Scotland is the perfect destination to explore with all the family in tow. From multi-generational adventures to a weekend escape with the kids, there’s plenty to keep travellers of all ages entertained, energised and enthused!
*New* The Forth Bridges Trail
The Forth Bridges Trail is one of Scotland’s newest visitor trails highlighting Scotland’s iconic Forth Bridges, three bridges spanning three centuries. The five-mile circular route can be started at any point, with plenty of stops along the way, and brings together 16 points of interest in North and South Queensferry and along the Forth Road Bridge. The area is rich in history, heritage, wildlife, nature and beauty. By following the trail, families will be able to spot the world’s smallest working lighthouse, the rock ledges where ferries landed, and Hawes Inn, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped. The trail covers both sides of the Firth of Forth and the bridges can be crossed on foot, by bike or by train. It’s a great family day out with lots to discover and explore.
Forth Bridges Trail (theforthbridges.org)
Family Friendly Events
Edinburgh Science, 1st – 16th April 2023
The Edinburgh Science Festival is the UK’s largest Science Festival with almost 270 events for families and adults over the course of two weeks. Families can look forward to a jam-packed programme of fun and educational events and activities.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, 27th May – 4th June 2023
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is a 9-day festival offering innovative family-friendly theatre and dance for young audiences. The Festival celebrates the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world, showcasing high quality, distinctive Scottish and international performances to an audience of children, their teachers, and their families each year.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, 27th-29th July 2023
This family-friendly favourite of the Scottish music festival scene is back with theatre and spoken word events, ceilidhs, art and craft workshops and fancy dress.
For more information about events in Scotland, visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/.
Go Outdoors
Getting the kids to go out and explore the great outdoors may seem like a mammoth task when competing with all the screens they have to hand. However, Scotland’s huge variety of scenic surroundings mean finding a family-friendly walk or cycle route is quite the adventure. Why not turn the walk into a scavenger hunt or photo challenge, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids engaged and they’ll soon forget about achy legs when they see the stunning landscapes all around. Here are some family-friendly route suggestions:
- The Ness Islands are a popular oasis of calm in the centre of Inverness. Set in the River Ness, these islands are connected to the city by suspension bridges built in the Victorian era. the circular 3-mile (5 km) walk will take about an hour
- Kelburn Castle is a very colourful 13th century castle set in the grounds of Kelburn Estate near Largs. The Kelburn Glen, with its waterfalls and deep gorges, is regarded by many as one of Scotland’s most beautiful and the Short Glen Walk/Sculpture Trail is a great option for families. Kids will also love the Secret Forest – a network of enchanting woodland paths with amazing surprises along the way.
- A Wee Pedal based in Edinburgh offers tours around the historic capital on two wheels, covering parts of the city that wouldn’t usually be discovered. Suitable for family groups, a cycling tour is a great way to escape the crowds and explore Edinburgh in a sustainable and active way.
Rainy days and more…
Scotland’s attractions are so much more than a rainy-day activity, they can be the main event telling untold stories from Scotland’s history, bringing to life literary icons and taking visitors on a journey through different worlds. From Edinburgh Castle, Iona Abbey and St Andrews Cathedral to Skara Brae, Urquhart Castle and The Falkirk Wheel, there are dozens of intriguing attractions and sites across Scotland to visit. Until March 2023, visitors can make the most of the Great Days Out Campaign launched by VisitScotland in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions and ScotRail, the initiative promotes discounted tickets to more than 50 participating properties. A total of 21 Historic Environment Scotland properties, including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, are offering children’s tickets for £1 until the end of March. In addition, around 30 members of ASVA including Trimontium Museum in Melrose, Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh and The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth are offering a range of reduced rate tickets.
