Family day (with teens) ideas, Glasgow/Central belt ideas

[EternallyIrked]

Hello,

Next Tuesday I want to do something with the family. It's a rare day where we all have time off, so I'm forcing them to hang about with us. We are in Glasgow but willing to drive ~1.5 hours radius. I'll list the ideas I've already put forward to them and any comments that might be relevant. Just wondering if there might be something fabulous that I'm missing. In all likelihood, teenagers wont agree and we'll end up going for a dog walk and grab a pub lunch but I'd prefer if it was more memorable than that, if possible.

• Axe throwing - my son has dyspraxia so not sure this is a great idea if I'd like us all to maintain our limbs.
• Escape room. This is so far the favourite but looks like it only only lasts around an hour whereas I'd like to force them to be in my company for a bit longer than that
• Biking - Millport - my favourite but the kids have veto'd it and I'm a monster for even suggesting it, apparently
• Wallace Monument - 2 votes so far. Not sure it would kill more than an hour right enough but if I count the time they're trapped in the car with us, it's a bit longer
• Cinema - no chatting which defeats the point
• Castle visit - again, a couple votes but teen son not a fan. History=dull to a 17 yo.
• Roller skating rink. My knees say no.
• Circus @ East Kilbride. Couple votes for this.
• Safari Park. Another favourite. Not sure if it's much value if you don't do the drive through part, which I'd prefer not to as I don't want to risk my wing mirrors. At £88 for 4 tickets, I don't want it to be a damp squib experience.
• Loch Lomond boat trip - I like this one but kids unconvinced.
• Mini Golf - the 'normal' ones are a bit childish and Golf Fang which is great doesn't allow U18s, sadly.

As you can see, I'm fighting the tide on this with the fussiness . Any other ideas welcome.

Edinburgh Castle?

[\runs away]

Edinburgh has lots of options actually, with the dungeons and stuff. Also a front runner destination for "castle visit".

Only downside is the train through but that's flashback stress from when we go through for the rugby. Probably a lot calmer on a random Tuesday 😅

Jupiter artland maybe? Five sisters can get ridiculously busy but might work

There's camera obscura too. That's a great wee place.

Oooh good shout. I looked that up last summer but forgot about it. Shall take a look again.

Topgolf is fun for kids that age.

Safari park is good but only if dry.

Boombattle bar in St Enoch Centre has a few activities to choose from for teens/adults.

Another vote for camera obscura in Edinburgh

I've had a quick look at TopGolf just there and it looks quite interesting. Thanks!

I think we might have a winner: Go Ape, at Aberfoyle.

I did it years ago and had a great time. I didn't think the kids would be keen but they are. Hurrah!

Won't be booking until the weekend so still open to other recommendations!

Jupiter Artland in West Lothian. Went today and it was a lovely few hours and you can take the dog.

Also nice walks around where go ape is or you can combine with a trip up to Loch Katrine or the 3 lochs drive.

by the way, at the safari park your wing mirrors are safe as it's only a small bit and there are no apes/monkeys in it - it's mainly the lions. But you can see plenty without and plenty to do for all ages. Still a great option.

You can do the boat trip or cycle round loch Katrine or do half and half as you can cycle half way and get the boat the other half

Are they into gaming? Game On | Exhibitions | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)

I don't think the teens will be wild for Jupiter artland tbh, given what they have so far vetoed and said they would want to do!

Stirling castle is better than Edinburgh so you could combine that and the Wallace monument although obviously Edinburgh offers far more on the whole and yes the train on a random weekday will be worlds apart from a rugby experience.

There is also a go ape at Dalkeith country park then you could do a park and ride in to the city

Blake Drummond safari - lots of car trap time

By next Tuesday are you meaning the 30th or 6th August. Because the train to Edinburgh could be crazy if it's the latter.

Go Ape sounds like a great plan though if they're all up for it.

If it's filthy weather and you have teen blood and guts fans, how about Surgeons Hall in Edinburgh?

https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/

Close enough to other attractions too that you can move onto after you've had your fill of grim things...

My daughter loved the Surgeons' Hall and my niece and nephew from
L. A were very happy with a tour of Edinburgh's underground vaults (the ones under the bridge).