Family friendly guide to things to do in Glasgow with kids

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What to expect

Expect a high-energy visit across multiple floors, with tactile exhibits that invite touching, experimenting and discovery. Live science shows add theatrical flair and readily engage younger visitors, while the planetarium offers a dark, immersive journey through the stars. The Glasgow Tower provides clear vantage points over the city, and helpful staff, a gift shop and a café complete the experience. Noise and lively crowds are common when families are present, so plan around peak times if quieter browsing is preferred.

Plan your visit

Book planetarium shows separately and arrive with comfortable shoes for exploring three floors of exhibits. Allow extra time for live demonstrations and the tower viewpoint. Combine the visit with a riverside walk, and check the centre's website for ticketing and any accessibility information. Bring a camera for the architecture and hands-on moments.

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What to expect

Expect a compact, lively public square framed by elegant neoclassical façades and the Gallery of Modern Art at its centre. Outdoor seating spills into the space, creating a café-lined hub for locals and visitors. Office workers, shoppers and sightseers pass through, so the mood moves from gentle daytime bustle to a livelier evening. The Duke of Wellington statue, complete with its iconic cone, adds a splash of local humour, and the layout makes crossing between Buchanan Street and Queen Street simple.

Plan your visit

Head out from Buchanan Street for the most direct route. Pop into the Gallery of Modern Art for a quick cultural stop, then grab a table on a café terrace and watch the city flow by. Use the square as a meet-up point between shops and museums, and keep a camera ready for the Duke of Wellington statue , it makes a memorable snapshot.

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What to expect

Find a friendly, conversational atmosphere where former officers share first‑hand tales and context. The collection is compact but rich: artefacts, badges, helmets and a standout room of international uniforms. Expect a lot to read, a few interactive moments and plenty of chances to ask questions. The layout makes browsing easy, so visitors of all ages can move through exhibits at a relaxed pace.

Plan your visit

Head in with time to chat, not just to glance. Start in the main displays, then spend time in the International Room where the uniform collection rewards curiosity. Photography is welcome, ask a staff member if guidance is needed. The team are happy to talk through highlights, so leave room for conversation and discovery.

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What to expect

A large, graphic portrait painted on a street-facing wall, best experienced on foot. The mural sits within a lively streetscape, so look up and around for other pieces and urban details. The route is self-guided and free, with varied viewpoints that suit wide shots and close-ups. Most visitors find it accessible, though some pavements can be narrow, so take care when framing photos near traffic.

Plan your visit

Start from the city centre and follow a mural map or trail route, then head out on foot. Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and allow time to stop for photos. Seek quieter side streets for uninterrupted views, and pair the mural stop with nearby shops or a coffee pit stop. Keep an eye on passing traffic when composing shots.

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What to expect

Expect a mix of history and humour: a 19th-century equestrian statue routinely topped with a traffic cone, thanks to local tradition. It’s a natural meeting point, great for candid street photos and people-watching. The statue stands on a high plinth, so viewing from the pavement is easy, though close tactile access is limited. Surrounding streets offer cafés, galleries and shops, so head out for a short wander after a quick pause at the plinth.

Plan your visit

Make this a short stop on a central walking route, pairing it with the nearby gallery and George Square. Bring a camera, step aside for passing foot traffic, and allow a moment for someone else to take a photo. Viewing is wheelchair friendly from the pavement, though the plinth limits tactile access. Ideal for families, friends and solo explorers seeking a quick, emblematic snapshot of Glasgow.

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What to expect

Expect a commanding wall of colour, layered imagery, and thoughtful symbolism. The piece is a collaborative work that draws on local and Indigenous perspectives, so details reward a slow look. Suitable for all ages, the mural sits at street level for close inspection and photography. Nearby pavements and cafés make it simple to combine a photo stop with a longer walk through the creative quarter.

Plan your visit

Head out with a camera and comfy shoes, the mural is a sharp visual stop on a walking route. Start in daylight for truer colours, then wander surrounding streets to find more pieces and local cafés. Respect the artwork, avoid touching paint, and take a moment to read any nearby artist notes.

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What to expect

Expect an intimate, immersive visit through a working-class flat from the late 19th century. Rooms are arranged with original furniture, period artefacts and authentic lighting, creating a strong sense of daily routine. Volunteer guides tell personal stories, answer questions and provide multilingual leaflets. A small café and a child-friendly dress-up corner add charm. Space is limited, so move slowly and savour the tiny details.

Plan your visit

Head there by public transport, it’s a short walk from Glasgow Central and Charing Cross. Look out for a modest brick frontage, as signage is low-key, so ask a local if unsure. Combine the stop with nearby museums and cafés for a fuller day. Bring a camera and leave time to chat with volunteers and soak up the atmosphere.