Explore the perfect Scotland family holiday
Scotland is a popular holiday destination for many families throughout the UK, thanks to its variety of attractions that kids and adults alike can enjoy. When you’re looking for fun things to do with your family, you can find something satisfying no matter what your family is interested in. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of options for budget holidays or trips more centred around outdoor adventures. Whatever your plans are, you’ll need to create the ultimate itinerary to get the most out of your Scotland family holiday. Check out the top things to do with kids in this legendary destination.
Explore Edinburgh, Scotland with kids
Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations for families to visit on holiday, and that’s no accident. It’s packed full of history and fun that the whole family can enjoy whether you’re looking to see historical sites, visit museums, go shopping or simply enjoy the outdoors. The culture of Edinburgh is quite welcoming as well, with plenty of special things to see along the way. Take a look at one of the best destinations to visit when visiting Scotland with kids.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is an iconic destination in the city where this medieval structure towers over the area on the top of a hill. When you and your family visit the castle, you can dive deep into the fascinating history of the city and the castle itself, all while taking in the impressive, centuries-old construction. Several exhibits are set up around the castle, including a recreation of a stone-throwing trebuchet, several artefacts dug up in the area and the impressive wooden roof of the great hall. The latter is visible from the inside of the great hall that you’re free to explore, as it’s been restored to its medieval stylings.
Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic structure dedicated to famed author Sir Walter Scott. When your family visits, you can not only appreciate the unique architecture, but you and the kids can also find fun climbing the steps and checking out the vast panoramic views of the city from the top. Be prepared for quite a few steps, as there are 287 stairsteps to climb the top. Be wary of crowds during the summer months as well. The staircase up can get quite narrow even without anybody else there.
The Potter Trail
When you visit The Potter Trail, you can see some of the most iconic locations used for filming the ‘Harry Potter’ films. This includes the burial site of Voldemort and the real-life Diagon Alley. Your kids will especially enjoy discovering which house they would be a part of if they were enrolled in a school of magic. This tour also includes the cafe in which Rowling wrote the first book in the series, starting a franchise that would become popular all around the world.
National Museum of Scotland
At the National Museum of Scotland, you’ll find plenty of exhibits for both kids and adults. Scottish history is on display with numerous artefacts from the country’s past available, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find a giant hamster wheel and a massive collection of artefacts from around the world in the World Cultural Galleries. Plus, you’ll be able to look at technological artefacts, including an Apple computer that dates to 1976. When you’re looking for cheap family holidays to Scotland, this is a great attraction since admission is free.
Arthur’s Seat
If you’re looking for a comfortable break from the city, Arthur’s Seat is one of the best options available. This grassy hill was formed from the eruption of a volcano millions of years ago. Today, you and your little ones can climb to the top and take in the stunning views of the skyline. The hiking trail to the top is easy to traverse, so beginner hikers and kids won’t have any problem embarking on it. The trail snakes around, so there aren’t even any steep inclines to worry about.
Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a fascinating attraction on the Royal Mile that’s full of optical illusions and puzzles the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find more than 100 hands-on exhibits available, so your kids will be especially entertained by it all. Many of the puzzles can be quite challenging, so it’s a useful way to test your wits. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the city from the rooftop terrace on location. Keep in mind that the open hours do vary based on the season, so be sure to check their site to see exactly when they’re open. Fortunately for most family holidays, the open hours are longer during the summer.
Edinburgh Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon is an unforgettable attraction that’s as spooky as it is absolutely hilarious, all while offering important historical education. When you embark on this tour, you and your kids can learn about the history of the city from the trained actors and guides, who are often sporting different costumes from various periods of history. This tour does feature several sudden, loud noises and plenty of dark spaces. The recommended minimum age is 8 years old, but you’re free to use your own discretion to determine whether or not it’s appropriate for your kids.
Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is quite unlike most city parks you may be used to. Instead of flat green spaces, you’ll find quite a few dramatic hills in the area that form a notably craggy shape. While the natural features are quite impressive, this park is also home to several agricultural terraces from the Bronze Age along with remnants of forts dating back to the Iron Age. Additionally, this park is home to St Anthony’s Chapel, a crumbling medieval ruin that still has an atmosphere of splendour about it that both kids and adults alike can enjoy. Of course, your little ones may have more fun looking at the geese in Duddingston Loch here.
Discover St Andrews family breaks in Scotland
On the eastern coast of Scotland, you’ll find the town of St Andrews. This iconic destination is a brilliant location for family breaks in Scotland, thanks to the vast array of fun things to do for kids and adults alike. It’s far more relaxed and serene than many other cities in the country, with gentle waves and charming history. Golf is especially popular here, but you can also stop by a botanic garden, an aquarium and quite a few museums. Take a look at some of the best family attractions throughout St Andrews.
St Andrews Aquarium
At the St Andrews Aquarium, you’ll find a wide array of marine life for your family to explore. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to an underwater world with stunning and ferocious creatures roaming in tanks all around. These include reef sharks and piranhas on the more vicious side, but you’ll also find lobsters and seahorses. The seals are particularly popular with kids, as they’re typically quite active, along with the Humboldt penguins waddling about in their enclosure. In fact, this aquarium is one of the few places in all of Scotland where you can find these specific kinds of penguins.
St Andrews Museum
When you visit St Andrews Museum, your family will find valuable insight into the history of this charming coastal town. You’ll find artefacts and exhibits showcasing the town’s history from the 12th century to the modern day, where it’s primarily known as a global golf haven. Your kids can enjoy special children’s programmes with hands-on activities they can enjoy. Be sure to check out the temporary exhibits – they’re frequently rotated out, so you can see something different if you visit again during your next family holiday in Scotland.
