17 Unique Things To Do In Dundee For Families
Which Dundee Landmarks And Attractions Are Worth Visiting With Kids?
As Scotland’s fourth largest city, Dundee has plenty of things to see and do. It is well known for its historical and cultural connections to medicine, jute, jam and journalism, but is perhaps most famous as the home of the RRS Discovery. This ship took Captain Scott and his crew on their Antarctic voyage and gave rise to the city’s moniker, ‘The City of Discovery’.
As our closest city, we frequently visit and have never failed to find interesting and fun things to do in Dundee as a family. Its diverse attractions are perfect for children of all ages, whether budding scientists, history enthusiasts, or nature lovers.
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One Day In Dundee
If your family have only one day in Dundee, this is our recommended itinerary, all within walking distance of the train station:
Morning: V&A Museum & Discovery Point
Lunch: Picnic lunch on Dundee’s waterfront & Slessor Garden
Afternoon: Verdant Works, City Centre Walking Trail & McManus Museum
Things To Do In Dundee With Kids
Dundee has a wide range of activities perfect for families looking for adventure. You can choose from museums, landmarks, water activities, walking tours, and more! Here are some of our top things to do with kids in Dundee:
Family Friendly Dundee Museums
The McManus – Free
Open Monday to Saturday 1000-1700, Sunday 1100-1630
Dundee’s McManus Art Gallery and Museum is centrally located in the city. Its attractive Gothic building showcases many stunning local and natural history artefacts. You’ll also find an art gallery and cultural items reflecting the city’s heritage, making it one of Dundee’s top attractions.
The exhibits, interactive displays, and family-themed workshops were a real hit with our young children. Now that our family is older, it is a valuable resource for the kids as they learn more about the past. Plan your McManus visit here.
HMS Unicorn – £/Free Under 5
Open Tuesday to Sunday 1000-1600
Launched in 1824, HMS Unicorn is one of the oldest remaining British-built ships still afloat. Despite its somewhat unkempt external appearance, internally, it has been well maintained and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who served on it over almost 140 years.
Kids will have a great time playing pirates onboard while they discover Scotland’s only example of a wooden warship. There are family tickets available.
Dundee Science Centre – £/Under 3 Free
Saturday and Sunday 0900-17.30 & School Holidays
Dundee Science Centre has two floors filled with kid-friendly, interactive exhibits guaranteed to make learning fun! It is busy with families year-round, exploring the fascinating displays on robotics, space, and the human body.
The planetarium, surgical and water play areas are the biggest hits with our kids, and they always find something new every time we visit!
Allow between 2 and 4 hours to visit the Science Centre before continuing your Dundee adventure.
V&A Museum Of Design – Free/£ Varies for Temporary Exhibits
Daily 1000-1700
The V&A Design Museum is the centrepiece of Dundee’s waterfront and makes a striking impression from every angle. It has a wide range of exhibits that will appeal to all ages and regularly hosts family-oriented workshops and activities.
Entry to the main museum is free, but there is a charge to access the temporary exhibitions. In our experience, this is worthwhile if you are interested in the subject and have the time, but it is not necessary to enjoy your visit.
Verdant Works – £/Under 16 Free
Daily 1000-1700 (Sunday 1100-1700)
Verdant Works is a beautifully restored jute mill museum with interactive exhibits that showcase life as a mill worker in the 1800s. You’ll hear stories directly from the mouths of some of the last mill workers to have operated the looms, some of which you can see (and hear!) operating while you walk the floors.
The jute and textile industries once dominated Dundee, and visiting this museum is a must to fully appreciate the city’s history and close links to Asia.
Young kids will love the opportunity to get hands-on with some exhibits and dress up in period costumes while older kids and adults learn about the rise and fall of the jute industry.
Consider combining your visit with the RRS Discovery (see below) for a discounted ticket price.
Discovery Point – £/Free Under 5
Daily 1000-1700 (Sunday 1100-1700)
Discovery Point in Dundee offers a look back to when much of the world was still to be mapped. Kids will love boarding the historic, Dundee-built RRS Discovery, which took Captain Scott and his crew on their Antarctic expedition in 1901.
Learn about the polar expedition through interactive and informative displays and videos in the Discovery Dome.
With its mix of history, science, and adventure, Discovery Point is a must-visit attraction in Dundee with kids of all ages.
