During the school holidays, it can be a bit of a nightmare keeping the kids entertained with little for them to do other than watch TV and play computer games.
But should you want to spend some quality time with them and form some lasting memories there are plenty of exciting activities, events and places you can go to in and around Glasgow which can be great fun and keep little inquisitive minds active.
However, we know that with it recently being Christmas and the country being in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis the costs of going out for the day can soon mount up, to help we've put together a list of budget family-friendly activities to hopefully help.
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Free things to do:
The Riverside Museum of Transport
Probably the best free thing for kids to do on this list, home to one of the world's best collections of transport vehicles, interactive displays and of course, the much loved historic Glasgow street scene (complete with cobbles), there is plenty to see and do.
The Tall Ship
The Tall Ship Glenlee has a long and glorious past waiting to be discovered, with history, education and fun all mixed together to create an exciting maritime adventure.
Mount Vernon Gruffalo Trail
The community nature trail and adventure play park within Mount Vernon Park hide a few fun characters from the well-known children's book.
A walk around Cuningar Loop
This exciting woodland park on the banks of the River Clyde has play parks, walking and biking trails and even Scotland's first outdoor bouldering park.
Glasgow Police Museum
This hidden gem of a museum in the Merchant City is a must for any child that loves the police – as well as being fun for true crime-loving parents.
Be warned it's currently in winter hours which means it's open only on Tuesdays (10 am – 4.30 pm) and Sundays (12 pm – 4.30 pm).
Pollok Park
Glasgow’s largest park, Pollok offers various walks and places to explore that are perfect for a wee stretch of the legs after a Christmas feast. The park is also home to the world-famous Burrell Collection.
Fossil Grove, Victoria Park
This east-end park is fun in its own right but throw in the joy of discovering fossils from the age of dinosaurs and you have the chance to enthral your kids with items that date back to the days of these walking giants. The eleven fossil tree stumps date back to the Carboniferous Period and are about 330 million years old.
The Grove opens on selected dates, which you can find on the Fossil Grove website.
Low-Cost things to do:
Scottish Football Museum
If your kids are fans of the beautiful game then a wee visit to the National stadium should be in order and this museum dedicated to Scotland's favourite sport, with exhibitions created in honour of Scotland's greats.
Prices start at £3 per child over 5 (under 5s get in free) or £5 for an added stadium tour (adults are £8 and £13).
Calder Glen Country Park
A massive park with a children's zoo, a tropical glasshouse, ornamental gardens and woodland trails, Calderglen is packed with fun, and don't forget the huge free adventure and toddler Play areas too.
Entry into Zoo and Conservatory costs £1.85 for adults and 95p for children and it's free for under 3s.
Lamont Farm Project
This little farm project is ideal for little wildlife lovers and a great excuse to get them out to see some of the cute animals who have been rescued and rehomed here. It's worth checking ahead to see if they are taking visitors on their Facebook page, with hours running from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm.
They don't charge but do recommend a donation of £1.50 per adult and £1 per child, which goes to help look after the animals here.
Slightly more expensive things to do:
The Science Centre
Making learning fun, the Science Centre is packed full of enjoyable exhibits and activities to keep even the fussiest of children busy.
With prices at £10.50 per child and £12.50 (16 and above), it can be one of the most expensive items on our list but it does mean all-day access with three floors of activities waiting to be discovered.
Open tubing sessions at the Glasgow Ski Centre
A great one for older kids, you get 60 Minutes on the slope with an instructor supervising and as many turns on the tubes as they squeeze into that hour for you.
Open tubing sessions are available on the selected dates over into the New Year, which can be found on the Ski Centre website. For non-members, the sessions cost £12 per person (min age 4.)
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