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Summer Fun That Won’t Break the Bank in Renfrewshire!

Thursday 19th June, 2025

  • Family cycling through Clyde Muirshiel park
  • Colourful chairs and beanbags in Linwood Library at the Tweedie Hall
  • Two boys sit in adventure playground

The school holidays are almost here and you’re probably thinking about how to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune! Luckily, Renfrewshire is packed with fantastic, affordable summer activities perfect for keeping the kids entertained over the holidays.

Here’s some fun things to do in Renfrewshire that are budget-friendly and perfect for families.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park summer courses

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park has launched a fantastic programme of summer courses for both children and adults, perfect for making the most of the sunny season. From both junior and adults sailing sessions to a kids’ zombie apocalypse survival course, there’s something for everyone. Head to clydemuirshiel.co.uk for full details and to register – spaces are limited, don’t miss out!

Local library workshops

Keep an eye on local library programmes for workshops, story sessions and craft activities throughout the holidays. Why not enrol your child to in the Summer Reading Challenge, it’s a great way to encourage reading while having fun. Plus, there’s FREE Garden Story activities taking place across Renfrewshire libraries for children taking part.

Renfrewshire’s amazing parks

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunshine for free is by exploring Renfrewshire’s incredible parks. Why not pack a picnic and head to one of the following parks:

  • Barshaw Park in Paisley has fantastic play areas, nature trails, and even a miniature railway.
  • Robertson Park in Renfrew is another brilliant option, offering wide-open spaces for games, a great playground, and even a skate park for older kids.
  • Don’t forget Gleniffer Braes Country Park with its beautiful views and woodland walks – perfect for some fresh air and a bit of wildlife spotting!

Check out these places to enjoy a picnic in Renfrewshire for some more ideas.

  • New play park at Barshaw Park

Summer Super Spotter Challenge at Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

Explore the woodland trails at RSPSB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve this summer on this fun self-led activity and see what wild discoveries you can make! July is a great time to find lots of creatures out and about. See how many creatures on your activity sheet you can find, discover fun facts about them and claim your prize back at the visitor centre once you’re finished. Activity packs cost £4 and are available to purchase from the reserve.

Rainbow Turtle Green Planet Summer Sessions

Rainbow Turtle is organising a series of FREE kids’ workshops in Seedhill, Paisley this July. Suitable for children aged 3-12 years and open to people with all skill levels and abilities. Explore topics related to biodiversity, environmental protection and global citizenship through fun activities, arts and crafts. To find out more and sign up, please email education@rainbowturtle.org.uk.

Community Centres

There’s a jam-packed schedule of free and affordable summer activities for the whole family across OneRen venues. From sports sessions to outdoor activities and even children’s magic shows perfect for those rainy days, we’ve got you covered. Visit the OneRen website for more information.

  • Girl jumping into swimmibg pool. Woman and children already playing in swimming pool.

Free and £1 meals for kids

If you fancy going out for a bite to eat, make sure to check this list of restaurants and cafes offering free or £1 meals for kids. Lots of supermarket and store cafés offer ‘kids eat free’ deals or similar during the school holidays. Cut the cost of eating out with these amazing deals!

Kids’ cinema screenings

Why not head to the cinema to see a kids’ film. It’s not just the films that are kid friendly, but the prices are too – starting as low as £2.50 a ticket on most weekend and school holiday mornings. Head to Cineworld, Odeon, or Vue, and be sure to check the participating cinemas and times. If none of the kids’ screenings take your fancy, check out these tips and tricks to help you save some money on your next cinema visit.

Summer in Renfrewshire doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little planning, you can fill the school holidays with adventure, creativity, and plenty of fun memories right on your doorstep.