October Week is the best opportunity to spend time with your family and kids, and our attractions across Glasgow are the perfect destinations for family outings!
We have compiled a list of fun (and cheap!) things to do around Glasgow this October week, saving you both money and time you can spend with your family.
We have organised these activities into categories; museums, sightseeing, parks and more!
Museums
Visiting museums is a really fun and educational way of spending your day out – plus, it doesn’t need to cost you the earth!
GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) is located within the heart of Glasgow, at Royal Exchange Square. It houses displays from local and international artists, as well as incredible temporary exhibitions and creative events. As well as its stunning artwork, the inside and outside of the building are breath-taking with their imposing columns, bright interiors and large windows. The GOMA is free entry, but there is currently an online ticketed system in order to allow them to manage numbers and maintain physical distance. Tickets are released in two-week blocks, so book now for your visit during October Week!
The Riverside Museum is an incredible and award-winning transport museum. It currently has over 3,000 objects on display, from skateboards, to paintings and to a Stormtrooper! You can also enjoy amazing views of the Clyde from the museum, as well as having the Tall Ship on its doorstep! The Riverside Museum is also operating an online ticketed system, and it is essential to pre-book in advance. Like GOMA, the tickets are released in two-week blocks, to give more opportunities to attend the museum!
The Tall Ship is just beside the Riverside Museum, so why not pop in there too? The Tall Ship is truly one of a kind – while there were many ships built in Glasgow’s shipyards, the Glenlee (the name of The Tall Ship) is one of few that are still afloat today. The Tall Ship has been preserved and conserved as a historical and local museum and it is the principal exhibit of the Clyde Maritime Trust. The Tall Ship is free for individuals and families (up to a maximum of 8 people per group). If you wish to visit in a group, you must book in advance and make a group booking through their website.
The Science Centre is home to word-class exhibits and displays, as well as numerous workshops, events and activities. You can pre-book your tickets in advance of visiting The Science Centre. The Day Entry tickets are priced at £12.00 per adult (ages 16-59), £10.00 per child (ages 3-15), and free for under 3’s. You can also get concession tickets priced at £10.00.
Sightseeing
What better to do on a staycation than go sightseeing? Especially with some of the beautiful scenery we have in and around Glasgow!
Sweeney’s Cruises Co. Is the perfect choice for a picturesque and memorable event. It is one of the longest running family businesses in Scotland, having operated boats on Loch Lomond since the 1880s. All aboard the cruise for 23 miles of beautiful Loch Lomond wildlife, history, legend and folklore! The tickets are currently priced at £12.50 per adult, £11.00 per youth (ages 13-15), £8.00 per child (ages 12 and under), and free for children under 5 years old. You can also get 20% off adult tickets when you book on our website – https://thingstodoingla.com/offers/
Parks
There are so many stunning parks across Glasgow – so why not pop in to one of them and get a bit of nature this October week?
Pollok Country Park is an ideal destination for a day out. It is Glasgow’s largest park and the only Country Park within Glasgow. It was once part of the Old Pollok Estate, and home to the Maxwell Family, so it is imbued with a rich rural history. In 2016, Pollok Country Park achieved the Green Flag Award, which is the benchmark national standard for quality green spaces. Within the park, there are lots of different services and spaces you can find, from woodland walks, to a wildlife garden, and to many picnic areas.
Hop on over to the West End part of town for the Botanic Gardens! When visiting the gorgeous Botanics, you can wander around the grounds, the glasshouses, and enjoy a cuppa in style at their Tea Room. Pre-booking is not required for the gardens but there are is a one-way system in place, in order to respect physical distancing guidelines.
Also in the West End, you can visit the Kelvingrove Park, which comprises the stunning Kelvingrove Museum and Art Galleries. Also within the park, you will find the Kelvingrove bandstand, which is the perfect place for outdoor events, as well as bowling greens, tennis courts, a skateboard park, several cafes and much more. The grounds of the park are open at all times, and there is no need to pre-book.
Glasgow Green, which is situated near the city centre, is also a great park too – and what’s more, there’s loads to do there! The Glasgow Green was also awarded a Green Flag Award in 2011, just like Pollok Country Park. Within the park, you can take part in an orienteering course, wander around the beautiful footpaths, and get amazing views of the Clyde! Just like Kelvingrove Park, the grounds of the park are open at all times, and there is no need to pre-book.
More
Of course, no guide of what to do with your family is complete without a mention of the stunning aquariums and cinemas about town!
We especially love Sea Life, situated on the gorgeous Loch Lomond shores, and just 30 minutes from Glasgow. There are over 1500 creatures to see, including Scotland’s largest collection of shark species. You can also enjoy breath-taking views of Loch Lomond, as well enjoy a cuppa in their Loch View Coffee Shop. Currently, you can also enjoy 30% off when you book on our offers page – https://thingstodoingla.com/offers/
Also, we really love the Everyman Cinema at Princes Square, with its amazing interiors and great selection of films currently showing.
Whatever you choose to do this October week, we hope you have an amazing time with your family!