1 / 6The Scottish Highlands are made for family adventures. Stretching from Cairngorms National Park around Aviemore up to the legendary waters of Loch Ness, this is a corner of the UK where kids can spot polar bears, clamber over castle ruins, hunt for a monster and ride a steam train all in one trip. Here are our favourite confirmed family days out in the area, with tips to make each one easy with children.
🎟️See things to do in Scottish Highlands on GetYourGuide →Highland Wildlife Park
Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, this drive-through reserve and walk-round park near Aviemore is home to Scotland's only polar bears, plus snow leopards, Amur tigers, bison, camels and native species like Scottish wildcats and red squirrels. Kids start from the car spotting free-roaming animals on the drive-through reserve, then walk round to see the polar bears and big cats up close. Picnic areas, food vans, open space and sensory bags make a full day easy with children. Find it in Kincraig, near Aviemore, inside the Cairngorms National Park.
Urquhart Castle
One of Scotland's largest and most dramatic medieval castle ruins, Urquhart sits on a headland overlooking Loch Ness and is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, with a visitor centre, exhibition and film. Children can clamber around the ruins, climb the Grant Tower, see a working trebuchet siege engine and scan the loch for Nessie. Family tickets are available, and timed entry and parking are booked online. You'll find it at Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness.
The Loch Ness Centre
This immersive indoor exhibition tells 500 million years of Loch Ness history alongside the science and legend of the Loch Ness Monster, finishing with a cinematic Nessie experience. It's a fun, weatherproof hour of monster-hunting storytelling that captivates kids, and it pairs naturally with a Nessie-spotting boat cruise on the loch right next door. It's based in Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness.
Highland Folk Museum
Britain's first open-air museum, the Highland Folk Museum spreads over 35 historic and reconstructed Highland buildings across a one-mile site, showing everyday Highland life from the 1700s to the mid-20th century with live costumed interpretation (it's also an Outlander filming location). Entry is free with only a small parking charge, and there's huge open space to run around, a working sweet shop, Highland cows, a 1930s schoolroom and hands-on demonstrations. Families typically spend 3-5 hours, with play and picnic areas on site. It's in Newtonmore in Badenoch and Strathspey.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Set in ancient Scots pine forest, this outdoor adventure and theme park combines treetop trails, water slides, play areas, a dinosaur trail, a tropical house and hands-on nature exhibits. It's packed with active play for all ages - a water coaster, climbing, tree-top courses and dinosaurs - all on one all-day ticketed site, ideal for burning off energy whatever the weather. You'll find it in Carrbridge, near Aviemore.
Cairngorm Mountain Railway (Funicular)
Scotland's only mountain railway and the highest in the UK carries visitors 2km up to the Ptarmigan top station at 1,097m, where there's a 270-degree exhibition, learning zone, restaurant and viewing terrace. The ride itself is a thrill, the base station has an adventure play area, and the top station has interactive 3D sandboxes and an immersive exhibition. Under-5s travel free and family tickets are available. It's on Cairn Gorm, near Aviemore.
Strathspey Steam Railway
This heritage steam railway runs restored steam trains through Speyside scenery between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill in the Cairngorms. It's a classic family steam-train ride with the romance of vintage carriages and Cairngorm views, and special family and themed services run through the season. It combines beautifully with other Aviemore days out, departing from Aviemore.
Tips for a family day out
- Base yourself around Aviemore. Most of these attractions sit within easy reach of the town, so you can pack two into a single day.
- Book timed entry ahead. Popular spots like Urquhart Castle use timed slots and pre-booked parking, especially in summer holidays.
- Pack for all weathers. Highland weather changes fast, so bring waterproofs and layers even in summer, and keep an indoor option like The Loch Ness Centre in reserve.
- Mix indoor and outdoor. Balance big outdoor sites with weatherproof exhibitions so there's always a backup plan for a rainy afternoon.
- Bring a picnic. Several sites have dedicated picnic areas, which keeps costs down and suits fussy young eaters.
FAQs
Where is the best base for family days out in the Scottish Highlands?
Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park, is an ideal base. It puts you close to the Highland Wildlife Park, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and the Strathspey Steam Railway, with Loch Ness around an hour's drive away.
Which attractions are good in bad weather?
The Loch Ness Centre is fully indoor, and Highland Wildlife Park and Landmark Forest Adventure Park both work well in changeable conditions. It's worth keeping an indoor option in reserve, as Highland weather can turn quickly.
Are these days out suitable for toddlers and young children?
Yes. The Highland Wildlife Park has open picnic and play space, the Highland Folk Museum has huge grounds to explore, and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway lets under-5s travel free. Many sites also offer family tickets to keep costs manageable.
🎟️ Top things to do in Scottish Highlands
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