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!
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
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
Argyll Bespoke Car Tours
Argyll Bespoke Car Tours provide privately escorted, tailor made tours of Argyll, the West Highlands and to other parts of Scotland, with itineraries created...
7 Dunadd View
Bridgend
Kilmicheal Glassary
PA31 8QA
Tel: +44 (0)7511 852245
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
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
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
Ooshka Bar
Ooshka Bar is an innovative spirits tasting company dedicated to showcasing Scotland’s tapestry of small, independent producers. Our mission is to educate th...
The Perle Hotel & Spa
Station Road
Station Square
Oban
PA34 5RT
Tel: 07441 348394
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)
Puffer Steamboat Holidays Ltd
Join us aboard VIC 32, the last steam-powered Clyde Puffer. At a steady six knots, little can equal the peace of silent steam!
Whether you’re looking to esca...
Boat Address:
VIC 32
Crinan Basin
Crinan
Lochgilphead
PA31 8SW
Tel: 07780936407
Ocean Explorer Centre
Explore plankton with our microscope, discover the shape of our seas on our 3D globe and find out about the latest research into ocean currents, environmenta...
Ocean Explorer Centre
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Dunbeg
Oban
PA37 1QA
Tel: 01631 559123
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
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
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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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