🏛️St Mungo Museum of Religious Life

GoMA is Glasgow's premier gallery of modern and contemporary art, housed in a striking neoclassical building in the city centre. Families are welcomed with a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to engage children of all ages. The gallery features rotating exhibitions, a dedicated Family Learning Space, and regular workshops for kids, including art-making sessions and gallery trails. - **Highlights:** The iconic statue of the Duke of Wellington with a traffic cone on his head outside (a Glasgow landmark). Inside, bright, open spaces with thought-provoking art, plus a playful atmosphere. Free entry, so you can pop in for just 30 minutes or stay for hours. - **Facilities:** Baby-changing facilities, family-friendly café, and accessible toilets. The gallery is buggy-friendly with lifts. There's also a shop with quirky gifts. - **Practical tips:** Check the website for family workshop timings (often on weekends and school holidays). The gallery can get busy, but it's rarely overcrowded. Allow 1–2 hours. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Step back in time at this historic school designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Explore reconstructed classrooms from the Victorian era to the 1960s, complete with desks, slates, and period costumes. Kids can try writing with ink pens, play traditional playground games, and see what school life was like for their grandparents. Interactive exhibits and dressing-up boxes keep younger children engaged. The museum also features a 1950s-style kitchen and a WW2 air-raid shelter. The playground outside has replica games like hopscotch and skipping ropes. Facilities include a small café, gift shop, and accessible toilets. Free entry, but donations welcome. Allow 1-2 hours. Best for ages 3–12, but all ages enjoy the nostalgia.

A hands-on science museum with over 300 interactive exhibits spread across three floors, plus a planetarium and an IMAX cinema. Perfect for children aged 3 and up, with dedicated zones for different age groups. Highlights: - The BodyWorks exhibition (human body) - The Planetarium (daily shows) - IMAX cinema (educational films) - Live science shows and workshops - The Glasgow Tower (observation tower, check if open) Facilities: baby-changing, buggy parking, café, gift shop, accessible for wheelchairs. On-site parking (chargeable). Practical tips: Pre-book tickets online to guarantee entry. Allow 3-4 hours. The café serves kids' meals. The tower may close in high winds.

Glasgow Green is the oldest park in the city, dating back to the 15th century. It offers expansive green spaces, a large playground, and sports facilities including tennis courts, football pitches, and a bowling green. The park hosts events like concerts and festivals throughout the year. Highlights for families: - The play area with swings, slides, and climbing frames suitable for toddlers to older kids. - The scenic walk along the River Clyde. - The People's Palace and Winter Gardens (free museum and glasshouse) located within the park, offering interactive exhibits about Glasgow's history. - Plenty of open space for picnics and ball games. Facilities include public toilets, cafes nearby, and ample parking. The park is easily accessible by public transport. It's a great spot for a low-cost family day out with something for all ages.

Glasgow Climbing Centre is a premier indoor climbing facility offering a range of activities for all ages and abilities. With over 50 top ropes, a dedicated bouldering area, and an auto-belay system, it's perfect for families looking for an active and adventurous day out. Children as young as 4 can participate in supervised climbing sessions, and the centre runs popular birthday parties and holiday clubs. - Highlights include a kids' climbing zone with fun routes and obstacles. - Facilities: café, changing rooms, equipment hire available. - Practical tips: Book in advance for weekends and school holidays. Wear comfortable clothing and socks; climbing shoes can be hired.

The Hunterian is Scotland's oldest public museum, housed within the University of Glasgow. It offers a fascinating mix of geology, archaeology, and art, with highlights including the Mackintosh House (a reconstruction of the famous architect's home) and the extensive collection of scientific instruments. Families can enjoy interactive displays, dinosaur fossils, and a hands-on area for younger children. The museum is free and welcomes all ages. Facilities include baby-changing stations, a cafe, and wheelchair access. The Art Gallery features works by Whistler and Mackintosh. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit, and check the website for family events and trails.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular free attractions, offering a vast collection of art, natural history, and interactive exhibits. Families will love the life-size elephant, the Spitfire suspended from the ceiling, and the dinosaur skeletons. The 'Discovery Centre' allows hands-on activities for younger children. - **Highlights**: Spitfire, Elephant, Dinosaur Gallery, Art from Salvador Dalí and Scottish Colourists. - **Ages**: All ages; interactive areas for under-5s and hands-on science for older kids. - **Facilities**: Baby-changing, cloakroom, buggy parking, café with kids' menu, gift shop. - **Practical tips**: Free entry, but donations welcome. Busy on weekends; arrive early. Drop-in family workshops often available. Kelvingrove is entirely indoors, making it a perfect rainy day destination.

Bellahouston Park is a large public park in Glasgow, offering a variety of green spaces and recreational facilities ideal for families. Highlights include: - A well-equipped children's playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames. - Beautiful gardens, including the formal Italian Garden and the Peace Garden. - The Palace of Art, which hosts exhibitions and events. - Sports facilities including football pitches, a running track, and tennis courts. - Plenty of open space for picnics, ball games, and leisurely walks. The park is suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers playing in the playground to older kids enjoying sports. Facilities include toilets, a café, and ample parking. Entry is free. While the park is primarily outdoor and best enjoyed in good weather, sheltered areas offer some protection on drizzly days.

A sprawling 27-acre botanical garden in the West End of Glasgow, offering a beautiful mix of curated glasshouses, thematic gardens, and open lawns. Families can explore the iconic Kibble Palace (a stunning Victorian glasshouse), the temperate glasshouse, and themed areas like the Herb Garden and the Systematic Garden. Children will love the spacious playground and the many paths for scooters or bikes. The gardens host seasonal events, and the glasshouses provide a warm refuge on cooler days. - Highlights: Kibble Palace, children's playground, duck ponds, seasonal flower displays - Facilities: Café, toilets with baby-changing, free entry - Practical tips: Bring a picnic, as there are plenty of picnic benches; the gardens are flat and pram-friendly. The nearest train station is Hyndland (10 min walk).

A tranquil, award-winning community garden nestled behind the Tramway arts venue in Glasgow's Southside. Designed as a multicultural sanctuary, it features beautifully planted borders, a pond, a woodland walk, and a productive vegetable garden. Families can explore winding paths, relax on the lawn, or enjoy the sensory planting. There's a welcoming on-site café serving homemade food and drinks. - Free entry and open to all ages. - Pushchair-friendly paths and plenty of seating. - Regular family workshops and storytelling sessions (check website). - Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available in the adjacent Tramway building. - Perfect for a peaceful outdoor escape, though limited shelter if it rains heavily.