9 brilliant ideas for fun family days out in Scotland

If you are looking for family days out in Scotland, then look no further! We have put together a list of 9 brilliant kid-friendly ideas to help you plan an excellent holiday the family will be sure to remember for years to come.

1. Glasgow Science Centre

A popular day out suitable for children of all ages, the Glasgow Science Centre has several floors of hands-on, learning experiences that everyone will love. Don’t miss out on star gazing in the centre’s IMAX and Planetarium. It’s sure to take your breath away! Tickets cost around £10 for an adult and £8 for children aged 3 to 15, while children under 3 go free. You can even stay nearby as there are a number of good campsites and caravan parks in the area.

2. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle houses several museums, exhibitions and various educational events throughout the year, such as ‘Pirates and Patriots’ where you can learn all about history relating to the castle. Remember to stand by as the one o’clock cannon gun is fired! Prices are £16 for adults and around £10 for children. Book your tickets online to beat the queues on busy days. There are plenty of things to do and places to camp in Edinburgh.

3. Highland Wildlife Park

The Highland Wildlife Park can be found in Kingussie, about an hour from Inverness. Open all year round, you will see a variety of different animals including pandas, polar bears, tigers and many more. Enjoy a Land Rover tour of the park for a true safari experience and don’t miss the animals being fed by the park keepers! Adult tickets are £14 and children are £10, but there are family tickets available. There are good facilities on site including shops and a café.

4. Deep Sea World

Situated in the village of North Queensferry under the Forth Rail Bridge, Deep Sea World attracts visitors from all over the UK. The underwater sea safari is a must-see. With 112 metres of moving walkway (the longest in Europe!), you can watch the variety of fish species swimming above your heads! You can also see seals and amphibians. Facilities include free on-site parking, places to eat and a great gift shop. A family ticket for four people costs £42. 

5. Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

The Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World is a great day out, especially for younger. Open all year round in Lasswade, Midlothian, there are daily talks about the animals and live feedings! Braver family members can even touch tarantulas and snakes before exploring the tropical gardens. There is plenty of car parking and good facilities on site. Adult tickets are around £7 and children are £5, under 3’s go free. Look out for offers such as Tesco Clubcard ‘Days Out’ vouchers that can help you save some money.

6. Dino Park

In Dumfries and Galloway you’ll find Dino Park, where children can dig for fossils, listen to stories about the existence of dinosaurs and explore an underground mine. There is small café to relax in while your little ones enjoy the bouncy castle. Facilities also include a gift shop, toilets and car parking. A family ticket is around £10 and the staff are friendly and engaging.

7. Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Located in Carrbridge, older children and teenagers will really love Landmark Forest Adventure Park’s variety of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water slides and climbing activities. There is plenty to do for the little ones as well. Families receive a slight discount off the standard ticket price. With great on-site facilities, the park is a real gem.

8. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

This is certainly a unique way to spend a family day out! The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is full of weird and wonderful tricks created by numerous lights and mirrors, as well as interactive science displays that even the adults will enjoy! The prices are around £12 for adults and £9 for children while under 5’s get in for free. Round out your day by exploring some of the great sights in the city of Edinburgh.

9. Caerlaverlock Castle

Caerlaverlock Castle is a wonderful hidden gem in Dumfries and Galloway. The castle has an enchanting, fairytale quality to it, with a moat and draw-bridge that will really capture the imagination of your children. Caerlaverlock provides a more relaxing day out away from the bustle of busy theme parks and wildlife centres. The entry fee is reasonable at around £5, and the castle is set in a beautiful area complete with a tea room and children’s play area.

Other runner-up attractions

Other attractions worth a visit include M&D’s Scotland's Theme Park in Motherwell, with rides and activities to entertain the whole family. Teenagers will love getting their hands dirty at Go Ape in Aberfoyle near Glasgow as they climb and walk along the many tree top bridges.

All in all, Scotland has some fantastic attractions that children and adults will thoroughly enjoy. With plenty of place to camp, Scotland is an ideal destination for a fun family holiday.

 

You can find the best campsites in Scotland here.