It’s the October holidays and Glasgow is hosting just under 100 fantastic family events. With everything from crafty Halloween workshops, cardboard wars, dance programmes, autumn nature trails and the Commonwealth Fun day, Glasgow has something to offer every member of the family.

We’ve sorted each activity by type of kids activity (e.g. dance, nature, theatre, Halloween). You can click on an activity type below, then sort each table of events by date, venue and age. No excuses now, get out there and enjoy everything that Glasgow has to offer this October.

Glasgow Kids October 2012

Free Family Events
Arts & Crafts
Commonwealth
Dance
Films
Halloween
Markets
Music
Nature
Puppet Theatre
Sports for Kids
Theatre
Workshops

Add an activity

See our calender of national celebrations, awareness days and religious holidays in our kids calender 2012.

Free family events

Check out all the free family events in Glasgow hosted in some of the most amazing venues from The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to Pollock Country Park.

NAME	ACTIVITY TYPE	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Half-term Fun at Pollok Country Park	Crafts	13 – 21 Oct	Pollok Country Park		Looking for something to do during those half term holidays stop by the visitor centre when in the park and make some autumn crafts to take home. FREE. Or hop on a Dray ride, week days from the 15th – 19th.
Peter Rabbit’s Box of Secrets	Workshop	13 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	5 to 12	Choose some treasures from Peter Rabbit’s treasure box to inspire a story or comic strip adventure of your own. FREE. Drop in policy.
Burrell for Families – Pastel Pictures	Workshop – Museum	13 Oct	Burrell Collection		Take a creative look at the treasures in our collection on the following Saturday afternoons, with different themes each time. FREE.
Cardboard Wars	Workshop – Museum	13 Oct	Kelvingrove Museum	Family	Make your own cardboard armour and weapon inspired by our amazing arms and armour collection – then do battle! Are you ready to be a Knight of Kelvingrove? FREE. Drop in policy, if busy you may need to wait.
Oh No! Where’s Peter?	Treasure Hunt	14 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	Family	Peter Rabbit is lost in the museum. Help us find him by solving clues and meeting his friends along the way. FREE. Drop in Policy.
Burrell Family Films	Films	14 Oct	Burrell Collection		See popular films on the big screen for FREE on the second Sunday of every month. October – December we take a look at three characters on 'rags to riches' journeys – get in touch to find out what’s on.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	Workshop – Museum	15 – 19 Oct	Kelvingrove Museum	Various Sessions	Is Kelvingrove really built backwards? Is it haunted? What’s the most expensive object? How did we get the spitfire into the building? This October holiday we’ll be giving away some of our secrets! Drop into family afternoons every week day from 1.30pm–4.00pm, and join pre-5s sessions at 11.30am. Friday afternoon is film time! What would it be like to spend a night in a museum…? FREE.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	Workshop – Museum	15 – 19 Oct	Riverside Museum	Various Sessions	Drop-in sessions are inspired by the traditional sweets that would have been sold in old fashioned cafés like our Rendevous Café. All ages from 1.30–4.00pm on 13, 14, 16 and 18 October: Make (pretend) giant ice cream cones! On 15, 17 and 19 October there are printing workshops for pre-5s at 11.30am–12 noon. FREE.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	Workshop – Museum	15 – 19 Oct	Burrell Collection	5 to 12	Our arty holiday activities for ages 5–12 are inspired by our Millet exhibition. Drop in between 2.00–4.00pm Tue-Fri to 'paint the poetry of everyday life.' Look out for a FREE film screening on Friday too! FREE.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	Workshop – Museum	15 – 19 Oct	St Mungo Museum	Family	Drop into colourful and lively holiday workshops to make something beautiful, hold a precious museum object or hear a fantastic tale! Sessions are on from 1.00–3.00pm from Tuesday 16–Thursday 18 October and open to the whole family. FREE.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	Workshop – Museum	15 – 19 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	Family	Potter around our museum with family activities inspired by our Peter Rabbit exhibition, from Tuesday 16–Thursday 18 October between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Open to all ages. FREE.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	Workshop – Museum	15 – 19 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	Pre-School	We’ll be hosting special drop-in afternoons exploring light, including sessions the weekend before and after the October break. Plus events specially for pre-5s, including a Teddy Bear’s picnic. FREE.
