Dundee with Kids: 6 Top Destinations
By Laura Vida
Based in Scotland? Looking for a staycation that definitely won’t break the bank? Need ideas for half-term or bank holiday days out?
Dundee is absolutely packed with indoor and outdoor options for kids. If staying over, nearby Broughty Ferry is a great spot for families with young kids. Accommodation is reasonably priced and there’s a great beach and playground on your doorstep. From here, it’s a short train hop to central Dundee.
Here are some of the Dundee attractions families love best:
Dundee Science Centre
£6.50 per child (age 3-15)
£8 per adult
Time needed: 2.5 hours
Refreshments?: Yes in Café Create which is packed with activities and a small soft play.
Parking: Yes.
The 6 exhibition zones feature a live science show, invention stations, a sensory area, opportunities to explore and discover, plus a topical medical marvels zone where kids can explore the latest technological developments. Expect water play and plenty of buttons to press. The ground floor is best for preschoolers.
SEN friendly? Yes. Look out for noise cancelling headphones and a quiet reading area.
V & A, Dundee
Free
Time: 1.5 hours
Refreshments: Yes
Parking: No. Head to Discovery Point Car Park.
Most recommended if your child is visual and/or arty. Look out for advertised arts & crafts sessions for kids. On our last trip, there was a room full of activities for school-age kids. This spacious modern building offers plenty of scope for supervised scampering.
The MacManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum
Free
Time: 1.5 hours
Refreshments: Yes at the café
Parking: No. Head to Bell Street or Overgate Car Park.
A school-age child will make the most of the exhibits here. For nursery-age kids, we’d recommend giving them a challenge such as ‘I Spy’ with the animals. There’s an extensive collection of birds, mammals and fish from the area and beyond. In addition, they’ll find an incredible collection of shells, brightly coloured moths, butterflies, beetles and more! Families can also explore the exhibitions and collections in a dedicated Family Space on the first floor. www.mcmanus.co.uk
Discovery Point
£7.20 per child (5-15)
£12.60 per adult.
Time: 2+ hours
Parking: Yes
Refreshments: Yes at the café
Explore HMS Discovery. A young child will be able to discover the different parts of the ship and imagine themselves as an explorer. Before boarding, find out about Captain Cook’s incredible journey to the Antarctic via videos, interactive elements and activities. Explore the pioneering Royal Research Ship Discovery and uncover the stories of her illustrious past, from her beginnings in the shipyards of Dundee and her legendary Antarctic expedition of 1901 under Captain Scott, to her many adventures beyond. Step aboard and immerse yourself in the journey of Discovery!
A 5-year-old can climb around the RRS Discovery, explore different decks and imagine being an Antarctic explorer. The museum also has videos, interactive elements and activities before you board the ship.
HMS Unicorn
£4.45 per child (5-17)
£9.75 per adult:
Time: 1.5 hours
Refreshments: No
Parking: Try pay-and-display by the ship. City Quay Car Park is the next closest.
This is the sixth oldest vessel in the world and offers a completely immersive, authentic experience. If your child likes ships, pirates and sailors, this will stir their imagination. NB: You’ll discover the decks via steep stairs and ladders. Or why not go on a mouse hunt? This is possibly not ideal for those who don’t enjoy confined spaces.
NB: Not suitable for anyone who can’t walk.
Dundee Museum of Transport
£ per child (5-15): £4
£ per adult: £7.50
1-2 hours
Refreshments: Small café for drinks and snacks
Parking: Free parking directly outside. Otherwise, try Market Street.
A small, independent museum containing vintage buses, cars, fire engines, motorcycles and more. Children can sit inside designated vehicles and explore. In addition, they’ll enjoy the children’s area, which includes a driving simulator, drawing, colouring, and other hands-on activities. Top tip: Take a coat!
NB: The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Need more local ideas?
We’d recommend heading over to St Andrews for West Sands, St Andrews Botanic Gardens, the very best Fish & Chips ( at Tail End) and ice cream (Luvians, Jannettas). Camperdown Wildlife Centre (just outside Dundee) is also worth investigating.
