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!
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
Explore Lismore
Explore Lismore is a small tour operator on the Scottish Isle of Lismore, which is run by the husband and wife team of Robert & Iris. We offer bespoke, p...
1 Port Ramsay
Isle of Lismore by Oban
Argyll
PA34 5UN
Tel: +44 (0) 1631 760 291
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Dunstaffnage Castle, one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, is situated on top of an immense rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn near Oban. The former s...
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Castle Grounds
Dunbeg
By Oban, Argyll
PA37 1PZ
Tel: 01631 562 465
Cruachan The Hollow Mountain
Please note: Guided tours of Cruachan Power Station are currently suspended while we upgrade the existing Cruachan Power Station. Our Visitor Centre, with it...
Cruachan Visitor Centre
Dalmally
Argyll
Scotland
PA33 1AN
Tel: 01866 962 630
Argyll Safaris
Rab is passionate about Argyll, its landscape, culture and heritage. With 60 medieval castles, 32 clan seats, and 1256 Neolithic standing stones, it is the b...
Rughriach
Old Shore Road
PA37 1PT
Tel: 07760880757
The Wild Cooke
Take a walk on the wild side of the beautiful West Coast and get an introduction to the magical world of foraging. Join, Lucy, The Wild Cooke, for a foodie a...
Oban
PA34 4GA
Tel: 07951 469275
Coastal Connection
Private and commercial charter trips, visiting some amazing places, castles, lighthouses, and hidden gems, and seeing wildlife, from seals, eagles, and porpo...
Oban Times Slipway
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5PZ
Tel: 07919615210
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
Bekah's Oban Wild Swimming
Discover Argyll's hidden gems! Private and group sessions for all your outdoor swim needs around Oban and further afield. Whether you're braving the cold wat...
Oban
PA34
Tel: 07579 825732
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 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
Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, Woodland Walk and Garden Centre
Set within and around the historic Kinlochlaich Walled Garden, laid out around 1790 by John Campbell of Lochend, the gardens offer a rich blend of history an...
Kinlochlaich House
Appin
PA38 4BG
Tel: 07881525754
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Be inspired by our blogs below
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.
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