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100 fantastic family-friendly attractions across Scotland

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Planning a trip to Scotland with kids? From castles and beaches to steam trains and adventure parks, Scotland is bursting with family-friendly activities.

Whether you’re here for a day trip, weekend getaway, or a summer road trip, you’ll find plenty of adventures to keep little explorers entertained.

This guide brings together 100+ of the best things to do in Scotland with kids, organised by region so you can easily plan your trip. From the Cairngorms to the Highlands, Edinburgh to the Borders, we’ve got ideas for every age and interest.

So pack your walking boots, grab your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the ultimate family-friendly Scotland bucket list.

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The family friendly guide to the Cairngorms National Park 

Scotland’s largest national park is a natural adventure playground and one of the best places in Scotland for a family holiday. With reindeer herds, splash parks, mountain railways, and some of the most beautiful lochs in the country, there’s plenty here to keep kids (and grown-ups!) happy.

Here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in the Cairngorms with kids:

Animal encounters
  • The Highland Wildlife Park – drive through a safari-style reserve and explore walk-around enclosures featuring Scottish and other global wildlife such as wildcats, wolves, polar bears, and my favourite, red pandas. Find out more – The Highland Wildlife Park
  • Cairngorm Reindeer Herd – join a guided hill walk near Glenmore to meet and feed Britain’s only free‑ranging herd of reindeer. Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
  • Abernethy Forest & Loch Garten Osprey Centre – explore forest and nature trails — spot red squirrels, ospreys, crossbills, deer, and maybe even elusive wildcats. Visit the Loch Garten Osprey Centre.
Things to do in Scotland with kids - wildcats
Activities and watersports
  • Landmark Forest Adventure Park – with animatronic dinosaurs, net courses, water coasters and slides – all up in the trees! Find out more – Landmark Forest Adventure Park
  • Loch Insh Outdoor Centre – has watersports, archery, bike trails, and family accommodation. Visit Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
  • Adventure Play Park at Cairngorm Mountain – tubing slides, a jumping pillow, zip runs, and ball runs. Great for children of all ages (even toddlers to teens) and supervisors enter free. Visit Cairngorm Mountain.
History & unusual things to do
  • Highland Folk Museum – an outdoor museum with costumed interpreters and historic buildings. Find out more – Highland Folk Museum
  • Strathspey Railway – ride a vintage steam train through scenic Highland countryside. Find out more – Strathspey Railway.
  • Funicular Ride up Cairngorm Mountain – the UK’s highest funicular railway takes families up to the mountain’s middle and top stations swiftly, offering stunning views without a strenuous hike. Find out more Funicular Ride up Cairngorm Mountain.
The best kid friendly walks and beaches (yes really!)
  • An Lochan Uaine (The Green Loch) (Aviemore) – a short forest trek leading to a vividly green lochan.
  • Loch Morlich Beach – a beach in the Cairngorms? Yes, this sandy freshwater beach has canoe hire and picnic areas.
  • Loch an Eilein – one of my favourite wee walks in Scotland around the loch through Rothiemurchus Forest past a pretty ruined castle on an island.

Family friendly hotels in the Cairngorms:

The Macdonald Aviemore Resort (Aviemore) a go-to choice for families with spacious rooms featuring two double beds, adjoining bunk rooms, or interconnecting rooms to suit larger groups. The resort offers fantastic on-site amenities like a pool with a flume, soft play centre, and even a cinema for kids.

The Coylumbridge Aviemore Resort Hotel – a haven for little explorers, this resort includes a three-floor Fun House, toddler pool, soft play area, trampolines, and a climbing wall. There’s plenty here for kids to burn off energy and for families to relax and play.

Why visit the Cairngorms with kids?

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of outdoor fun, hands-on history, and animal encounters, the Cairngorms delivers. It’s an area where families can really slow down and connect with Scotland’s wild side, with a good dose of adrenaline too.

Kid friendly Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Just a short drive from Glasgow, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s most family-friendly destinations. From wildlife parks and fairy trails to boat trips and zip lines, there’s something here for every age and interest.

