If you know of any other great historical and educational attractions in Highlands which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot
Family Days Out in Highlands
Smoo Cave
Sutherland
Smoo Cave This spectacular limestone sea-cave is the largest in Britain. It was formed by a burn that runs down into the rear chamber, as well as sea erosion. A stepped path leads down and there is a walkway through the cave to the viewing platform at the underground waterfall.
Scottish Hydro Electric Visitor Centre
Pitlochry
Scottish Hydro Electric Visitor Centre Pitlochry Dam is home to the famous Salmon Ladder where the fish may be seen in the viewing chamber during their ascent past Pitlochry Dam. In the Visitor Centre, find out why and how the fish make their epic journey from their birthplace in Highland rivers, out to sea and back upstream to spawn. Children and adults alike will enjoy The Salmon Story which tells the age old tale of this, the king of fish, through computer and video technology.
Eilean Donan Castle
Kyle of Lochalsh
Eilean Donan Castle You can explore almost every part of the Castle from the banqueting Hall to the bedrooms. You`ll be following in the footsteps of many a warrior - from the Vikings to James Bond, from Jacobites to The Highlanders.
Brodie Castle
Forres
Brodie Castle Set in peaceful parkland, this fine 16th-century tower house is packed with enough art and antiques to keep connoisseurs happy all day. Children’s quiz and adventure play fort (suitable for children aged 5 years and over)
Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre
Argyll
Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre A brilliant and exciting museum offering interesting and hands-on historical experience for all the family!
Culloden Battlefield
Inverness
Culloden Battlefield This battlefield marks the site of the historic 1746 battle between the Duke of Cumberland and Prince Charles. One of many interesting family places to visit if you're looking for things to do in Inverness with kids.
Cruachan Hollow Mountain
Dalmally
Cruachan Hollow Mountain The world's first high head reversible pumped storage hydro scheme is housed in a gigantic man-made cavern. The Visitor Centre houses the free exhibition area and is the starting point of the guided tour.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Orkney Islands
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village Best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe. An informative visitor centre provides touch-screen presentations, fact-finding quizzes for children and adults, and an opportunity to see artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1970s
Canny Tours
Inverness
Canny Tours Bringing this ancient landscape to life with traditional tales told in a vibrant and enthusiastic way. A fascinating tour programme, though please note if you're taking young children that they do last all day.
inverness City Sightseeing Tour
Inverness
inverness City Sightseeing Tour This open-bus tour provides an extensive look at the city and the surrounding area. Pick from the Town Tour, the Inverness/Culloden Moor Tour, or the new Loch Ness Monster Tour. The tours depart regularly from the tourist office and range from 30 minutes to three hours.
Brora Heritage Centre
Sutherland
Brora Heritage Centre Child oriented local history site with hands on learning panels and friendly staff to guide you round. Hand painted illustrated local maps and local archaeological artefacts.
Fort Charlotte
Shetlands
Fort Charlotte Not a full day, but this 17th century fort can be a pleasant stop, with dramatic views great for inspiring storytelling and adventure play.
Muness Castle
Shetland
Muness Castle One for the explorers! A late 16th-century tower house with circular towers, this is the northernmost castle in the British Isles, and has a hefty walk to reach it, but Muness has remarkably fine architectural details.
Jarlshof
Shetland
Jarlshof Historic settlement that provides insight into life in the late Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish era, Norse era and the Middle Ages.
Landmark Forest Theme Park
Carrbridge
Landmark Forest Theme Park Where else in the UK can you ride a rollercoaster, rock climb, 'skydive', flume ride, meet red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees, watch logs being sawn on a steam powered sawmill, wonder at the sheer strength of a Clydesdale horse, explore the world's only 'Bamboozeleum'(c) and learn all the secrets of Scotland's ancient Pine forest? - And you've only just got going!
Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve This loch is famous for its beautiful wooded shores and islands. The reserve embraces five of the loch's islands, each supporting rich, mature oak woodland.
Skye Serpentarium Reptile World
Isle Of Skye
Skye Serpentarium Reptile World There are over 50 animals on display from White's Tree Frogs to Large Green Iguanas and frequent snake handling sessions are held. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for the best things to do with kids in the Highlands of Scotland
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Aviemore
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre Under the supervision of our trained guides, our visitors can feed and stroke the reindeer. They are not camera shy, so you'll be able to take some memorable snaps. Great idea for family days out in the Highlands of Scotland.