Consider combining your visit with the Verdant Works above for a discounted ticket price.
Dundee Museum Of Transport – £/Under 5 Free
Wednesday to Monday 1000-1630
If you are interested in vehicles, the Dundee Transport Museum is a must for kids and adults. The museum captures the evolution of transport through the decades with a collection of vintage vehicles, including cars, buses, bikes and trucks.
Our kids had a great time climbing in and around the old buses and classic cars but especially enjoyed seeing the replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
An hour is enough time to see all of the exhibits and you’ll gain great insist from the enthusiastic employees.
Dundee Landmarks
Dundee’s iconic landmarks make planning great things to do with kids easy!
Dundee Law
The Law is Dundee’s extinct volcano and offers panoramic views of the city from its peak. On a clear day, it’s worth bringing a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture The River Tay and the surrounding countryside in all its glory. By night, it is a great location to view the stars and, if lucky, the Northern Lights.
Families can hike to the summit and discover historical markers of Dundee’s past.
Dundee Waterfront
Walk along Dundee’s waterfront, passing the V&A Dundee Museum and Discovery Point. Enjoy the modern architecture and grab a coffee while your Kids play on the urban sandy beach. On a sunny day, they can cool off under the water fountains. Then, picnic or play a ball game in the adjacent Slessor Gardens.
Broughty Ferry Beach
Broughty Ferry Beach, at the eastern end of Dundee, is perfect for families. During the summer months, there is a manned lifeguard station, and kids can paddle in the gentle waves, play on the golden sand beach and in the adventure playpark.
Family Friendly Activities In Dundee
There are various places to visit in Dundee to entertain kids away from museums and history.
Olympia Swimming Pool
Olympia is Dundee’s largest swimming pool and leisure centre. It has 3 exciting flumes, with the legendary Cannonball dropping swimmers almost 4m into the water. There is an excellent wet play area for younger kids, while older children will enjoy the waves and rapid river.
City Quay Wild Shore Water Park
Whether rain or shine, Wild Shore Dundee is a great place to spend a few hours. It offers a giant inflatable aqua park, stand-up paddleboarding, and wakeboarding for families looking for adventure.
Dundee Ice Arena & Cineworld
If you’re looking for somewhere cool, Dundee has a full-sized Ice Arena open all year round. Right next door, you’ll find a large Cineworld where you can watch the latest blockbuster movies.
Discover Dundee Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Sightseeing buses are a great way to see Dundee’s highlights and come with the flexibility of hopping on and off as you please. The open tops are perfect for a sunny day, and the audio guides give a good insight into the city’s history.
Slessor Gardens
Located on Dundee’s waterfront, this is the city’s newest park and regularly hosts large events such as concerts and festivals. There are several themed gardens to explore, reflecting the area’s geography, global connections, and local industry.
University Of Dundee Botanic Garden
The University of Dundee dates back to 1881, recognised globally for its expertise in medicine and science. While several campuses are across the city, the University Botanic Garden is well worth visiting, especially on a sunny day.
Camperdown Wildlife Centre
In the city’s largest park, Camperdown Wildlife Centre conserves some of the world’s endangered species. Brown Bears, Otters, and even the elusive Scottish Wildcat are among the many animals that call this zoo home.
Free Self-Guided Dundee Walking Trails
In addition to the city’s museums, walking trails are a great way to learn more about Dundee. As an added bonus, you can entertain your kids without spending money!
- Discovery Walk – Follow the trail in Slessor Gardens that celebrates the achievements of people in Dundee.
- City Centre Trail – Find 31 statues around the city centre on this walking trail – including penguins, Desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx, Oor Wullie and a dragon.
- Maritime Trail – Follow this 1.5-mile walking trail to learn about Dundee’s links with the sea.
- Green Circular Trail – Complete part of the 27-mile walking/cycling path, which encircles Dundee and several scenic parks and woodlands.
Dundee City Centre Map
Dundee is a small city that is straightforward to navigate with a map. The train station is on the waterfront and is less than a five-minute walk from the city centre, landmarks and attractions. Public transport is widely available across Dundee and is a safe, reliable travel method.
Helpful information boards, including a map of Dundee, are strategically located across the city to aid your navigation.
Family Restaurants In Dundee
Whether you are looking for your favourite burger chain or something more upmarket, Dundee has many family-friendly restaurants.
