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
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
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
Wild Bathing
Welcome to your ultimate Wild Bathing experience around Oban - Scotland's Adventure Coastline.
Hosted by Jo MacLean, STA-qualified Open Water Swim Coach and...
14 Kilvaree Croft Connel
Argyll
PA37 1RN
Tel: 07795 280584
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Dunstaffnage Castle, one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, is situated on top of an immense rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn near Oban. The former s...
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Castle Grounds
Dunbeg
By Oban, Argyll
PA37 1PZ
Tel: 01631 562 465
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace
Imagine the heat and noise of Bonawe! Founded in 1753, it ceased firing in the 1870s. Today, you can see displays of how pig iron was made, as well as cannon...
Taynuilt
Argyll
PA35 1JQ
Tel: 01866 822 432
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
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
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
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
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
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A Cycling Adventure to Oban with Robin McKelvie
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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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