Glasgow as a city excels at entertaining small people. From the huge number of our “dear green” parks where they can burn off lots of excess energy, to educational and cultural activities that are well-designed, child-friendly and loads of fun.
Glasgow Museums are free and there really is something for everyone. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a treasure trove with lots of interactive and child-focused displays to bring the objects to life and keep even the most easily distracted wee minds engaged. Get them experimenting to see if they can jump as far as a kangaroo, decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and if you time it right appreciating the sounds of the magnificent Kelvingrove Organ (1pm Monday – Saturday and 3pm on Sunday).
The People’s Palace offers a unique look at the social history of Glasgow. It’s quirky and fun. With lots to see and learn about life in a ‘single-end’ – a one room tenement flat, going to ‘the dancing’ at the Barrowland Ballroom, Billy Connolly’s banana boots and of course Smudge, the People’s Palace Cat.
If hands-on is what the dinky dictators are demanding then Glasgow Science Centre is hard to beat. The exhibitions are themed around various topics including “Bodyworks”. With the bold claim that ‘you’ll never look at your body in the same way.’ The exhibits are brilliantly curated and interactive, so it’s fun for everyone.
Other exhibits at Glasgow Science Centre include “My World of Work” expands thinking about a career in science away from the white coated lab technician stereotype and gets kids in space suits and paramedic uniforms. For the Greta Thunberg superfans, “Powering the Future” explores the energy trilemma and asks ‘What would you do?’
After all this you might be in need of a lie down in a dark room and this is where the Planetarium seems like a welcome rest. Quite how relaxing a journey across the solar system, into the Milky Way and beyond will prove to be remains to be seen.
If a trip to the GSC has only served to whet the scientific appetite, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery includes a history of medicine in the West of Scotland, Lord Kelvin’s scientific instruments, material from the Antonine Wall and displays from the collection of Dr William Hunter. Suitable for more mature visitors this is an eye opening collection.
Of course if you can’t think Glasgow without the image of a football floating into your mind’s eye, then Hampden, Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium offer tours.
What are your favourite days out for the family in Glasgow?