Help with Day Out Ideas from Glasgow!

[Wanderdust]

I have a big birthday coming up. Although I have some nice things planned with friends and hubby, no plans on the actual day itself yet. And I want to mark the day somehow, with my family - husband, toddler (3) and parents (70s). I was thinking a nice lunch somewhere but my parents thought maybe stay overnight somewhere so we're not rushing back.

Problem is I didn't realise that my big day falls on Easter weekend! So lots booked up, crazy prices someplaces. I'll also be about 24 weeks pregnant (not an issue I hope but just mentioning for context!). My parents are young at heart/healthy.

I think we'll need to forget the overnight stay and just go for a day out. Which is fine by me, it's more about being together with those closest to me. So I need ideas for something fun to suit all! Prerequisites below if we were doing day trip:

• Not too far away from Glasgow if just a day trip
• Somewhere with good options for eating out/a mooch about shops etc.
• But enough to keep my wee one entertained (so some things for him to see or do). I don't necessarily mean attractions, maybe just beach/park/place to explore

Guess another option could be do something in or near Glasgow but I'm drawing a blank for something "special".

Thank you Scotnet!

Trip to Arran?

Rothesay. Easy train to Wemyss Bay or drive if easier. Car or bus to Ettrick Bay for lunch/playing on the beach. Or go the other way to Mount Stuart.
Mini golf, castle or cinema later on.

Oh god no. Don't get on a ferry in Scotland unless you really have to! They'll all be booked up at Easter anyway.

How about Culzean castle? Nice beach and play area for the kids and a cafe for lunch or a scone?

This is a good point.

We absolutely love Arran @Sunbeam18 and I had thought of that! But ferry is booked up for cars! Passengers only so think that might be out sadly :(

I'd just go as foot passengers for a day trip and stick to Brodick?

Largs? There are several nice choices for a meal that would be family friendly during the day. Look up Thirty3 (newly reopened old building on Main Street and really nicely renovated), Tinto, Allegria, Nardinis do food as well as their famous icecream - or if you do decide to stay over Brisbane House Hotel. There is also Scott's along at the Marina. For pottering - there are lots of wee independent shops, the promenade, skimming stones into the sea, a playground with a view and putting green. Walk to the pencil monument. Usually model boats to watch on the pond at other end. Market on Gallowgate square if it's a Saturday. Could take the Cumbrae ferry over and back as foot passengers, dont queue for the car, it's bad on holiday weekends, there is a shuttle bus round to Millport if you want to explore.

But... Largs is a lot less fun in wet weather as not a lot to do indoors except eat. Or the Vikingar which toddler is probably a bit small for. I would have a plan B ready if the forecast is rainy.

Thank you, I was actually pondering Millport as have never been! Although it is another ferry... Looks to run very frequently and a short trip? Great tip about just going on foot thanks! Didn't know about shuttle.

The Rothesay Wemyss Bay ferry doesn't take bookings, and even at busy times you can get on provided you don't turn up 5 mi s before departure.

You needn't worry about the Millport ferry unless you are taking a car (which is pointless). The ferry takes less than 10 mins and in the summer there are two boats on the route. On a nice day there will be a big queue for cars to cross but foot passengers will be fine.

How about the Falkirk wheel and/ or the kelpies? They have good play areas, but you might want to go elsewhere if you're looking for a nice meal. stirling is a lovely small town and easy to reach... plenty to do. Aberfoyle If the weather is nice. Loch lomond. A boat trip on loch katrine.

My next plan is to visit the wylleium in greenock... not been yet.

www.wyllieum.com/