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!
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
Walk Wild Scotland
Join one of our small group walking holidays exploring Scotland’s wild and stunning landscapes and secret places off the beaten track. Discover its wildlife...
16 Jellicoe Avenue
Gartmore
FK8 3RQ
Tel: 07748626156
Mara Adventures
Mara Adventures Limited was born from a deep love of the ocean. We believe in curating high-quality, safe, and enjoyable adventures in, on, or under the sea....
Oban
Tel: 07412 955566
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
Inveraray Private Hire – Taxi Service
I’m Kathy Cameron, owner, and driver of Inveraray Private Hire. I’ve spent years working across Scotland and Europe and am passionate about offering a friend...
Head Office, 15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD
Tel: 07775 691641
Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-1400s, and since then has been a fortress, comfortable residence and later a garrison stronghold. It contains the oldest...
Kilchurn Castle
Lochawe
Dalmally
PA33 1AF
St Conans Kirk
St Conan's Kirk is a beautiful and fascinating church in Argyll, in Loch Awe, near Oban. It was designed and built by Walter Campbell to save his mother from...
St Conan’s Kirk
Lochawe
Dalmally
PA33 1AQ
Tel: 00
Kintyre Express
Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service which opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you to explore. Our service links Campbeltown in Kintyre,...
Campbeltown Harbour
Argyll
Scotland
Tel: (+44) 1586 555 895
Heathery Heights
Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...
Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ
Tel: 07899 765240
Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre
This centre, dedicated to celebrating and recognising Gaelic language and culture at the heart of Lismore, has been created by volunteers. The eco-friendly b...
Lismore
Isle of Lismore
PA34 5UL
Tel: 01631 760030
Imagine Alba
Join our Yellow Badge Scottish Tourist Guides Association certified guide on a relaxed walking tour of the beautiful seaside town of Oban, Scotland. What is...
Kilbride Farm
PA344SE
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
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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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