Scotland with kids: what to expect

If you’re looking to enjoy a varied family vacation in the UK, be sure to consider Scotland. Loaded with legend-steeped natural attractions (hello, Nessie the loch monster!), family-focused museums, outdoor play spaces, and dramatic natural beauty across its highlands and islands — along with plenty of Harry Potter filming sites that’ll keep all ages happy — there are plenty of reasons to visit bonny Scotland with kids, as revealed right below.

Scotland with kids: what to expect

Filled with rugged landscapes, fairy-tale castles, and plenty of opportunities for adventure — from exploring ancient fortresses and hiking in the epic outdoors, to riding scenic steam trains and spotting wildlife — Scotland is a fantastic family destination.

Easy to get around, whether you opt for the freedom of hiring your own car, or use public transport, Scotland is also safe, welcoming and often eminently affordable if you do your research and book your preferred accommodation and tours early. 

10 tips for traveling to Scotland with kids 

From deciding when’s the best time to visit Scotland with kids and how to get around, to what to pack and unique experiences to consider including in your itinerary, here are our top ten tips for traveling to Scotland with kids.

1. Best time to visit Scotland with kids

On balance, the best time to visit Scotland with kids is from late spring to early fall (May to September). These months bring milder weather and longer daylight hours that are ideal for urban and rural vacations alike..

To make the most of the best things to do in the Highlands, we suggest visiting in late spring through to  early summer (May to July), when mild conditions are ideal for hiking, wildlife watching and visiting castles.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning to spend time in Central Scotland — including cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow — spring and early fall come out on top if you want to avoid the peak crowds (and costs) of the summer high season. 

Of course, if the Edinburgh Festival is top of your agenda, ignore that — you’ll need to visit in August. 

Summer (June to August) is also the best time to visit the Scottish Isles, including Orkney and the Shetland Islands. Through these months, ferry links are more frequent, and the weather is warmer and more stable, inviting long walks on beautiful beaches and along the coast.

It’s all a question of how you feel about costs and crowds, and what you most want to do during your trip. 

2. How to get around Scotland with kids

With a range of transport options suited to different travel styles, ages and budgets — plus plenty of scenic routes — getting around Scotland with kids is easy and enjoyable.

Families seeking more freedom and flexibility should consider renting a car. That way you can explore more remote regions like the Highlands, islands, and national parks at your own pace. 

On a practical note, in Scotland, like the rest of the UK, you drive on the left. While roads are well maintained, some rural routes are narrow, so be sure to go slow.

Also note that car rental can be expensive, so you might want to compare costs with public transport options, and weigh up the overall benefits.

If you prefer not to drive, Scotland’s train network is scenic and comfortable, especially routes like Glasgow to Fort William or Edinburgh to Inverness. 

Children under 5 often travel free, and discounts are available for older kids and families. 

In cities, public transport is reliable and easy, thanks to local buses, trains and some trams.

3. Staying safe and healthy in Scotland with kids

Good news — Scotland is a very safe country, and an easy place to keep kids healthy (and happy) in. To make your trip all the safer, here a few simple tips.

First up, be sure to keep a close eye on kids in crowded areas like train stations, festivals, and busy tourist streets, and give older children a meeting point or advice on how to identify local police or transport staff if you happen to become separated.

If you’re thinking of exploring Scotland’s wonderful outdoors, always stick to marked trails, especially near cliffs, rivers and lochs.

Lastly, while pharmacies are widely available, and the NHS provides good emergency care, always travel with basic first-aid supplies and any child-specific medication you might need.

4. Travel slow to make the most of your trip

5. Mix up your itinerary activities

Alongside allowing time to take it easy and embrace the joys of slow travel, when planning your Scotland itinerary with kids, we also suggest you mix up structured sight-seeing (e.g. visits to castles and museums) with less structured activities that enable kids to let off steam and have fun.

For example, look to devote entire days to Scottish attractions that are pretty much devoted to keeping kids happy (more on some of those a little later), and take time to research parks, playgrounds and child-pleasing snack stops that are close to tourist attractions.

6. Wise up on child-friendly accommodation

More good news! Scotland accommodation covers a wide variety of child-friendly options, from family-run B&Bs, to countryside lodges and castle hotels. 

As a general guideline, when searching for family-friendly accommodation, look for places that have designated larger family rooms or suites with multiple beds or sofa beds.

Depending on the ages of your kids, check the availability of things like cots, high chairs and baby monitors.

You might also want to ask about on-site dining options. For example, does the hotel you’re considering have a children’s menu? How well equipped is the kitchenette in the self-catering unit you’re thinking about booking?

Other factors to consider are whether there’s an outdoor play area, and how close you’ll be to the likes of family attractions, nature trails and public transport.

Lastly, while researching where to stay in Scotland with your kids, be sure to look into a few extra-special options, such as castles, or family-focussed holiday parks and lodges that offer cabins with on-site activities, play areas, and access to woodland walks.

Scotland is also fantastic for eco-friendly glamping accommodation — think wigwams, safari tents and treehouses.