Children’s Cinema – Dragon Hunters (cert pg)	Films	15 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	P1 to P4 at 11.30am	Zoe is a little girl who believes in fairy tales. In order to help her uncle Lord Arnold get rid of a terrible dragon, Zoe decides she has to find some heroes and sets out on an adventure to bring peace to the land. Runtime 76 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for FREE, on the day. FREE.
Children’s Cinema – Valiant (cert u)	Films	16 Oct	Mugdock Country Park		High-flying comedy adventure about a little pigeon whose biggest dream is to join the Royal Homing Pigeon Service and serving crown and country during World War II. Runtime 73 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for FREE, on the day. FREE.
Bang Together a Bird Box, Kirkintilloch	Nature	17 Oct	Mugdock Country Park		Build a nest box for our feathered friends with the Ranger Service. Leave your box to be put up at Merkland Local Nature Reserve (FREE) or take it home for your garden (£4 charge). Join in anytime; meet in the reserve car park, off Merkland Drive, Kirkintilloch
Children’s Cinema – Arthur and the Great Adventure (cert pg)	Films	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	A tale of a young boy who embarks on a wondrous journey into a magical land of microscopic creatures. Freddie Highmore and Mia Farrow complete a star studded cast. Runtime 103 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for FREE, on the day. FREE.
RSPB Weekend: The Big Draw	Workshop – Museum	20 – 21 Oct	Kelvingrove Museum	Family	Saturday 20th and 21st Oct. Join the national drawing festival by developing your drawing skills in the wildlife galleries of Kelvingrove, with help from artists and experts. FREE. Drop in policy.
Commonwealth Family Festival	Festival	20 Oct	City Halls, Glasgow	0 – 12	Big family arts party featuring The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Mascot. Lots of groups, entertainers, drummers and hands on activities for families and children. FREE.
The Big Draw: Olden Day Designers	Workshop – Museum	20 Oct	Riverside Museum	Family	10.30am to 4.00pm. Be a Shipbuilder or a Fashion Designer for the day! Use carbon paper and drawing tools just like shipbuilders of the past or make fashion illustrations inspired by our costume collection. FREE. Drop in policy.
Children’s Cinema – The Missing Lynx (cert pg)	Fims	20 Oct	Mugdock Country Park		A group of animals look for a way off of an eccentric billionaire's own personal Noah's Ark, with much hilarity and fun along the way. Runtime 90 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for FREE, on the day.
Children’s Cinema – Legend of the Guardians, The Owls of Ga’Hoole (cert pg)	Fims	21 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Soren, a young barn owl, is kidnapped by owls of St. Aggie's, ostensibly an orphanage, where owlets are brainwashed into becoming soldiers. He and his new friends escape to the island of Ga'Hoole, to assist its noble, wise owls who fight the army being created by the wicked rulers of St. Aggie's. Runtime 83 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for FREE, on the day.
Pop! Goes the Incy Wincy Little Teapot (0141 276 9300) gmrcbookings@glasgowlife.co.uk	Music	26 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	Pre-School	11.00am to 2.00pm. Explore the collection through traditional nursery rhymes in a fun interactive trail. FREE but places are limited so phone ahead.
The Big Draw 2012	Crafts	27 Oct	Gallery of Modern Art	Family	Always a highlight of the GoMA calendar, The Big Draw is back again! Children, teens and adults alike are all invited to join the fun with us: Get creative and 'take a line for a walk' in a large-scale drawing event using the Gallery and its collection as inspiration. FREE. Drop in policy.
The Lost Supper	Theatre	27 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	Family	Drop into enjoy a promenade performance where you’ll meet some well-known characters from the past including Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This event is open to all ages, with something for everyone. FREE. Drop in Policy.
Hallowed Be Thy Portrait (0141 276 9300) gmrcbookings@glasgowlife.co.uk	Halloween	27 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	7 plus	Horrid hocus pocus fun – paint a putrid portrait just in time for Halloween. 1.00pm to 3.00pm. FREE. Phone ahead to book as places maybe limited.
Halloween – Cambuslang Park	Halloween	27 Oct	Cambuslang Park		Celebrate Halloween in style at Cambuslang Park this October. The Halloween event will include spooky activities such as traditional Halloween games, magic entertainment, and prizes for the best Halloween costume! FREE
Burrell Book Swap	Books	28 Oct	Burrell Collection	Family	11.30pm to 4.00pm. Swap your unwanted books for something new. You may just find your new favourite read! FREE. Drop in policy.
Spooky Workshop	Crafts	28 Oct	Calderglen Country Park		Drop in to our spooky workshop. Make something creative with a Halloween theme. All materials suplied, 8 – 12 year old's, or younger if accompanied by an adult. Small charge will apply. No booking required.
Family Fun Day	Nature	8 Oct	National Park Centre, Balmaha	Family	An opportunity for kids to get hands-on with the local wildlife, from marsh dipping to bird watching. FREE.

