Explore things to do with kids in Scotland outdoors
Scotland is one of the most iconic destinations in the UK if you’re going on a summer holiday with the family, especially if you’re looking for outdoor adventure. You’ll find a plethora of exciting things to do whether you’re looking for hikes, fun by the water or virtually anything else you can imagine. Family days out are easy to plan once you know the kind of activities your family is interested in. Discover the top things to do with kids in Scotland that can help you create the ultimate outdoor experience.
Best hikes for family days out in Scotland
When you travel to Scotland, you’ll find numerous hiking and walking trails throughout the region. These hikes can be incredibly fulfilling and lead you to some stunning views that show off the most impressive natural features in the country. Sometimes you can even find hiking trails within cities thanks to how connected the towns in Scotland are with the natural splendour. Check out the best hikes for family days out in Scotland.
Arthur’s Seat
Located in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is one of the most iconic destinations in Scotland. The trail takes about an hour and a half to 2 hours to complete, and it’s fairly easy with its windy paths, so you never feel like you’re on too much of an incline. When you reach the top, you’ll be able to see panoramic views of Edinburgh along with peculiar geology thanks to the volcanic eruption that formed the peak hundreds of millions of years ago. Try to reach the summit around sunrise or sunset for especially powerful views.
Calton Hill
The Calton Hill hike is among the easiest you’ll find, so it’s a great choice for beginner hikers and families with small children. It only takes about 15 minutes to reach the summit depending on your speed. The hill itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several historic monuments on the summit. When you reach its peak, not only can you explore these monuments, but you can also look out upon the greater Edinburgh area to see even more cultural and historical splendour. Just keep in mind that this trail is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
The Birks of Aberfeldy
When you visit the Birks of Aberfeldy, you’ll find yourself exploring a serene and relaxing path that stretches about 2.25 miles in total. It takes about an hour or 2 to complete, and you can enjoy birch trees and waterfalls along the way. It’s located in the Moness Gorge area, and the path is well-marked and easy to traverse. Given its location above the gorge, you’ll find handrails throughout most of the route that make navigation easier and safer. Plus, the wooden and stone walkways add a unique aesthetic to a good portion of the path that kids are sure to enjoy.
Falls of Bruar
If you’re looking for a short and scenic hike, the Falls of Bruar is a popular choice. Here, you’ll find 1.5 miles of trail that takes about an hour to traverse both ways. The scenery is stunning with a gorge, waterfall and river in the area. In fact, Robert Burns wrote a petition to the Duke of Atholl in the 18th century to convince him to plant some trees around the falls, and the duke granted the request. These days, you can see the fruits of those efforts from convenient viewing bridges.
The Hermitage
Take your family to explore The Hermitage, and you can visit a destination that was vibrant enough to satisfy royalty. Douglas firs populate the area, and despite their massive size, they’re notably calming. Along this path, you’ll find extensive earthy woodland trails near the River Braan along with cultural sites like hidden totem poles in the woods. You may want to consider visiting during autumn because that’s when the salmon will be leaping up the falls. This is also the home of Ossian’s Hall, an 18th-century structure overlooking the waterfall.
Old Man of Storr
On the Isle of Skye, you’ll find the Old Man of Storr. This is a hike that takes about an hour and a half to 2 hours where you’ll eventually be able to see the ‘Old Man’ himself, a massive rock structure that stands vertically on its own towering over the area. On a clear day, you can see miles out over the Sound of Raasay. Just make sure you’re dressed properly for sudden rain showers. They are quite common in Scotland, and this hike doesn’t offer any trees that can be used for shelter.
St Abb’s Head
If you’re looking for a more coastal hike, look no further than St Abb’s Head. This hike takes about 2 hours and goes on for 4 miles in total. The path offers dramatic coastal views that are especially scenic during the summer with the seabirds in the area. While you’re here, you can also visit the St Abb’s Lighthouse, a historical lighthouse that’s been in service since the mid-19th century. Additionally, the path is surrounded by a diverse array of plant life and butterflies. Don’t be surprised if one decides to land on your shoulder as you’re walking along.
Fife Coastal Path
The Fife Coastal Path is one of the most iconic walking paths in Scotland. While the entire path is a full 116 miles, it conveniently features numerous opportunities along the way to get off. It’s split up into 8 sections, and each one offers stunning picturesque scenery. This includes small villages, nature reserves and golden beaches. This trail is also home to the ruins of St Andrew’s Cathedral and the historic MacDuff Castle that you can visit along the path. Several car parks are available along the path, so you can pick and choose where you want to start.
Explore water sports for days out with the kids in Scotland
If you’re looking for outdoor activities that are a bit more thrilling, you won’t have to look far. Numerous lochs and waterways are present around Scotland with each having something special to offer whether you’re looking for swimming, rafting or just about anything else you can imagine. Even surfing is available in certain parts of Scotland along the coast if your family is more interested in adrenaline-pumping fun. Take a look at all the best water sports opportunities for days out with the kids in Scotland.
River Tay
Whitewater rafting is a popular activity for families who are looking to work together to conquer the rapids. You’ll find plenty of opportunities along the River Tay that are particularly suitable for families with kids because the rapids aren’t all that intense. Even so, consider what your little ones are capable of before embarking on this kind of adventure. Whitewater rafting excursions tend to last about 2 to 3 hours, and they come with plenty of safety features like helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids to keep everyone safe.
Loch Earn Watersports Centre
At the Loch Earn Watersports Centre, your family can enjoy a wide variety of fun activities. Located on the south side of the loch, this centre provides opportunities for wakeboarding, water skiing, knee boarding and inflatable rides. If you don’t know how to do any of these water activities, the team here is happy to teach you, so it’s an ideal destination for families with kids who are just learning how to hit the water. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, kayak rentals are available here as well.
Arisaig
When you visit the village of Arisaig, you’ll find yourself with extensive coastal opportunities for fun. Sea kayaking is the most popular activity here, as it’s one of the best ways to explore the coastline thanks to the calm waters without harsh currents to deal with. Kayaks are available for rent in quite a few different locations, and you can even embark on kayaking tours that will guide your whole family to some of the most iconic destinations on the coast. This is the place to go if your family is looking for a more serene and relaxing adventure.
Tiree
Off the western coast of Scotland, you’ll find the island of Tiree with its emerald waters and white sands. Here, you’ll find extensive coastal opportunities for fun that the whole family can enjoy. Surfing is by far the most popular pastime here, and Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’. The waves are inviting for experienced surfers and beginners including kids. Of course, you’ll find other activities available here as well including boating with plenty of rentals available on-site. The wind conditions make sailboats especially popular.
Adventure Carrick
In South Ayrshire, you’ll find Adventure Carrick, an adventure centre where you can enjoy a variety of different water sports. Adults and kids alike can find fun here with things to do for beginners and beyond like canoeing and coasteering. You’ll find all the equipment you need on-site for kids 5 years of age and older. If your kids are 10 or older, they can enrol in a paddle-boarding class to learn how to do this thrilling activity from experienced experts.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
At the Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, you’ll find plenty of fun for the whole family with opportunities for sailing, paddle boarding, rowing and even fishing. Additionally, your little ones can learn the art of raft building and test out their creations to see how good their designs actually work in the water. Given the wind conditions of the area, sailing is the most popular activity, and you’ll find no shortage of sailboat rentals available. Many of them have room enough for the entire family, but you may want to split up into 2 smaller boats instead.