Best Places To Visit In Scotland For Families: Ultimate Guide
Discover The Most Magical Places To Visit In Scotland For A Family Adventure
Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historic castles, and beautiful beaches make it an excellent option for families seeking outdoor adventures. But where are the best places to visit with kids?
As a British family living in Scotland for over 15 years, we’ve uncovered many amazing hidden gems and must-see spots perfect for families looking for adventure.
With a mix of city vibes, traditional islands and mountain views, Scotland has something for everyone. For the best family experience, we recommend planning a variety of destinations and attractions without overloading your itinerary with too much travel.
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Top 3 Places To Visit In Scotland With Kids
🌟Edinburgh
⭐Isle of Skye
🌟Cairngorm National Park
1 | Edinburgh
We regularly spend a day in Edinburgh, but with so many family-friendly things to do, you could easily spend a whole week exploring!
Edinburgh is our favourite Scottish city and is a ‘must-visit’ destination for a family trip to Scotland. It even has its own sandy beach in the east-end suburb of Portobello, a great choice for those looking for a break from the city’s bustling streets.
Our kids really enjoy Edinburgh’s history, quirky architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. We see something different every time we visit. You’ll spot kilt-wearing pipers busking around the city and pubs and restaurants serving some of Scotland’s finest delicacies—haggis, tablet, and Iron Bru!
Edinburgh’s reputation as one of the top places to see in Scotland with kids is well earned. Princes Street has many shops for adults and teenagers, and there are plenty of museums, parks, and places to explore. And the best bit: many of them are free!
Top places to visit in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh Castle: Everyone (especially your kids!) will love exploring the dungeons and prison, seeing the crown jewels, and witnessing the firing of the one o’clock gun. If time is short, admire this iconic castle from Princes Street Garden.
- Arthur’s Seat: Take a family-friendly hike up a volcano in Holyrood Park for panoramic views across Edinburgh.
- National Museum of Scotland: This free museum covers various topics, from dinosaurs to space, which are hits with children. A great option if it rains.
- Edinburgh Zoo: Have a family day with animals from penguins to tigers.
- Edinburgh Dungeons: Get a fun, interactive dark history lesson with older kids.
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival: August is a great month to visit for stage and street performances, heightening the friendly atmosphere.
Two or three days in Edinburgh is enough time to see many of its highlights, and you’ll certainly not run out of things to do!
2 | Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the gems in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is easy to visit by road from Edinburgh or Inverness.
The Isle of Skye is among Scotland’s top places to see with kids. We postponed a family visit for a long time due to unpredictable weather and the island’s popularity. Despite this, our family now often visit during spring break for Skye’s impressive landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Day visits are possible, but three to five days are ideal to explore leisurely.
Top places to visit on the Isle of Skye:
- Fairy Pools: Staggered natural pools are ideal for exploring. In warm weather, kids can take a dip for eternal beauty.
- An Corran Beach: Discover ancient dinosaur footprints while walking along the beach.
- The Quiraing: A stunning hike that offers dramatic scenery and easy trails suitable for families.
- The Old Man of Storr: Walk up to the iconic pinnacles of basalt rock, or view from the car park.
- The Cuillin Hills: Adventurous hikes for older families after an adventure with scenic views to ‘bag’ a Munro.
Travelling on the Isle of Skye can be slow and crowded. Leave plenty of time for your must-see spots and adapt your family’s Scotland itinerary to suit.
3 | Cairngorm National Park
The Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is a great place for adventurous families. From forests to mountains, there are many child-friendly activities, from wildlife spotting to year-round outdoor adventures.
We have mountain biked in spring, swum in lochs in summer, hiked through autumn landscapes and skied in winter; the Cairngorms is the place for family activities.
Due to its vast size, you may feel like the only visitors exploring the ancient forest.
Top places to visit in the Cairngorm National Park:
- Cairngorm Reindeer Centre: Families can meet and feed Scotland’s only free-ranging reindeer herd.
- Highland Wildlife Park: See various animals from tigers and polar bears to Scottish wildcats.
- Landmark Forest Adventure Park: A family theme park with treetop trails, waterslides, and dinosaur exhibits for a fun day out.
- Loch Morloch: Spend time at the beach surrounded by forest and mountains, where watersports can be enjoyed on the freshwater loch.
- An Lochan Uaine: Also known as the Green Loch, this mysterious sight is surrounded by forest after a short hike to reach it.
- Cairngorm Mountain: In summer, take the funicular railway ride to the top for spectacular views or ski in winter.
- Price Albert’s Pyramid Walk: Follow the trail to Scotland’s pyramid in the royal Balmoral Estate.
