Description
The Riverside Museum is Scotland's award-winning transport museum, located on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Glasgow, housing over 3,000 objects ranging from vintage skateboards and prams to massive steam locomotives. Families can step back in time on cobbled streets or explore the decks of a massive sailing ship anchored right outside.
Admission is free for all visitors, making it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly family outing. While the main museum and the tall ship are free to enter, certain special events or organized river trips may have separate costs.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, the Riverside Museum offers an incredible mix of interactive exhibits and history. It is designed to be a "hands-on" experience where children can climb aboard vintage vehicles and explore old-fashioned shops.
Detailed Inventory & Collections
- The Riverside Museum holds over 3,000 individual historical objects spread over two massive floors, providing plenty of hidden treasures for families to discover.
- The SPT Subway Carriage: An authentic, bright orange underground carriage that allowed millions of Glaswegians to commute across the city's circular tube network.
- The Horse-Drawn Tramcar: A beautifully preserved 19th-century public transit vehicle that reveals what city streets sounded and smelled like before engines took over.
- The Batricar Mobility Scooter: A specialized historical piece highlighting how technological innovations broke down barriers for individuals with physical disabilities.
- The Paco Rabanne Mini Dress: A famous metallic dress famously worn by Audrey Hepburn, displayed to show the unexpected links between transport design and modern fashion.
- The Bridget Riley 'Arrest III' Painting: A vibrant piece of visual art used to illustrate concepts of motion, optical illusion, and design symmetry alongside mechanical exhibits.
- The Survivor's Shoe from the SS Athenia: A deeply personal, historic shoe saved from a survivor of the tragic 1939 sinking, marking the 80th anniversary of the maritime event.
- The 18th-Century Dugout Canoes: Ancient river vessels hewn directly from massive, hollowed-out tree trunks that show the very earliest days of Clyde water travel.
- The Vintage Glasgow Fire Engine: A gleaming red emergency vehicle complete with old-school ladders and brass fixtures, always popular with younger toddlers.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- The museum’s location on Kelvin Harbour offers easy access to fantastic secondary outdoor adventures right along the waterfront.
- The Tall Ship Glenlee: Bounded directly behind the museum on the River Clyde is the UK's only floating Clyde-built sailing ship, featuring a cargo hold play space and a kids' mouse hunt.
- The Govan-Partick Bridge: A brand-new pedestrian bridge that lets families take a scenic stroll over the river straight to the historic Govan area.
- The Riverside Skate Spot: A purpose-built urban skating area located just outside the museum doors, fitted with five integrated skate obstacles for older kids with scooters or skateboards.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: A scenic 10-minute walk through the local pathways brings you to this sister museum, packed with natural history displays and arms collections.
New for 2026
- The museum grounds and exhibition calendar are featuring fresh upgrades for the current season.
- The Riverside 3x3 Basketball Court: A brand-new, purpose-built outdoor sports facility installed on the museum square for 2026 to encourage active teen participation.
- The Summer Open-Air Festivals: For the first time ever, the Event Square is hosting major large-scale music and community celebrations like the PRTY Festival 2026 outdoors by the Clyde.
- The Going Green Trail: A freshly launched interactive digital trail focusing on energy efficiency and how modern transportation choices impact our environment.
Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.
0.90 miles
