Hours: Grounds: 7am – dusk. Glasshouses: 10am-4pm / 6pm (winter/summer)

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12. Cuningar Loop

This recreational space next to the River Clyde is certainly a popular family hangout. It offers an adventure playground, bicycle tracks and a bouldering area. So stay active with your family and follow the 3 miles of walking paths, soaking up the tranquil riverside atmosphere.

Address: Downiebrae Rd, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1PW

Opening Hours: 24/7

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Source: @Robertson Group / Twitter

13. Pollok Country Park

At first, this sprawling country estate on the west of the city feels worlds away from the bustling streets. In others words, it is a wonderful place to escape to with your family. Immerse yourselves in nature as you discover extensive woodlands and gardens teeming with wildlife. Including clydesdale horses and highland cows. There are also picnic areas, a play park, walled gardens and riverside trails. No wonder the park has won numerous awards including Britain’s Best Park (2006) and Best Park in Europe (2008).

Address: 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 1AT

Opening Hours: 24/7. Individual attractions may vary.

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kids activities in glasgow
Source: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam

14. West Highland Way

If you have kids old enough to walk a few miles, a hike on this stunning stretch of Scottish Highland is certainly a must. Stretching for 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis. Most importantly the route offers breathtaking views of some of the most wild, unspoiled countryside in the UK.

You can walk as far as you like, depending on your fitness. In addition, the website below has useful itineraries to follow with maps and tips.

kids activities in glasgow
Source: West Highland Way.org

15. Loch Lomond

A 40 minute drive out of Glasgow will bring you to one of Scotland’s most famous beauty spots, Loch Lomond. Therefore this huge stretch of water surrounded by the mountainous landscapes of the Trossachs National Park is truly inspiring. The kids will also love following the ‘Fairy Trails’ near the village of Luss or at Balloch Country Park. That is to say, if you’re camping enthusiasts, there are several sites where you can pitch up next to the water. A chance for some real downtime with your your brood.

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Source: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

16. Flip Out Glasgow

A popular British city like Glasgow wouldn’t be complete without a Flip Out park that has become so popular with families and adults in the past few years. Flip Out Glasgow has over 63,000sq ft of trampolines, enough to spend hours in this indoor fun park for sure. The operator organises a special session called Family Bounce pass which can give access to 4 guests including one adult. Finally, we have heard that the Ninja Obstacle Course is worth the trip if you dare to try it!

Address: 89a Southcroft Rd, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1UG

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Source: FlipOut

17. Inflata Nation Park Glasgow

If you are looking for another great indoor fun park for your little ones, you can’t go wrong by booking a session at Inflata Nation Glasgow. Your children will have hours of fun on different inflatable rides such as slides, climbing walls, balls pool and an obstacle park. For younger children, the venue also offers the Inflata Tots park, perfect for kids under 3. This attraction is a great way to see your kids interacting with others whilst you are enjoying a drink at the café.

Address: 134 Portman St, Kinning Park, Glasgow G41 1EJ

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A fun indoor park for children in Glasgow
Source: InflataNation

18. Whale of a Time

Whale of a Time is a lovely little venue to get your young children excited to play indoors. Expect to find multiple rides and slides and even a dedicated area for babies and toddlers. There is also a cafe with different meal options, cold and hot drinks. So if you are looking for a great indoor activity to do in Glasgow that doesn’t cost the earth and safe for your children, have a look at Whale of a Time and pre book your session.

Address: 1273 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3RR

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An indoor soft play park in Glasgow for children
Source: Whale of a Time

19. Celtic Park Stadium Tour

With a capacity of over 60,000 spectators, Celtic Park is home to the famous Celtic Football club, famously known for their green jersey shirt. This is the largest football stadium in Scotland and a venue that also organised huge concerts from U2 or Prince. The home fans call their stadium Paradise. So if you are football fan, your family will enjoy this behind the scenes tour of Celtic Park where you will have access to the dressing room, the players tunnel room and so much more.

Address: Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE

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Source: GetYourGuide

20. City Sightseeing Glasgow

Every big city in Europe has its hop on hop off bus tour. So it comes without a surprise that Glasgow also offers the City Sightseeing tour bus that allows you to visit different places around Glasgow with the freedom to get off the bus at different stops. The operator offers 1 or 2 day unlimited use of their bus, so perfect for children who can’t walk too much but still like to see what Glasgow looks like.

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A family friendly tour bus in Glasgow
Source: GetYourGuide

21. Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow

Here is another soft play centre to keep the kids active whilst having fun with their peers. Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow is a big venue where you can find lots of slides, trampolines and climbing walls that young children love so much.

For baby and toddlers, there is a designated area with mini slides and a ball pitt for they can build confidence before going to the larger play areas.

You can easily spend 2 hours at Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow with great facilities available on site.

You will also find a great café with a good choice of hot food and drinks.

Address: 99 Middlesex St, Kinning Park, Glasgow G41 1EE

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Source: Wonder World Glasgow

22. Jurassic Jungle

Located on the north side of Glasgow, Jurassic Jungle is a top soft play centre for young children. Little ones love the bouncy castle and the different sections they can explore at their own pace. For instance, there is a ball pit, an area with a slide and plenty of toys to play with.

Parents can relax by sitting at the Jungle café and sip their favourite hot drink whilst watching their children having a blast.

Address: The Point, 29 Saracen St, Glasgow G22 5HT

Source: Jurassic Jungle

23. Ruff and Tumble Softplay

Ruff and Tumble Softplay has taken residence in a renovated church with a large play area full of activities like a football pitch and a bouncy castle. For toddlers, there is a reserved area for them too where parents can sit nearby. They are lots of push along toys and activities tables to keep the young children occupied at the venue.

