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!
The Wild Scot
Failte - My name is Perri Hopkinson and I am a Scottish Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering private luxury tours around Scotland. I have boundless energy and e...
Head Office, Portsonachan
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1BJ
Tel: +44 7943613334
Glen 2 Glen Tours
Discover the best of Scotland! Join professional tourist guide, Andrew Baxter, as he provides news and tips about everything Scotland has to offer visitors f...
21 Argyll Square
Oban
PA34 4AT
Tel: +44 (0) 7740 69817
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
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
Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd
Seafari Adventures is a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban. Our Wildlife Tour...
Seafari Adventures
The Village Shop
Easdale
Oban
PA34 4RQ
Tel: 01852 300003
Kilchoan Gardens
The gardens of Kilchoan are located on the northern shore of Loch Melfort, 20 miles south of Oban. The west coast of Scotland provides a suitable habitat for...
The Kilchoan Melfort Trust
Kilchoan Estate
Kilmelford
Oban PA34 4XD
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
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
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
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
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
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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