Located in the south side of Glasgow between Pollokshaws and Mosspark, Pollok Country Park is a vast green space in the middle of the city that offers lots of activities for families. The park spans over 360 acres, making it the biggest in Glasgow. With something for everyone, from peaceful woodland walks to cultural experiences, it’s the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Here are five activities to make the most of your visit to Pollok Park.

1. Woodland Walks

Pollok Park is a huge park with some of the most beautiful woodland trails in Glasgow. The swathes of tree lined paths provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle all around, and a place to let kids burn off their endless energy! There are paths winding through the trees, beside some fields and alongside the river. The paths are pretty much all suitable for buggies; many of the paths are properly paved. And it’s great for bikes as well.

There are lots of spots for kids to play on logs and tree stumps and hide in bushes. And there’s a wee island surrounded by a pond with a little bridge to get over where my kids love playing. My favourite time of year is around September and October when the reds, oranges and yellows of Autumn are all around.

2. Dinosaur Bones

One of Pollok Parks little secrets lies hidden amongst the bushes and foliage within the walled garden. Here, you’ll find replicas of dinosaur bones; there are a few skulls, jaw bones and skeletons scattered around here. I remember the first time we found them and we had no idea they were there. The kids felt like we’d found ancient fossils, and they still love visiting here 6 years later.

Just along from the dinosaur bones amongst the trees you’ll also find a little fairy village, complete with a big dragon guarding her treasure. This is a magical wee spot to let kids explore, and just let their imaginations run wild. A great little place to play, especially for younger kids.

The easiest way to find them is to head down to the bottom of the walled garden and turn left, following the path along to the gate at the end. On your left at the end you’ll find the fairy village, and up this little hill is the sleeping dragon. At the top of the hill there’s a little path along the top wall – head straight along here and in amongst the trees and bushes as you walk you’ll find the dino skulls and bones.

3. The Burrell Collection

The Burrell collection opened back up again 2 summers ago after a huge, years long refurbishment. The museum is spread over 2 floors and there are lots of exhibits to see. They reopened with some excellent interactive exhibits that the kids love to play with. Touch screens where you can draw and colour your own artwork or electronically colour in other artwork, where you can build a vase and learn about the materials, learn about patterns etc. You could easily spend a few hours here just exploring what the museums has on offer.

You can also enjoy a cuppa and a cake at the museum’s café, overlooking the grounds of the park.

4. Highland Cows

Pollok Park is famous for its herd of adorable highland cows, whom you can see happily munching grass in different fields within the park. These gentle giants often come right up to the fences along their fields and quite happily let you pat them or give them a good scratch. They are my favourite thing about Pollok Park; I can’t go there and not see them. And the kids love them too.

5. Play in the Playpark

Just outside the Burrell Collection is a nice little playpark, perfect for families with young children. There are various swings, a slide, climbing frames, spinny things and some sandy bits. Plenty to keep kids occupied for a while.

The playpark has a few picnic benches dotted around and a big field right beside it, so it’s also a great spot for a picnic.

The Logistics

  • The park and museum are totally free. There are car parks at the Burrell Collection and near Pollok House. Parking costs recently went up quite considerably recently and now cost £5 for up to 4 hours and £10 for the day.
  • Toilets are available in the Burrell Collection.
  • The park is good for dogs, but dogs are not allowed in the Burrell Collection.
  • The paths are mostly well paved. It’s a great park for buggies, bikes and scooters.

The Verdict

Pollok Park is one of our favourite green spaces in the city. It’s a huge park where you can go on a beautiful woodland walk, let the kids run around and burn off excess energy, find some magical fairy houses or dino bones and visit some fluffy cows. A great fun family day out.