Summer is officially here, and Glasgow’s Leading Attractions have created a comprehensive list to ensure the wee ones are never at a loss for things to do in our brilliant city!
Head to the beach
It’s the news we never thought we needed, but Glasgow now has its very own beach. Visitors can take a seat on a classic striped sun lounger whilst watching the speedboats race down the Clyde completely free of charge. Located in the shadow of the Riverside Museum and with numerous travel links and car parking spaces, there are plenty of buckets and spades to go round. Even better, if the rain decides to make an unwelcome appearance, visitors can take shelter inside one of Glasgow’s most distinctive buildings and wait for the storm to pass whilst learning more about some of the 3,000 transport objects on display.
Ride the High Seas
Conveniently located within a stone’s throw of the beach are some secret treasures that are certainly worth finding. This ultimate Pirate Takeover is taking place on the decks of the Glenlee – one of only 5 remaining original Clyde built ships. There is daily entertainment for your kids in the form of a hunt for gold, and everyone’s a winner with a bag of chocolate coins as the bounty. These interactive experiences are running right the way through summer meaning there is plenty of time for a return visit. With their enthusiam for all things swashbuckling suitably encouraged, the additional daily drop in sessions provide ample opportunity to add to their sea-faring repitoire. Taking place daily from 12pm -3pm, the kids can get stuck into a whole host of crafts from parrot making to cork raft constructing which is sure to keep their little hands busy whilst you grab a moment up on deck.
Catch Scotland’s Favourite Son
It would appear the nation has gone Oor Wullie daft, and rightly so, he is Scotland’s most iconic cartoon. Whilst the combination of school runs and busy weekend schedules may have made it difficult to track down the colourful statues that are dotted around the city; the holidays present the perfect chance to get ticking them off your list. As the country’s first ever nationwide art trail, there are 200 Wullies to find, and all the money raised from this tremendous undertaking goes towards Scotland’s children’s hospitals. There couldn’t be a more worthwhile way to pass the day, and the comprehensive list of where to find them will keep your little ones busy and entertained wherever you choose to start hunting. What’s more, if you manage to get them to stand still for long enough to capture a photo, the snaps will make for an adorable keepsake of a Summer well spent.
Take a trip down memory lane
The Linda McCartney Retrospective is officially unveiled at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum at the start of July and whilst it does sound pretty high brow, it is certainly more digestible than Renaissance Art or Impressionism. Featuring a rarely seen collection of intimate shots curated by Paul himself, it’s a great opportunity to share a little bit of your history with the wee ones whilst walking alongside pictures of some of the rich and famous from the 1960s and beyond. Cameras used by Linda and held in her archive will also be displayed along with photographic equipment and vintage magazines that have been uncovered from her expansive collection. Children under 16 are invited to visit this exhibition for free, meaning there is no better time than now to introduce them to the Golden Years of Photography and Culture.
Tuck into Strawberries and Cream
Next week is officially Wimbledon Season and if you have yet to let your little ones indulge in this very British tradition, why not make it part of a picnic in one of Glasgow’s glorious parks. Many people forget that the river flows through Kelvingrove Park and is perfect for paddling or watching the ducks swim by. There is also a designated area for football and racquet sports aswell as plenty of shaded spots to chill out if that sun gets a little too intense. Alternatively, you could take a jaunt to Loch Lomond, a mere 30 minutes from Glasgow, where pristine shores and picnic benches aplenty make for a fantastic change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. If the kids have yet to find their sea legs, why not avoid a baptism of fire and take them out on the Loch instead. Sweeny’s Cruise Co. offers a one hour circular that enjoys views of the magnificent Ben Lomond and passes a number of stately homes and castles along the shoreline.
Get Lost in Another World
Overlooking the shores of the Loch sits the Sealife Centre which has a packed calendar to suit all interests and age ranges. The lego explorers event comes free with every ticket and allows your kid to create, make and show off their lego designs to unlock some mysterious underwater secrets. Alternatively, to close out August, the aquarium has recruited some real-life mermaids who are at home swimming amongst the creatures of the deep. Bookings have already opened for this magical event which is sure to prove just as popular with the parents as their smaller companions! If they prefer what’s up above to what’s down below, the Glasgow Science Centre is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with a spread of retro food, fashion and technology from the era of man’s greatest achievement. The festival is taking place from the 13th to the 21st of July, and there is a massive selection of otherworldly shows including Planetarium Lates and a dedicated Little Explorers day which is sure to impress even the most avid of space buffs.
Have your Brunch like a Blogger
No parent wants their child to grow up too quickly, but every kid wants to act like a grown up! Why not give them a taste of old-school sophistication at the Willow Tea Rooms, where they can get their hands on delicious dishes that are tailored for younger taste buds. Just across the road, at Princes Square, they can dine in surroundings fit for a millennial which is sure to have them on their best behaviour. The shopping centre will be playing host to a selection of pop up events throughout the summer whilst family-friendly offers are being released regularly to guarantee you five-star service at a bargain price. For those able to enlist the help of a babysitter for the night, City Sightseeing Glasgow are offering an unmissable opportunity to see the city by dark. The open top bus tour has been amended to take in some of the best watering holes and foodie hotspots, making it an ideal evening off from parent duties and a brilliant way to experience Glasgow in a whole new light.
Ignite their Competitive Streak
Despite all this talk of sun, Soar at Braehead has a comprehensive back up plan if the weather decides not to pull through. With laser tag, a climbing wall and tons of bowling alleys, this massive space offers a brilliant place to unleash some friendly family rivarly. What’s even better, getting everyone involved does not have to break the bank as there is a great selection of daily deals on rotation to ensure there is enough pocket money left for the inevitable cinema snacks to follow. Indeed, with this year fast becoming one of Disney’s busiest in terms of new releases, Intu Braehead is your one stop shop for the full reel of iconic live-action remakes, including the highly anticipated Lion King.
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