British Golf Museum
It’s only fitting that the British Golf Museum is in St Andrews, the spiritual home of golf as a sport. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of artefacts and memorabilia from golf’s long history. This museum features more than 17,000 unique objects on display that you can explore. Additionally, this museum has a variety of films that present the history in a different kind of way. When bringing your kids along, be sure to check out the Children’s Guide, which offers easy to understand information and a designated trail for kids to see the most important objects. Plus, kids younger than 16 get in for free.
West Sands
A family trip to the beach is easy when you visit West Sands. This is one of the most popular beaches in the area, thanks to its soft sands, inviting waters and designated space for families safely away from the sand yachts. During the peak summer season, you can even enjoy peace of mind with lifeguards posted at the beach. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the town centre, though you can drive if you like as there’s plenty of parking available, too. The beach in total stretches for about 2 miles and includes dunes and a golf course known around the world.
Kingsbarns Beach
Kingsbarns Beach is one of the most iconic St Andrews destinations for families to visit on kid-friendly holidays in Scotland, thanks to its numerous rock pools. When your family visits, your little ones can explore these rock pools to find little creatures and fascinating fossils. You may want to bring along a magnifying glass to get a closer look. Don’t be surprised if you find crabs and starfish in the rock pools as well, as these creatures often make a visit. The beach itself is safe enough, with waters perfect for swimming. You can even bring your dog along on this beach, so you don’t have to leave any part of your family behind.
Scotland’s Secret Nuclear Bunker
For a more curious attraction, your family can visit Scotland’s Secret Nuclear Bunker. This Cold War command centre features 3-tonne blast-proof doors and a variety of communications equipment pieces that look like they came out of a time capsule from the 1960s. Additionally, it all looks kind of sinister, especially with the context of nuclear war in mind, but that just makes it all the more interesting. Your kids will especially enjoy seeing just how dated all the equipment is, especially when compared to the capabilities of modern smartphones.
Find family breaks in Scotland around Inverness
Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and has much to offer adults and kids alike. This county town has a rich history and breathtaking natural features, so sightseers will especially enjoy themselves. Travellers visiting this city can find seemingly endless activities, so it’s no wonder the city is considered to be one of the happiest places in Scotland. You’ll find it all at the tip of the River Ness.
Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail
One of the best ways to start out your holiday to Inverness is to traverse the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail. On this trail, you’ll not only be able to see some of the best sights in the area, but your family can work together to solve a fascinating mystery. It takes around 2 hours to complete the trail, so make sure you have enough time before you set out. Of course, you can always extend your time on the trail by visiting some of the iconic spots along the way. You’ll have to use your wits to solve the riddles, so be prepared to embrace the challenge. A single guidebook with everything you need can easily be shared among groups of 4 or 5, and the book only costs a few quid, making this ideal for a budget-friendly family break in Scotland.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
At the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, you can dive into the history of the Scottish Highlands and explore the rich local culture. You’ll find several artefacts and activities within, including a timeline section that will showcase how the Highlands themselves were formed. The art gallery is alluring and boasts more than 100,000 pieces on display. Some are quite contemporary, while others stretch back to ancient times. This museum also features a tea house and a cafe, so you won’t have to leave to grab a bite to eat.
Ness Islands
While technically within the city limits of Inverness, the Ness Islands area is ideal if your family is looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Outdoor adventurers will find plenty to do here among the relaxing walking trails and parklands boasting vibrant greenery and calm waters. Of course, if it has rained recently, the river’s current can actually get quite speedy. Your kids will especially enjoy hunting down the Nessie sculpture that was made out of a fallen tree, as well as the carved bench sculptures scattered around the islands.
Whin Park
At Whin Park, you’ll find a variety of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There are 4 separate adventure play areas in total that include play equipment for the little ones to venture through. These include zip lines and climbing structures for kids who are looking for some thrills in their outdoor play. The pond here is quite popular as a spot to enjoy the shore and feed the ducks or to venture out in a boat. Plenty of boat rentals are available in the park, so it’s easy to check out the water from a whole new perspective.
Inverness Kart Raceway
If you and your family are looking for high speed fun on your Scotland family holiday, the Inverness Kart Raceway is your best bet. Here, you’ll find go-karts and plenty of room to race them to see who’s the fastest of them all. Drivers as young as 5 years of age are free to get behind the wheel, but you’re always welcome to opt for a dual kart and take control of the ride for them. One of the best aspects of this raceway is that it’s located entirely indoors, so you can enjoy the high-speed track no matter what the weather is like outside.
Frankie and Lola’s
For families with younger kids, a visit to Frankie and Lola’s can make for a great family outing. This facility offers one of the best children’s soft-play centres in the region, with 557 square metres of equipment for them to explore. The playframe sports an alluring safari theme for youth, and toddlers will enjoy the town theme that’s designed just for them. While your kids are playing, you’re free to sit down and enjoy freshly made coffee from the onsite bistro, where you can relax while keeping your little ones well within your line of sight.
Fortrose Beach
Fortrose Beach is a popular patch of sand and shore that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find it stretching out a mile and a half, so there’s plenty of room to run around. Don’t forget to bring your pup as well, as dogs are welcome at this beach along with the rest of the family. The water is safe enough for swimming, and you may even be able to spot some dolphins out in the distance. It’s quite popular to have a picnic here, so consider bringing all the supplies you’ll need for a nice picnic along the shore.