The Quayside Bar and Grill overlooks the historic Victoria Dock and has a good range of dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. They do a cracking breakfast, and their light lunches are perfect for a quick refuel before you continue your adventures.
The Pancake Place offers a wide choice of savoury and sweet pancake fillings and is a firm favourite with our kids. Situated between the popular Overgate shopping centre and the McManus Museum, it is a great stop when visiting the city’s main attractions.
For a more cosy setting, consider trying The Bach. Its menu has traditional and contemporary dishes, and it is run by two Kiwis, whose influence can be seen in the dishes such as ‘The Caveman’ and ‘Fried Vegan’.
Our final recommendation is family favourite Tony Macaroni. Located in the heart of the city, it serves freshly made pizzas, burgers and pasta, but for us, it’s all about the macaroni!
Where To Stay In Dundee With Kids
Dundee has plenty of choice for families looking for somewhere to stay. The best locations are close to the city centre waterfront, making it easy to get to the main attractions.
📍Holiday Inn Express Dundee – The Holiday Inn Express offers great value for money, and with its comfortable rooms, great breakfast, and central location, it is our top pick for families.
📍Malmaison Dundee—This pet-friendly hotel is ideally located near the city centre and has interconnecting rooms, perfect for families with kids. Children stay free, so while this may not be a budget option, it is very reasonably priced.
Weather In Dundee | When To Visit With Kids?
Scotland is well known for experiencing all seasons in a day. As Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee averages 1,523 hours of sunshine annually.
We have explored Dundee every season, from sunny summer days on the waterfront to autumnal days in city parks and winter exploring museums.
While summer may be more predictably dry, warm and have longer hours of daylight, Dundee is a great family day out at any time of the year.
Is Dundee Worth Visiting?
As the fourth largest city in Scotland, Dundee has plenty to keep you busy! Allow one or two full days to get the most from your trip. This will give you time to fully appreciate its history, modern, family-friendly attractions, and coastal scenery.
Dundee is well worth a visit and is usually less busy than Scotland’s larger cities. You’ll experience the vibrancy of this rejuvenated city without feeling crowded, perfect for families with kids.
Things To Do From Dundee
Dundee is ideally located as a base for families to stay and take day trips to explore other Scottish attractions. We recommend hiring a car for the ultimate freedom to travel, but Dundee has excellent public transport links if you want to let the bus or train take the strain!
✨St. Andrews & Fife Coastal Path: Discover Fife’s seaside villages and towns. See the famous St Andrews University and stroll along the town’s sandy beach. While you’re there, have a round at one of the oldest golf courses in the world!
✨Glamis Castle: Discover our favourite 14th-century castle in the heart of Angus. Once the childhood home of the British Royal Family and the setting of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there is plenty of history to explore.
✨Cairngorms National Park: Take a road trip to Scotland’s largest national park to enjoy the vast open landscape while spotting wildlife or partaking in outdoor activities.
✨Angus Glens: Head to the mystical green valleys of Glen Clova or Glen Esk for family-friendly hiking.
✨Dundee to Edinburgh: Take a day trip by train to explore the dungeons, castle and Harry Potter wizardry.
Visiting Dundee For Families | FAQ’s
The V&A museum in Dundee has both free and paid exhibits. It is an architectural masterpiece worth visiting.
Dundee is famous for its contributions to science, technology and design. It is the birthplace of RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s famous Antarctic research vessel and the comic characters ‘Desperate Dan’ and ‘Dennis the Menace’ produced by DC Thomson. The city has also produced major video games, including Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto.
Dundee has many cultural and family-friendly attractions and is a great place for families. Its interactive museums, vibrant arts scene and rich history make Dundee an engaging city with plenty to see and do for all ages.
Dundee is a coastal city in Scotland with Broughty Ferry Beach to the east of the city centre. There is a castle, playpark, shops and access to a long stretch of yellow sand where dolphins are often spotted.
Final Thoughts | Dundee Things To Do
Dundee is often not the first city people consider when planning their Scottish itinerary. However, it punches well above its weight, with many attractions packed into its compact city centre.
Whether exploring the city’s many museums, enjoying outdoor activities, or delving into its rich history, Dundee offers a memorable experience for children and adults.
The City of Discovery will continue on its journey of redevelopment and regeneration for many years to come. Be sure to return to see the city’s landmark Edan Project, due for completion in 2026.
Read More About Scotland
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