Silverburn Shopping Centre offers far more than just retail therapy, it’s a complete family destination that perfectly complements your visit to Fun Street. This comprehensive guide explores everything Silverburn has to offer families, from shopping to dining, entertainment to services, helping you plan the perfect day out that combines play with practical needs.
Why Silverburn is Perfect for Families 👨👩👧👦
Silverburn has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind, offering a stress-free shopping environment alongside entertainment options.
Family-First Design 🏗️
The centre’s architecture and layout prioritise family needs:
•Wide Corridors: Spacious walkways easily accommodate buggies and strollers
•Natural Light: Bright, airy atmosphere from glass ceiling reduces sensory overload
•Rest Areas: Comfortable seating zones throughout for breaks
•Temperature Control: Consistent, comfortable climate regardless of Scottish weather
•Single-Level Layout: Main shopping area all on one floor for easy navigation
Strategic Location 📍
Silverburn’s position makes it ideal for family visits:
•Southside Convenience: Easily accessible from Glasgow’s Southside communities
•Transport Links: Multiple bus routes and ample free parking
•Proximity to Parks: Near Pollok Country Park for combined indoor/outdoor days
•Residential Areas: Close to family-dense neighbourhoods
•Away from City Centre: Less crowded than central shopping areas
The Silverburn Philosophy 💭
Silverburn is set up as a full day out rather than a shopping trip alone, with retail, dining, parking and family entertainment on one site. Fun Street sits inside that mix, which is why a shopping run and a play session can be combined without a second journey.
Shopping with Children: Survival Guide 🛒
Transform potentially stressful shopping trips into positive family experiences with these strategies.
Pre-Shopping Preparation 📝
Set yourself up for success before you arrive:
•Timing Strategy: Plan shopping either before or after your Fun Street session
•List Making: Involve children in creating shopping lists for engagement
•Expectations Setting: Clear discussion about behaviour expectations and rewards
•Comfort Planning: Ensure children are well-rested and fed before shopping
•Route Mapping: Plan your store visits in a logical sequence to minimise walking
Child-Friendly Retailers 🧸
Stores that welcome and cater to families:
| Store | Child-Friendly Features | Best For |
| John Lewis | Dedicated children’s department, changing facilities, wide aisles | Quality children’s clothing, toys, nursery items |
| Marks & Spencer | Family changing rooms, children’s food options, parent parking | Family clothing, food treats, essentials |
| H&M | Children’s play areas in-store, family changing rooms | Affordable children’s fashion |
| Waterstones | Children’s reading corner, regular story sessions | Books, educational gifts |
| Boots | Baby change facilities, parenting room, wide aisles | Baby essentials, pharmacy needs |
| The Entertainer | Try-before-you-buy toy demonstrations, engaging displays | Toys, games, birthday gifts |
Shopping Behaviour Strategies 🧠
Psychological approaches to smoother shopping:
•Involvement Technique: Give children age-appropriate shopping responsibilities
•Time Awareness: Use clear timeframes children can understand (“two more shops”)
•Choice Offering: Provide limited choices to give sense of control
•Reward System: Small incentives for cooperative behaviour
•Break Planning: Schedule short breaks between shops
•Distraction Bag: Bring small toys or snacks for younger children
Emergency Situations 🚨
Quick solutions for common shopping challenges:
•Tantrum Management: Quiet corners near customer services for cool-down moments
•Toilet Urgency: Family facilities located in four areas throughout the centre
•Hunger Strikes: Grab-and-go food options at multiple locations
•Lost Child Procedure: Immediately alert security staff who are trained in reunification
•Forgotten Essentials: Boots and Marks & Spencer stock most baby and child necessities
Family-Friendly Dining Options 🍽️
Silverburn offers diverse eating options suitable for different family needs and preferences.