Here are the best things to do in Loch Lomond with kids:

Animal encounters
  • Blair Drummond Safari Park – Drive through animal reserves to see lions, rhinos, and zebras up close. Kids will love the adventure playground, boat ride to Chimp Island, and petting zoo. Find out more – Blair Drummond Safari Park
  • Sea Life Loch Lomond (Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch) – perfect for rainy days or animal fans: explore the marine world at the SEA LIFE Aquarium, home to Scotland’s largest collection of sharks! Visit Sea Life Loch Lomond.
History & unique things to do
  • Stirling Castle – with fun exhibitions, children can also dress up in medieval clothes, explore the Great Hall, and meet costumed characters. Visit Stirling Castle.
  • Loch Lomond Faerie Trail and Farm (Luss) – woodland adventure where children can discover hidden troll and faerie houses, mythic creatures, and a mystery to solve. There is also a farm with goats, alpacas, donkeys, sheep, and Highland cows. Find out more – Loch Lomond Faerie Trail and Farm
  • Balloch Country Park & Balloch Castle Grounds – a lovely outdoor space with picnic lawns, nature trails, a walled garden, and scenic views of Loch Lomond. Visit Balloch Country Park
Action and adventure activities
  • Go Wild Loch Lomond – an exhilarating treetop experience near Alexandria featuring zip wires, hanging platforms, tightropes, and rope bridges—great fun for older kids and teens. Find out more – Go Wild Loch Lomond
  • Great Trossachs Path – 48 km scenic trail running from Callander to Inversnaid along Loch Katrine, it’s perfect for hiking and cycling.
  • Falls of Falloch – a beautiful waterfall with a safe viewpoint structure (“Woven Sound”) ideal for visiting with children.
  • Action Adventure Activities – quad biking, 4×4 off-road driving, water sports (e.g., river tubing, paddleboarding, canyoning), obstacle trails, archery, and more—suitable from age five upwards. Find out more – Action Adventure Activities.

Family friendly hotels at Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Waterfront (Balmaha) is private 18‑acre resort offering 5‑star lodges and chalets sleeping up to six, some interconnect for larger families. Infants stay free, and glamping-style shepherd’s huts are also available. Features include a private beach, secure grounds for play, hot tubs, and even pet‑friendly options.

Duck Bay Hotel is set right on the shores of Loch Lomond with breathtaking views, this family‑run hotel offers a welcoming, home‑from‑home feel. Guests enjoy cosy dining areas, family‑friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the lochside.

Why visit Loch Lomond with kids?

It’s the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and history, all within an hour of Glasgow. Whether your family loves castles, animals, or outdoor fun, Loch Lomond offers endless things for kids to do.

The family friendly guide to Edinburgh and the Lothians

Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Europe to visit with kids. From penguins and castles to beaches and science centres, there’s no shortage of family fun. Add in nearby East Lothian’s coast and countryside, and you’ve got the perfect mix of city and nature adventures.

Here are the best kid-friendly things to do in Edinburgh and the Lothians:

Animal encounters
  • Edinburgh Zoo – Home to penguins, koalas, sloths, and more, with animal talks like the popular penguin parade. Find out more – Edinburgh Zoo
Museums and indoor adventures
  • Dynamic Earth – An immersive science centre with interactive exhibits—from iceberg simulations to rainforest environments and a 360° planetarium. Visit Dynamic Earth
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – over five floors of mind-bending visual illusions—mirror mazes, vortex rooms, and panoramic rooftop views of Edinburgh. Visit Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • The National Museum of Scotland – Free to visit, with hands-on exhibits and play areas. The National Museum of Scotland
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon –  spooky, theatrical journey through Scotland’s darker history—live actors, special effects, and spine-tingling fun (best for older kids) Find out more The Edinburgh Dungeon
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Outdoor activities
  • The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – a beautiful green sanctuary with exotic plants, and glasshouses. Visit – The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Saughton Park – lovely gardens with a bandstand, greenhouse, café, creative play area and Scotland’s largest skatepark for active kids. Visit Saughton Park
  • Portobello Beach – Sandy shore, arcades, and ice cream just a short bus ride from the city.
Family friendly activities outside of Edinburgh
  • Inchcolm Island Ferry (South Queensferry) – take a boat trip to a historic island abbey. Book here – Inchcolm Island Ferry
  • East Links Family Park (East Lothian) – featuring a train safari, petting farm, go-karts, and crazy golf—this rural attraction offers a fun-packed day out just a short drive from the city. Visit East Links Family Park
  • Scottish Seabird Centre (North Berwick, East Lothian) – a wildlife discovery centre with interactive zones, perfect for spotting seabirds. Find out more – Scottish Seabird Centre
  • National Museum of Flight (Midlothian) – discover aircraft exhibits—including stepping aboard Concorde! Indoor and outdoor displays make this a fascinating visit for budding aviators. National Museum of Flight.