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Arts & Crafts

Eleven craft activities for kids this October in and around Glasgow.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Scarecrows	14 Oct	Finlaystone Country Park	Family	Bring along your old clothes to make scary scarecrows.
The Big Draw	15 Oct	Dams to Darnley Country Park	Family	As part of the 'National Campaign for Drawing' join the countryside rangers for some family fun and natural crafting in the country park. Meet at the Ashoka restaurant car park, Corselet Road, off Nitshill Road, Darnley. Wear appropriate clothing.
Family Craft Sessions (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	17 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	No artistic skills required! Come and design your own pencil case, purse or bag with the help of Lucy Jackson from Mugdock Makkers. Adult supervision required. Just turn up and join in. Cost £2 to £4.50.
Family Craft Sessions	19 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Come and try silk painting, no artistic skills required! For each session, there will be a small charge to cover materials. Typically between £1 and £3 per person. Not bookable just turn up and join in.
Build a Birch Broom – Harry Potter Style!	19 Oct	Lenzie	Family	Birch trees are being removed from Lenzie Moss to help the bog areas become boggy again. So let’s put the birch to good use and make a broom to fly to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Join in anytime, the Ranger Service and Friends of Lenzie Moss will be there to assist you. Follow the signs from the moss end of Lenzie Railway Station car park.
Apple Day	21 Oct	Finlaystone Country Park	Family	An afternoon of traditional games and arts and crafts to commemorate ‘Apple Day’.
The Big Draw 2012	27 Oct	Gallery of Modern Art	Family	Always a highlight of the GoMA calendar, The Big Draw is back again! Children, teens and adults alike are all invited to join the fun with us: Get creative and 'take a line for a walk' in a large-scale drawing event using the Gallery and its collection as inspiration.
Hallowed Be Thy Portrait	27 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	Family	Horrid hocus pocus fun – paint a putrid portrait just in time for Halloween.
Spooky Workshop	28 Oct	Calderglen Country Park	Family	Drop in to our spooky workshop. Make something creative with a Halloween theme. All materials suplied, 8 – 12 year old's, or younger if accompanied by an adult. Small charge will apply. No booking required.
Half-term Fun at Pollok Country Park	13 – 21 Oct	Pollok Country Park	Family	Looking for something to do during those half term holidays stop by the visitor centre when in the park and make some autumn crafts to take home. Free. Or hop on a Dray ride, week days from the 15th – 19th.
October break crafts	13 – 21 Oct	New Lanark World Heritage Site	Family	Visit us during the October break and try your hand at some craft activities. Kids can also enjoy trying out some old-fashioned games and dressing up in the Historic Classroom. Activities included with a Visitor Centre ticket.

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Commonwealth Events

Glasgow is super excited to be hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Young Glasgow will be organising events and activities during the build up to the games.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Commonwealth Family Festival (0141 287 5810)	20 Oct	City Halls Glasgow	0 to 10	Big family arts party featuring The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Mascot. Entertainers, drummers and hands on activities for families and children. Includes Half Moon's production of A Roo In My Suitcase and Toto Tales' An African Tale. Free.