7. Packing tips for visiting Scotland with kids

While the detail will vary according to the ages of your kids, the time of year, and whether you’re largely based in an urban or rural location, as a general rule, you’ll need to come prepared for Scotland’s somewhat unpredictable weather, which means layers are key. 

So, bring a mix of t-shirts, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and packable rain ponchos for the whole family, and add hats, gloves, and scarves for shoulder seasons.

For countryside adventures, you’ll want sturdy walking shoes, with lightweight sneakers ideal for cities. 

On that subject, a light, foldable stroller will be handy in urban settings, while baby carriers bypass the trickiness of navigating uneven cobblestones in old towns.

Pack plenty of snacks, refillable water bottles, and travel games or books for long car or train journeys. 

Heading off the beaten track on a road trip? Stock up on snacks and drinks as Scotland’s remote areas can be light on shops. 

You might also want to read up on a rewarding Scotland road trip itinerary that'll keep a broad range of ages very happy.

8. Be mindful of midges 

Midges (small biting insects) can be a nuisance in the Highlands during summer.

So, be sure to use insect repellent (another item for your packing list!) and wear light, long clothing when visiting lochs and forests.

9. Feast on child-friendly food that defies stereotypes 

Scotland’s food scene goes way beyond the clichés of haggis and deep-fried Mars bars. In fact, the country serves stacks of seasonal, family-friendly food rooted in fresh local ingredients and hearty traditions. 

Seafood is a standout, with Scotland’s coasts delivering world-class salmon, scallops and mussels, often simply grilled or served in creamy chowders, which even fussy eaters will find hard to resist.

Also keep an eye out for Scotch pancakes (fluffy, sweet, and typically served with jam or syrup at breakfast or tea time), buttery shortbread biscuits, and tattie scones (tasty potato flatbreads).

10. Get hands-on with history and culture

While we run through some of the best things to do in Scotland with kids right below, you might want to consider visiting attractions that’ll give your kids the chance to experience local culture and history, while having a whole lot of hands-on fun!

For example, top attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle near Loch Ness offer children’s activity trails or dress-up areas, while the Highland Folk Museum and New Lanark World Heritage Site give kids lively interactive insights into days gone by.

Ahead of your trip, get kids excited by reading local legends like Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, and stories of Scottish warriors like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Things to do in Scotland with kids 

From riding the Hogwarts Express (pretty much!) and exploring Neolithic settlements, to wildlife watching and kayaking on the legend-steeped Loch Ness, keep reading to discover some of the best things to do in Scotland with kids. 

As a bonus, we also highlight some of the best things to do in the Scottish highlands and islands.

Best fun outdoor activities for kids

• While riding the Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct (aka the Hogwarts Express!) is sure to please Potter-heads, it’s incredibly scenic and fun for everyone.
• Loch Ness: take a Loch Ness Monster hunt tour, and go kayaking on the lake, with Urquhart Castle offering another reason to visit.
• Head to the Cairngorms or Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to enjoy gentle family hikes.

Best wildlife and nature experiences

• Dolphin and seal watching in the Moray Firth, Aberdeenshire: take a boat tour from Inverness or Cromarty to spot bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, and seals. 
• Highland Safaris near Pitlochry: from thrilling Land Rover rides, to seeing red deer up close at the Red Deer Centre, this top attraction combines nature, wildlife and adventure.
• Spot puffins near the best Scottish islands: take a seasonal boat trip to see these cute creatures up close. From April to early August is best.
• Say hi to Highland cows: while these shaggy, friendly cattle are everywhere in rural Scotland, for guaranteed close-ups, visit Auchentullich Farm Shop (Loch Lomond) or Kilmahog near Callander.

Best places to discover history and tradition

• Edinburgh Castle: perched atop a volcanic rock, this iconic castle is loaded with cannons, crown jewels and dungeons, with child-friendly trails and exhibits revealing history in lively style.
• Stirling Castle: boasting costumed guides, interactive exhibits, and rooms recreated to showcase their 1500s splendour, here kids can learn fascinating facts about Mary, Queen of Scots, and medieval life.
• Highland Folk Museum: located in Newtonmore (and one of Scotland’s best Outlander filming locations) this immersive open-air museum showcases centuries-old Highlands traditions.
• Culloden Battlefield, Inverness: here kids can learn about the famous 1746 Jacobite battle through immersive displays, with audio guides enhancing walks around the eerie battlefield.
• Skara Brae, Orkney Islands: this well-preserved 5,000-year-old Neolithic village by the sea gives kids the chance to imagine ancient life while exploring stone houses.
• Tall Ship Glenlee and Riverside Museum, Glasgow: here visitors can climb aboard a real Victorian ship and explore Glasgow’s transport history in an exciting, award-winning hands-on museum that’s packed with vintage cars, trams and interactive exhibits.
• Highland Games: held through summer, kids will love the dancing, music, and traditional events and competitions showcased at Scotland’s Highland Games.

