Family-Friendly Adventures in Scotland: Activities Everyone Will Love
Family holidays in Scotland are special because the country feels like one big playground. From misty mountains to sandy beaches, magical forests to dramatic castles, there’s something for everyone, no matter the age. With a wee bit of planning (and maybe a campervan for extra flexibility), Scotland becomes the perfect backdrop for family adventures.
Whether it’s climbing hills, spotting wildlife, or discovering a castle’s secret staircase, there are plenty of things to do on a family holiday in Scotland. We have listed some of our favourites on this blog to give you inspiration on what to do with your wee one during your family holiday in Scotland.
Family-Friendly Activities Everyone Will Love
Dunvegan Castle, @essiexplores
1. Explore One of the Many Castles
Castles are more than just old buildings filled with history; they’re places to imagine knights, queens, and exciting battles. At Stirling Castle, kids can wander around the vaults and climb the battlements, while Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye offers a dramatic setting beside a loch and is a great spot to do some seal spotting. You can even book yourself a seal trip to go see Loch Dunvegan’s seal colony up close!
2. Visit the Highland Wildlife Park
For a real wildlife adventure, head to the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie. Kids will love spotting red pandas, Highland cows, and even polar bears in a safe, family-friendly environment. It’s a great way to combine outdoor time with learning about animals from around the world.
Jacobite Steam Train, @essiexplores
3. Take a Ride on the Jacobite Steam Train
Also known as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies, this famous train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, thrilling kids and adults alike. Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, the journey takes you through the West Highlands whilst giving you the chance to buy chocolate frogs and Potter-themed souvenirs on board. Whether you're a Potterhead or not, this journey is a must-do!
4. Short Walks and Easy Adventures
Scotland is filled with hundreds of walks, many of them perfect for families. We have listed down some of our favourites:
The Hermitage
Located in Dunkeld is a forest trail with waterfalls that feel straight out of a fairytale. You reach the cascading waterfall after only a 10-minute walk from the car park.
Loch Morlich
Situated in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich offers a sandy beach and a short forest loop, perfect for a family picnic or a splash in the water. Suitable for even the youngest children.
Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye is a magical, grassy landscape full of mini pinnacles for little adventurers to explore. It has a reputation for being a place of myth and wonder.
Conic Hill
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hill to conquer, Conic Hill is the perfect choice. Located in Loch Lomond, this hill is perfect for families wanting that extra challenge. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to go up and down. Pack your snacks and get ready to climb!
Travelling in a camper van makes these short walks even easier to enjoy. You can pull up close to the start of many trails, get everyone ready in the comfort of your own space, and return to a warm, cosy base for lunch or hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to explore Scotland’s family-friendly routes at your own pace.
VisitScotland, Jakub Iwanicki
6. Try Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Scotland’s lochs and calm coastal waters are ideal for water-based fun. Families can try kayaking on Loch Lomond or paddleboarding together at Loch Leven. It’s active, scenic, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors as a team.
7. Visit Interactive Museums and Science Centres
If you’re looking for an indoor activity, Scotland’s full of options. Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh brings the story of our planet to life with interactive exhibits, while The Glasgow Science Centre has hands-on fun for curious minds of all ages. These stops make family holidays in Scotland educational and exciting at the same time.
8. Go Beachcombing and Explore Coastal Trails
Scotland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Luskentyre Beach in Harris offers soft sand and shallow waters perfect for kids to run and play, while Lossiemouth Beach on the Moray Coast is ideal for rock pooling and spotting shells.
Puffins, @essiexplores
9. Spot Wildlife
If you’re fond of wildlife, head to the west coast or the Cairngorms to see red deer, seals, otters, and a variety of birds. Chanonry Point in the Black Isle is famous for dolphin spotting, and kids will love the excitement of seeing animals in their natural habitat.
10. Enjoy a Traditional Scottish Experience
Cap off your family holiday in Scotland with a truly local experience: tasting freshly baked shortbread, spotting the fluffy highland cows, or joining a ceilidh dance. It’s a way to immerse the whole family in Scottish culture while making memories everyone will remember.
Scotland has a mix of adventure, beauty, and excitement that appeals to all ages. From castles and wildlife to beaches, forests, hill climbs, and interactive museums, there’s always something new to discover, making Scotland an amazing place for a family holiday.