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Dance

Five fantastic dance events for kids of all ages in October.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Lets Dance! (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	19 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Pre-School (10am)	Strut your stuff to the funky beat, stretch up high and stamp your feet! Incorporating a variety of dance styles with a storytelling element, bringing imagination to life through movement and creative play. Lorna Pickford, former head of education with Scottish Ballet, brings this fun and energetic class to Mugdock for all to enjoy! Cost £5.
Lets Dance! (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	19 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	P1 to P4 (11.15am)	Strut your stuff to the funky beat, stretch up high and stamp your feet! Incorporating a variety of dance styles with a storytelling element, bringing imagination to life through movement and creative play. Lorna Pickford, former head of education with Scottish Ballet, brings this fun and energetic class to Mugdock for all to enjoy! Cost £5.
Baby Loves Disco – Halloween Special (07986 527947)	21 Oct	Mansion House	6 mths to 7	Baby Loves Disco is a chance for kids aged six months–seven years (and their parents) to get their respective grooves on, alongside the chance to sample the delights of bubble machines, instruments and a Gymboree chillout zone, with face-painting and healthy snacks included.
Ydance (Tel: 0141 613 5700)	15 – 19 Oct	Rutherglen Town Hall	8 to 9 at 10am	YDance will be leading this Street Dance week suitable for 8 to 14 year olds. Come along and take part in this energetic street dance week, work with the YDance team to create and choreograph some amazing dance! No prior dance experience required just loads of energy and the enthusiasm to be creative. Please come wearing suitable clothing to dance in and bring plenty of water! Cost: £20.00 / £15.00 (concession)
Ydance (Tel: 0141 613 5700)	15 – 19 Oct	Rutherglen Town Hall	10 to 14 at 1pm	YDance will be leading this Street Dance week suitable for 8 to 14 year olds. Come along and take part in this energetic street dance week, work with the YDance team to create and choreograph some amazing dance! No prior dance experience required just loads of energy and the enthusiasm to be creative. Please come wearing suitable clothing to dance in and bring plenty of water! 10.00 am – 8 – 9 years (duration one hour) – £20.00 / £15.00 (concession) 1.00 pm 10 – 14 years (duration two hours) – £40.00 / £30.00 (concession)

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Kids Films

Six films for families held at various parks and museums in Glasgow.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Burrell Family Films	14 Oct	Burrell Collection	Family	See popular films on the big screen for free on the second Sunday of every month. October – December we take a look at three characters on 'rags to riches' journeys – get in touch to find out what’s on.
Children’s Cinema – Dragon Hunters (cert pg)	15 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	P1 to P4 at 11.30am	Zoe is a little girl who believes in fairy tales. In order to help her uncle Lord Arnold get rid of a terrible dragon, Zoe decides she has to find some heroes and sets out on an adventure to bring peace to the land. Runtime 76 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for free, on the day. Free.
Children’s Cinema – Valiant (cert u)	16 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	High-flying comedy adventure about a little pigeon whose biggest dream is to join the Royal Homing Pigeon Service and serving crown and country during World War II. Runtime 73 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for free, on the day. Free.
Children’s Cinema – Arthur and the Great Adventure (cert pg)	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	A tale of a young boy who embarks on a wondrous journey into a magical land of microscopic creatures. Freddie Highmore and Mia Farrow complete a star studded cast. Runtime 103 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for free, on the day. Free.
Children’s Cinema – The Missing Lynx (cert pg)	20 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	A group of animals look for a way off of an eccentric billionaire's own personal Noah's Ark, with much hilarity and fun along the way. Runtime 90 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for free, on the day.
Children’s Cinema – Legend of the Guardians, The Owls of Ga’Hoole (cert pg)	21 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Soren, a young barn owl, is kidnapped by owls of St. Aggie's, ostensibly an orphanage, where owlets are brainwashed into becoming soldiers. He and his new friends escape to the island of Ga'Hoole, to assist its noble, wise owls who fight the army being created by the wicked rulers of St. Aggie's. Runtime 83 mins. No need to book in advance just join our Cinema Club, for free, on the day.