Quick Service for Hungry Families 🍔
When you need food fast:
•Food Court: Multiple options in one location with shared seating
•Grab-and-Go: Pret A Manger, Greggs, and M&S Food for quick options
•Family-Friendly Fast Food: Five Guys, McDonald’s with dedicated family seating
•Healthy Quick Options: Leon, Itsu for nutritious faster meals
•Dessert Treats: Krispy Kreme, Millie’s Cookies for sweet rewards
Sit-Down Family Restaurants 🍝
For more leisurely dining experiences:
•Wagamama: Child-friendly Asian food with kids’ menu and activities
•Pizza Express: Family-focused Italian with excellent children’s options
•Nando’s: Flexible spice levels suitable for all family members
•TGI Fridays: American-style dining with children’s entertainment
•Cosmo: World buffet allowing children to try different foods
Special Dietary Requirements 🥗
Catering for all family members:
•Allergen Information: All restaurants provide comprehensive allergen menus
•Gluten-Free Options: Dedicated choices at most eateries, with Wagamama and Leon particularly strong
•Vegetarian/Vegan: Plant-based options at all restaurants, with specific menus at most
•Religious Dietary Needs: Halal options available at several restaurants
•Baby Food Warming: Available at customer services and most restaurants
Dining with Different Age Groups 👶
Age-specific considerations:
With Babies:
•Carluccio’s and Wagamama offer excellent high chair availability
•Changing facilities within or adjacent to all restaurants
•Staff willing to warm bottles at most locations
With Toddlers:
•TGI Fridays and Pizza Express provide activity packs and quick service
•Booths available at several restaurants for containing energetic little ones
•Finger food options at most eateries
With School-Age Children:
•Nando’s and Five Guys offer customisable meals for developing preferences
•Wagamama provides educational chopstick lessons
•Most restaurants have children’s menus with appropriate portions
With Teens:
•Communal dining options like Cosmo appeal to bigger appetites
•Fast WiFi available throughout food court and restaurants
•”Grown-up” atmosphere at places like TGI Fridays bridges child/adult preferences
Entertainment Beyond Fun Street 🎭
While Fun Street is Silverburn’s premier family attraction, the centre offers additional entertainment options.
Cineworld Cinema 🎬
Perfect for extending your family day out:
•Family Films: Regular showings of latest children’s releases
•Movies for Juniors: Discounted morning screenings of slightly older releases
•Autism-Friendly Screenings: Regular showings with adjusted sound and lighting
•Family Tickets: Discounted packages for 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children
•Combo Deals: Special offers when combining with Fun Street visits (ask at our reception)
Seasonal Attractions 🎡
Throughout the year, Silverburn hosts special entertainment:
•Summer Funfair: Outdoor rides and attractions in the car park (July-August)
•Christmas Wonderland: Santa’s grotto and festive activities (November-December)
•Easter Adventure: Spring-themed activities and trails (March-April)
•Half-Term Events: Different themed activities during school breaks
•Pop-Up Experiences: Visiting attractions and interactive displays
Regular Activities 📅
Ongoing entertainment options:
•Story Time: Weekly sessions at Waterstones (Thursday mornings)
•Workshop Wednesdays: Craft activities in various stores during school holidays
•Character Visits: Monthly appearances by popular children’s characters
•Music Performances: Weekend entertainment in the central atrium
•Interactive Displays: Changing exhibits in main concourse
Essential Services for Parents 🧸
Practical facilities that make family visits easier and more comfortable.
Baby Care Facilities 👶
Comprehensive support for parents with infants:
•Changing Stations: Located in all toilet areas plus dedicated baby changing rooms
•Feeding Rooms: Private, comfortable spaces for nursing or bottle feeding
•Bottle Warming: Available at customer services and most restaurants
•Emergency Supplies: Baby essentials available at Boots and Marks & Spencer
•Microwave Access: For warming baby food at customer services
Family Toilets and Changing 🚻
Well-designed facilities for families:
•Family Toilet Locations: Near Fun Street, Food Court, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer
•Accessible Design: Spacious cubicles accommodating adults with children
•Changing Tables: In both male and female toilets plus dedicated changing rooms
•Child-Height Facilities: Lower sinks and hand dryers in family areas
•Changing Village: Larger facility near Debenhams with multiple changing stations
Additional Family Services 🧩
Extra touches that make a difference:
•Lost Child Procedure: Well-trained security staff and clear protocols
•First Aid Facilities: Trained staff available throughout the centre
•Buggy Hire: Available from customer services (£5 deposit, returned upon return)
•Quiet Room: Sensory-friendly space for children who need a break from stimulation
•Parent and Child Parking: 120 wider bays located near entrances
Seasonal Events and Activities 🎄
Silverburn transforms throughout the year with special events that complement your Fun Street visit.
School Holiday Programs 🏫
Activities coordinated with school breaks:
•Summer Holiday Club: Weekday morning activities during July-August
•Half-Term Workshops: Themed activities during October, February, and May breaks
•Easter Egg Hunts: Annual tradition with prizes and activities
•Christmas Craft Sessions: Festive making activities during December
Christmas at Silverburn 🎅
The centre’s most magical season:
•Santa’s Grotto: Professional experience with photo opportunities
•Christmas Parade: Weekly festive character processions
•Late-Night Shopping: Extended hours with family entertainment
•Gift-Wrapping Station: Charity service for perfect presents
•Festive Food: Special menus and treats at most restaurants
Summer Specials ☀️
Making the most of warmer months:
•Outdoor Play Area: Temporary installation in the plaza (weather permitting)
•Summer Screen: Outdoor family film showings on weekend evenings
•Splash Zone: Water play features during particularly warm weather
•Summer Fair: Traditional games and activities during Glasgow Fair fortnight
•Outdoor Dining: Extended restaurant seating in outdoor areas
Accessibility Features ♿
Silverburn is committed to being accessible for all family members.
