Categories > Guides and Tips
Best Things to Do in Dundee With a Toddler
- Explore the Dundee Science Centre
- Have fun at Innoflate Dundee
- Go swimming at Olympia Leisure Centre
- Visit the Mills Observatory
- Play at Fuzzy Ed's Weavers Mill
- Skate at Dundee Ice Arena
- Catch a flick at Cineworld Cinema
- Build sandcastles at Broughty Ferry Beach
- Gaze at animals at Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Exploring the city with your little one can sometimes feel like you’re herding cats, so if you’re looking to embark on a toddler-friendly trip, then you need to plan accordingly.
In this guide, we’ll unveil the best toddler-approved spots in Dundee, ensuring your family getaway is not only entertaining but also hassle-free. Say goodbye to tantrums and hello to unforgettable memories!
Explore the Dundee Science Centre
Venue: Dundee Science Centre
Website: https://www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/
Address: 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Wednesday: 11 AM–2 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–5:30 PM
Sunday: 9 AM–5:30 PM
Contact Details: +44 1382 228800
Facilities: Cafe, Gift Shop, Car Parking, Disabled Toilets, Gender-Neutral Toilets, Baby Changing Facilities, Wheelchair For Hire (No Charge)
Price:
| Ticket Type | Off-Peak Price | Peak Time Price |
| Adult (Aged 16-59) | £6.00 | £6.50 |
| Child (Aged 16-59) | £4.50 | £5.00 |
| Infant (Aged 16-59) | £3.50 | £4.00 |
| Baby (Aged 16-59) | Free | Free |
| Adult (Aged over 60) | £5.00 | £5.50 |
| Students | £5.00 | £5.50 |
| Carer | Free | Free |
Spend a fantastic day with your toddler at the Dundee Science Centre, a hotspot for families. This interactive wonderland offers captivating exhibits on science, technology, health, and more.
At the Science Centre, your little one can explore hands-on exhibits. The Sensory Room offers a calming retreat, while the Medical Marvels section lets your child step into the shoes of a surgeon in an augmented-reality operating theatre.
Plus, we just love going to their onsite cafe, Cafe Create. It provides a family-friendly dining experience with a free play area, delightful snacks, and bottle-warming facilities.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting the Dundee Science Centre with multiple kids or as a family group, remember to make your bookings in advance. Doing so will help you secure group rates and guarantee the availability of facilities for a seamless kid-friendly experience. |
Have fun at Innoflate Dundee
Venue: Innoflate Dundee
Website: https://innoflate.co.uk/
Address: Ethiebeaton Park, Monifieth, Dundee DD5 4HB, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon, Thurs:10 AM–6 PM
Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM–8 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM–6 PM
Contact Details: +44 1382 918588
Facilities: Onsite Parking, Baby Changing Facilities, Free WiFi, Accessible Toilets, Wheelchair-Friendly, Pushchair-Friendly
Price:
| Ticket Type | Price |
| 3 and under (0-3) | £5.95 |
| Adult (16-18+) | £10.95 |
| Younger children (4-15) | £10.95 |
Innoflate Dundee offers an exhilarating day out for toddlers and families. Imagine a gigantic inflatable park filled with obstacles, slides, and games that cater to all ages.
For little ones under 4, there are dedicated morning sessions to ensure safe and enjoyable playtime. Also, the open bounce sessions welcome everyone, creating endless fun for all ages.
Innoflate also hosts unique birthday parties and exciting sleepovers, offering dinner, movies, and snacks. Don’t forget to explore their cafe for a variety of delicious treats.
| Pro tip: To ensure availability and save £2, we recommend pre-booking your visit online in advance, securing your spot at a discounted rate. Don’t miss out on this online booking discount! |
Go swimming at Olympia Leisure Centre
Venue: Olympia Leisure Centre
Website: http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/leisure/olympia-home
Address: 3 E Whale Ln, Dundee DD1 3JU, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 7 AM–10:30 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
Contact details: +44 1382 432300
Facilities: Accessible Car Parking, Braille Door Signs, Free WiFi, Training Pool, Toddler Pool, Leisure Pool, Dive Pool, Water Slides, Rapid River, Gym, Activity Room
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Price:
| Activity | Standard | Concession | Juvenile |
| Leisure Pool/off peak | £4.50 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Leisure Pool/peak | £5.80 | £4.50 | £4.50 |
| Training Pool | £4.30 | £3.30 | £3.30 |
| Gym | £5.30 | £4.00 | £4.00 |
| Group Exercise Classes | £5.50 | £4.30 | £4.30 |
| Under 5’s | – | – | £1.50 |
| Carers | £1.50 | – | – |
For those who want to cool off, spend an exciting day with your toddler at Olympia Leisure Centre’s leisure pool. It features exhilarating flume slides, a wave pool, and a special toddler area with pint-sized slides and interactive fun.