Family friendly hotels in Edinburgh

Apex Grassmarket Hotel – nestled under the dramatic Castle Rock, this hotel offers spacious Family Rooms equipped with two queen beds, charming castle views, and fun perks like a take-home rubber “Apex Duck”—perfect for little bath adventurers.

Eden Locke – Modern, design-led property offering chic accommodations in central Edinburgh. Eden Locke provides self-catering studios—great for families seeking flexibility and stylish comfort in one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods.

Why visit Edinburgh with kids?

It’s a city where history, play, and adventure come together. One day you’re meeting penguins, the next you’re exploring a castle or playing on the beach, all without leaving the capital.

The kid friendly guide to Glasgow

Scotland’s biggest city is packed with family fun, from hands-on science museums to riverside adventures and giant horse sculptures just outside the city. Glasgow is vibrant, friendly, and full of surprises for kids of all ages.

Here are the best family-friendly things to do in Glasgow:

Science and Museums
  • Glasgow Science Centre – Three floors of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a “Big Explorer” area specifically for young children. The adjacent rotating Glasgow Tower adds a fun twist. Visit Glasgow Science Centre
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum – home to display favorites like dinosaurs, giant animals, and an aeroplane, plus stunning art.. Find out more Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
  • Riverside Museum – Glasgow’s transport museum that’s free to enter and fun for all ages. Visit – Riverside Museum
Outdoor adventures
  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens – Explore glasshouses, exotic plants, a rose garden, and tropical ferns. The nearby Kelvin Walk also connects quietly to Kelvingrove Park, great for a green stroll. Visit Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Pollok Country Park – his expansive park features wide lawns, woodlands, mini-maze, Highland cattle, Pollok House, and the Burrell Collection museum. Visit Pollok Country Park
  • Cuningar Loop – family-friendly playground with wooden play structures, balancing logs, a wooden “dinosaur nest,” pump track for scooting and biking. Cuningar Loop
Kid friendly activities near Glasgow
  • Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life (Coatbridge) – free entry to this interactive industrial museum featuring a reconstructed mine, heritage trams, a miners’ row, outdoor exhibits, and a fun play area. Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
  • The Kelpies (Helix Park, Falkirk) – Giant horse sculptures, splash zones, and adventure trails. The Kelpies
  • Falkirk Wheel – Boat-lift rides and interactive engineering fun. Visit the Falkirk Wheel

Child friendly hotels in Glasgow

Glasgow Marriott Hotel – a perfect hub for family stays with spacious rooms, offering two double beds or connecting options—plus complimentary access to the indoor pool. kids receive “VIK” (Very Important Kids) club packs and badges for added fun. Situated centrally, it’s close to Glasgow Science Centre, The Hydro, Riverside Museum, and more.

Why visit Glasgow with kids?

It’s a city full of surprises from hands-on learning at museums, open spaces to explore, and world-class attractions just a short drive away. Whether your kids love science, history, or outdoor play, Glasgow has something for them.

