Lanarkshire hosts hot activities for children this summer
Families looking for some fun filled action to help occupy the children over the Summer holiday period need look no further than Lanarkshire. The region boasts a great selection of visitor attractions, leaving you spoiled for choice.
Whether you want to learn about the past or enjoy the great outdoors there are lots of things to see and do, keeping you and your family busy throughout the long summer months ahead.
Step back in time and experience Summerlee, The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge. As well as the chance to explore the new exhibition hall, which showcases interactive exhibits and working machinery, guides will be on hand to take groups down the re-created mine.
Children can also enjoy a ride on one of Summerlee's restored vintage trams or play in the adventure playground. The Reigart Suite provides a dedicated education room for school workshops and other community activities.
New Lanark World Heritage Site is a fantastic place to continue the industrial experience by exploring the fully restored 18th century cotton mill village and learn about Robert Owen’s vision for a better future for Scotland. The famous dark ride at New Lanark Visitor Centre has also recently undergone a change with the arrival of the new Annie McLeod Experience Ride.
Mill-girl Annie returns to where she worked in 1820 and takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey back in time as she tells her fascinating story of life in Robert Owen’s New Lanark. The ride will entertain and educate visitors of all ages.
If you want to get back to nature Calderglen Country Park close to East Kilbride has eight miles of nature trails to explore as well as a zoo and conservatory.
Chatelherault Country Park also showcases Lanarkshire’s beautiful countryside. As well as an historic garden, manor house and adventure playground you can enjoy ten miles of nature trails through 50 acres of beautiful woodlands.
If you are still craving more of the countryside visit one of Lanarkshire’s leading tourist attractions the National Museum of Rural Life also situated near to East Kilbride. Visitors can again get an insight into the areas past by exploring its 1950s working farm, complete with dairy, cows and sheep.
The Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserves will host family badger watch tours on 11 July, 26 July and 15 August. Families with younger children can enjoy a 40 minute guided tour through the ancient woodland and experience the sights, scents and sounds of wildlife at dusk. This is a great opportunity to witness foxes, owls and badgers in their natural environment.