Days out
Oban is perfectly located for a wide range of family days out, any day of the year!
Stroll along the esplanade, watch the fishing boats land their catch. Oban itself is a fantastic place to spend a few days, with plenty of shops, bars and cafés. Known as the 'Seafood Capital of Scotland', it’s the place to sample the freshest seafood.
Looking for something more active, why not climb up to McCaigs Tower or Pulpit Hill for outstanding west coast views and sunsets?
Oban is an ever-popular ‘wet weather’ destination with the Atlantis Leisure Centre in the heart of the town.
Discover some of our top family-friendly things to see & do in Oban below.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Oban
Go Castle Hopping
Dunollie Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacDougall, is a must-visit. Please note that tickets include an annual pass, so once purchased, you can visit the museum, castle, and grounds as many times as you wish!
Nearby Dunstaffnage Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, with stunning grounds to stroll around. Or head north to visit Appin – and see Castle Stalker, one of Argyll’s most romantic castles.
Glorious Gardens
Take a day trip south of Oban to explore Ardmaddy Castle Gardens, An Cala and Arduaine. Drive north to Kinlochlaich House Gardens near Appin and then to visit Ardchattan Priory Garden. Or travel east and visit Achnacloich Garden, Angus Garden and Ardanaiseig.
Golf
Home course of professional & Ryder Cup-winning player Robert MacIntyre, Glencruitten Golf Course is a unique course featuring 10 par-3s, elevation changes throughout, and an eccentric layout that makes it a fascinating experience for any golfer.
Family Activities on the Water
Watersports for All the Family
From sea kayaking to snorkelling, sailing to paddleboarding, Oban has something for every age and ability. Sea Kayak Oban offers a fantastic range of experiences for families with children aged 8 and over, running from April to September. Choose from half-day or full-day kayak trips, private family days, or even overnight expeditions. Their double kayaks are ideal for younger children, offering greater stability while keeping little ones close to their parent or guardian.
For something truly unique, Basking Shark Scotland delivers an extraordinary range of experiences, including learn-to-snorkel sessions, night snorkelling, seal and lagoon tours, wild swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Fishing & Boat Trips
Fishing is a wonderful way for families of all ages to slow down, connect with nature, and learn a new skill together. Oban Angling Adventures offers guided fly fishing and sea fishing sessions for families, with half-day, full-day, and multi-day options available for children aged 8 and over. Argyll Sea Tours also runs a variety of boat trips to suit every interest. Options include a one-hour seal colony tour, a two-hour history and wildlife cruise, and a three-hour mackerel fishing and wildlife experience.
Island Hopping
You don’t need to head out to far-flung places to enjoy an island adventure from Oban. There are plenty of wonderful Scottish islands that are within day-trip distance of Oban. CalMac, Scotland’s largest ferry operator, provides an extensive service from Oban to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and lots of other companies offer boat trips from the town.
ATLANTIS LEISURE CENTRE
The large leisure Centre run by the community is perfect for a rainy day. Go for a swim in the pool, play squash or pickleball, explore the outdoor adventure playground or simply relax at the cafe.
OCEAN EXPLORER CENTRE
Learn more about Oban's rich marine wildlife at this engaging visitor centre. Enjoy interactive displays and ever-changing exhibitions. Entry is free!
DUNOLLIE CASTLE & MUSEUM
Dunollie Castle and the Dogstone are a fantastic way to spend a day in Oban.
GANAVAN & WEE GANAVAN SANDS
Oban has two lovely beaches: Ganavan Sands & Wee Ganavan. Spend a day out at the beach. Build a sand castle, explore rock pools, have a picnic or go for a dip!
Family-friendly Experiences
Fun for all ages!
Provident Sailing
A holiday on Provident will introduce you to the fabulous west coast of Scotland, where you can explore the islands, coasts, harbours, and hills of Argyll an...
Head Office, Dunstaffnage Marina
Dunbeg
Oban
PA37 1PX
Tel: 07549 935222
Whisky and Waves
Whisky and Waves offers unforgettable sailing experiences along Scotland’s rugged west coast, blending adventure and whisky heritage. Based in Tobermory and...
Oban and Tobermory
North Pier
PA34 5QD
Tel: 07919368415
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office: McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
Argyll Bespoke Car Tours
Argyll Bespoke Car Tours provide privately escorted, tailor made tours of Argyll, the West Highlands and to other parts of Scotland, with itineraries created...
7 Dunadd View
Bridgend
Kilmicheal Glassary
PA31 8QA
Tel: +44 (0)7511 852245
Wild Isles Sea Kayaking
We offer a range of kayaking experiences, coaching, and guiding services. This includes skill development from beginner to advanced, day trips and multi-day...
2a Gallanachbeg
Oban
PA34 4QH
Tel: 07511648403
Arduaine Gardens
Arduaine Garden is full of colour and fragrance, evoking the glamour of exotic destinations. This is no coincidence – the garden was begun in 1898 at a time...
Arduaine Garden
Arduaine
Oban
PA34 4XG
OS Ref: NM794103
Tel: 01852 200366
Hebridean Air Services
Our 30-minute scenic flights take in castles and other points of interest around Oban and Lorn. Our sightseer tickets allow you to fly on the schedule withou...
Oban Airport
North Connel
PA37 1SW
Tel: 0845 805 7465
Sealife Adventures
All our trips visit the Corryvreckan where turbulent tides create one of the world's largest whirlpools and our cruising area is exceptionally rich in wildli...
Clachan
Seil
By Oban
PA34 4TR
Tel: 01631 571010 (daytime) 01852 300203 (evening and weekends)
The Rockfield Centre
The Rockfield Centre is the heart of our creative community in Oban, accommodating four themes; Arts & Culture, History & Heritage, Community Wellbe...
Rockfield Brae
Oban
PA34 5DQ
Tel: 01631 701921
Argyll and Bute Registrars
Argyll and Bute Registrars deliver beautifully conducted civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies in some of Scotland’s most breathtaking settings. Fr...
Argyll House
91 Alexandra Parade
Dunoon
PA23 8AJ
Tel: 01546605521
Angus’s Garden
Created in 1957 as a memorial garden by Betty Macdonald of Barguillean for her son Angus, this picturesque nine-acre woodland garden is set around the tranqu...
Barguillean
Glen Lonan
Taynuilt
PA35 1HY
Tel: 01866 822333
Gylen Castle, Kerrera
Gylen Castle is a key place to visit when you go to the island of Kerrera. It also marks a nice, convenient halfway point on the South end of the island to w...
Gylen Castle
Kerrera
Oban
PA34 4SX
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A Cycling Adventure to Oban with Robin McKelvie
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6 Beautiful Castles near Oban, Lorn & Isles
Here are six castles in Oban and Lorn that should be top of your list. Visit to see some of Argyll’s most stunning scenery and get closer to Scotland’s past.
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