Inverness Dolphin Cruises
Inverness
Inverness Dolphin Cruises Depart from Inverness harbour out onto the Moray Firth where we have the best chance of seeing the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in the world plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise
Highland Wildlife Park
Kingussie
Highland Wildlife Park Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park.Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area by foot.
WDCS Dolphin and Seal Centre
North Kessock
WDCS Dolphin and Seal Centre The centre is a small visitor attraction with views of the Kessock Channel, which provides an opportunity to look for dolphins and seals. There is a children’s play corner with quizzes, colouring and dolphin detective activities.
Leault Farm
Kincraig
Leault Farm Participate in the working day of a Highland Shepherd and his dogs. Watch up to 8 dogs working sheep & ducks. Help to shear a sheep & bottle feed orphan lambs. Meet the friendly collie pups
The Castle of Mey and Animal Centre
Caithness
The Castle of Mey and Animal Centre The animal centre is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Visitors can have hands-on, supervised contact with some of the animals, including numerous colourful and eye-catching birds, unusual sheep breeds, donkeys, alpine goats, pigs, lambs and an incubator with baby chicks.
Highland and Rare Breeds Farm
Sutherland
Highland and Rare Breeds Farm This educational farm offers you an opportunity to experience traditional farm animals close at hand and aims to give you an understanding of their place in ancient and modern day husbandry. Meet Hebridean ewes, Soay lambs and other Northern sheep, admire Highland cows, Musvcovy ducks and Scot's Dumpy Hens.
Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Aviemore
Loch Garten Osprey Centre When ospreys returned to breed in Scotland, this ancient Caledonian pineforest is where they chose to come. The Loch Garten Osprey Centre provides fantastic views of these magnificent birds on the nest, as well as close up views thanks to our non-invasive CCTV camera.
Ecoventures
Cromarty
Ecoventures The ultimate wildlife watching adventure at the heart of the Moray Firth. Located at the heart of the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, EcoVentures offers you a truly exhilarating and memorable boat trip experience.
Machrihanish Seabird Observatory
Argyll
Machrihanish Seabird Observatory The modern focus of bird watching in Kintyre, this purpose-built sea hide provides shelter for sea watchers can take place during the worst weather, yet best sea watching conditions. 200 species regularly sighted, including some rarities.
Tain Through Time
Tain
Tain Through Time Award winning museum, documenting Tain's near 1000 year history
Timespan
Sutherland
Timespan Award winning museum, currently closed, until september, for refurbishment.
Treasures Of The Earth
Fort William
Treasures Of The Earth An award winning collection of priceless gemstones & crystals in an atmospheric display of caves caverns & mines
Highland Folk Museum
Newtonmore
Highland Folk Museum Visitors to this living history Museum can learn how their Highland ancestors lived, built their homes, tilled the soil and how they dressed.
With play areas, 1930's schoolhouse and activities during the summer months there is plenty here to occupy the whole family.
Winners of the ASVA Visitor Attraction of the Year award and Finalists for the 2010 'Kids in Museums' award.
Wick Heritage Museum
Wick
Wick Heritage Museum The Wick Museum is a large multi-award winning centre that invites you to discover this rich heritage and to be actively involved in preserving, developing and presenting the enthralling story of Wick, and generations of its people.
Fochabers Folk Museum
Fochabers
Fochabers Folk Museum A great historical museum with plenty to see and do and lots of hands-on experience to keep the kids amused.
Nessieland
Drumnadrochit
Nessieland Discover the full story of Loch Ness and its monster at the Nessieland Castle Monster Centre.
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
Drumnadrochit
Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition The exhibition bases itself on 'Edutainment' and much of the content is based on the national curriculum. There are free pre and post workpacks to download from the site. See and touch many real research exhibits and perhaps meet Adrian Shine, leader of the project.
Unst Boat Haven
Shetland
Unst Boat Haven 140 years of maritime history, with collections of original boats, old tools, fishing gear and historic documents.
Bod of Gremista and Textile Museum
Shetland
Bod of Gremista and Textile Museum The displays at this uniquely renovated bod incorporate a room for "hands-on" activities and the themed exhibition for the year. A nice afternoon's worth of significant local history.
