October half term 2022 Glasgow: 7 budget-friendly things to do including Science Centre and Police Museum

Here are are some of the things you can do with your children in Glasgow this half-term that won’t break the bank.

By Rahmah Ghazali

Published 17th Oct 2022, 10:14 BST

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Half-term break is coming up this week, and parents all around Glasgow are scrambling to think of inexpensive ways to keep their kids occupied during that time. Many people are staying in instead of going out because they can’t afford to go out anymore as the cost of living continues to rise.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do in Glasgow that won’t cost a fortune. Here are seven ideas for spending your October break, compiled using the reputable travel website Tripadvisor - from a trip to Glasgow Science Museum to Pollok Country Park.

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7 budget friendly things to do in Glasgow 2022

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Always appearing near the top of the most popular free attractions in Scotland, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery has everything from dinosaur skeletons, Egyptians mummies and a spitfire hanging from the roof, to masterpieces by the likes of Vincent Van Gough and Salvador Dali. Even if you've been many times before, there's always something interesting you've not seen before. Head along at lunchtime and you might be lucky enough to hear an organ recital in the main hall.

Always appearing near the top of the most popular free attractions in Scotland, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery has everything from dinosaur skeletons, Egyptians mummies and a spitfire hanging from the roof, to masterpieces by the likes of Vincent Van Gough and Salvador Dali. Even if you've been many times before, there's always something interesting you've not seen before. Head along at lunchtime and you might be lucky enough to hear an organ recital in the main hall.

Scotland’s most popular free attraction is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The collections are extensive, wide-ranging, and internationally significant, occupying 22 thematic, state-of-the-art halls that showcase an astounding 8,000 pieces. Find out more about it on Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum’s website

Riverside Museum

With over 3,000 objects on display - from skateboards to a Stormtrooper, this award-winning transport museum is the place to be with your children. Moreover, its free admission means that you don’t have to spend a penny to have a fantastic time. Find out more about it on Riverside Museum’s website

The Necropolis

Described as one of the most significant cemeteries in Europe, the Necropolis is Glasgow’s Victorian City of the Dead and it is a vast and grand cemetery modelled on Père-Lachaise in Paris.

It is also a major visitor attraction and patrolled by Park Rangers and the heritage trail maps are available to guide the visitor to the memorials and tombs of some of Glasgow’s most eminent citizens. Find out more about it on The Necropolis’ website.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Open all year round (and free!), you don’t need any reason not to visit Glasgow Botanic Gardens where you can find a unique glass house surrounded by beautiful gardens throughout. Find out more about it on Tripadvisor.

Glasgow Science Centre

This is one of Scotland’s must-see visitor attractions situated along the banks of the River Clyde. Here, kids can enjoy hundreds of interactive exhibits in the Science Mall, observe the beauty of a Planetarium, or experience fascinating documentaries in Scotland’s biggest-screen IMAX cinema. It only costs £10 for children’s tickets and Under 3’s can go in for free (https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/visit/ticket-prices).

This is one of Scotland’s must-see visitor attractions situated along the banks of the River Clyde. Here, kids can enjoy hundreds of interactive exhibits in the Science Mall, observe the beauty of a Planetarium, or experience fascinating documentaries in Scotland’s biggest-screen IMAX cinema. It only costs £10 for children’s tickets and Under 3’s can go in for free (https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/visit/ticket-prices).

Why not bring your kids on a science-themed adventure like no other by visiting Glasgow Science Centre? This is, however, not free admission so if you have some money to spare and wouldn’t mind spending it on something educational and fun, then this is the place for it.

The centre offers programs of entertaining Science theatre, Planetarium, and around 300 hands-on interactive science exhibits over three floors, to introduce science to everyone. It is also a home to an IMAX theatre, Newton Flight Academy, and Glasgow Tower.

Tickets are priced £12.50 per adult and £10.50 per child while under 3’s go free - it’s quite a good deal for a whole family. Find out more about it on Glasgow Science Centre’s website.

Pollok Country Park

For a lovely walk with the family after fun-filled activities, why not head to Pollok Country Park for its 360 acres of green and well-kept scenic trails. Find out more about it on Tripadvisor

Glasgow Police Museum

Best things in life are free so why not take advantage by visiting this Glasgow Police Museum that is absolutely educational for the children (and adults too!). The museum illustrates the history of the Glasgow Police from 1779 to 1975, through artefacts, stories and images. Find out more about it on Glasgow Police Museum’s website.