A family friendly guide to Perthshire and Angus

If your kids love the outdoors, Perthshire and Angus are a dream. From forest adventures and wildlife encounters to historic castles and gentle family walks, this region is packed with fun for every age.

Here are the best things to do in Perthshire and Angus with kids:

Outdoor adventures
  • Action Glen Adventure Park at Crieff Hydro – his outdoor activity hub offers over 30 thrilling activities including zip‑lining through trees at Aloft! Treetop Adventures, archery, axe throwing, woodland combat, giant bouncy pillows, and electric mini-diggers ideal for kids to navigate. Visit Action Glen.
  • Active Kids Adventure Park (Burnside Farm) – Spread across 11 acres, this park combines outdoor play with indoor fun. Highlights include giant bouncing pillows, zip-lines, a wooden pirate ship, crazy golf, farm animals, and a treehouse-themed indoor play zone. Visit Burnside Farm
  • Wee Adventures (Highland Perthshire) – canoeing, zip-lining, and guided nature adventures are just a few of the hands-on experiences offered, tailored for families and kids. Find out more – Wee Adventures
  • Nae Limits Outdoor Adventure Centre – an award‑winning centre offering high-energy family adventures like white-water rafting on the River Tay, quad biking, canyoning, and tubing—suitable for all ages and abilities. Nae Limits Outdoor Adventure Centre
  • Cateran Ecomuseum (Perthshire–Angus Border) – a “museum without walls” that combines cultural storytelling with adventure—cycling routes, guided walking, and heritage driving trails. Visit Cateran Ecomuseum
  • Highland Fling Bungee & Zip Park – Highland Fling Bungee & Zip Park in Perthshire delivers pure adrenaline: leap from Britain’s only permanent bridge bungee at Killiecrankie or soar across the Garry Gorge on treetop ziplines. One for teenagers. Find out more – Highland Fling Bungee
  • Loch Tay Safaris – boat trips filled with history and breathtaking Highland views—a relaxing family adventure. Loch Tay Safaris
Gentle strolls
  • Scone Palace Grounds – Let their imaginations run free in the gardens, maze, and open spaces, with plenty for little ones to explore. Visit Scone Palace Grounds
  • Birnam Oak Forest Walk – A playful trail quest to a tree so large kids can fit inside—charming and easy-going. Stroll the Birnam Oak Forest Walk
  • Montrose Basin Nature Reserve – Easy coastal walking paths with abundant birdlife, wildlife viewing facilities, and an engaging visitor centre. Visit Montrose Basin Nature Reserve
Animal encounters
  • Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre – enjoy indoor and outdoor play zones, picnic spots, and petting areas. Visit Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre
  • Highland Safaris – Red Deer & Barn Owl (near Dull) A gentle safari with direct encounters with red deer, barn owls, and engaging presentations—perfect for nature-loving families. Visit Highland Safaris
Rainy days
  • Beatrix Potter Exhibition (Birnam) – Explore the enchanting garden exhibition that inspired Peter Rabbit, and enjoy interactive fun in the free outdoor spaces. Visit Beatrix Potter Exhibition
History and Heritage
  • The Scottish Crannog Centre – step into prehistoric Scotland with immersive tours and a replica lake dwelling. Visit The Scottish Crannog Centre
  • Caledonian Railway (Brechin) – Ride nostalgia on heritage trains along a four-mile scenic branch—charming and perfect for little railway fans. Visit the Caledonian Railway
  • Glamis Castle – Fantastic grandeur: explore a legendary castle set in stunning grounds, home to royal stories and historic charm. Find out more – Glamis Castle
  • House of Dun (Montrose area) – Peaceful woodland walks, nature trails, a hidden play park, and gardens—great for young explorers and nature time. Visit House of Dun

Family friendly hotels in Perthshire

Crieff Hydro Hotel & Lodges (Crieff, Perthshire) – a true family resort gem with over 200 rooms plus self-catering lodges, featuring over 60 facilities—indoor and outdoor activities, free childcare (BIG Country kids’ club), swimming pools, horse riding, cinemas, and more.

