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.

OBAN MAP REVERSE

Top Family Activities

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Dunollie Castle
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Dunstaffnage Castle
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Boat Tours
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Water Activities
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Island Hopping
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Beaches
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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.  

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Discover key family attractions sites near Oban

Plan your perfect family day out in Oban
Playground, Atlantis, Kelpie Media
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.

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Exhibit 3 Ocean Explorer Centre
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!

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DUNOLLIE CASTLE & MUSEUM

Dunollie Castle and the Dogstone are a fantastic way to spend a day in Oban. 

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Ganavan From Drone
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!

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Family-friendly Experiences

Fun for all ages!
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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...

Drax
Cruachan Visitor Centre
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1AN

Tel: 01866 962630

Email us
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Go Bananas

3 Soroba Lane
PA34 4HX

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Oban Bowling Club

Dalriach Road
PA34 5JE

Tel: 01631 570808

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The Wee Gallery

3 Stafford Street
PA34 5NJ

Tel: 07776 072052

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The View

38 George Street
PA34 5NL

Tel: 01631 569599

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St Conans Kirk

St Conan's Kirk is a beautiful and fascinating church in Argyll. It was designed and built by Walter Campbell to save his mother from having to travel six mi...

St Conan’s Kirk
Lochawe
Dalmally
PA33 1AQ

Tel: 00

Email us
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Oban Library

77 Albany Street
PA34 4AL

Tel: 01631 571444

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Argyllshire Gathering Hall

3 Breadalbane Street
PA34 5NZ

Tel: 01631 569407

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West Coast Motors Tour Shop

Queens Park Place No 1
1 Station Road
PA34 5RU

Tel: 01586 555893

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