The
home page for Families in Auchenhowie, Auchinairn, Auchinreoch,
Baldernock, Balmore, Bardowie, Bearsden, Birdston, Bishopbriggs,
Cadder, Clachan of Campsie, Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Lenzie,
Milngavie, Milton of Campsie, Torrance, Twechar, Waterside,
Alexandria, Balloch, Bonhill, Bowling, Clydebank, Dalmuir,
Drumry, Dumbarton, Duntocher, Hardgate, Jamestown, Milton,
Old Kilpatrick, Renton and Faifley.
This
week Isla and I visited the Sea Life Centre at Lomond
Shores, Balloch, with a friend and her one year
old boy.
The
children really enjoyed their visit, particular favourites
were the otters, the rock pools (Isla loved having the chance
to touch the crabs and starfish), and the huge tank with
sharks and the centre’s latest addition, a green turtle.
We
managed to see the otters and the turtle being fed and the
staff talks were really interesting – it helps that
the staff are so enthusiastic and obviously love their job.
The
only part of the centre we didn’t visit was the cinema
as the children were a bit young for this. My son (almost
6) does enjoy the cinema though so its good for older children.
Even
if you’re not going to eat in the centre its worth
going up to the café level for the beautiful views
of Loch Lomond.
Although
if you walk in off the street the Sea Life Centre is quite
pricey (£12 for an adult and £9 for children
over 3) there are ways you can save a bit on admission fees.
If you book open dated tickets online the prices are £7.75
for an adult and £4.75 for a child. You will often
get money off vouchers (we used 50% off vouchers on our
visit) and if you are likely to visit a lot you can buy
an annual pass (around £30 for an adult and £25
for child). You can also hold your child’s birthday
party at the centre from £12 per child.
When
you visit you are helping marine conservation and when you
hear that the shark tank alone contains creatures worth
over £300,000 you begin to understand why it’s
a bit pricey to visit! Tickets are valid all day so you
can leave the centre and come back later.
There
is ample parking at Lomond Shores, or you can get a train
to Balloch station (from Queen Street) and the centre is
a 5 minute walk from the station.
Bumps
and Bundles
Mugdock
Country Park Review
Contact
Us
