Days out
Oban is perfectly located for many different days out for the whole family, 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 and the Oban Phoenix Cinema both 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; 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 ten par-3s, elevation changes throughout, and an eccentric layout that makes the course 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.
WEE GANAVAN SANDS
Just down the road from the main beach, spend a day out at Wee Ganavan Sands. Build sand castle, explroe rock pools have a picnic or go for a dip!
Family-friendly Experiences
Fun for all ages!
Whisky and Waves
Whisky and Waves offers unforgettable sailing experiences along Scotland’s rugged west coast, blending adventure and whisky heritage. Based in Tobermory and...
Oban
North Pier
PA34 5QD
Tel: 07919368415
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
The Wild Cooke
Take a walk on the wild side of the beautiful West Coast and get an introduction to the magical world of foraging. Join, Lucy, The Wild Cooke, for a foodie a...
Oban
PA34 4GA
Tel: 07951 469275
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
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
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
CHARTS (Culture Heritage & Arts Assembly, Argyll & Isles)
CHARTS is a growing network of artists, makers, producers and spaces, who value creativity and the impact it has on individuals, communities and visitors to...
c/o Mackay & Co CA
120 George Street
Oban
PA34 5NT
Tel: 01499 305 055
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
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
Wavysail Sailing Adventures
With a maximum group size of six people, each trip is uniquely personalized and flexible. We contact every guest before joining to discover your sailing expe...
Tel: 07570 702 256
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
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
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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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