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Halloween for Kids

Fourteen spooktastic Halloween activities for children in and around Glasgow at the end of October.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
A Halloween Musical Adventure (Pre-school) (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	15 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Pre-School	Hop onto our Magical Island full of tricks and treats, where children will experience the fun of music at Halloween. We will bounce, wiggle, clap and giggle and when the teddies are found…. Dance to Teddybear Zumbaaa! Along the way there will be storytelling, sing-a-lings and having fun with colourful musical instruments. Cost £4.
A Halloween Musical Adventure (P1 to P4) (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	15 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	P1 to P4 at 11.30am	Children will experience the fun of crafts and musical games at Halloween. With the help of their very own treasure map, children will play some unusual percussion instruments as they visit Pirates’ Cove and dance to Teddybear Zumbaaa (bring your own teddy if you like). Cost £5. Booking essential on 0141 956 6100. Cost £5.
Haunted Halloween	20 Oct	Dams to Darnley Country Park	Family	Join the countryside rangers for a ghostly walk in your spooky costume!
Spooktastic	26 Oct	Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Eaglesham	Family	Spooks, ghouls and ghosties take an early visit to Whitelee for this fun family Halloween event.
Hallowe'en	27 Oct	House for an Art Lover	Family	All sorts of spooky activities – carve a pumpkin into a ghoulish face, bake some disgusting spidery cupcakes and get seriously shocked in the House of Horrors. Suitable for ages 5–10. Cost £5.
Halloween – Cambuslang Park	27 Oct	Cambuslang Park	Family	Celebrate Halloween in style at Cambuslang Park this October. The Halloween event will include spooky activities such as traditional Halloween games, magic entertainment, and prizes for the best Halloween costume! Free
Halloween Howler 5k Fun Run	28 Oct	Strathclyde Country Park	Family	Dress up and celebrate Halloween with a family fun run in aid of the Stroke Association. Adults £10, Children £5, Family 2 + 2 £25.
Wizzi Wizard’s Halloween Magic – Puppet Theatre	28 Oct	Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre	Family	Join Wizzi Wizard in his Halloween magic exploits. Children welcome to come in fancy dress
Halloween	31 Oct	Finlaystone Country Park	Family	Tickets for this ever popular event featuring Port Glasgow High School Drama Group will be on sale from 1 October, Hot Drink included. Cost: £7.50 and £5 children
Fright Night	31 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	You entered their world before and disturbed them….now they want revenge and they are VERY, VERY ANGRY! The ghostly inhabitants of Mugdock are after you! Most of you made it out the first time round but this time your luck may just run out…Meet some old friends and some new ones on the scariest walk you will ever take! Cost: £8 and £5 children
Halloween Horror Hunt	13 – 21 Oct	Calderglen Country Park	Family	Self guided seasonally themed treasure hunt, search the Conservatory and Zoo to gather all the hidden clues organised by Calderglen Horticulture staff. Treasure Maps and details available from gift shop cost £1.20. No booking required.
Fright Night	19 – 20 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	You entered their world before and disturbed them….now they want revenge and they are VERY, VERY ANGRY! The ghostly inhabitants of Mugdock are after you! Most of you made it out the first time round but this time your luck may just run out…Meet some old friends and some new ones on the scariest walk you will ever take! £8 Adult £5 Child
Halloween Activities	27 – 28 Oct	New Lanark World Heritage Site	Family	Join in the fun with some Halloween craft activities, including mask making and colouring in, activities included with a Visitor Centre ticket.
Preparing for Halloween	27 – 28 Oct	Finlaystone Country Park	Family	Join us making terrifying masks, spooky lanterns and many more gruesome things in preparation for Halloween celebrations.

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Markets

Four markets for parents, including baby sales, kids markets and a book swap at the Burrell.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Baby Booty Sale	13-Oct	Kelvinhall Sports Arena	Family	Monthly market offering parents, and expectant parents, the chance to buy, sell nearly new items at great prices.
Baby Booty Sale	20-Oct	Hutchesons’ Grammar	Family	Monthly market offering parents, and expectant parents, the chance to buy, sell nearly new items at great prices.
The Jack & Jill Market	21-Oct	Meadows Leisure Centre, Meadow Rd, Dumbarton	0 to 9	10.30am – 1.30pm 50 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs).
Burrell Book Swap	28-Oct	Burrell Collection	Family	Swap (rather than sell) your unwanted books for something new. You may just find your new favourite read!

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Music Activities

Four fantastic music events for kids, including a new opera for children of all ages.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
The Elephant Angel	19 Oct	Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock	Family	Commissioned by the Scottish Opera, The Elephant Angel is a heart warming new opera for of all ages. Cost: Standard £13, Concession £11, Student £9
Concert Night: Muldoon’s Picnic	26 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Muldoon's Picnic performing their own arrangements of traditional unaccompanied harmony from around the world, although they have been known to dabble in styles from the sublime to the ridiculous. Booking essential. Cost £12
Pop! Goes the Incy Wincy Little Teapot	26 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	Family	Explore the collection through traditional nursery rhymes in a fun interactive trail.
Mugenkyo Drummers	28 Oct	Kings Theatre	Family	Dress up and celebrate Halloween with a family fun run in aid of the Stroke Association. Adults £10, Children £5, Family 2 + 2 £25.

