Glasgow

๐ŸŽก

Family Entertainment

Activities and establishments focused on family-friendly entertainment, such as parks, cinemas, and kidsโ€™ attractions.

Sections

1. Buchanan Galleries

Category: Shopping Mall with Family-Friendly Amenities
Overview:
Buchanan Galleries is one of Glasgowโ€™s premier shopping destinations, offering a mix of retail stores, dining options, and family-friendly facilities. Itโ€™s a great place to combine shopping with entertainment for kids.

Family Entertainment Highlights:

  • LEGO Store: A must-visit for children and LEGO enthusiasts, featuring interactive displays and exclusive sets.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop: Kids can create their own stuffed animals, choosing outfits and accessories.
  • Food Court: Family-friendly dining options, including pizza, burgers, and healthier choices.

Costs:

  • Entry: Free
  • LEGO sets and Build-A-Bear creations: Prices vary (ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ50+ depending on customization).

Booking Procedures:

  • No booking required for general entry.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop allows walk-ins, but booking online is recommended during weekends or holidays.

Accessibility:

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
  • Baby-changing facilities and family restrooms available.

Local Considerations:

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
  • Parking is available at the Buchanan Galleries car park (ยฃ2/hour, capped at ยฃ10/day).

2. Glasgow Fort

Category: Outdoor Shopping and Entertainment Complex
Overview:
Glasgow Fort is an open-air shopping and entertainment hub located in the east of the city. Itโ€™s perfect for families looking to shop, dine, and enjoy activities in one place.

Family Entertainment Highlights:

  • Vue Cinema: A modern cinema showing family-friendly films.
  • Fun Outdoor Play Area: A free play zone for younger children.
  • Restaurants: Family-oriented dining options like Nandoโ€™s, Pizza Express, and Frankie & Bennyโ€™s.

Costs:

  • Entry: Free
  • Vue Cinema tickets: ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ10 per person (discounts for children and family bundles).

Booking Procedures:

  • Cinema tickets can be booked online via the Vue website or app.
  • Dining reservations are recommended during peak times.

Accessibility:

  • Fully accessible with wide walkways, ramps, and disabled parking spaces.
  • Baby-changing facilities are available in most restaurants.

Local Considerations:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather as itโ€™s an outdoor complex.
  • Public transport options include buses from the city center (First Bus services).

3. St. Enoch Centre

Category: Shopping Mall with Indoor Entertainment
Overview:
Located in the heart of Glasgow, St. Enoch Centre is a family-friendly shopping mall with a variety of entertainment options for children.

Family Entertainment Highlights:

  • Hamleys Toy Store: A magical experience for kids with interactive displays and demonstrations.
  • The Entertainer Toy Shop: Affordable toys and games for all ages.
  • Glasgowโ€™s Christmas Market (Seasonal): During the festive season, the mall hosts a Christmas market with rides, games, and food stalls.

Costs:

  • Entry: Free
  • Toys and games: Prices vary (ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ50+).

Booking Procedures:

  • No booking required for general entry or shopping.
  • Seasonal events like the Christmas Market may require tickets for specific attractions (check the St. Enoch Centre website for details).

Accessibility:

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and wide corridors.
  • Baby-changing facilities and a dedicated family room are available.

Local Considerations:

  • The mall is busiest on weekends and during holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Parking is available at the St. Enoch Centre car park (ยฃ2/hour).

4. Silverburn Shopping Centre

Category: Shopping Mall with Entertainment Options
Overview:
Silverburn is a large shopping center located in the south of Glasgow, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options for families.

Family Entertainment Highlights:

  • Cineworld Cinema: Features family-friendly films and special kidsโ€™ screenings.
  • Fun Station: An indoor arcade with games, rides, and activities for children.
  • Restaurants: Family-friendly options like TGI Fridays, Five Guys, and Wagamama.

Costs:

  • Entry: Free
  • Fun Station games: ยฃ1โ€“ยฃ5 per game.
  • Cineworld tickets: ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ12 per person (family discounts available).

Booking Procedures:

  • Cinema tickets can be booked online via the Cineworld website or app.
  • Fun Station does not require booking, but it can get busy during weekends.

Accessibility:

  • Fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and disabled parking spaces.
  • Baby-changing facilities are available throughout the mall.

Local Considerations:

  • Silverburn is easily accessible by car or bus (First Bus services).
  • Check the Cineworld website for special family screenings or discounts.

5. The Forge Shopping Centre

Category: Shopping Mall with Family Activities
Overview:
The Forge Shopping Centre in the east end of Glasgow is a smaller, family-friendly mall with a relaxed atmosphere.

Family Entertainment Highlights:

  • Soft Play Area: A dedicated indoor play zone for younger children.
  • Toy Shops: Affordable toy stores like Smyths Toys Superstore.
  • Seasonal Events: The Forge often hosts family-friendly events, such as craft workshops and character meet-and-greets.

Costs:

  • Entry: Free
  • Soft play: ยฃ3โ€“ยฃ5 per child (depending on session length).

Booking Procedures:

  • No booking required for general entry.
  • Soft play sessions can be booked in advance during busy periods.

Accessibility:

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Baby-changing facilities are available.

Local Considerations:

  • The Forge is less crowded than other malls, making it ideal for families with young children.
  • Free parking is available on-site.

6. Princes Square

Category: Boutique Shopping and Dining
Overview:
Princes Square is a stylish shopping and dining destination in Glasgowโ€™s city center. While itโ€™s more upscale, it offers family-friendly dining and occasional entertainment events.

Family Entertainment Highlights:

  • Seasonal Events: Princes Square hosts family-friendly events during holidays, such as Easter and Christmas.
  • Restaurants: Family-friendly dining options like Pizza Express and Zizzi.

Costs:

  • Entry: Free
  • Dining: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ20 per person (kidsโ€™ menus available).

Booking Procedures:

  • No booking required for general entry.
  • Dining reservations are recommended during peak times.

Accessibility:

  • Fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
  • Baby-changing facilities are available.

Local Considerations:

  • Princes Square is more suited to families with older children or teenagers due to its boutique atmosphere.

Tips for Family Entertainment in Glasgow:

  1. Public Transport: Glasgow has an excellent public transport system, including buses, trains, and the subway. Consider purchasing a day ticket for unlimited travel (around ยฃ4.90 for adults, ยฃ2.50 for children).
  2. Weather: Glasgowโ€™s weather can be unpredictable, so always carry a raincoat or umbrella, especially if visiting outdoor shopping centers like Glasgow Fort.
  3. Discounts: Many attractions and stores offer family discounts or loyalty programsโ€”ask at the information desk or check online.
  4. Peak Times: Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times for family attractions, so plan your visit during weekdays if possible.

Glasgow offers a fantastic mix of shopping and entertainment for families, ensuring thereโ€™s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether youโ€™re looking for interactive toy stores, cinemas, or dining options, the city has you covered!