Mobility Support 🦽
Features for visitors with mobility requirements:
•Level Access: Single-floor design with no steps throughout main centre
•Wide Corridors: Spacious walkways exceeding minimum requirements
•Rest Areas: Seating placed at regular intervals throughout
•Accessible Parking: 225 dedicated spaces across all car parks
•Shopmobility Service: Free wheelchair and mobility scooter loans (booking advised)
Additional Needs Support 🧩
Services for visitors with various requirements:
•Quiet Hours: Reduced music, lighting, and announcements on Tuesday mornings
•Sensory Map: Available from customer services showing quieter/busier areas
•Changing Places Facility: Full accessible changing room with hoist near Debenhams
•Hidden Disability Support: Staff trained to recognise and assist with Sunflower lanyards
•Autism-Friendly Guide: Downloadable visual guide to prepare for visits
Family-Specific Accessibility 👨👩👧👦
Features designed for family accessibility:
•Double-Width Doors: Throughout the centre for buggy access
•Lift Sizes: All lifts accommodate double buggies
•Accessible Baby Change: Facilities designed for parents with disabilities
•Hearing Loops: Available at customer services and key locations
•Visual Announcements: Digital screens supplement audio information
Planning Your Visit: Timing Tips ⏰
Strategic planning can significantly enhance your Silverburn experience.
Best Times for Family Visits 📅
When to visit for the optimal experience:
| Day | Best Time | Why | Avoid |
| Monday-Thursday | 10am-12pm | Quietest weekday period, most alert children | 3-6pm (school run and commuter traffic) |
| Friday | 10am-11:30am | Quieter morning before weekend rush begins | 4-7pm (weekend beginning rush) |
| Saturday | 9-10:30am or after 6pm | Early morning quiet or evening wind-down | 12-4pm (peak shopping hours) |
| Sunday | 11am-12:30pm | Post-opening lull before lunch rush | 1-4pm (busiest Sunday period) |
Combining Fun Street and Shopping 🛍️
Optimal scheduling approaches:
•Play-Then-Shop: Most effective with younger children who need to burn energy first
•Shop-Then-Play: Works well as a reward system for older children
•Split Approach: One parent shops while another supervises play, then swap
•Extended Visit: Fun Street in morning, lunch, shopping, then cinema for a full day out
Seasonal Timing Considerations 🌦️
How different times of year affect your visit:
•School Holidays: Arrive early (9-10am) to beat crowds
•Christmas Period: Weekday mornings significantly quieter than weekends
•January Sales: Extremely busy, consider visiting Fun Street only during this period
•Summer Months: Generally quieter indoors as more people choose outdoor activities
•Rainy Days: Expect increased visitors seeking indoor entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What are Silverburn’s opening hours?
The main shopping centre is open Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, and Sunday 10am-6pm. However, individual store hours may vary, and restaurants and entertainment venues (including Fun Street and Cineworld) often have extended hours. Always check the Silverburn website for current times, especially during holiday periods.
Are dogs allowed in Silverburn?
Only assistance dogs are permitted within the main shopping centre. However, there is a designated “doggy parking” area near the main entrance where well-behaved dogs can be secured for short periods while you shop (this is not suitable for extended visits).
What should I do if we get separated from our child?
Immediately alert any member of staff or security personnel, who will activate the centre’s lost child procedure. Silverburn staff receive regular training in reuniting families quickly and safely. Tell your children in advance that if they get lost, they should find a staff member wearing a Silverburn uniform or go to any shop counter for help.
Can I hire Silverburn for a private event?
Yes, certain areas of Silverburn can be hired for private events, including corporate family days that can incorporate Fun Street. For information about private hire options, contact the Silverburn management office at events@silverburn.co.uk or speak to our Fun Street team about combined packages.
Silverburn Shopping Centre provides the perfect complement to your Fun Street experience, allowing you to combine play with practical shopping, dining, and entertainment. By planning your visit strategically, you can create a complete family day out that meets everyone’s needs while minimising stress.
For the latest information about Silverburn events and promotions, check their website or social media channels. And remember, our Fun Street team is always happy to provide recommendations for making the most of your combined visit.
Looking to make your visits even more valuable? Weekday sessions are the cheaper option, and every current price is on our prices page.
Find Us 📍
Fun Street Soft Play Glasgow
Silverburn Shopping Centre
Barrhead Rd
Glasgow G53 6AG
United Kingdom