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Nature Park Activities

It’s Autumn! Time to get muddy, explore woodland, plant bulbs and enjoy the countryside. Here are fourteen organised outdoor events in and around Glasgow.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Bush n' Bash (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	15 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	5 to 9	Pull on your wellies because it time to get muddy! We are going on an adventure, without our parents, amongst the woodlands and moorlands of Mugdock. Exploring through thick vegetation, deer tracking and playing games: having messy fun whilst using our initiative and gaining some appreciation of nature. Cost £4.
Zoo Poo	15 – 21 Oct	Calderglen Country Park	Family	Animals come in all different shapes and sizes and so does their poo! This fun quiz is not for the squeamish! No booking required.
Bird Boxes & Feeders	16 Oct	Finlaystone Country Park	5 to 10	Part of Autumn Wild Days Out these are fun filled activities with the Rangers for children up to 10 years, who must be accompanied by an adult. There is an additional charge of £7.50 for materials.
Bulb Planting for Families	16 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Come along to Mugdock Plantaria and have some family fun, planting bulbs. Cost £2 per pot, suitable for all ages. No need to book, just go straight to the garden centre.
Adventure Afternoon, Milton of Campsie – No Parents Required!	16 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	A Ranger led afternoon of adventure for active kids in the woods around Milton of Campsie.
Ramble with a Ranger (Tel: 0141 956 6586)	17 Oct	Finlaystone Country Park	Family	Part of Autumn Wild Days Out these are fun filled activities with the Rangers for children up to 10 years, who must be accompanied by an adult. There is an additional charge of £7.50 for materials.
Bush n' Bash (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	17 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	5 to 9	Pull on your wellies because it time to get muddy! Enjoy an adventure amongst the woodlands and moorlands. Explore, track deer and play games. Cost £4
Can you see me? (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	17 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	9 to 12	Exploring, adventuring, tracking and surviving. Let’s get the children outdoors for a half day course on all things muddy. Looking at movement, wildlife, survival in nature, camouflage and concealment throughout Mugdock Park. Lots of games and lots of fun. Expect your children to return exhausted, filthy and full of new skills to share! Cost £17.
Bang Together a Bird Box, Kirkintilloch	17 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Build a nest box for our feathered friends with the Ranger Service. Leave your box to be put up at Merkland Local Nature Reserve (free) or take it home for your garden (£4 charge). Join in anytime; meet in the reserve car park, off Merkland Drive, Kirkintilloch
From Little Acorns	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Help to ensure the future of the ancient woodland in Mugdock Country Park. Help the Ranger Service find fallen acorns, and then plant them in the woods. If there are no acorns we will pond dip instead! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet the Ranger at South Lodge car park at 1pm.
Bulb Planting for Families	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Come along to Mugdock Plantaria and have some family fun, planting bulbs. Cost £2 per pot, suitable for all ages. No need to book, just go straight to the garden centre.
Come and Try Survival	20 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	6 plus	Wild by Nature are running this family event. Enjoy a taster session on survival; it will include shelter, tracking wildlife and food for free. Lasts for 1hr 40 mins approx. Cost £4.50
Get Your Hands Dirty	20 Oct	Lenzie Moss, Lenzie	Family	Have fun, get fit, enjoy a day out in the fresh air and enhance the biodiversity of Lenzie Moss. The Ranger Service need help to restore this rare, raised bog to bring back the plants and animals that used to live here. Wear wellies. Meet at the end of Lenzie Railway Station car park. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Junior Nature Club – No Parents Required! ( Tel: 0141 956 6586)	26 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	8 to 12	Owltastic. Is it a tawny, is it a long-eared, is it a short-eared no it’s a barn! Ranger led activities for 8-12 year olds. Cost £1. Bookings taken from Friday 12 October. Booking essential.

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Puppet Theatre

Whisk your whole family into the magical world of puppet theatre.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Mousetale – Oscar and the Highland Castle (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	13 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Join us for a family show with a twist. A fun filled, fast moving and upbeat adventure using ultraviolet lighting, upbeat music and charming puppet characters. Music and special effects makes the performance exciting, absorbing and will appeal to both children and adults! Cost: £5 / £7
Oscar and the Highland Castle (Tel: 01698 452299)	18 Oct	The Town House, Hamilton	4 to 11	It's 1307. Scotland lies defeated and Robert the Bruce is hiding from the English… Answering a call for help, Oscar the mouse leaves his attic home and heads for Loch Ness where he finds Incy Wincy Spider among the ruins of an old castle. Duration 50 mins. Cost £4.
Funnybones	23 Oct	Platform	Family	Puppet Lab present Janet and Allan Ahlberg's fun story of three skeletons: one big, one little and a wee dog. Cost £3.50
Magipup Festival (Tel: 0141 339 6185)	13 to 21 Oct	SMPC, 8-10 Balcarres Ave, Glasgow. G12 0QF (check each performance as some venues vary)	Family	Brand new festival of magic and puppets for families and children right through the October Holiday this year. Fun for all the family keeping everyone entertained and creative with magic, puppets, and an exciting range of family workshops. All thorugh the October holidays – nine days, ten shows and five workshops. Cost £5.50 / £5.95

