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!
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
West Coast Motors
Our extensive bus network across the West Coast of Scotland covering Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Oban, Mull, Bute, Dunoon and Glasgow allows you to explore our...
Head Office, Benmhor
Campbeltown
PA28 6DN
Tel: 01586 552319
West Coast Tours
Burial sites of ancient kings, geological wonders, unchanged landscapes, idyllic beaches, glorious glens, abundant wildlife and magical islands! Our day tou...
Head Office
17 George Street
Oban
PA34 5RS
Tel: 01586 552319
Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver
Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...
15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD
Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641
Walk Wild Scotland
Join one of our small group guided walking holidays exploring Scotland’s wild and stunning landscapes and secret places off the beaten track. Discover its wi...
16 Jellicoe Avenue
Gartmore
FK8 3RQ
Tel: 07748626156
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
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
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
Highland Titles Nature Reserve
Until 1983, Keil Hill formed a part of Keil Farm. Evidence of old field dykes demonstrates that the drier areas were cultivated until fairly recent times. In...
Duror By Appin
Argyll & Bute
PA38 4BW
Artmap Argyll
Artmap Argyll is a network of Artists who work across Argyll, from Kintyre in the south, up to Ballachulish in the north and out to the Isle of Tiree. Our me...
No 1 Balliebeg
Castleton
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RU
Tel: 07708461081
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
The Majestic Line (Scotland) Ltd
Step aboard a small ship cruise with The Majestic Line, a Scottish holiday with a difference. Sail the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Loch Ness, the Caledonian Ca...
18 Highland Avenue
Sandbank
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8PB
Tel: 01369707951
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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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