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!
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
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
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
Inveraray Private Hire – Taxi Service
I’m Kathy Cameron, owner, and driver of Inveraray Private Hire. I’ve spent years working across Scotland and Europe and am passionate about offering a friend...
Head Office, 15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD
Tel: 07775 691641
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
Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver
Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...
15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD
Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641
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
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
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office: McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
West Coast Tours
Burial sites of ancient kings, geological wonders, unchanged landscapes, idyllic beaches, glorious glens, abundant wildlife and magical islands! Our day tou...
Head Office
17 George Street
Oban
PA34 5RS
Tel: 01586 552319
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)
Imagine Alba
Join our Yellow Badge Scottish Tourist Guides Association certified guide on a relaxed walking tour of the beautiful seaside town of Oban, Scotland. What is...
Kilbride Farm
PA344SE
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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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