If you feel having a quick lunch there, there is a café serving hot food such as chicken burgers, Mac and Cheese, sandwiches and even breakfast rolls if you are visiting the soft play centre in the morning.

Ruff and Tumble Softplay is located not too far from Pollock Park so perfect to mix outdoor and indoor activities in one day if weather permits.

Address: 181 Shawbridge St, Glasgow G43 1QN

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Source: Ruff and Tumble Softplay

24. Linn Park

Situated in the South of Glasgow minutes away from Muirend train station, you can find the beautiful Linn Park. This 82 hectares green space has lots of activities available on site. For example, you can take pony and horse riding lessons at the Linn Park Equestrian Centre. Otherwise, there is a playground available at the top end of the park and even a massive sand park.

During sunny days in the summer, families can enjoy nice forest walking trails. Don’t forget to stop by the scenic waterfall and cross the Snuff Mill Bridge.

Address: Linn Park Glasgow G44 5TA

Source: Pixabay

25. Escape Glasgow

This activity is suitable for children 10+

Glasgow has quite a lot of escapes rooms available in the centre. I have picked Escape Glasgow as one of the most suitable attractions to do with children above 10 years old.

The clues and puzzles can be quite tricky to solve so best to keep young children out of these 60 minutes challenges.

The venue offers 4 different games including one inspired by Sherlock Holmes. If you are passionate about witchcraft and wizardry, there is a great room dedicated to this theme too.

Address: 50 Wellington St, Glasgow G2 6HJ

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Source: Escape Glasgow

26. GVVT Bridgeton Bus Garage

Lots of museums are dedicated to planes or trains but I have never heard about a museum showcasing buses. Well, Bridgeton Bus Garage is a unique museum in Glasgow where you explore the history of buses from vintage vehicles to double decker bus. The depot is actually home to over 120 vehicles in great condition.

GVVT also organises a family friendly tour on certain Sundays of the year. So do check their website to see what’s on during your weekend break in Glasgow with the kids. Pre booking the tour is mandatory though.

Address: 76 Fordneuk St, Glasgow G40 3AH

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Source: Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust

27. Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre

Did you know that you could ski in real snow in Scotland? If you and your kids need to practise your skiing skills, why not heading to the Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre for a few hours.

Situated in Bellahouston Park, this outdoor artificial slope has been very popular with locals for many years with great private or groups lessons available to everyone. If you’ve never been on skis or snowboard before, you can book the Taste & Try lesson, which lasts 30 minutes with a dedicated instructor. It includes the hire of equipment such as boots, skis and poles. Sounds like a great activity outdoor to do in Glasgow with kids, don’t you think?

Address: 16 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5BW

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Source: Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre

28. R-CADE Glasgow

As you might have guessed with the name, this attraction is dedicated to gaming but with a twist. R-Cade is a venue located on Saltmarket in Trongate district where you can play vintage games. Some of the retro consoles include Super Nintendo, Atari and even the good old Pong.

Board Games are available too to play with friends and family. The popular R-CADE has a library of over 170 games including Catan, Labyrinth or different Monopoly versions.

Address: 121 Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5LF

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Source: R-CADE

29. Spot Art Street Murals

Glasgow is a great city to discover street art exhibits on a walking tour. Children will also enjoy the tour and spot different murals. Who knows they might even be inspired to do even better at the art lesson in school.

A good way to get your kids interested by street art is for them to borrow your smart phone or iPad and take pictures of their favourite pieces. I have done that a few times in other cities like Paris and it works magic.

Your guide will also reveal the history of modern Glasgow with of course a deep knowledge on the unique Glasgow street artists.

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Source: GetYourGuide

30. The Pavilion Theatre

If you fancy an evening out with the kids in Glasgow, you can choose to book a performance at the Pavilion Theatre, which usually programs top plays and comedies.

Every year, you can watch around Christmas a pantomime play such as Aladdin or Cinderella. Outside the festive season, you will be able to enjoy family friendly shows such as Grado’s Big Family Wrestling Bash scheduled on Saturday 13th May 2023 at 2pm.

Check their website to see what’s on during your visit in Glasgow with the kids.

Address: 121 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 3AX

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Source: The Pavilion Theatre

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Things to Do in Glasgow with Kids

Here is a map of Glasgow and its surroundings with all the activities I have selected for you. Zoom in to check all the things you can do in Glasgow.

CONCLUSION

I hope you have found this guide useful and pick the things you would like to do in Glasgow with your kids.

So if you visit Scotland, make sure to stop by Glasgow before you take your train back home, we recommend spending 1 or 2 nights before you take the famous Caledonian Sleeper train from the main train station.

Happy Travelling in Glasgow! Most importantly, we hope you will enjoy fully your next trip in Glasgow and have lots of fun!

30 Things to Do in Glasgow with Kids

1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
2. Hollywood Bowl
3. Fun Street Soft Play Glasgow
4. Glasgow Police Museum
5. Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
6. Go Wild Soft Play Centre
7. Riverside Museum and Tall Ship
8. Glasgow Science Centre
9. Soar at Intu Braehead
10. Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre
11. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
12. Cuningar Loop
13. Pollock Country Park
14. West Highland Way
15. Loch Lomond
16. FlipOut Glasgow
17. Inflata Nation Park Glasgow
18. Whale of a Time
19. Celtic Park Stadium Tour
20. City Sightseeing Glasgow
21. Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow
22. Jurassic Jungle
23. Ruff and Tumble Softplay
24. Linn Park
25. Escape Glasgow
26. GVVT Bridgeton Bus Garage
27. Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre
28. R-CADE Glasgow
29. Spot Art Street Murals
30. The Pavilion Theatre

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