Family holidays in Scotland

Scotland is the perfect playground for kids of all ages to get out and explore. Spot red squirrels leaping overhead on gentle woodland walks, huddle under blankets and watch a starry sky, or feel the elements with a river kayaking trip.  

Plan a family activity 

Speed through forest trails with cycle routes for all abilities, or slow things down with a hike in the hills spotting rowans, silver birches and ancient oaks as you go.  

• Travel in style through some of Scotland’s undulating hills, glens and lochsides with these beginner cycling routes. 
• Watch for seals bopping up and down in the waves offshore on a coastal route along Smugglers’ Trail, or have fun spotting wacky graffiti on a 13th century castle in Kelburn with these scenic family friendly walks. 
• Embark on a family adventure, pack a picnic and soak up sweeping vistas with our easy hill walks.

More fun outdoor adventures

Say hello to our local wildlife 

Take the time to connect with nature as a family. Meet cute farm animals and get messy with muddy wellies after plenty of jumping in puddles.  

• Watch little lambs take their first steps in spring, gather fresh berries in woven baskets or learn a new craft on a farm stay and holiday. 
• Spot orcas diving off the Shetland coastline, see a golden eagle soaring in the clear sky above the Isle of Mull, or feed red deer in the Highlands with our guide to Scottish wildlife. 
• No visit to Scotland is complete without getting up close to our iconic Highland coos! Breathe in the fresh countryside air, wander through rolling landscapes and find out where to see Highland coos in Scotland. 

Experience the wonder of the night sky 

Scotland’s unpolluted skies are full of wonder and magic. Make memories that will last a lifetime as you wrap up warm and spend the evening spotting the constellations and shooting stars in the dark sky above you. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.  

Find dark sky parks & stargazing sites

See the Northern Lights in Scotland

Travelling with the whole family can be a logistical challenge, but we’ve got some hints and tips to help you plan your trip with discounts, insider tips and free attractions.

Passes and offers  

Hop on a train as it weaves through epic Scottish landscapes or visit top city centre attractions with discounted entries for families. 

• Scotrail Kids for a Quid – travel on trains across the country with the kids for just £1.  
• Kids Pass – from seeing the penguins waddle at Edinburgh Zoo to swinging through the trees at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, find great savings on family attractions.  
• My Scottish Pass – see Scotland like the locals do with this digital pass that unlocks savings on a range of destinations.  

Check out more passes and offers

Free city attractions  

Spend your days exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of our most impressive museums, or burning off steam in picturesque gardens and parks. There are so many free things to see and do in Scotland for all the family to enjoy. 

• Free things to do in Aberdeen – keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as they leap across the horizon from Aberdeen Beach, or get your culture fix in Aberdeen Art Gallery.  
• Free attractions in Dundee – race up Dundee Law for the best views of the glittering Tay and visit one of Scotland’s most cutting-edge museums at the V&A Dundee. 
• Free attractions and things to do in Edinburgh – soak up the medieval history and excellent museum offerings in our capital city with these amazing free experiences.  
• Free things to do in Glasgow – whether you’re admiring the architecture of the Burrell Collection or getting inspired by the leafy green spaces of the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow is a great place to keep the kids entertained.