Loch Tay Highland Lodges (Loch Tay, Perthshire) – Perfect for families seeking outdoor tranquillity and activity: choose from lodges, glamping pods, or villas set on beautifully maintained grounds.

Why visit Perthshire & Angus with kids?

This is Scotland’s natural playground, from castles to canoeing, bungee jumps to bunny cuddles, there’s something for every type of family adventure.

Top kid-friendly activities & places to visit in Fife

Fife’s mix of seaside towns, castles, animal parks, and outdoor adventures makes it a fantastic family destination. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, historic ruins, or hands-on farm fun, there’s something here for kids of all ages.

Here are the best kid-friendly things to do in Fife:

Animal encounters
  • Scottish Deer Centre (Cupar) – A 55-acre zoological park home to deer, wolves, wildcats, bears, otters, and birds of prey. Features daily shows, indoor and outdoor play areas, go-karts, café, and woodland walks. Visit Scottish Deer Centre
  • St Andrews Aquarium – Spot penguins, clownfish, seahorses, moon jellyfish, and more. Calm and engaging aquatic displays with keeper feeding sessions. Find out more – St Andrews Aquarium
  • Balgownie Mains Farm Tours (Culross) – Seasonal farm experiences—meet farm animals, join in hands-on activities, and explore rural life with your little ones. Find out more – Balgownie Mains Farm Tours
History & explorations
  • St Andrews Castle & Cathedral Ruins – Exploring ancient ruins and harbor views make for atmospheric outdoor learning—even if some areas remain closed for maintenance. Visit St Andrews Castle & Cathedral Ruins
  • Scottish Fisheries Museum (Anstruther) Free entry for children! Discover maritime heritage with interactive exhibits, full-scale boats, and a café. Find out more – Scottish Fisheries Museum
  • Scotland’s Secret Bunker – An underground Cold War control centre turned museum—eerie and educational. Kids often love the adventure and historic intrigue.Scotland’s Secret Bunker
Parks and Gardens
  • Cambo Gardens & Elf Village (Kingsbarns) – A beautiful estate featuring gardens, glasshouses, and a nature-themed play area (“Elf Village”) complete with imaginative props and private beach access. Visit Cambo Gardens
  • Cairnie Fruit Farm Maze (near Cupar) – A massive six-acre maze, one of Scotland’s most creative attractions. Also includes a play area, café, and farm shop. Visit Cairnie Fruit Farm Maze
  • Pittencrieff Park (Dunfermline) – Known locally as “The Glen,” this award-winning 76-acre park features playgrounds, peacocks, a glasshouse, and Japanese garden.
  • Craigtoun Country Park & Miniature Railway – Spacious country park with playgrounds, trampolines, seasonal attractions, and a miniature steam-style railway ride. Visit Craigtoun Country Park & Miniature Railway
  • Tidal Pools & Coastal Walks (East Neuk) – Explore natural tidal pools at Pittenweem, St Monans, and Cellardyke for safe swims—check tide times.
Rainy Days

Adventure Golf Island (Dunfermline) – Florida-style indoor/outdoor adventure golf located within Fife Leisure Park—ideal for rainy days and mini missions. Visit Adventure Golf Island

Family friendly hotels in Fife

Fairmont St Andrews (St Andrews) – a premium choice for families, it boasts spacious rooms, a splendid breakfast, an indoor children’s pool, and connecting room options, all making it ideal for a relaxing yet active family stay.

Kilconquhar Castle Estate (Leven area) – set in beautiful grounds, this estate-style hotel provides spacious rooms, a children’s pool, a games room, and connecting room arrangements—perfect for mingling family fun with comfort.

Why visit Fife with kids?

Fife is full of contrasts: castles and coastal walks, deer parks and secret bunkers. It’s the kind of place where every day out feels different and the beaches are some of Scotland’s best for families.

Kid friendly things to do in South Scotland

From rolling hills and fairy-tale castles to alpaca walks and coastal adventures, South Scotland is full of family fun. Whether you’re exploring Dumfries & Galloway or the Scottish Borders, there are plenty of things to keep little adventurers busy.