Bressays Heritage Centre
Shetland
Bressays Heritage Centre Offers a wide range of fascinating displays and exhibitions throughout the summer. In winter the centre is used as the venue for a range of talks on the history of Shetland. Great for visiting families who want to learn about their holiday destination.
Shetland Museum and Archives
Shetland
Shetland Museum and Archives Twelve galleries of interactive and enthralling exhibits to see you through local history from the 1800s.
Scalloway Museum
Shetland
Scalloway Museum Learn the unique history of the Shetland Bus Operation, a refugee and freedom fighter rescue vehicle during WW2.
Auchindrain Township Open Air Museum
Argyll
Auchindrain Township Open Air Museum Gives visitors a fascinating and authentic insight into how people lived, worked and played in the old Highlands, from the first record of Auchindrain in 1533 to when the last resident moved away in 1967
Skye Museum of Island Life
Isle of Sky
Skye Museum of Island Life A lovingly preserved township of thatched cottages, each one depicting, as closely as possible, the conditions prevailing on the island at the close of the nineteenth century.
Glendale Toy and Doll Museum
Isle of Skye
Glendale Toy and Doll Museum Set in the North West corner of the Isle of Skye this family friendly museum is unique in that not all the toys are hidden behind glass. Many of the games can be enjoyed, demonstrated and played with.
2012 - 25th and final year
Inverness Aquadome - Leisure Waters
Inverness
Inverness Aquadome - Leisure Waters which combines numerous water rides - river, flumes, cyclone, toddler pool, spa pool, outdoor pool. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for the best things to do with kids in the Highlands of Scotland
Invergordon Leisure Centre
Invergordon
Invergordon Leisure Centre A great 20m pool complete with flume and water features.
Peterhead Swimming Pool
Peterhead
Peterhead Swimming Pool Standard swimming and teaching pools with diving board equipped with 1 and 3m springboards and a 5m platform. Also has an indoor play area, cafe, and other sporting opportunities.
Gourock Outdoor Pool
Inverclyde
Gourock Outdoor Pool Heated outdoor pool offering a variety of sessions and lessons including midnight swims and kayaking.
Clickimin Leisure Complex Pools
Shetland
Clickimin Leisure Complex Pools Rapid River Ride with Geysers, Airbeds and Water Cannon; Giant Bubble Pool; Outdoor Lagoon with Waterfall feature and 2 Flume Rides! Separate toddler pool with gentler versions of features.
The Fun House
Aviemore
The Fun House £1.6 million purpose built family entertainment complex by Aviemore, Cyril's Tree House Soft Play Area, Themed Adventure Golf, Short Lane 10 Pin Bowling, Family Amusements, Licensed American Themed Diner and Creche.
Bumbles Indoor Play Centre
Forres
Bumbles Indoor Play Centre Soft Play Areas consisting of ball pits, slides, climbing frames, Outdoor Bouncy Castle, Small Race Track, Basketball and Volleyball area
Rainbow Castle Indoor Play Centre
Elgin
Rainbow Castle Indoor Play Centre is a three storey play structure with slides, rope bridges, ball pits - a great idea for children's birthday parties. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for the best things to do with kids in the Highlands of Scotland
Little Monkeys Soft Play Centre
Alness
Little Monkeys Soft Play Centre Purpose built indoor soft play centre on 2 levels
Nevis Centre
Fort William
Nevis Centre A super soft play. Bring the kids along to Phoenix Nursery and let them have fun
The PlayBarn
Moray
The PlayBarn A premium children's soft indoor play centre, combining fantastic play facilities with a cafe on site, offering a wide range of healthy eating options.
Brewsters Indoor Play Area
Inverness
Brewsters Indoor Play Area Attached to a kid friendly restaurant, this isn't a full day out but will certainly keep them happy long enough to have food cooked. Indoor and outdoor play areas with classic features like slides and climbing frames.
Loch Insh Watersport and Activity Centre
Kincraig
Loch Insh Watersport and Activity Centre April - mid-October: multi-activities on scenic Loch Insh of sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, river trips, rowing, salmon & trout fishing, dry ski slope skiing, archery, mountain biking and hill walking. Hire and/or instruction by the hour, day or week.
Monster Activities
Spean Bridge
Monster Activities Whitewater Rafting, Mountain Bikes, Water Sports, Target Sports, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Abseiling, Archery and many more outdoor activities. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for the best things to do with kids in the Highlands of Scotland
The Ice Factor
Lochaber
The Ice Factor Rock and ice climbing teaching sessions, indoors and out year round. All sessions are run with qualified instructors and all equipment is provided. Instructed rock climbing sessions begin at age 7 and upwards.
