Rouken Glen Park in Newton Mearns is the perfect place to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and enjoy a bit of nature no matter the season.

Whether you’re in the mood for a chilled out walk, a playful afternoon at the park, or a bit of both, Rouken Glen has something for everyone. The park’s combination of woodlands, wildlife, and playground fun makes it a great place for families looking to escape the city without going too far.

A wintery wander in the woods

One of the best things about Rouken Glen is its peaceful woodlands, with walking trails that make for a perfect chance to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. The kids will love running around the woods, climbing over logs, or having a splash in the burn with their wellies. (When the water’s low, of course. Always take care at water bodies with kids. Safety first – definitely not suggesting anyone should be jumping in rivers!).

A highlight at this time of year (or whenever it’s been raining, which is often) is the waterfall.

You can see it from above on the bridge near the end of the pond, or down below in the glen if you take the path that follows the burn. It’s a lovely spot to stop and listen/watch the water and definitely worth stopping to admire while you’re out and about.

The pond

After our woodland walk we made our way to the pond, where we spotted ducks paddling around and a family of swans gliding across the water. The swan babies are absolute wee beauties.

We also found our first ever geocache near the pond so if that’s something you fancy giving a go, this is a fun one to start with!

The playpark

Of course like any park, no trip to Rouken Glen would be complete without a visit to the playpark. It’s a great size, with a solid mix of slides, swings, and climbing frames that’ll keep kids entertained for a while. It’s best for kids up to around age 8-10.

There are also accessible play options, including swings and a seated roundabout, so everyone can join in on the fun. Just a heads up, though on sunny days, the playpark can get pretty busy. It’s much quieter in the evening. We had the place to ourselves the other evening; granted that was after school in January though, and it was already dark by then!

Practical Info

  • Mostly suitable for wheels: The trails and paths are generally good for prams, bikes, and scooters. You might struggle in the woodland part with wheels because those paths are trails and can be a bit muddy, but the rest of the park is paved.
  • Parking: Plenty of parking available in the main car park located just off Rouken Glen Rd, plus a little parking up near the Boathouse on Davieland Rd. All free.
  • Toilets: Located in the toilet block beside the playpark (open until 4:30pm during the summer months.) There are also some in the garden centre at the car par
  • Dog friendly: Bring along your four-legged friends to join in on the adventure. As you’d expect, they’re not allowed in the playpark but they’re fine everywhere else.

Rouken Glen Park is definitely one of those places where you can enjoy a few hours of outdoor fun without a huge plan. Just grab your jacket, get outside, and let the kids explore.