Are you heading to Glasgow with all the family for the Commonwealth Games? The city is set to receive thousands of sporting fans hoping to see superstars like Usain Bolt and Tom Daley in action, but there’s plenty to see and do with the kids away from the stadiums in Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.
The Tall Ship
Visit The Tall Ship attraction, an independent museum preserving the history of the Glenlee, one of only five Clyde-built ships still afloat in the world today. And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to tell your toddler it’s a pirate ship…There’s plenty to explore onboard, including the refurbished Captain’s cabin and the under five’s play area in the cargo hold. Or, have a go at the 'Captain Scallywag's Scavenger Hunt' and 'Castaway Challenge' activity sheets, available for £1 at the ticket desk on arrival. _Free entry. Visit www.thetallship.com.
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Glasgow Science Centre
One of Scotland’s must-see attractions, there are two acres of interactive activities to keep the kids entertained. Highlights include the planetarium, where you can explore the wonders of the night sky, live science shows at The Science Show Theatre and the Waterways exhibit, where little ones can splash around. Tickets cost £10.50 for adults and £8.50 for children and concessions. Visit www.glasgowsciencecentre.org.
Glasgow Tower
Head up the newly re-opened Glasgow Tower, part of the Glasgow Science Centre, for amazing panoramic views across the city. It holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest fully rotating, freestanding structure in the world and at 27 metres high, it’s the equivalent of over 30 double-decker buses. Tickets cost £4.95 for adults, children and concessions.
www.glasgowsciencecentre.org.
Clyde - Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Say hello to Clyde, the official mascot of the Commonwealth Games, outside Kelvingrove Art Gallery. A giant floral sculpture, made up of more than 6,000 individual plants, Clyde took nearly four months to grow and sculpt and stands at 4.5 metres high. Open to the public. Visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk.
M & D’s at Strathclyde Country Park
There’s plenty of fun to be had at the theme park M & D’s, from adrenaline-inducing rides to an 18-hole mini golf course. Little ones will love the huge soft play area and Amazonia, Scotland’s only indoor tropical rainforest, packed with exotic plants, animals – and creepy crawlies! _The Young Adventureur Experience costs £13.60pp in bought in advance and £14.60pp if bought in advance. Visit www.scotlandsthemepark.com.
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Pollok House and Country Park
Escape the crowds at Pollok Country Park, Glasgow’s largest park and the only Country Park within the city. Wander the woodlands and gardens, a haven of birds and wildlife, and pay a visit to the grand Pollock House, one of Glasgow’s most elegant family homes. Or just head straight for the tea room for a slice of cake and a sit down. Pollock House costs £6.50 for adults; £5.00 for concessions and £16.50 for a family. Visit www.nts.org.uk/property/pollok-house.
Glasgow Green
Most of the summer’s cultural events will be taking place on Glasgow Green, so there’s always something to de, see and experience. The Opening Ceremony party will be taking place here on July 23rd, followed by a host of events including the music festival Celtic Connections and A Gaelic Adventure, as well as spoting events including the Cycling Time Trial and the Marathon. Free entry. Visit www.glasgow.gov.uk.
Any suggestions for what to do with the kids in Glasgow? Let us know in the comments box below.