Aviemore offers a friendly town for families to stay and explore the UK’s largest national park.
4 | Stirling
Stirling is a medieval city in central Scotland that offers families a mix of history, nature, and adventure. As the Gateway to the Highlands, adventure seekers can enjoy a break from driving or stay a few days and explore parks and hills.
Stirling’s rich history is hard to miss, with its dominating castle that can be seen even from a distance.
Top places to visit in Stirling:
- Stirling Castle: This is one of our favourite castles to visit with kids because of its interactive exhibits and costumed actors who transport you back in time.
- The Battle of Bannockburn Experience: Learn about one of Scotland’s most famous battles.
- The National Wallace Monument: Race to the top of the tower while learning about William Wallace and be rewarded with panoramic views over Stirling.
- Blair Drummond Safari Park: Kids, teens and parents enjoy spending the day with various animals and an adventure playground. The drive-through safari is a hit with us because we can see lions and rhinos up close, but the kids also enjoy the petting zoo and the boat ride to Chimp Island.
Stirling is a perfect base for families to explore Scotland. With good road and rail links between Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, you can head in any direction, even to the coast.
5 | Inverness And Loch Ness
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is best known for the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.
We have family in Inverness, so we have visited multiple times. We like its small-city vibe and quick access to beaches on the north-east coast.
Families can enjoy its natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly activities, around Inverness or as a base for exploring northern Scotland.
Top places to visit in Inverness
- Visit Loch Ness: Take a boat trip on Loch Ness or explore its extensive shoreline. Keep a lookout for the elusive monster.
- Urquhart Castle: Overlooking Loch Ness, this ruined castle has a fascinating history and plenty of space for kids to explore.
- River Ness Islands: Walk through the Ness Islands, play in the park or visit Inverness Botanic Gardens, ice rink or swimming pool.
- Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns: Discover the history of the Jacobite rising and the prehistoric burial ground.
- Explore the Caledonian Canal: Linking the east and west coasts, the canal allows you to travel from Inverness to Fort William by boat or cycle.
- Chanonry Point: Kids will love spotting dolphins between April and August on a visit to the Black Isle.
Inverness is the heart of the Highlands and a definite recommendation for your Scotland itinerary.
6 | Fort William and Ben Nevis
We enjoy visiting Fort William for its family-friendly biking and hiking adventures on Scotland’s west coast.
It’s a fantastic base for exploring the Highlands, with lochs, mountains, forests and reachable beaches; what more could you want from a family trip to Scotland?
The town has a laid-back feel under the shadow of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.
Top places to visit in Fort William
- Ben Nevis: Our kids have hiked the family-friendly trail since they were five, but we always check the local weather conditions before setting off.
- Nevis Range Mountain: Take a gondola ride up the mountain for stunning views, walks and year-round fun with children.
- Jacobite Steam Train: Also known as the “Hogwarts Express,” Harry Potter fans can ride the magical train from Fort William to Mallaig. There are also some great spots to watch as it passes over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Explore the Caledonian Canal: Check out the impressive Neptune’s Staircase or cruise the canal at a leisurely pace.
Whether you are passing through from Glen Coe to the Isle of Skye or simply staying for a day or two, Fort William is well worth a visit, especially for adventurous families.
7 | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is arguably one of Scotland’s most diverse landscapes. Situated within easy reach of Glasgow, it’s a great place to spend a few days walking in the hills and forests, spotting wildlife.
Anytime of year we’ve visited, we’ve soaked up the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and peaceful spots to relax. Make sure your kids keep a lookout for red squirrels and deer; if you are really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the mighty Osprey!
Top Places to Visit around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Loch Lomond Shores: This area offers water sports, boats, hiking, and nature trails, perfect for families.
- Balloch Castle Country Park: A lovely park with nature walks, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Go Ape Aberfoyle: A treetop adventure with zip lines and obstacle courses, great for older kids and teens.
- Loch Ard Sculpture Trail and Fairy Trail in Aberfoyle: Perfect family walks with kids.
- Hike Ben Lomond: Our favourite hill to climb in the area with great views over Loch Lomond.
Balmaha and Callander are villages worth stopping in for supplies or a treat while exploring the national park.
8 | St Andrews
While St Andrews is perhaps best known as the home of golf, or as one of the world’s most prestigious Universities, it is also a charming coastal town with plenty to do for families.
Our favourite day out in St Andrew’s is exploring the beaches. We’ve spent many hours having fun dipping in rock pools, surfing waves and building sandcastles; finished off with fish and chips in town.
Top Places to Visit in and around St Andrews
- St Andrews Castle: Kids can safely explore this medieval castle. Discover its secret passageways and the importance of its cliffside location.