For the younger children there is a new 100m2 indoor childrens play area.
Outfit Moray
Lossiemouth
Outfit Moray Outdoor activity sessions for 9-15 year olds during the Easter, Summer and October school holidays at subsidised rates. Family days out and skills courses for adults also run throughout the year.
Lochinsh Activity Centre
Kingussie
Lochinsh Activity Centre A range of watersports are on offer including: sail sports, paddle sports, raft building, fishing, rowing and pedalo's on the loch. Off the water we have archery, play parks, and a dry ski slope, great team building apparatus. Not forgetting stunning walks and mountain biking.
The Boathouse Restaurant boasts a most spectacular view, looking south west and enjoys amazing sunsets most evenings.
Treezone
Aviemore
Treezone Zip wires, balance beams, hanging platforms, tight-ropes, scramble nets, white knuckle bridges and gap jumps are set in the ancient Caledonian Pines of the Cairngorm Mountains. TreeZone is an unforgettable activity for adventurers at least 7 years old and 1.1m tall
The Moray Leisure Centre
Elgin
The Moray Leisure Centre has excellent swimming facilities for both the serious and the fun swimmer. Also a Health & Wellness Suite, Ice Rink, a Relaxation Suite with sauna, steam room and spa. Creche facilities, soft play centre, and cafe. If you are looking for family days out in Scotland this would be a great idea.
Dingwall Leisure Centre
Dingwall
Dingwall Leisure Centre Dingwall Leisure Centre offers first-class swimming facilities and a wide choice of sessions, tailor made to suit most requirements. Whether it's fun with the family, lane swimming or relaxation you'll find exactly what you're looking for right here.
Cairngorm Sleddog Centre
Aviemore
Cairngorm Sleddog Centre Situated in Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain Range, The Cairngorm Sleddog Centre offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. From Kennel & Museum Tours to Sleddog Trips and Safaris.
Atlantis Sport and Leisure Centre
Oban
Atlantis Sport and Leisure Centre Kids will have hours of fun in our Multi-level Soft Play Zone with a separate area for under 3's while you enjoy a Star Bucks from our healthy eating cafe. Try our swimming pools with a flume, or for the sunny days why not be outside in our Water Walkers.
Bowl 2000 and Lunar Land
Moray
Bowl 2000 and Lunar Land The Ultimate Family Fun Centre - they have something for everyone! As well as classic tenpin bowling they offer Lunar Land indoor play area, plus Pool Tables, Air Hockey, and high quality Arcade Games.
Rollerbowl
Inverness
Rollerbowl 24 lanes with a good selection of house balls with 9 pool tables and a good selection of arcade games
Superbowl at the Nevis Centre
Fort Williams
Superbowl at the Nevis Centre Whatever the weather and time of year, 10 pin bowling is always available and really good fun. If you haven’t bowled before just come along and have some fun: great idea for a rainy day
Aviemore Treasure Trail
Aviemore
Aviemore Treasure Trail The self-guided Aviemore Trail is a fantastic and inexpensive way to explore the town whilst enjoying a fun walk in the fresh air.
Craig Highland Farm
Plockton
Craig Highland Farm The farm is a 17 acre holding set aside for the preservation of Rare Breeds of domestic animals and fowl. You will see ancient and rare breeds of Scottish sheep traditional species of poultry and water fowl, rabbits, outdoor pigs and piglets llama and goats, geese, ducks and baby chicks. Enjoy feeding and getting closer than you ever dreamed to these magical animals.
CairnGorm Mountain
Aviemore
CairnGorm Mountain Explore Britain’s 6th highest mountain with an exciting 2km ride on the UK’s highest mountain railway. If we have snow, have a slide about or visit our family sledge park. If not, take a guided walk to the summit. A great day either way!
Seaprobe Atlantis
Kyle of Lochalsh
Seaprobe Atlantis Underwater adventures on our glass bottom boat include a trip to see the seals and sea birds on seal island, as well as underwater views of kelp forests, jellyfish, sea urchins, fish and crabs. Safe and fun for all ages.
The Jacobite Steam Train
Lochaber
The Jacobite Steam Train Has been used recently in the Harry Potter films, described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar.
