Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit attraction for families visiting Glasgow. With over 22 themed galleries and 8000 objects on display, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The museum's star attraction is the giant floating head of Sir Roger the Asian elephant.
Located on the south bank of the River Clyde, Glasgow Science Centre is a world-renowned center of science and technology. Featuring a planetarium, a science mall, and interactive exhibits, this is the perfect place to inspire curiosity and learning in young minds.
Pollok Country Park is an expansive green space that's perfect for a family picnic. It also boasts a working farm, a walled garden, and several walking trails. The highlight of the park is the Burrell Collection, which features over 9000 works of art from around the world.
The Riverside Museum is a must-visit for transport enthusiasts. The museum contains over 3000 objects, including cars, bikes, and trains. And, just outside the museum, the Tall Ship Glenlee is docked. Visitors can tour the ship, learn about its history and life at sea, and even climb the rigging.
The People's Palace and Winter Gardens takes visitors on a journey through Glasgow's social history. The museum showcases the unique humor, style, and character of the people of Glasgow. The Winter Gardens, just adjacent to the museum, is a peaceful and tropical oasis in the heart of the city.
Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow, dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral boasts stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework. Just adjacent to the cathedral is the Necropolis, a Victorian-era cemetery with magnificent views over the city.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park offers visitors spectacular natural scenery with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Families can explore the vast network of walking and cycling trails, try their hand at fishing or boating on the loch, or even brave a wild swim.
Perched atop a hill overlooking the city below, Stirling Castle has been a site of historical importance for over a thousand years. Visitors can explore the castle's royal apartments, chapel, and great hall or interact with costumed performers in the courtyard.
Blair Drummond Safari Park is a fantastic family day out filled with animals, adventure, and discovery. Visitors can drive through the park's animal reserves, including a lion enclosure and an African Safari, or get up close and personal with meerkats and penguins in the park's walkthrough areas.
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is Scotland's oldest public museum and has an impressive collection of art, artifacts, and scientific exhibits. Highlights of the museum include the world-renowned Whistler collection and Hunterian Zoology Museum.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring over 12,000 plant species from around the world. Visitors can explore the gardens' many walking paths and greenhouses, including the Kibble Palace, a striking Victorian glasshouse.
The Tall Ship at Riverside is a maritime museum located on the River Clyde. This museum is an opportunity to learn about Glasgow's rich maritime history, explore the many exhibits and artifacts, and tour the decks of the Tall Ship Glenlee.
Glasgow Green is Glasgow's oldest public park and is a great place for a family day out. Visitors can enjoy a picnic or take a walk along the river. The park also features a variety of monuments, including the magnificent Nelson Monument and the Doulton Fountain.
The Gallery of Modern Art is located in the heart of Glasgow city center and showcases a range of exhibitions across several galleries. Visitors can explore the permanent collection of contemporary Scottish art or catch one of the many visiting exhibitions.
Buchanan Street is Glasgow's premier shopping district and is home to many high street and designer stores. The pedestrianized street is a great place for a family stroll, and visitors can take a break in one of the many cafes, restaurants or bars.
While many of Glasgow's attractions are within walking distance of each other, families may also want to consider purchasing a Glasgow Day Ticket, which costs £4.50 per adult and £2.30 per child and provides unlimited travel on Glasgow's buses and trains for one day. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available but can be expensive.
If you have more time, consider visiting some of Glasgow's neighboring towns, such as Dumfries or Ayr. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the museums and spending more time in Glasgow's parks and gardens.
Glasgow is served by Glasgow International Airport (GLA), located 8 miles from the city center, and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), located 32 miles from the city center. Glasgow International Airport is the larger of the two airports and offers direct flights to many major cities in Europe and North America.