14 Ideas for fun family days out in Scotland

Landmark Forest Adventure Park offers outstanding thrills and spills with its unique blend of rides and family friendly activities. Face the high speeds of the Runaway Timber Train, or take on the dizzying heights of the Wild Water Coaster with three fear-inducing raft rides over waterfalls to choose from. Of course, there’s plenty of things to do with both feet on the ground. Come face to face with a 20ft tall T-Rex at Dinosaur Kingdom, meet the park’s resident wildlife and insects in the Tropical Hot-House or discover the world’s first ‘Bamboozeleum’ and get ready to solve puzzles filled with lots of optical illusions and special effects for even more added fun. Kids can take the driving seat while operating their very own 4x4 or if they fancy depositing some sand, they’ll be in full control with their very own mini digger.

If you love gems and precious stones, this next place is a treasure trove find in the Highlands. Home to one of Europe’s finest private collections of gemstones, crystals and fossils, Treasures of the Earth is set to be a fun day out for the whole family. From rubies, sapphires, diamonds, emeralds, and even dinosaur fossils, you will be amazed at what you can discover here. The Ultraviolet Cave is an absolute must, crystals will magically change colour and glow in the Ultra-Violet light.

There really is nothing cuter than adorable farm animals, right? Get the chance to meet the furry residents at Robertson's Animal Petting Farm including alpacas, Highland cows, baby goats and much more. Looking for local produce to take home? Browse through the shop’s variety of food products from meat and fish to homemade chutneys and cheeses. There are even ready meals available.

Loch Insh Outdoor Centre offers an array of challenging and creative outdoor activities. Varied courses and programmes are available too and the choice of fun is huge! Enjoy raft building, sailing, stand up paddle boarding and pedalos, to name just a few. If you prefer to stay on dry land, immerse yourself in Scotland’s scenery by going mountain biking, improve your aim with archery, while  the kids enjoy the play parks.

Fancy staying that wee bit longer? The outdoor centre will offer you a comfortable place to stay during your time here. Choose from its wide range of accommodation options from apartments and chalets to its very own B&B.

We can’t guarantee that you’ll spot Nessie here, but you’re guaranteed an unforgettable day out in the Highlands. Uncover 500 million years of history, natural mystery and legend at The Loch Ness Centre, revealing the unique environment of Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Monster. With the use of animations, lasers, special effects, and storytelling, discover what really lies beneath the waters of Loch Ness. Not to be missed! 

From llamas to ponies, little one’s love seeing their favourite animals up close. Visit  Dalscone Farm Fun in Dumfries & Galloway. Say hello and get to know the animals – they’re all a very friendly bunch! From Frankie, Max, and Jeffrey the goats to Annie the donkey, they love seeing friendly new faces, especially if you have tasty treats in your hand. For more added fun, take a spin on the go-karts, play a round or two of crazy golf or bounce the day away on the trampolines.

Feeling peckish? Treat yourself to something delicious at the Dalscone Diner with refreshments including tea, coffee, juice, baguettes, and delicious cakes.

If you’re looking for some dino-related fun, then the Dino Park in Dumfries ticks all the right boxes. The attraction offers the chance for budding palaeontologists to roll up their sleeves at the Dino Dig and search for fossils and bones beneath the sand. If you have an appetite for learning, make sure to head to the Dino Den where park rangers will explain the history behind the giants who once roamed the Earth. Other highlights include a bouncy castle and the outdoor and indoor play areas. 

Chocolate might not come to mind when you think of Dumfries & Galloway, but the region has a lot to offer for those who have a sweet tooth. The Cocoabean Company is destined to be a great day out for the whole family with its chocolate making workshops for novice chocolatiers, young and old. After all your hard work, take a bite into your chocolatey creation for a moment of indulgence. The attraction is also home to an impressive outdoor play area. From climbing frames and walls, to super swings and slippery slides – your young adventurers are in for hours of non-stop fun.

Camera Obscura is a museum dedicated to optical illusions that will simply boggle your mind. With five floors of hands on exhibits, you may need to take a second, or third, closer look at things which are not as they first appear. From the dizzying vortex tunnel to finding your way out of the mirror maze, the attraction will add a lot of excitement to your day out in the capital. The shrinking room is a great place for photos. Become a mighty giant in one corner and pint-sized version of yourself in the other. To round it all off, head up to the rooftop for impressive views of Edinburgh’s skyline.

Discover Fife’s wildest day out at The Scottish Deer Centre. The attraction is home to 12 species of deer and animals including the lynx, the Scottish Wildcat, the European brown bear and lots more. It’s daily entertainment schedule also offers the chance to meet some of the animals too, with feeding and grooming sessions.

That’s not all! Leave time for the kids to make use of the indoor play area and the adventure playground. Whether it’s climbing or zooming down a zip line, there’s something for everyone.

Home to over 40 species of animals, Auchingarrich Wildlife & Adventure Park allows visitors to get up close to a range of animals in their natural habitats. All year round there is something to see, from baby chicks hatching, daily feedings and the chance to try your hand at milking Clover the cow. Younger visitors can have lots of fun at the indoor soft play barn. 

Thankfully no passport is required for this next visit. Located in East Lothian, the National Museum of Flight offers a fascinating insight into the world of aviation dating back to the First World War. The centrepiece of the museum is The Concorde where you can get a taste of what a transatlantic flight was like. Aircrafts spanning decades of history from its historic hangars and airfields including the evolution of the in-flight experience, are also highlights. 

A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without a castle visit. Bothwell Castle has a long and eventful history,  and was often the site of fearsome clashes between Scottish and English armies during the Wars of Independence. There is much more to this 13th century castle than its grizzly history though. Admire the castle’s dramatic scenery, explore the 14th century great hall and chapel, or take a stroll through the nearby woodland with flowers in full bloom in spring and summer. 

Glasgow Science Centre makes learning about science fun with engaging and immersive exhibits which will captivate the minds of adults and children alike. Enjoy an illusion experience at A Question of Perception, learn about our wonderful solar system at the Space Zone, or get ready to be creative in the Project Lab. Glasgow Science Centre inspires kids to think like scientists and fires their imagination in the process.

Fancy getting your hands on a science passport? There lots of perks including unlimited free entry and the chance to skip the busy queues.