Weekend in Glasgow
This budget-friendly family weekend in Glasgow strikes a perfect balance between exciting paid attractions and wonderful free activities. We've included festive Christmas markets, engaging museums with hands-on activities, and beautiful outdoor spaces, ensuring plenty of memorable experiences for children aged 3-12. Families should check the respective websites closer to the dates for any specific event schedules, workshop timings, or booking requirements for popular attractions. Consider public transport, as parking can be limited or costly in central areas.
Friday Evening - Festive Fun Starts
Friday, November 21Christmas Market Stalls
Kick off the festive season at the St Enoch Square Winter Wonderland, featuring traditional Christmas market stalls, food vendors, and a unique solar-powered observation wheel.
It's a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a family stroll and soaking in the holiday spirit.
Kids will love the festive lights, the variety of unique stalls, and the general buzz. There are usually treats available like churros or hot chocolate. Stroller accessible paths are generally available. Public restrooms are available in the St Enoch Centre adjacent to the square. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Easily accessible by public transport via St Enoch Subway Station. Several car parks are available nearby, including the St Enoch Centre car park, though they can be busy and charge hourly rates. Consider walking if living centrally.
Dinner & Play
Enjoy an early, relaxed dinner at Wallace Well Farm, a family-friendly restaurant offering separate dining zones and an indoor soft play area for children.
Their kids' menu has tasty meals from only £4.29.
Perfect for energetic kids to burn off steam after dinner in the soft play area. The kids' menu offers wholesome options. High chairs are available. Aim for an earlier dinner to get kids home for bedtime. Ask for coloring sheets and crayons to keep them busy at the table.
Accessible by car with ample free parking available on-site. It's a bit further out from the city centre, so a car is recommended.
Saturday - Discovery & Wonder Day
Saturday, November 22Science Centre Fun
Dive into the interactive exhibits at Glasgow Science Centre.
With three floors of hands-on science, a Planetarium, and an IMAX cinema, kids can explore everything from robotics and illusions to outer space. Expect engaging shows and exciting displays.
Highly recommended for all ages, with specific zones suitable for younger children. Interactive exhibits are designed to keep kids engaged for hours. Public restrooms and baby changing facilities are available. Check their website closer to the date for specific science show times or Planetarium schedules. Allow 3-4 hours.
Accessible via public transport (Cessnock Subway station is a 10-15 minute walk) or by car with paid parking available on-site. Stroller accessible throughout the venue.
Riverside Lunch & Explore
Enjoy a casual lunch at the Riverside Museum's cafe, followed by exploring its award-winning transport and technology collections.
Kids will love climbing aboard vintage trains, trams, and cars, and wandering through the recreated historic Glasgow street scene.
The museum is free to enter and incredibly engaging for children with many interactive exhibits. Restrooms, baby changing facilities, and stroller access are excellent. The café offers kid-friendly options. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration after lunch.
Free parking is available on-site, though it can fill up quickly. Easily accessible by public transport via Partick Interchange (train, subway, bus) which is a 10-15 minute walk away. The Govan-Partick Bridge is also open for easy access.
Museum Art & History
Visit the majestic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
This free, world-class museum boasts 22 galleries with 8,000 objects, from natural history displays (including a suspended Spitfire and a stuffed elephant, Sir Roger) to ancient art. Look out for the 'Discover - Make and Create' family activities.
An absolute must-do for families, with interactive elements designed for children. Kids will particularly enjoy the natural history section and the different tunnels to explore. Restrooms and baby changing facilities are available. Free entry, but special temporary exhibitions may have a fee. Allow 2 hours.
Paid parking is available at the museum and Kelvin Hall. Limited blue badge parking is free. It's a 15-minute walk from Partick train station. Good bus links.
Early Family Dinner
Enjoy a delicious early dinner at Ka Pao, known for its excellent Southeast Asian inspired food that is surprisingly family-friendly.
Alternatively, for a more casual option, check out one of the family-friendly spots on Ashton Lane.
Ka Pao offers an exciting menu that even kids enjoy, with smaller portions available. The atmosphere is vibrant. Hillhead Bookclub, also in the West End, has a retro playroom, perfect for after-dinner entertainment.
Located in the West End, easily accessible by Hillhead Subway station. On-street parking can be found, but is often limited and metered.
Sunday - Relaxed Festive Exploration
Sunday, November 23Winter Wonderland Fun
Immerse yourselves in the full Winter Wonderland experience at Glasgow Green.
Enjoy family-friendly fairground rides, try ice skating (if suitable for ages), and perhaps visit Santa's Grotto. This vibrant event runs until early January.
Offers a fantastic festive atmosphere with attractions like Santa's Grotto, an ice rink, and various rides. It's a mix of free to browse and paid attractions. Bundle deals for rides or ice skating might be available. Public restrooms are likely on-site. The timings are noon-10pm on weekends, allowing for a relaxed start.
Glasgow Green is well-served by public transport. High Street and Bridgeton train stations are nearby. Limited street parking may be available, but public transport is generally recommended during busy events.
Botanic Garden Explore
Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
Explore the impressive glasshouses (Kibble Palace and the Main Range), discover the Children's Garden, and let the kids burn off energy at the adventure playground. There are also self-led trails for families like 'Minibeasts, Birds and Trees of the Botanics'.
A fantastic free outdoor and indoor option. The playground is suited for ages 3-10. The glasshouses offer warmth on a chilly day and fascinating plants. Paths are good for strollers. On-street parking is available on Queen Margaret Drive. Public toilets are generally available in the visitor centre or Kibble Palace. Allow 2-3 hours.
Easily accessible via Hillhead Subway station (7 min walk). On-street parking (metered) is available on Queen Margaret Drive. Limited blue badge parking inside.
Cozy Café Treat
Wind down the weekend with a cozy family treat at a local café near the Botanic Gardens.
Consider The Left Bank for good food, or a more casual spot like a bakery for some hot drinks and pastries.
A perfect way to relax before heading home. Many cafes in the West End are family-friendly. Enjoy a final Scottish pastry or a warming drink. Offers a chance for kids to relax and recharge. The Left Bank is known for its local produce and relaxed atmosphere.
Close to Hillhead Subway station. On-street parking in the West End is often metered and can be busy.
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