A Day in Glasgow With Kids

There are plenty of things to do in Glasgow with kids as part of your Scotland family vacation. From visiting interactive museums like the Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum and exploring beautiful parks like Kelvingrove Park and Pollok Country Park to enjoying family-friendly events such as the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and the West End Festival, here’s how you can spend a day in Glasgow with kids.

Morning:

• Arrive in Glasgow and check into your hotel.
• Have breakfast at your hotel or at one of the many cafes in the city center.
• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. Kids will love exploring the castle’s many buildings and learning about its rich history.
• Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Kelvingrove area.

Afternoon:

• Take a walk through Kelvingrove Park, a beautiful park located next to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Kids will love playing in the park’s playgrounds and exploring the park’s many gardens.
• Visit the Glasgow Science Centre, a science center with interactive exhibits that will teach kids about science and technology.
• Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city center.

Evening:

• Take a walk along the River Clyde, a river that runs through the heart of Glasgow. Kids will love seeing the different boats on the river and learning about the city’s history.
• Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at one of Glasgow’s many restaurants.

Things to Do in Glasgow With Kids

There are many family-friendly attractions and activities to spend a day in Glasgow, or even a few days, including:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: This museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including art, history, and science. Kids will love exploring the different galleries and learning about the world around them.
• The Riverside Museum: This museum is dedicated to transport and travel. Kids will love seeing the different vehicles on display, from steam trains to vintage cars.
• Glasgow Science Centre: This science center has interactive exhibits that will teach kids about science and technology. Kids will love exploring the different exhibits and learning about the world around them.
• The Burrell Collection: This art collection has a wide variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. Kids will love seeing the different works of art and learning about different cultures.
• Pollok Country Park: This park has a variety of activities for kids, including a farm, a playground, and a forest. Kids will love exploring the park and getting some fresh air.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens: These gardens have a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a playground and a cafe. Kids will love exploring the gardens and learning about different plants.
• Glasgow Zoo: This zoo has a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. Kids will love seeing the different animals and learning about their habitats.
• The People’s Palace: This museum tells the story of Glasgow’s history. Kids will love learning about the city’s past and how it has changed over time.
• The Lighthouse: This museum is dedicated to architecture and design. Kids will love exploring the different exhibits and learning about how buildings are designed.
• The Tall Ship Glenlee: This tall ship is a replica of a 19th-century sailing ship. Kids will love exploring the ship and learning about sailing.

Where to Stay in Glasgow With Kids

Here are a few suggestions if you plan to spend more than a day in Glasgow:

• Radisson RED Hotel, Glasgow is a modern hotel located in the heart of the city, close to many of Glasgow’s top attractions. The hotel has family rooms that can accommodate up to four people, and it also has a number of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
• Apex City of Glasgow Hotel is another great option for families. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, close to many of Glasgow’s top attractions. The hotel has family rooms that can accommodate up to four people, and it also has a number of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
• Dakota Glasgow is a boutique hotel located in the West End of Glasgow. The hotel is close to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Botanic Gardens, and the Glasgow Zoo. The hotel has family rooms that can accommodate up to four people, and it also has a number of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
• Malmaison Glasgow is a luxury hotel located in the Merchant City district. The hotel is close to the River Clyde, the Glasgow Cathedral, and the Gallery of Modern Art. The hotel has family rooms that can accommodate up to four people, and it also has a number of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
• Hotel Indigo Glasgow, an IHG Hotel is a stylish hotel located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End. The hotel is close to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Botanic Gardens, and the Glasgow Zoo. The hotel has family rooms that can accommodate up to four people, and it also has a number of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

Where to Eat in Glasgow With Kids

Here are a few recommendations for family-friendly restaurants in Glasgow:

• Flying Duck is a family-friendly restaurant located in the West End of Glasgow. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that features classic Scottish dishes. There is a children’s menu available, and the restaurant also has a play area for kids.
• Wee Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that offers a casual atmosphere and a menu that features traditional Scottish dishes. There is a children’s menu available, and the restaurant also has a play area for kids.
• Grain Store is a restaurant that offers a modern take on Scottish cuisine. There is a children’s menu available, and the restaurant also has a play area for kids.
• Scran and Scallie offers a casual atmosphere and a menu that features traditional Scottish dishes. There is a children’s menu available, and the restaurant also has a play area for kids.
• Big Feed has a casual atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and salads. There is a children’s menu available, and the restaurant also has a play area for kids.

When to Go to Glasgow

The best time to visit Glasgow is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and there are several outdoor events and festivals, such as the Glasgow International Jazz Festival and the Glasgow Mela. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) can also be good times to visit, with fewer crowds and milder weather, although it can be rainy.

Winter (December to February) can be chilly, but it’s a great time to experience the city’s festive atmosphere, including Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations.

How Long to Stay in Glasgow

The recommended length of stay depends on your interests and what you want to see and do. You can spend a day in Glasgow with kids. But if you want to explore the city’s major attractions, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre, and the Riverside Museum, three to four days should be enough.

However, if you want to venture further afield and explore the Scottish countryside, such as Loch Lomond or the Trossachs National Park, a week or more would be ideal. Ultimately, the length of your stay in should be based on your interests and priorities, but the city has plenty to offer visitors of all ages and backgrounds, making it a great destination for a long weekend or an extended stay.

3-Day Glasgow Itinerary With Family

Here is a possible itinerary for a 3-day trip to Glasgow with kids:

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in Glasgow and check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. Kids will love exploring the castle’s many buildings and learning about its rich history.
• Evening: Have dinner at one of Glasgow’s many family-friendly restaurants.

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit the Riverside Museum, a museum dedicated to transport and travel. Kids will love seeing the different vehicles on display, from steam trains to vintage cars.
• Afternoon: Take a walk up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the city.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at one of Glasgow’s many restaurants.

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Scotland, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from Scotland’s past. Kids will love learning about Scotland’s history and culture.
• Afternoon: Visit the Scottish National Gallery, which houses a collection of paintings from around the world. Kids will love seeing the different works of art.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Glasgow’s many family-friendly restaurants.

How to Get Around Glasgow

Glasgow has a good public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city. Here are some of the options available:

• Bus: First Glasgow operates a network of buses that cover the entire city. Tickets can be bought on the bus or at any First Glasgow Travel Centre.
• Subway: The Glasgow Subway is a small underground railway system that runs through the city center. Tickets can be bought at any subway station.
• Train: ScotRail operates a network of trains that connect Glasgow to other cities and towns in Scotland. Tickets can be bought online, at any train station, or from a train conductor.
• Taxi: Taxis are available in Glasgow, but they can be expensive. It is best to agree on a fare before getting into the taxi.
• Walking: Glasgow is a very walkable city, and many of the city’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other.
• Cycling: Glasgow has a good network of cycle lanes, and cycling is a great way to get around the city. There are also a number of bike hire shops in the city.