Keeping the kids busy during Easter is always a bit of a conundrum, especially with the pursestrings tightening and times being as tight as they are.
However, there are plenty of places near Glasgow that are entertaining, fun, and best of all, cheap or free.
From play parks and dirt bike trails to petting zoos and Easter Egg hunts; there are plenty of activities and events that will keep even the keenest of kids enjoying themselves until it's time to go home.
Should you be struggling for ideas, we've put together a handy list of just some of the best places, parks and events you can go to.
READ NEXT: Fun Glasgow Easter activities and events for kids and families to enjoy
Free things to do for kids this Easter near Glasgow
Places to go:
Barshaw Park, Paisley – This impressive park is home to plenty of fun walks as well as a dirt bike track and a decent-sized play park.
Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride – The country park is home to plenty of fun nature trails as well as a massive adventure park and toddler play area. (Entry into the Zoo and Conservatory costs extra but at just £2 per adult and £1 per child – under 3s free – it's well priced).
Clark’s Little Ark, Sanquhar – with plenty of fun animals including Shetland ponies, pigs, ducks and guinea pigs, the Ark is free but donations are welcome.
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.
Easter egg hunts:
The Golden Easter Egg hunt in Milngavie runs until April 7, collect a free trail map from Milngavie Tesco or our local businesses.
Events:
The Bubble Balloon House at Platform
Adults and kids can step inside and enjoy a three-hour session on Saturday, April 8 between 2 pm and 5 pm. Completely free, it’s the perfect Easter weekend treat and the first time the bubble house has popped up in the city. Whether you fancy a bite to eat or a drink in Platform, simply book your table and head on down on the Saturday to enjoy.
Family Easter event at Xsite Braehead
Running from 7th-9th of April 2023, between 12-4 pm, this family-friendly day out will feature an arts and crafts station for kids to get messy and show off their creative side, including making your own yummy chocolates, egg decoration and designing your own Easter bunny.
Like last year, the event is free of charge, but guests will be able to make an optional donation to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, an organisation that prides itself on supporting children and their families dealing with illness.
Cheap things to do for kids this Easter near Glasgow
Easter egg hunts:
National Trust for Scotland sites – the NTS will be hosting trails across all of their sites including Culzean Castle & Country Park in Ayrshire, Holmwood in Glasgow, and Pollok House – you can find more details on the NTS website.
Places to go:
Crawick Multiverse, Sanquhar - This incredible land art installation has to be seen to be believed and only costs £15 for a Family ticket (up to 2 adults, 4 children under 16).
Beech Tree Inn, Dumgoyne by Killearn – The Beech Tree is not so much a pub as an attraction in its own right with a bar, shop, restaurant, kids' play area, wildlife garden, and zoo all rolled into one. Meals cost around £5 per child and £10 for an adult.
Amazonia at M&Ds, Motherwell – Scotland's indoor tropical wonderland is packed with incredible sights and animals. Tickets cost £6.70 per adult and £5.25 per child but you can save 50p on each ticket by booking them online. (children under 3 go free)
Loch Lomond Faerie Trail and Farm tickets – Wander through enchanted woodlands as a family and discover faeries, trolls and unicorns. (Adult £5, Children £6) entry to Luss Faerie Tale Farm also included at no extra cost.
Kelburn Castle, Ayrshire – This whimsical castle estate in Ayrshire is filled with magic – play areas, gardens and even a Secret Forest – best of all? It'll only cost you £5 to park your car.
Easter events
The Easter Breakfast at Dobbies – for £10, kids can enjoy a tasty breakfast and gardening-themed fun activities, as they follow the bunny on a hunt around the store and enjoy some fun games.
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