Summer of Sport

Gala Days and Events: Sporty Family Fun for Everyone

Renfrewshire’s gala days are a summer highlight, combining community celebrations with plenty of active fun for children and families.

Renfrew Gala Day takes place at Robertson Park on Sunday 7 June, with a lively parade, free inflatables, football sessions, BMX demonstrations, dance workshops and rugby taster sessions, alongside live performances and street food.

Barshaw Gala Day brings free family fun to Barshaw Park on Saturday 20 June in Paisley, featuring entertainment, stalls and outdoor activities in one of the town’s best‑loved green spaces.

Across the villages, community‑led galas also offer energetic summer days out. Bridge of Weir Gala Day, held on Friday 13 June, fills the village with a colourful parade and outdoor activities, encouraging families to walk the route, explore the park and enjoy hands‑on fun together.

On Saturday 20 June, Bishopton Day brings the community together at Bishopton Rugby and Holmpark, with a parade, live entertainment, children’s activities and family‑friendly sports and games making it an active and inclusive day out.

All of these events are free to attend and ideal for families looking to enjoy sport, play and community spirit outdoors.

Events such as Sma’ Shot Day on 4th July in Paisley, Renfrew Pipe Band Competition on 18th July and the Johnstone Fire Engine Rally on 15th August also add energy to Renfrewshire’s Summer of Sport. With parades, outdoor entertainment and hands‑on activities for children, both celebrations are perfect for families looking to enjoy an active day out together.

Make a Splash at Renfrewshire Pools

Swimming is an easy way for families to stay active together. OneRen operates swimming pools in Paisley, Linwood, Erskine, Renfrew and Johnstone, offering public swims, family sessions and leisure pools with flumes and wave machines.

Visit OneRen for more information. 

Get Outdoors in Renfrewshire’s Parks

Renfrewshire’s parks and green spaces are perfect for kids who love to run, cycle and explore, with plenty of space to burn off energy during the summer holidays. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and Castle Semple Loch offer fantastic walking and cycling routes, as well as opportunities to try watersports in safe, shallow settings that are ideal for families.

Closer to town, Barshaw Park in Paisley is a firm family favourite, with its large open green spaces, boating pond, play areas and easy walking paths making it perfect for relaxed, active days outdoors. Across Renfrewshire, local play parks provide swings, climbing frames and open space for informal play, ideal for fitter kids and younger children alike.

Further afield, Gleniffer Braes and Finlaystone Country Estate offer woodland walks, natural play areas and wide‑open spaces for picnics and family adventures, all set against some of the best views in the area. Whether you’re planning a short visit to your local park or a full day exploring the countryside, Renfrewshire makes it easy to enjoy an active day outdoors.

Run, Ride and Take on a Challenge

Summer in Renfrewshire is packed with organised sports events that encourage families to get active together, whether that’s cheering from the sidelines or taking part themselves.

One of the highlights is the Gryffe Valley 10k, a popular local road race held in Houston which combines scenic countryside routes with a welcoming, community atmosphere. Alongside the main 10k, the event also features shorter runs and kids’ races, making it an ideal introduction to organised running for younger participants and a feel‑good day out for families.

Paisley also hosts its own Paisley 10k and Fun Run, where families can choose from a range of distances designed to suit all abilities. With routes that run through the town, the event is well‑supported by spectators and offers a fun, inclusive way for children to try their first race or join in with a parent or carer on the day.

Families keen to jump on their bikes will also find plenty of ways to enjoy cycling over the summer. Local clubs such as Johnstone Wheelers and Paisley Velo run regular group rides and youth sessions, helping young riders build skills and confidence. For more relaxed cycling, family‑friendly routes including the Lochwinnoch Loop Line and Paisley to Clyde Coast path offer largely traffic‑free rides that are ideal for summer adventures on two wheels.

Other community sports events – from local football festivals to cycling and activity days – regularly appear across Renfrewshire, with listings updated on local “What’s On” platforms.

Town Centre Trails that Get Kids Moving

While not traditional sports, Paisley First’s free summer town‑centre trails encourage families to stay active by exploring, walking and completing challenges together. These popular trails run throughout the school holidays and are designed to get kids moving while discovering Paisley in a fun, interactive way.

They’re easy to combine with a swim, park visit or lunch in town – perfect for a full day of activity. Keep your eye on Paisley First website for details on this years summer trail.

Paisley CarFest: High‑Octane Family Fun

Paisley CarFest adds a burst of energy to the summer calendar with a town‑centre event designed for families to get out, explore and enjoy active fun together. Alongside eye‑catching vehicle displays, children can enjoy free rides, kart simulator experiences and interactive activities, keeping them on the move throughout the day. With live entertainment, markets and plenty of space to wander, CarFest is an easy, accessible way to enjoy an energetic day out as part of Renfrewshire’s Summer of Sport.