The sun’s out, the kids are off school. Yeah! But how come children have so much more energy than the adults who look after after them? Now we just have to find enough to keep them entertained for the next seven weeks.
Luckily, there are loads of free things to do in Glasgow and Clyde. Here’s our favourites (and not a soft play centre in sight):
- Baltic Street Adventure Playground
This is a real treasure. Based in Dalmarnock, the Playground offers kids the chance to be outside, climb trees, get dirty and eat food cooked on campfires. It’s based on the principles of the adventure play movement, so children are encouraged to assess and take risks and do the things that city kids so rarely get to experience. They have waterproofs available to borrow if the weather doesn’t hold up. It’s aimed at 6-12 year olds, but younger children are welcome with an adult. It’s completely free and open 11am-6pm, Tuesday to Saturday in the holidays. Find out more at their website.
- Gallery of Modern Art drop-in sessions
The Gallery of Modern Art, or GOMA, is slap bang in the middle of the city and is always worth a visit if you want to escape the business of town. They are running free family workshops for children aged 3-12 all through the summer holidays. The sessions offer little hands a chance to do things like painting, sculpture and printing. This is a great option for creative sorts ( and looks like great fun for adults too). All sessions are free, there’s no need to book and they run from 10.30-12 every Monday to Thursday of the summer break. Download the programme here.
- Boden Boo woods, Erskine
It’s hard to believe that this absolute gem is so close to the city. The forestry commission woodland leads down to a beach, which has a slightly surreal feel nestled under the Erskine Bridge, with spectacular views across the Clyde to the Kilpatrick Hills. There are buggy-friendly walks through the trees, some makeshift wooden shelters in the forest and some great picnic spots. Towards the end of the summer, the bramble bushes produce a bumper crop , which is great for a wild snack on the go or to take home and cook with. Find more woodland walks at the Forestry Commission website.
- Queens Park Glasshouse
They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. But we all know, that when it’s been raining all day, sometimes you need and inside option. The glasshouse at the top of Queens Park has animals, including reptiles, mini-beasts, birds and fish as well as plant life, a cafe and a play area for very small children. If the little ones feel like venturing out, there is a free mini explorers club on Sundays from 1.30-3.30 every Sunday in the holidays. Find out more.
- Young Glasgow Active
For small people who have a lot of energy to burn off, these free drop-in sessions are a godsend. They offer fun games, sports and activities for 5-11 year-olds and as long as you sign a consent form, you can leave them there and take some time to recharge your own batteries. The sessions will move outside dry days and the good news is they are on offer in community centres across the city throughout the holidays. You can learn more about sessions in your area at the Glasgow Life website.
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