Olympia offers versatility with a 50m swimming pool that can transform into multiple pools using movable floors and walls. Guests can also try the innovative flumes with 3D holograms, LED lights, and clear sections, including the daring Cannonball.
| Pro tip: While your toddler is having a blast in the toddler-friendly pool area, make the most of the scheduled diving board sessions. Just remember, during the Cannonball Flume operation, the 3m and 5m diving boards won’t be available. |
Visit the Mills Observatory
Venue: Mills Observatory
Website: http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills-home
Address: Balgay Park, Glamis Rd, Dundee DD2 2UB, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 4 PM–10 PM
Sat-Sun: 12:30 PM–4 PM
Contact details: +44 1382 435967
Facilities: Onsite Parking, Accessible Toilets, Gift Shop
Price: Free, Small charge for planetarium shows and group visits
Mills Observatory atop Balgay Hill is an ideal destination for a family day with your toddler. Explore the wonders of space with fascinating displays, planetarium shows, and a computerised telescope that can identify 30,000 celestial objects.
Staff members are there to guide you, making it a perfect outing for all ages. Don’t forget to visit the Observatory’s Shop for unique space-themed gifts, books, and toys, including items from NASA.
| Pro tip: Mills Observatory provides various opportunities for kids to explore the universe. So, before your visit, check the observatory’s website or contact them to inquire about any family-friendly events or workshops that may be happening during your stay. |
Play at Fuzzy Ed’s Weavers Mill
Venue: Fuzzy Ed’s Weavers Mill
Website: https://www.fuzzyeds.co.uk/location/weavers-mill#/
Address: Camperdown Leisure Park, Dayton Drive, Kingsway, Dundee, DD2 3SQ, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM-7 PM
Contact Details: +44 1382 880170
Facilities: Tuck Shop, Under 5’s Area, Adults Coffee Area, Baby Changing Facilities, Onsite Parking
Price: Kids: £7.99
| Kids | £7.99 |
| 4 weeks unlimited play | |
| 1 child | £9.99 |
| 2 children | £14.99 |
| 3 children | £19.99 |
| Mini movers | £3.00 |
Another great place to bring your toddler is Fuzzy Ed’s Weavers Mill, a vibrant indoor soft play area for children aged 0-12 years. From slides to ball pits, it’s the perfect spot for little ones to play, and even meet the Fuzzoids, a fun band of alien-robot characters.
Conveniently located near Camperdown Country Park and Dundee Ice Arena, this soft playhouse offers designated tots’ areas, and special play sessions during the week.
| Pro tip: After your play session, treat the family to a delicious meal at the attached family dining pub. This is where you can relax and catch up with friends over coffee and cake while your children continue to have a great time. |
Skate at Dundee Ice Arena
Venue: Dundee Ice Arena
Website: https://www.dundeeicearena.co.uk/
Address: 7 Dayton Dr, Dundee DD2 3SQ, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Tue, Thurs, Sat: 10 AM–12 PM, 2:30 PM–4:30 PM
Wed, Fri: 10 AM–12 PM, 2:30–4:30 PM, 7–9 PM
Sunday: 12:15 PM–2:15 PM
Contact Details: +44 1382 431900
Facilities: Onsite Parking, Accessible Toilets, Baby Changing Facilities, Onsite Restaurant, Wheelchair Friendly, Pushchair Friendly
Price:
| Admission | |
| Kids (5-16) | £5.00 |
| Concessions | £5.00 |
| 3- 5 years | £3.50 (including skate hire) |
| Under 3s | FREE (including skate hire) |
| Skate Hire | |
| Adults | £2.00 |
| Kids | £1.00 |
| Concessions | £1.00 |
| Under 5s | Free |
| Snow Babies Sessions (including skate hire) | |
| Under 5s | £4.50 |
| Penguin Skating Aid | |
| £2.00 per 20 min hire (hired out on a first-come first-serve basis). |
Dundee Ice Arena promises a magical day out with your tot on the ice. For beginners, they offer lessons throughout the week, catering to all ages and skill levels, with friendly coaches ready to guide you from the basics to advanced skating techniques.
