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.
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!
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
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
Stravaigin Sailing
We are a small family-run business located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of the best cruising and adventure arena our country has to offer. Join us o...
North Pier Pontoons
Oban
PA34 5PX
Tel: 07833 103020
Argyll and Bute Registrars
Argyll and Bute Registrars deliver beautifully conducted civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies in some of Scotland’s most breathtaking settings. Fr...
Argyll House
91 Alexandra Parade
Dunoon
PA23 8AJ
Tel: 01546605521
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
Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds
Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds is a heritage site of international significance situated just 1 mile north of Oban. It is now run by a small independent...
Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds
Ganavan Road
Oban
PA34 5TT
Tel: 01631 570550
Walk Wild Scotland
Join one of our small group walking holidays exploring Scotland’s wild and stunning landscapes and secret places off the beaten track. Discover its wildlife...
16 Jellicoe Avenue
Gartmore
FK8 3RQ
Tel: 07748626156
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
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
Achinreir Farm
We welcome visitors to our farm to enjoy the peace and seclusion, and to take part in a variety of opportunities throughout the year. If you visit us you wil...
Achinreir Farm
South of Barcaldine
Argyll
PA37 1SF
Tel: 01631 720378
Selkie Tours
Selkies are magical and marvellous creatures, they are kind, caring and intelligent. When in human form, our seals curate unique Itineraries, hosting fabulou...
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5NJ
Tel: 07554371630
Basking Shark Scotland
Operating across Argyll & the Isles, our wildlife-watching adventures run from April - October. Basking Shark Scotland is the only dedicated snorkel oper...
Cluaran
Oban
PA34 4LX
Tel: 07975 723140
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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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