Here are the best kid-friendly things to do in South Scotland and the Borders:

Animal encounters
  • Dalscone Farm Fun (Dumfries) – spectacular indoor/outdoor play farm featuring bumper boats, giant slides, go-karts, soft play areas, sandpits, and animal feeding sessions. Hours of energetic fun for all ages. Visit Dalscone Farm Fun
  • Mabie Farm Park – A lively spot for quad biking, paddle boats, trampolines, and farm animal interactions—packed with action. Mabie Farm Park
  • Jackson’s at Jedburgh – charming working farm offering tractor-towed tours, toddler play sessions, sandpits, animal feeding (think goats and lambs), and craft workshops, hands-on for younger families. Visit Jackson’s at Jedburgh
  • Velvet Hall Alpacas – Located near Peebles, this experience lets kids meet, feed, and even walk alpacas through picturesque woodland trails—gentle, memorable, and engaging. Visit Velvet Hall Alpacas
Museums and history
  • Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura – Free entry to a fascinating local history museum, topped with the world’s oldest working camera obscura offering panoramic views—educational and entertaining. Visit Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura
  • Drumlanrig Castle & Estate – Explore the castle’s adventure playground, craft workshops, and winding walking or cycling trails through the estate grounds. Drumlanrig Castle & Estate
  • Floors Castle (Kelso area) – Gorgeous estate offering guided tours suited for children, a shaded walled garden with a playground (including swings and monkey bars), and casual woodland walks. Floors Castle
Adventure holidays
  • Glentress Forest & Tweed Valley Forest Park – Part of the renowned 7stanes mountain bike network. Offers way-marked family-friendly trails—like the green “skills loop”—plus picnic spots and forest exploration tailored for all ages.
  • 7Stanes Mountain Biking at Kirroughtree (Galloway Forest Park) – Join in on the award-winning biking trails suited to all skill levels, plus enjoy the on-site café and scenic views.
  • Crawick Multiverse (near Sanquhar) – A unique, cosmic-themed landscape playground with galaxy-shaped mounds—amazing for climbing, rolling, and imaginative play. Find out more – Crawick Multiverse
Walks and strolls
  • Berwickshire Coastal Path & St Abb’s Head – Dramatic coastal trail with seabird colonies, including puffins in spring, linked villages, and cliff-top walks with stunning sea views.
  • Coldingham Bay Beach – A safe, sandy Blue Flag beach with tidal pools perfect for exploring marine life, lifeguard patrols, and vintage beach huts, great for families.
  • Duns Castle Nature Reserve – Scenic wetlands and woodlands around two lakes, perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and peaceful family exploration.
  • Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre – Great short walks and an on-site play park, perfect for easy, free family fun just outside Jedburgh.

Family friendly hotels in the Scottish Borders and South Scotland

Peebles Hydro (Peebles) – set amidst scenic Borders hills, this historic spa resort offers spacious rooms, wellness facilities, and excellent family appeal.

Schloss Roxburghe (Kelso area) – a beautifully refurbished Victorian manor featuring a superb spa with an indoor‑outdoor heated pool, parent-supervised children’s swim times, and a fun kids’ club. Outdoor activities include clay shooting, archery, fishing, and golf, with self-catering cottages available.

Why visit South Scotland with kids?

This region is ideal if you love a slower pace. With castles to explore, animals to meet, and wide-open countryside, it’s a fantastic family holiday spot away from the crowds.

Kid‑Friendly Activities in the Scottish Highlands & Islands

The Highlands and Islands are where Scotland’s wild beauty really shines. From steam trains and castles to epic waterfalls and caves, this region is full of unforgettable adventures for families.