Scotland itinerary with kids

Delivering a balanced blend of ancient castles, wildlife and nature — plus plenty of fun and time to soak up scenery and chill — this 7-night family-friendly Scotland itinerary has a gentle pace, with short travel times and unforgettable family-friendly experiences in each location.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh and explore top attractions

After settling into your family-friendly hotel or apartment (on that, note, read up on where to stay in Edinburgh), head out to wander the Royal Mile and up to Edinburgh Castle for splendid views as the sun sets.

If time allows, visit the fun Camera Obscura World of Illusions. Located close to the castle, it boasts 100+ interactive exhibits over five floors.

Editor’s tip: if this lively, historic city has long been on your wish-list, read up on how many days you need in Edinburgh.

Day 2: Discover Edinburgh’s Museums and parks

On the morning of day two, visit the National Museum of Scotland when everyone’s feeling fresh and full of beans!

Here, interactive zones and exhibits cover Scottish history, natural science, science and technology, with a towering T-rex sure to impress dinosaur-mad toddlers.

Next, head to Princes Street Gardens to picnic and play in pretty, central surroundings. If little legs aren’t tired, go for an afternoon stroll through riverside Dean Village.

Traveling with older kids? You might want to discover ways to explore the city’s quirky side.

Day 3: Transfer to the captivating Cairngorms
 

After a leisurely breakfast, day three will see you and your nearest and dearest enjoy a scenic train ride (or drive) north to the Cairngorms. It’ll take around three hours to get here from Edinburgh. 

We suggest finding someplace pretty to say in or around Aviemor — a family hub in Cairngorms National Park.

After settling into your cabin or lodge, enjoy a nature walk, or simply enjoy the facilities of your chosen accommodation. You’ll be best placed to judge the mood of your brood!

Day 4: Wildlife adventures in the Cairngorms

On day four, kids will be delighted when they get to see free-roaming reindeer at the wonderful Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Note: pre-booking guided tours are essential, so be sure to bag yours in advance to avoid big on-the-day disappointment.

If you can coax your kids from the reindeer, head to the Highland Wildlife Park for the afternoon. 

Home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and one of Scotland’s biggest and most esteemed park-based conservation and science programs, here kids can see everything from monkeys and elusive wildcats to Scotland's only polar bears.

Day 5: Day trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

On day five, a day trip to Loch Ness (1.5-hour drive, or book a tour) will have kids revelling in legends relating to Nessie, with many cruises tailored to keep monster-mad kids well and truly entertained.

If you’re feeling active and the weather is kind, you could also kayak on the lake. Just make sure you leave time to visit Urquhart Castle. Located on the edge of the loch, the impressive ruins are a favorite monster-spotting location!

Assuming you don’t find Nessie, head back to your Aviemore accommodation for a quiet evening ahead of fresh day-six adventures.

Day 6: Scenic transfer to Fort William

Day six will see you depart the Cairngorms to transfer to Fort William. One of the most scenic road trips in Scotland, this journey will see you pass through forests, lochs and glorious glens.

Though it typically takes 2–3 hours, you’ll want to map out a few stops at waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. For example, be sure to stop at Loch Laggan to admire the sweeping Highland views (and eat snacks!), and stretch your legs near Pattack Falls.

Not renting a car? You can travel by train. While this takes longer (and involves making a change in Inverness), it’s also sublimely scenic and relaxing, which could be a good thing given that Fort William is oft-hailed the “Outdoor Capital of the UK”, and packed with family-friendly activities.

With that in mind, on arrival, check into your family-friendly B&B or cabin and rest up.

Day 7: All aboard the Hogwarts Express! 

Your last full day in Scotland arguably saves the best for last, thanks to taking a round-trip to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train (aka Hogwarts Express) in the morning. It’s for sure one of Scotland’s most magical family experiences.

The train departs from Fort William Railway Station and takes you through some of the UK’s most breath-taking scenery, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the iconic 21-arched bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films), Loch Shiel (the lake near Hogwarts), Ben Nevis, and wild Highland landscapes of lochs, moors and mountains.

You’ll have around 1.5 hours to explore the charming village of Mallaig before the return trip. It’s a great place to enjoy local seafood and ice cream.

Come the afternoon, you have stacks of activities to choose from, depending on the ages and interests of your family. 

For example, you could explore Neptune’s Staircase (a fascinating series of canal locks), or enjoy a walk along the Caledonian Canal.

Alternatively, take the Nevis Range gondola up the mountain for stunning views and gentle walks, or else explore Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, which has river trails suitable for children.

Day 8: Departure day

On day, 8 it’s time to return to Edinburgh by car or train for your homeward flight. 

Alternatively, you could head to Glasgow to extend your trip a little, or a lot! — there are plenty of reasons Scotland’s city of cool should be your next weekend break.

Like the sound of enjoying a fun family vacation in Scotland with your kids? Kickstart your trip by reading up on how to plan a trip to Scotland.

Not keen on planning? No problem! Contact our local Scotland travel experts to have them curate Scotland itineraries to cover your family’s interests and ages.