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!
Westie Whisky Tours
The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the best, if not the best, distilleries in Scotland. Westie Whisky is run by a self-confessed whisky geek, who...
Head Office: Ramsay House
Glenalmond
Perth
PH1 3RY
Tel: +44 (0)7946 839738
Lochs & Glens Holidays
All of our hotels are owned and operated by Lochs & Glens Holidays. Each hotel is unique and has a different character, but all six are located in stunni...
Head Office - Lochs & Glens Holidays
School Road
Gartocharn
Dunbartonshire
G83 8RW
Tel: 01389 713 713
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
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
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
Sealife Adventures
All our trips visit the Corryvreckan where turbulent tides create one of the world's largest whirlpools and our cruising area is exceptionally rich in wildli...
Clachan
Seil
By Oban
PA34 4TR
Tel: 01631 571010 (daytime) 01852 300203 (evening and weekends)
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
Oban Sailing
We offer adventure sailing holidays on Scotland’s west coast and Islands aboard our 16m yacht Big Blue.
Our experienced skipper will guide you to the very be...
Craobh Marina
Argyll
PA31 8UA
Tel: 07506 100 998
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 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
Waverley Excursions
Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the We...
Head Office, 36 Lancefield Quay
Glasgow
G3 8HA
Tel: 0141 243 2224
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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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