Museums
Whatever your kids are interested in, and whatever age they are, they’re bound to find something to delight in Glasgow’s many museums full of intrigue and wonder.
Based west of the centre by the banks of the shimmering River Clyde, the Tall Ship at Riverside was a Victorian trade and cargo ship that sailed the seven seas for many years. This perfectly preserved maritime masterpiece is now a living museum, where you can explore its 4 levels, from the captain’s cabin to the cargo hold. There’s even theme-days where volunteers dress up in old-time garb - an ideal afternoon of adventure for the kids.
150 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow G3 8RS.
Exciting exhibits
There are plenty of enthralling exhibits and centres in Glasgow aimed at getting kids interested and inspired in all subjects, from art and architecture to seriously stimulating science.
Glasgow Science Centre
With its curved, reflective silver exterior, this futuristic building looks like a spaceship. Inside, kids will love the interactive exhibits on everything from the human body to the starry wonders of the cosmos. Toddlers and teenagers alike will be engrossed, and there's also an immense IMAX cinema to further blow your family's minds.
50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA.
Parks and gardens
When you’re in a big city it’s always nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the central streets, and Glasgow’s parks and gardens provide lush space where the parents can unwind and kids can explore. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Suffused with the scents of kaleidoscopically colorful flowers, this is a perfectly tranquil setting to bring the whole family for a relaxed, stress-free picnic. There are several glass-house conservatories onsite, and the oldest is known as Kibble Palace, a huge, wrought-iron masterpiece of palatial design. Kids will love wandering through the exotic plant life of tropical ferns and delicate orchids. What’s more, the gardens are free entry for all ages.
730 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0UE.
This miniature farm, located east of the centre, is a fantastic place to bring tiny tots who have a love for animals. It hosts the usual petting zoo farmyard favourites, such as sheep and chickens, but they also have an array of more unusual animals like peacocks and lamas which are bound to make the kids go wild.
254B Wellshot Road, Glasgow G32 7AX.
Family dining
When your gang gets peckish, you'll want a restaurant that serves up hearty, pleasing grub without too much fuss or formality. Glasgow has that covered with its menu of family-friendly eateries.
This small, locally-started and family-run chain of Italian restaurants is ideal for those younger kids. The extensive menus cover all your favourite Italian classics - with a huge pizza list - and the meals are made from the best fresh and local produce. The speciality kids menu also comes complete with a free lollipop and activity sheet.
21 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AJ.
Ashoka Shak
Glasgow is famed for its city-wide love of aromatic Indian cuisine. It’s hard to find an Indian restaurant suited to kids, and that’s where Ashoka Shak steps in. Its kids' menu offers both small-sized milder curries, and favourites such as fish and chips - all at incredibly affordable prices.
Showcase Leisure Park, Langmuir Road, Glasgow G69 7TZ.
