The area south of the Clyde features variety of places to visit and things to do. Here are five family-friendly reasons you definitely need to be jumping on a train or bus to the Southside.
Whole Foods Market, Giffnock
Whole Foods MarketGlasgow Mummy
The first - and so far only - Whole Foods Market in Scotland opened in Giffnock a few years ago. An upmarket American supermarket chain offering healthy, organic produce including impressive hot food counters, fresh sushi made in-store and the most amazing bread and cakes (gorgeous cupcakes to suit most little ones!); it's expensive, but oh so worth it. As you'd expect from an American business, the staff are super helpful and the store also host lots of events throughout the year such as sushi making classes, wine tasting and even boot camps on the rooftop car park.
Greenbank Garden, Clarkston
Greenbank GardenGlasgow Mummy
This National Trust for Scotland property has the most serene and beautiful gardens, and it's not far from the city centre. Perfect for a lazy, sunny day in Glasgow, take a picnic and relax under the shade of the trees whilst the children play or treat yourself to tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes and ice creams from the café. Unlike some of Glasgow's expansive parks with multiple entry/exit points, these gardens are ideal for families as there is just one way in and out to keep an eye on, letting parents relax a little. There are regular events at the gardens, such as bee keeping, garden walks and art sales.
Valentini's Ice Cream Shop, Giffnock
Valentini'sGlasgow Mummy
Valentini's is a family-run ice cream parlour and is nearly always busy, especially after school. However it's definitely worth the wait as the ice cream they serve is amazing. With a huge variety of flavours including Jaffa Cake, Snowball Ice, Scottish Tablet and White Chocolate there is something for everyone. It's just a bit difficult to make your mind up!
House for an Art Lover, Bellahouston Park
Set within Bellahouston Park, House for an Art Lover is a unique venue designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh that combines an art gallery and exhibition space, an events venue (perfect for weddings), a café that serves beautifully-presented lunches and a gift shop. The house offer art classes for both children and adults and in the grounds surrounding the house there are a variety of sculptures to investigate, a design-led play park and a walled garden.
Bumblebee @ Paul Hodgkiss Designs, Clarkston
Bumblebee Glasgow Mummy
From the outside, you might not think that this 200 year old sandstone cottage has much space to offer up a decent range but the shop is deceptively big. The shelves are stocked with a variety of unique accessories, homewares, gifts and toys, many of which are one-offs. Children will love the cute soft toys and colourful nik naks; one adorable item on a recent visit was a 'Bunny and the Pea' wooden bed with lots of floral mattresses. Unlike the naff rub-off tattoos, Bumblebee have a range of stylish gold ones in hearts, clouds and arrow designs which are sure to be a hit with mini fashionistas.
See Time Out's area guide to Glasgow's Southside.