15-Day Glasgow Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
    10 minutes (2.6 miles) from Glasgow city center

    Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features 22 galleries and exhibits ranging from art and culture to natural history. The museum caters to all ages and has interactive displays, including a Spitfire plane and a life-size African elephant, ensuring an excellent start to your family-friendly itinerary.

  • Day 2: Riverside Museum
    8 minutes (3 miles) from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

    Explore the award-winning Riverside Museum, home to various modes of transportation, including bikes, trains, and vintage cars. The museum also has interactive exhibitions suitable for children of all ages. Take a simulated bus ride from the early 1900s to get a feel for the past.

  • Day 3: Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
    26 minutes (16.3 miles) from Riverside Museum

    Summerlee Museum presents the social history of Scottish industry with interactive exhibits, a working tramway, dedicated play areas for younger visitors, and an extensive collection of working objects.

  • Day 4: Pollok Country Park
    19 minutes (4.6 miles) from Glasgow city center

    Take a break from museums and immerse yourselves in nature. Pollok Country park features woodlands, gardens, and wildlife, along with the grand Pollok House. Fun activities include pony trekking, trailing along a tree-top adventure course, or strolling around the highland cows.

  • Day 5: People's Palace and Winter Gardens
    17 minutes (5.5 miles) from Pollok Country Park

    The People's Palace and Winter Gardens is situated in the heart of the city overlooking Glasgow Green. Learn about Glasgow’s social history, listen to audiovisual exhibits, and explore the indoor courtyard of the grand 19th-century glasshouse.

  • Day 6: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
    44 minutes (31.2 miles) from People's Palace and Winter Gardens

    Travel outside of Glasgow and explore Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The park has something for all members of the family, including mountain biking, canoeing, bushcraft, or merely enjoying nature walks, wildlife watching, and boat trips on Loch Lomond.

  • Day 7: Balloch Castle Country Park
    6 minutes (1.5 miles) from Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

    Just a short drive from the national park, Balloch Castle Country Park is a perfect destination for a family picnic or a walk around the formal gardens, arboretum, or wooded parkland.

  • Day 8: Scottish Football Museum
    28 minutes (9.5 miles) from Balloch Castle Country Park

    Visit the Scottish Football Museum, located in Hampden Park Stadium. The tour of Hampden Park Stadium provides a fantastic insight into Scottish football history, with interactive exhibitions, video displays, and famous artifacts.

  • Day 9: Glasgow Science Centre
    12 minutes (3 miles) from Scottish Football Museum

    Explore the fascinating world of science at Glasgow Science Centre. Visit the interactive Science Mall, the planetarium and learn about the universe, or challenge your mind in the mind-bending illusions exhibition.

  • Day 10: Mugdock Castle and Country Park
    27 minutes (8.5 miles) from Glasgow Science Centre

    Spend the day at Mugdock Country Park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, walking through the woods, and visiting the 14th-century Mugdock Castle. You can also enjoy the adventure trail, playground, or horse rides for kids.

  • Day 11: Glasgow Botanic Gardens
    15 minutes (4.2 miles) from Mugdock Castle and Country Park

    Discover the ancient and exotic plant collections in the Botanic Lakes, the Kibble Palace, and the conservation greenhouses. You can also take a stroll around the Scottish herb garden or sit and relax in the gardens while watching the world go by.

  • Day 12: Garscube Play Rooms
    6 minutes (2.7 miles) from Glasgow Botanic Gardens

    Take your little ones to Garscube Play Rooms, a soft play area filled with ball pools, climbing frames, and wall murals. With an onsite cafe and a variety of activities to keep children entertained, this is the perfect spot for a family day out.

  • Day 13: The Tall Ship at Riverside
    9 minutes (3 miles) from Garscube Play Rooms

    Visit the Tall Ship at Riverside, The Glenlee, one of three remaining Clyde built sailing ships. Guests can learn the history of this beautiful ship by taking a tour around the restored cabins, engine room, and cargo hold.

  • Day 14: The Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre
    9 minutes (1.5 miles) from The Tall Ship at Riverside

    End your family-friendly Glasgow itinerary with a live musical performance or play at the beautiful Kelvingrove Bandstand, one of Scotland's hidden gems. This historic venue has hosted performers like Oasis and Snow Patrol, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (2 hours, Free)
  • Riverside Museum (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Pollok Country Park (2-4 hours, Free)
  • People's Palace and Winter Gardens (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (2-6 hours, Free)
  • Balloch Castle Country Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Scottish Football Museum (1-2 hours, £7.5)
  • Glasgow Science Centre (2-4 hours, £12 for adults, £9 for children)
  • Mugdock Castle and Country Park (2-4 hours, Free)
  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Garscube Play Rooms (2-3 hours, £4 per child)
  • The Tall Ship at Riverside (2-3 hours, Free, but donation recommended)
  • Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre (2-4 hours, price varies based on event)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £33.50 per adult, £22.50 per child

Transportation

Public transport in Glasgow is easy to navigate, with an extensive bus and subway network available. The SPT subway system has 15 stations, and the cost of a single ticket is £1.70. Alternatively, you can hire a bike from the city's Next Bike scheme, costing £1 for 30 minutes. Plan your journey, visit Traveline Scotland.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Glasgow, explore the city's thriving nightlife, visit the vibrant Merchant City, or sample some of the local food markets. For those with less time, pick your top three places to visit and work your way from there.

Airports

Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is the second-largest airport in Scotland, situated 8.6 miles west of the city center. The airport serves domestic and international flights, and shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, costing £8 for a single journey. Another airport is Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) situated 31 miles south-west of Glasgow city center. It is mostly served by budget airlines.

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