Oban Distillery

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.

Top Family Activities

Dunollie Castle

Dunstaffnage Castle

Boat Tours

Water Activities

Island Hopping

Beaches

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.

Background image - Basking Shark Snorkelling

Discover key family attractions sites near Oban

Plan your perfect family day out in Oban

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.

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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!

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DUNOLLIE CASTLE & MUSEUM

Dunollie Castle and the Dogstone are a fantastic way to spend a day in Oban.

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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!

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Family-friendly Experiences

Fun for all ages!

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Download some handy guides

Have all the info you need, on the move, with our mobile app for walking trails and active travel, podcasts or a downloable guide.

Be inspired by our blogs below

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A Cycling Adventure to Oban with Robin McKelvie

Join travel writer Robin McKelvie on his cycling adventure to Oban. Starting with his train journey up to island hopping in and around Oban.

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.

EAT & DRINK

Whether it’s seafood, whisky, chocolate or ice cream, our larder is overflowing with delectable edibles.

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STAY

From modern luxury in the heart of Oban to family-friendly self-catering, we have just the place.

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PLACES TO SHOP

Looking for clothing, whisky, shoes, soaps, jewellery, art, souvenirs or just a little something for yourself?

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Days out

Top Family Activities

Family-Friendly Attractions in Oban

Family Activities on the Water

Discover key family attractions sites near Oban

ATLANTIS LEISURE CENTRE

OCEAN EXPLORER CENTRE

DUNOLLIE CASTLE & MUSEUM

GANAVAN & WEE GANAVAN SANDS

Family-friendly Experiences

Oban Sailing

Selkie Tours

Whisky and Waves

Stravaigin Sailing

The Wild Cooke

Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

Bekah's Oban Wild Swimming

Wild Bathing

Waverley Excursions

Coastal Connection

Argyll and Bute Registrars

Explore Lismore

Download some handy guides

Be inspired by our blogs below

A Cycling Adventure to Oban with Robin McKelvie

6 Beautiful Castles near Oban, Lorn & Isles

Explore Oban