Things to Do in Glasgow with Kids

Planning a trip to Glasgow with kids? It’s a fantastic choice – Scotland's largest city offers a surprising amount of fun for the whole family. Let’s break down some of the best ways to spend your time, focusing on tour categories that tend to be particularly appealing to younger travellers and their parents.

When it comes to keeping children entertained, several tour types stand out as excellent choices. The sheer number of walking tours available – there are 16 in total – provides a fantastic way to explore the city centre at a pace that suits families. Many of these tours, like the top-rated “Glasgow City Centre Outlander Walking Tour” (currently priced from £4 to £1,837), offer engaging stories and historical insights that can capture children’s imaginations. The cost is generally quite reasonable, making it accessible for most budgets.

Food tours are another strong contender. With 4 options available ranging from £97 to £130, the “Glasgow Food Tour - Evening” (5.0/5) offers a delicious way to introduce kids to new tastes and local delicacies. The interactive nature of sampling different foods can be particularly captivating for children.

For an adventurous experience, consider one of the many adventure tours – there are 11 options ranging from £50 to £850. The “Glasgow Small Group E Bike Tour: Highlights & Hidden Corners” (5.0/5) is a brilliant option for active families, letting you cover more ground and see some amazing sights. Similarly, nature and wildlife tours – with 17 tours priced from £44 to £1,949 – provide opportunities to connect with Scotland's incredible natural beauty, particularly the “Join the Dark Side of Magical Nature” tour (5.0/5). Boat trips and cruises are also a popular choice offering fantastic views of the city and surrounding landscapes; there are 42 tours available ranging from £20 to £1,050 with the "West of Scotland Cultural Tour" (5.0/5) being a particularly good option for families.

If your children enjoy a bit of mystery and intrigue, then a ghost tour might be just right – there are 5 options priced from £6 to £135. The “Southern Necropolis Tour with the Happy Reaper” (5.0/5) is consistently highly rated and offers a unique and spooky experience that older children will likely find thrilling. Escape rooms are also a fun option, with 4 tours available ranging from £30 to £30 – the "The Ghost of Mary Queen of Scots Escape Room" (5.0/5) is currently the most popular choice.

For families who enjoy a bit of competition and exploration, scavenger hunts offer a fantastic way to engage children. There are 16 tours available ranging from £3 to £29, with the "Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Glasgow with Cryptic Clues" (4.9/5) being the top-rated option.

When considering transportation around the city, bus tours – there are 28 options ranging from £30 to £429 – can be a convenient way to see the sights, particularly if you have younger children who might get tired of walking. The “Oban, Glencoe, Western Highlands, Lochs & Castles Private Tour” (5.0/5) provides an extended adventure that’s sure to impress.

Several other tour categories offer potential, but with slightly more caveats. Historical tours – there are 11 options priced from £14 to £110 – can be good for older children who enjoy learning about history, but might require some adaptation to keep younger ones engaged. The “History of Glasgow Walking Tour With A Comedian” (5.0/5) is particularly well-reviewed and offers a lighter approach which could be beneficial with younger audiences. Similarly the "Robert Burns Tour" (5.0/5) provides an engaging look into Scottish history and culture, especially if you have kids interested in poetry or literature.

Finally, let’s talk about cost. Many of these tours fall within a reasonable price range – you can find options starting from as little as £4 for a walking tour, while more extensive adventures like the “Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands Tour from Glasgow - 7 Days” (5.0/5) will require a larger investment.

To plan your family day out in Glasgow, we recommend booking at least one or two tours in advance – particularly during peak season – to secure your spot. Consider starting with a walking tour of the city centre to get an overview and then branching out into other activities based on your children’s interests. A combination of exploration, tasty treats, and perhaps a spooky ghost story will undoubtedly create lasting memories for your family.