Wet weather activities
The Kilmartin Museum (complete with cafe) only 15 minutes drive, is highly recommended as a wet weather activity (see under local history). There is a good range of activities designed to engage children
Lochgilphead swimming pool (7 miles, 15 minutes by car) has been recently upgraded and also incorporates a cafe, and toddler soft play (for children aged 5 and under). Advanced booking is required for the toddler soft play.
photo credit: Macpool website
Atlantis Leisure Centre, Oban
If you are happy to travel a little further (40 miles, 1hr by car) Atlantis Leisure Centre in Oban offers a larger pool facility with separate toddler pool, flume, a larger soft play zone (including provision for all primary age children), a climbing wall and squash and tennis courts
https://www.atlantisleisure.co.uk/
photo credits: Atlantis Leisure Centre website
The soft play is much larger than at the Lochgilphead swimming pool, available for children of 0 - 12
Auchendrain township is a museum about rural life in Scotland.
Latest opening information from their website: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3.45pm last entry.
https://www.auchindrain.org.uk
Not wholly an indoors activity, as it involves exploring from one building to the next. but much of what there is to learn is contained within the individual buildings, so worth considering for a rainy day.
Inveraray Castle
(30 miles, 45 minutes by car) has a historic and interesting interior, as well as beautiful gardens. It was the setting for the recent TV historical drama "A very British Scandal", starring Claire Foy, where much of it was filmed.
Open 5 days a week, Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). There is lots of information on their website regarding both the castle interior and grounds.
PHOTO CREDIT: Inverary Castle website
Also worth mentioning that as the gardens are fabulous, if you are visiting on a not totally wet weather day, that would be a bonus!
It might also work as a stop of on the way to/from us, if you are travelling from Glasgow, you will be driving past Inverary, around 45 minutes before reaching Crinan.
A historical museum, showcasing what life was like in a 19th Centuary Jail.
Their website says "STEP THROUGH THE DOORS OF INVERARAY JAIL AND STEP BACK IN TIME TO A 19TH-CENTURY PRISON. EXPERIENCE WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE FOR THE REAL MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN – SOME AS YOUNG AS SEVEN – WHO WERE TRIED AND LOCKED UP HERE. EXPLORE THE ATMOSPHERIC HISTORIC BUILDINGS AT YOUR LEISURE AND MEET THE COSTUMED CHARACTERS WHO ANIMATE THE PAST IN THIS UNIQUE LIVING MUSEUM."
Now also with Escape Room feature!
A bit gruesome in parts. Will not suit all tastes, but maybe worth considering if you are planning a trip to Inverary.