Here are the best kid-friendly things to do in the Scottish Highlands & Islands:

  • Highland Folk Museum (Newtonmore) – Step back in time at this interactive open-air museum featuring replica Highland crofts, 18th-century township scenes, and staff in period costume bringing history to life. Perfect for curious young minds. Visit Highland Folk Museum
  • Steall Falls Walk (Nevis Gorge) – Hike through dramatic landscapes to reach Scotland’s second-highest waterfall. This engaging trail offers a memorable outdoor adventure for families with active kids.
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct & Jacobite Steam Train – Stand beneath the iconic Hogwarts-style viaduct and, if timing allows, ride the legendary Jacobite Steam Train across it—an unforgettable experience for Harry Potter fans and train lovers alike.
  • Eilean Donan Castle (Western Highlands) – Discover the iconic castle on its tidal island and stroll over the connecting bridge. The majestic setting and rich history make it a captivating family stop.
  • Ceannabeinne – try the famous Golden Eagle Zip Line (weather dependent so opening times vary) – do your kids dare?
  • Smoo Cave – you can explore this huge cave near Durness by foot or by boat. Smoo Cave is floodlit inside and was formed by both the river inside and the sea outside! The guided tour by boat costs £10.

Family friendly hotels in the Scottish Highlands

Kingsmills Hotel (Inverness) – a luxurious family-friendly hotel conveniently located in Inverness. It includes leisure facilities like a swimming pool and sauna, and is ideal for families planning day trips to local highlights such as Loch Ness and Culloden.

Why visit the Highlands & Islands with kids?

Few places feel as adventurous as the Highlands. From castles and caves to wildlife and waterfalls, every day is a new discovery and the landscapes are as exciting for kids as they are for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Travel in Scotland

Q: What are the best free attractions for families in Scotland?
A: Many castles, parks, and museums offer free entry. Highlights include the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh), Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum (Glasgow), the Riverside Museum, Botanic Gardens, and beaches such as Portobello or St Andrews.

Q: Is Scotland family-friendly for toddlers?
A: Yes! Many attractions cater to younger children with buggy access, indoor play zones, and gentle outdoor walks. Look out for places like Dynamic Earth, smaller farm parks, and soft-play cafes when little legs need a break.

Q: What are the best rainy-day options?
A: Scotland is famous for unpredictable weather, so plan a few indoor options: science centres (Glasgow Science Centre, Dynamic Earth), aquariums (Loch Lomond SEA LIFE), and museums (National Museum of Scotland, Dundee’s V&A).

Q: Do we need to book attractions in advance?
A: Many popular spots—like Edinburgh Castle, boat trips, and farm parks—require or recommend advance booking, especially during school holidays and summer weekends. Always check official websites before travelling.

Q: What’s the best way to get around Scotland with kids?
A: A car offers the most flexibility, particularly in the Highlands and islands. In cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, public transport is reliable and family tickets are often available. Train journeys, such as the West Highland Line, can be attractions in themselves.

Q: Are attractions accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
A: Most modern museums, parks, and science centres are fully accessible. However, some historic castles, abbeys, and island trips may have uneven ground, narrow staircases, or limited access. Check ahead and bring a baby carrier if exploring historic sites.

Q: When is the best time of year to visit Scotland with kids?
A: Summer (June–August) brings longer days, festivals, and open outdoor attractions, though it’s also the busiest season. Spring and autumn are quieter but still offer great wildlife spotting and colourful landscapes. Winter is ideal for city breaks, festive events, and indoor attractions.

Q: Are there family-friendly places to stay near attractions?
A: Yes—many hotels, self-catering cottages, and even hostels welcome families. City hotels often provide family rooms, while countryside cottages are great bases for exploring at a slower pace. Some attractions (like wildlife parks) even have lodges or glamping nearby.

So where are you taking the kids this year?

Scotland really is a playground for families, full of castles to explore, animals to meet, mountains to climb, and beaches to dig on. Whether your kids love history, wildlife, or outdoor adventure, you’ll find something magical here.

Over to you! What are your favourite things to do in Scotland with kids? Share your top tips in the comments, I’d love to hear your family’s Scotland adventures.

And don’t forget to save this guide to Pinterest or bookmark it for later, it’s the perfect travel checklist for your next family holiday in Scotland.

Love from Scotland x