- St Andrews Aquarium: Watch sealife and reptiles up close with daily activity sessions. Although fishy, we like seeing the penguins.
- West Sands Beach: This expansive beach, famously featured in the movie Chariots of Fire, is ideal for a family day out. Castle Beach and East Sands are also worth visiting.
- Craigtoun Country Park: Close to St Andrews, this park has a miniature railway, pedal boats, and a large adventure playground perfect for sunny days.
St Andrews is a perfect family stop for exploring the East Coast with kids, and it is easy to access from Edinburgh or Dundee.
9 | Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands, located just off the northern coast of Scotland, are an adventure from mainland by ferry or plane.
We spent time exploring the town of Kirkwall, experiencing the island’s history at a relaxed pace, and participating in outdoor activities.
It is best visited in summer between April and September when the weather is at its best.
Top Places to Visit on the Orkney Islands
- Skara Brae: An unearthed 5,000-year-old prehistoric village brings history to life.
- Ring of Brodgar: An ancient stone circle, with Scotland’s prehistoric past.
- Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre: Hands-on exhibits that kids will enjoy, focused on local archaeology and fossils.
- Scapa Flow: Discover why a fleet of warships sank off the coast of Orkney.
- Sea Activities: Beginners can explore wildlife in clear waters, following snorkelling trails, scuba diving or kayaking.
Exploring Orkney is easiest by car, but catching the local bus or walking can also work for families.
10 | Glencoe
Visiting the Glencoe area is a magical family adventure in the Scottish Highlands. The landscape is lush green year round.
Glencoe is often overlooked as an areas to explore with kids, instead being a drive through of dramatic mountain landscapes. The hills, lochs, and wildlife make it a great place for a family visit in nature.
Top Places to Visit In Glencoe
- Glencoe Visitor Centre: The interactive displays and local history exhibits are a must for families visiting the area.
- Three Sisters of Gencoe: Visit the iconic viewpoint or head out for a hike
- Glencoe Lochan Trail: Families can enjoy scenic walks through woods and around a loch with mountain views reflected in the water.
- Glencoe Mountain Resort: Get active with scenic walks, mountain bike trails, tubing year-round and skiing, snowboarding, and sledging in the winter.
Glencoe is an ideal spot for picnics, nature spotting, and soaking up the Highland atmosphere.
Other Places Worth Visiting In Scotland With Kids
Our top 10 places to visit in Scotland with kids represent a tiny fraction of what Scotland offers. With endless time to explore, here are other destinations that are our favourites.
Falkirk: The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies offers fun and unique family-friendly attractions in Scotland. The engineering feats are worth visiting with kids are the offering playparks and walking trails.
North Coast 500: The NC500 is one of our favourite rugged outdoor adventures in the Scottish Highlands. Families can get active on outdoor adventures along this scenic driving route.
Glasgow: Glasgow is a vibrant city known for its family-friendly museums, parks, and cultural venues. We like exploring the wall art mural trail while exploring the streets.
Dundee: Known as Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee also has a wealth of history from jute, journalism and more recently video games. Head to the waterfront to see the RRS Discovery, which carried Captain Scott to Antarctica.
Aberdeen: Aberdeen offers excellent access to beaches, museums, parks, and a castle trail on Scotland’s East Coast. Dunnottar Castle is a great place to explore, or head to Codona’s Amusement Park for rides to entertain the kids.
The Hebrides: A remote family adventure to Harris, Lewis, or the Isle of Mull is worth visiting for its white-sand beaches and wildlife tours, where you might spot seals and dolphins.
How Many Days Is Enough For Visiting Scotland With Family?
We recommend spending 4 to 5 days per destination when exploring Scotland.
While the country may seem small, there’s so much to experience that fast-paced travel can mean missing out on hidden gems. Yes, you can drive from the East Coast to the West Coast or from Edinburgh to Inverness in just a few hours—but the magic often lies in what you discover along the way.
For a memorable trip, plan to visit for at least one week to a month, and visit places to suit your family’s interests. A well-paced itinerary that includes Edinburgh, Inverness, and the Isle of Skye typically requires a minimum of two weeks.
If travelling with young children, planning day hikes, or visiting remote islands, consider adding extra days to slow down and soak it all in.
Final Thoughts | Visiting Scotland With Family
Scotland is home to some of the world’s most diverse landscapes. With its mighty mountains, beaches to rival the Caribbean, and castles, it is a top choice for a family vacation.
Scotland has many great places to visit, and while the weather may not be the most predictable, you are guaranteed a great family adventure.
Discover more family things to do in Scotland