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Sporty Activities for Kids

Sporting activities during the October holidays include longbow, climbing, mountain biking and a mixed programme of sports at various Glasgow Clubs.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Have a go Longbow (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	14 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Take a shot at medieval archery with the Green Hollow Bowmen. Watch the demonstration at 2pm or turn up and join in at any time. Meet in the Walled Garden near the Visitor Centre. £1.
Climb it! (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	14 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	5 plus	Ascend a seven-meter high rock climbing wall, supported by climbing equipment and experienced scaling staff, who'll ensure you have fun whilst staying safe. £18 for 30 minutes
Mountain Biking Skills Workshop – Beginners (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	16 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	P5 plus	A fun and exciting mountain bike ride learning new skills and ways to ride. Sticking to the wider paths and learning new skills along the way. Lasting approximately 3hrs, including rest stops and teaching points for training. Cost £8.
Mountain Biking Skills Workshop – Improvers (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	16 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	S1 plus	Including sections of single track and short descents, an exciting ride around Mugdock exploring both wooded areas and open landscapes. Training on aspects such as body positioning, gears and effective breaking. Lasting approximately 3hrs, including rest stops and teaching points for training. Cost £8
Mountain Biking Skills Workshop – Beginners (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	P5 plus	A fun and exciting mountain bike ride learning new skills and ways to ride. Sticking to the wider paths and learning new skills along the way. Lasting approximately 3hrs, including rest stops and teaching points for training. Cost £8
Mountain Biking Skills Workshop – Experienced	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	S5 plus	A fun and exciting mountain bike workshop, learning new skills and ways to ride. We will be going on a long journey within the park, primarily using off-road tracks, steep inclines and obstacles. Cost £8
Climb it!	18 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	5 plus	Ascend a seven-meter high rock climbing wall, supported by climbing equipment and experienced scaling staff, who'll ensure you have fun whilst staying safe. Cost £18
Biking for Breakfast	21 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Join us for a cycle around the Park to encourage former and occasional cyclists to give it another go. Sticking to the main paths and learning new skills along the way, in the company of others. Return to the visitor centre for a hot filled roll and a cuppa. Cost £8. Booking essential. Cost £8.
Kids Holiday Programme	15 – 19 Oct	Glasgow Clubs (Various)	5 to 11	Each session will have a mixture of games, sports and activities. The programme will allocate 30 minutes to each activity. £25 per week or £3 per session (concession available)

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Theatre

Find out what’s on at the theatre for kids this October.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Essence of Ireland	21 Oct	Kings Theatre	Family	Now with their biggest and most talented cast of dancers, singers and musicians, Essence of Ireland combines breathtaking dance routines with the very best of Irish music, a touch of Irish Craig, all cleverly woven into a heart-warming tale.
The Lost Supper	27 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	Family	Drop into enjoy a promenade performance where you’ll meet some well-known characters from the past including Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This event is open to all ages, with something for everyone.
This is What we Ask Productions	18 – 20 Oct	Citizens Theatre	Family	Exploring how young people journey into an adult world in which they are confronted by a mass of challenging and sometimes bewildering questions.
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk	24 – 26 Oct	Tron Theatre	9 plus	When Martin moves to a new school he feels lost in a sea of strange faces, especially when class bully Sharon takes a dislike to him. That is until he meets Simon McGurk and forms a friendship that not only changes Martin, but curses Simon for the rest of his school days.
The Sound of Music	30 Oct – 3 Nov	Kings Theatre	Family	Pantheon return with one of the world’s best loved musicals, telling the heart-warming story of the Von Trapp family and their escape from Nazi occupied Austria.
Back to School with Miss Baxter	20 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	Family	An actress-led ‘lesson’ that shows you what it was like in a WWII-era classroom. Limited places – arrive early. Cost £2 / £1.50 Under 16s.

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Family Workshops

This October, there are fifteen different family workshops to choose from. Get ‘hands on’ at the museum workshop events and get creative as a family.

