10 Things We Like to Do Outdoors in Glasgow

Glasgow is known as a city overflowing with character, history, art, music, and more. The city has been a delightful place for visitors for centuries. It’s a highly recommended place to visit, where you can find something for everyone!

In this article, we’ll share some of our favourite things to do outdoors in Glasgow!

1. City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop On Hop Off Tour

As Scotland’s second-largest city, there’s something for everyone to see and do outdoors in Glasgow. If you’re into sightseeing, why not try the City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Tour?

The tour includes 21 stops that start with a visit to Glasgow Cathedral. This mediaeval structure is a place where the kids can run around without a problem and learn about the local history. When you’re finished here, consider hopping on the bus and hopping off again at the Kelvingrove Museum. The museum is filled with family-friendly exhibits, including a mini museum and Sir Roger, the stuffed elephant.

Hop on the bus again and hop off at the Willow Tea Room for a delightfully delicious scone. After this, you can hop on the bus and tour the harbour, which has been an integral part of the city for hundreds of years. And if you have time, take the express ferry over to Kintyre!

2. Glasgow Botanical Gardens

Our next outdoor recommendation to visit in Glasgow is the Glasgow Botanical Gardens. These gardens are famous around the world for their impressive glass houses and tropical, temperate plant collections from around the world.

Here, you can also find the adorable Children’s Garden in the Old Nursery within the gardens. The goal is to encourage kids’ interest in growing, cooking, and eating healthy, natural foods. Kids are also fascinated by the plants, along with the environmental and conservation efforts of the gardens.

Glasgow Botanical Gardens also offers a wide range of themes from horticulture and botanical interests that are great for adults and kids alike. Adults will also enjoy walks through the beautiful gardens on a pretty day.

3. Waverley Excursion

Do you love heading out on the high seas? If so, you may want to consider taking a Waverly Excursion! You can ride on the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. The ship has been fully restored to bring it back to its original glory and beauty. You’ll find a ship with towering funnels, timber decks, and brass so shiny you can see yourself in it.

What could be better than the ship’s engine rumbling to life under your feet? The ship’s huge paddle wheels carry you out to sea, where you can take in the amazing views of the coast as you visit new places. The Waverly is registered on the National Historic Fleet as being a vessel of “pre-eminent national significance.” The ship has been operated in preservation since 1975 and has become a national treasure, carrying over six million passengers.

You can choose from several different excursions, such as exploring the lochs and islands of Scotland. While on board, you’ll have many options for eating, including a whisky bar and a tearoom. You can dine in style as you sail along the coast.

The Waverly sails May-October; find the current sailing schedule on the Waverly’s website!

4. Pollok Country Park

Next on our list of outdoor things to do in Glasgow is Pollok Country Park, one of the country’s national parks. Here, you’ll find a range of terrain and landscaping to enjoy as you explore this beautiful park. The park features yew hedges and herbaceous displays, to tropical plants in glass houses.

The park also features the Woodland Garden and a Woodland Trail leading from Library Gardens. If you love to hike, this is the trail for you, but be sure to bring your wellies! You can also take in the Food Route, which takes you around the kitchen gardens and Demonstration Vegetable Garden, and more. Learn more about the park’s features at the Countryside Ranger Centre, where you’ll also find a lovely playground and the orienteering trail.

Pollok Park also features different events, including Pollok Family Day, which has tons of activities for the kids, such as Heavy Horse demonstrations. The park also features the award-winning Pollok Highland Cattle, though you can’t get too close. So you may want to bring some binoculars along.

Pollok park has something for everyone in your family, and it’s open year-round.

5. Rouken Glen Park

Rouken Glen Park is another of Scotland’s national parks located near Glasgow. The park features natural beauty across the seasons. You’ll find acres of park to explore, taking the entire day if you’d like! You may even catch sight of some wildlife on your trek!

In the summer, you can enjoy boating on the pond and visiting the play area with your kids. There’s also a skate park and a five-a-side football complex!

6. Reidvale Adventure Playground

Reidvale Adventure Playground offers a safe place where kids can explore and discover the outdoors. The park is a place where the entire family can spend time together.

Reidvale offers indoor and outdoor facilities, including campsite fun, an assault course challenge, and so much more. Each activity is meant to challenge kids and increase their confidence. You’ll also find seasonal events to enjoy with your kids.

7. Celtic Park Stadium Tour

If you and your kids are football fans, you’ll love this next outdoor activity in Glasgow. Have fun taking a guided Celtic Park Stadium tour. You’ll learn all about what goes on behind the scenes, such as taking a tour of the dressing room, spending time in the dugout, and more.

The kids will also love running up and down the pitch or striking a pose for those imaginary cameras! This is one of the largest stadiums in Europe, where you can learn all about the heritage of the Celtic Football Club, which was founded in 1888. Have a great time with your kids as you tour this amazing stadium and its exhibits!

8. Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Springfield Quay

Do you love bowling? If so, why not visit Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Springfield Quay? The place has been refurbished and showcases a classic American décor in the UK’s favourite ten-pin bowling complex.

Take in dinner at the luxury diner, where you can enjoy delicious burgers, hotdogs, and wonderful milkshakes. You’ll also find an American-style bar where you can quench your competitive thirst. Explore 25 state-of-the-art bowling alleys, including four glitzy VIP lanes.

The site also features kid-friendly lanes with ramps, bumpers, and XS bowling balls. What a great outing for the entire family!

9. Tollcross Park and Leisure Centre

Tollcross Park and Leisure Centre is located in a park with Glen Nature Walk, Children’s Farm, and Courtyard Visitor Centre and is adjacent to the Leisure Centre. The park has something for everyone in the family.

The kids will love the Children’s Farm, where they can get up close with Shire Horses, Shetland Ponies, Birds, Rabbits, Sheep, and more. There are also other attractions the kids will love, including play areas where they can let off excess energy.

The park also features a Secret Garden! You’ll have to find it, though, as there are no signs. It’s necessary to roam the park to find this beautiful garden.

10. The Tall Ship at Riverside

The Glenlee (also known as The Tall Ship) is one of only 5 Clyde built sailing ships in the world that’s still floating. The Tall Ship offers nautically themed events and activities for the entire family. Have fun exploring almost every part of the ship with a brand-new audio guide!

There’s also a mini cinema for the kids, where they can learn more about the ship, and a play area for kids under five. You’ll also find a shop on board, along with a café. What a great way to spend time outdoors with the family!

Summing It Up

Glasgow has much to offer in the way of outdoor (and indoor) activities. There’s something for the entire family!

And if you just so happen to be looking for a new location in Glasgow for your business, be sure to check out our West Regent Street offices!