Loch Lomond Shores
WHERE
Alexandria
What it’s like
A shopping and dining spot by the loch with a dino-themed grill, a playpark and shoreline views to wander after lunch.
This isn't a single attraction so much as a cluster of shops, cafés and a playpark strung along the water at Loch Lomond. Kids gravitate towards the Jurassic Grill, which leans hard into a dinosaur theme for its dining room and is open long hours, 11am to 9pm daily, so it works for both lunch and a later tea if you've been out on the loch path all afternoon. There's a proper playpark too if you need somewhere for them to get the wriggles out between shops.
Food is the strong suit here rather than one big headline ride. Beyond the Jurassic Grill there's Cafe Zest inside Frasers doing snacks up to afternoon tea, Caffe at the Shores, and a scatter of takeaway stalls selling churros, bubble waffles and the like. If you've got a dog with you, Cafe Zest allows them inside and out, and Jurassic Grill has a dog-friendly balcony, which is a nice touch if nobody wants to sit outside alone with the pushchair.
Parking is the bit to plan around. From the end of January 2026 they're charging for it, on a sliding scale from 50p for half an hour up to £4 for the whole day, paid on arrival at the machines or through an app. Blue Badge holders still pay, which feels a bit mean given most places waive it, and there's no season ticket option yet for anyone popping in regularly. Coaches get in free, for what that's worth to most families.
Shop hours vary a little by store. Frasers, Sports Direct and Mountain Warehouse run 10am to 6pm on weekdays and Sundays, 9:30am on Saturdays, while the rest of the outlets close half an hour earlier at 5:30pm. Food festivals occasionally bring in funfair rides and extra kids' activities.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- £0.50 up to 30 mins, £1.50 up to 2 hours, £2 up to 4 hours, £4 all day, pay on arrival from Jan 28 2026
- Food
- Multiple cafés and restaurants including Jurassic Grill (dino-themed, 11am-9pm), Cafe Zest (in Frasers, snacks to afternoon tea)
- Dogs
- Dog-friendly. Cafe Zest allows dogs in internal and external areas, Jurassic Grill allows dogs on balcony
- Paid parking starts from 28 January 2026, so it's still free until then.
- No season tickets for parking yet, even for regular visitors.
- Food festivals sometimes bring funfair rides and extra activities for kids.
- Don't leave dogs in the car for long, the weather by the loch can turn quickly.
Plan your visit
How much is parking?
It runs from 50p for up to 30 minutes, £1.50 for up to 2 hours, £2 for up to 4 hours, and £4 for the whole day. You pay on arrival at the machines or through the RingGo or PayByPhone apps.
Do Blue Badge holders get free parking?
No, Blue Badge holders still pay the same rates as everyone else.
What time does the Jurassic Grill open?
It's open every day from 11am to 9pm, so it covers lunch and dinner.
Is there a playpark for the kids?
There's a playpark on site alongside the shops and cafés.
Can we bring the dog?
Cafe Zest allows dogs inside and in its outdoor area, Jurassic Grill has a dog-friendly balcony, and Caffe at the Shores has outside seating for owners with dogs.
What are the opening hours for the shops?
Frasers, Sports Direct and Mountain Warehouse run 10am to 6pm most days, 9:30am on Saturdays. Other stores close a little earlier at 5:30pm.
Do coaches pay to park?
Coaches park free, only cars are charged.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Aquariums & Sea Life in Glasgow · Things to do in Glasgow
MAKE A DAY OF IT