NAME	DATE	VENUE	AGE	DESCRIPTION
Peter Rabbit’s Box of Secrets	13 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	5 to 12	Choose some treasures from Peter Rabbit’s treasure box to inspire a story or comic strip adventure of your own.
Family Friendly Sundays	28 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	Family	Fun drop-in activities for all the family plus short half-hour tours at 1.00pm and 2.00pm. Tour numbers are limited – first come, first served.
Burrell for Families – Pastel Pictures	13 Oct	Burrell Collection	Family	Take a creative look at the treasures in our collection on the following Saturday afternoons, with different themes each time:
Cardboard Wars	13 Oct	Kelvingrove Museum	Family	Make your own cardboard armour and weapon inspired by our amazing arms and armour collection – then do battle! Are you ready to be a Knight of Kelvingrove?
The Big Draw: Olden Day Designers	20 Oct	Riverside Museum	Family	Be a Shipbuilder or a Fashion Designer for the day! Use carbon paper and drawing tools just like shipbuilders of the past or make fashion illustrations inspired by our costume collection.
Charcoal for Children	20 Oct	Burrell Collection	Family	Take a creative look at the treasures in our collection on the following Saturday afternoons, with different themes each time:
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	15 – 19 Oct	Kelvingrove Museum	Various Sessions	Is Kelvingrove really built backwards? Is it haunted? What’s the most expensive object? How did we get the spitfire into the building? This October holiday we’ll be giving away some of our secrets! Drop into family afternoons every week day from 1.30pm–4.00pm, and join pre-5s sessions at 11.30am. Friday afternoon is film time! What would it be like to spend a night in a museum…? Free.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	15 – 19 Oct	Riverside Museum	Various Sessions	Drop-in sessions are inspired by the traditional sweets that would have been sold in old fashioned cafés like our Rendevous Café. All ages from 1.30–4.00pm on 13, 14, 16 and 18 October: Make (pretend) giant ice cream cones! On 15, 17 and 19 October there are printing workshops for pre-5s at 11.30am–12 noon. Free.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	15 – 19 Oct	Burrell Collection	5 to 12	Our arty holiday activities for ages 5–12 are inspired by our Millet exhibition. Drop in between 2.00–4.00pm Tue-Fri to 'paint the poetry of everyday life.' Look out for a free film screening on Friday too! Free.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	15 – 19 Oct	St Mungo Museum	Family	Drop into colourful and lively holiday workshops to make something beautiful, hold a precious museum object or hear a fantastic tale! Sessions are on from 1.00–3.00pm from Tuesday 16–Thursday 18 October and open to the whole family. Free.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	15 – 19 Oct	Scotland Street School Museum	Family	Potter around our museum with family activities inspired by our Peter Rabbit exhibition, from Tuesday 16–Thursday 18 October between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Open to all ages. Free.
October Family Fun – Glasgow Museums	15 – 19 Oct	Glasgow Museums Resource Centre	Pre-School	We’ll be hosting special drop-in afternoons exploring light, including sessions the weekend before and after the October break. Plus events specially for pre-5s, including a Teddy Bear’s picnic. Free.
RSPB Weekend: The Big Draw	20 – 21 Oct	Kelvingrove Museum	Family	Saturday Join the national drawing festival by developing your drawing skills in the wildlife galleries of Kelvingrove, with help from artists and experts.
Puppet Stew (Tel: 0141 956 6100)	14 Oct	Mugdock Country Park	Family	Let your imagination go crazy, in Puppet-Stew’s funky puppet making workshop suitable for all ages and abilities! £2 per puppet. Under 7’s must bring an adult.
Tiny Tales (Tel: 0141 552 4267)	10, 17, 24 & 31 Oct	Tron Theatre	Pre-School	Tiny Tales gives your little ones the chance to explore, discover and experiment in a safe, creative and fun way. Workshops help to develop essential and desirable life skills, encouraging imaginations to flourish whilst whilst preparing your child for the formal learning experiences of nursey and school. All our pre-5 workshops allow you to share the experience and develop a positive and creative relationship with your wee one. £6 per session or £27.50 for 5 week block
Witches and Wizards Workshop	27 Oct	Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre	Family	Make your own puppet that can fly through the night sky.

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For our list of the best places to visit for free in Glasgow that are available all year round click here.

For more information on this author see my profile here +Ali McHugh

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