If you have toddlers eager to experience the ice, Snow Babies is a perfect choice – a playgroup on ice, designed for under 5s, and skating isn’t mandatory. Kids can enjoy pushing or sitting on big toys while supervised by qualified skating coaches.
There are also After School Skating, Sunday Funday, and Disco sessions for added family fun.
| Pro tip: Safety is a priority, especially when your little one is on the ice. Ensure they wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet and knee/elbow pads, for added protection. |
Catch a flick at Cineworld Cinema
Venue: Cineworld Cinema
Website: https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/dundee
Address: Camperdown Leisure Park, Kingsway W, Dundee DD2 4TF, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Depends on the show
Contact Details: +44 330 333 4444
Facilities: Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Counter, Bar Area, Free Car Park, Eating Establishments Nearby, Toilets
Price:
| Admission | 2D | 3D (Glasses £1) |
| Adult (18 and over) | £8.10 | £10.30 |
| Child (14 and under) | £7.10 | £8.70 |
| Student (proof required) | £7.10 | £8.70 |
| Senior (proof required) | £7.10 | £8.70 |
| Family (Max 3 children) | £26.40 | £32.80 |
Discover the joy of family movie time at Cineworld Cinema Dundee. They offer Cinebabies screenings, wherein parents can enjoy stress-free movie moments with their little ones, and babies are free if they’re under 18 months.
Don’t forget to grab the Family Special offer, saving you over 30% – it includes popcorn, soft drinks, and Munchboxes for everyone. Speaking of Munchboxes, they’re packed with tasty treats, and Movies For Juniors ticket holders can snag one at a great price.
Experience the latest in cinema technology, including HFR-RealD 3D for immersive viewing. And before you settle in, treat yourself and your tot to popcorn and sweets from Baskin Robbins.
| Pro tip: Check their website and keep an eye out for special movie-themed events and promotions. From character meet-and-greets to exclusive merchandise, there are often surprises in store for families beyond just the movie itself. |
Build sandcastles at Broughty Ferry Beach
Venue: Broughty Ferry Beach
Website: https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-scotland/tayside/broughty-ferry.htm
Address: The Esplanade, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2EL, United Kingdom
Activities: Kayaking/Canoeing, Jet-skiing, Sailing, Swimming/Bathing, Surfing, Windsurfing
Facilities: Lifeguard Service, Cafe/Restaurant, Toilets
Childrens’ Play Area, Shop, Free Parking
Price: Free
For those who love the beach, we recommend going to Broughty Ferry Beach, where the golden sands are perfect for building epic sandcastles and enjoying beach games. Let your little ones run wild and paddle in the calm waters of the Tay estuary.
Don’t forget to bring your bucket and spade for some classic beach fun! During the winter, your furry friends can join in the excitement as dogs are allowed on the beach.
We also appreciate their numerous amenities like lifeguards, a cafe, and a children’s play area.
| Pro tip: On a windy day, bring along a colourful kite and take advantage of the open beach space. It’s an excellent opportunity to introduce your toddler to the excitement of flying a kite and watching it dance in the sky. |
Gaze at animals at Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Venue: Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Website: http://www.camperdownwildlifecentre.com/
Address: Camperdown Country Park, Coupar Angus Rd, Dundee DD2 4TF, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM–4:30 PM
Contact Details: +44 1382 431811
Facilities: Free Umbrella Hire (Returnable Deposit), Free Adult Wheelchair Use, Assistance Dog Boarding, Accessible Toilets, Baby Changing Facilities, Onsite Parking, Onsite Restaurant, Wheelchair Friendly, Pushchair Friendly
Price:
| Adult | Child/ Concession | Under 3 Years | Family (2 adults 3 children) |
| £6.00 | £5.00 | £1.50 | £22.00 |
Camperdown Wildlife Centre is another place we love for those who want to bring their toddler. You can explore the fascinating world of over 50 animal species, including playful Lion-tail macaques, Lar Gibbons, Wolves, and Snowy Owls.
Don’t miss the engaging feeding times and keeper talks that make learning about wildlife fun. Also, we suggest keeping an eye out for special events and Community Open Days where entry is free, adding extra excitement to your visit.
Additionally, the centre offers birthday party packages in their charming Learning Room. Enjoy a break at their newly refurbished cafe or the outdoor picnic area to recharge during your wildlife adventure.
| Pro tip: We recommend you arrive early in the day to catch the animals during their most active times. Many animals are more active in the morning, providing a livelier experience for your toddler. |