Strathspey Railway
Aviemore
Strathspey Railway Whatever your age come aboard The Strathspey Railway and relive the sights and sounds of the steam age – great idea is you are looking for family days out in the Highlands of Scotland.
Bella Jane Boat Trips
Elgol
Bella Jane Boat Trips No visit to the Isle of Skye is complete without a trip on the award winning Bella Jane, the only regular fulltime service from Elgol to Loch Coruisk and the longest running boat trip in Elgol and the Isle of Skye.
Misty Isle Boat Trips
Skye
Misty Isle Boat Trips Welcome to Misty Isle Boat Trips. We are a family-run business running boat trips from Elgol on the Isle of Skye to the famous Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin Hills.
Statesman Cruises from Old Ferry Pier
Sutherland
Statesman Cruises from Old Ferry Pier An enchanting boat trip to an island filled with sea birds.
For a full trip best done with other local attractions.
Hebridean Whale Cruises
Gairloch
Hebridean Whale Cruises You can have the fun and adventure of Orca 1, our open RHIB, speeding you quickly and safely to offshore destinations; or the comfort and stability of the M.V. Kerry, our classic offshore cruiser.
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises
Inverness
Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises Bus tour and cruises lasting anything from an hour to 6.5 hours which all have at least a half hour cruise on the quite stunning Loch Ness - you can choose to take in Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness visitor Centre as well
The Bremen Bod and coastal town
Shetland
The Bremen Bod and coastal town A delightful fishing village to spend an afternoon in with elements of bird watching, archeology, wild flowers and if you're lucky, spotting seals, porpoises and dolphins.
Mousa Boat Trips
Shetlands
Mousa Boat Trips The Jamieson Family have been operating the short ferry trip to the island of Mousa in Shetland for the last 40 years. Their experience and knowledge on the island and the waters that surround it guarantee that it will be a trip that you’ll remember for a long time to come!
Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve
Braemore
Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve It's a dizzying and exhilarating experience to look down on the torrent of water plunging 46m (150ft) over the Falls of Measach from the gently swaying suspension bridge. Corrieshalloch Gorge is one of the natural wonders of the Highlands and not to be missed, especially after periods of rain.
Handa Island Wildlife Reserve
Sutherland
Handa Island Wildlife Reserve MWalk around one of Britain's most important seabird colonies. Over 100,000 birds including puffins, skuas and guillemots amid spectacular cliff setting.
Perfect for those that love wildlife, Scotland and the outdoors.
Cape Wrath
Durness Sutherland
Cape Wrath A beautiful wild bus ride and some fantastic sights and views. Best enjoyed for a full day out in conjunction with other nearby attractions.
Inchnadamph Caves
Inchnadamph
Inchnadamph Caves Also known as The Bone Caves, these represent a rich slice of archeological highland history. As fascinating as they are, we would recommend for a full day out that this trip be undertaken in conjunction with other nearby attractions.
Logie Estate
Moray
Logie Estate Our Logie Steading Visitor Centre offers a warm welcome with Arts and Crafts, Shopping, Walled Gardens, River Walks, an Adventure Playground and home-made lunches and refreshments in our Café.
Falls of Shin Visitor Centre
Sutherland
Falls of Shin Visitor Centre A day out at the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre is a truly wonderful experience for all the family. Open all year round, and only an hour's drive north from Inverness, amongst spectacular Highland Scenery, it's worth the journey. Dramatic waterfalls and the famous, natural Atlantic Salmon Leap can take your breath away.
Whin Park
Inverness
Whin Park - a large play park for children of all ages. It has a boating pond, complete with ducks, a minature train ride, shop and toilets, along with lots of adventure play park features for children. There are also picnic benches
Ness Islands Walk
Inverness
Ness Islands Walk A great walk in a beautiful part of Inverness city - only about an hour long taking in the Ness Islands as you go
Abriachan Trails
Abriachan
Abriachan Trails An excellent woodland and moorland walk using trails laid out by the Abriachan Forest Community Trust. Good views and a great many interesting things to see for the kids
Plodda Falls
Plodda
Plodda Falls - the highest and most spectacular waterfall in the area, over forty metres high; they form the climax to this pleasant walk through a magnficient forest of Douglas Fir. Great viewing platform at the top of the falls a highlight
Inverewe Garden and Estate
Wester Ross
Inverewe Garden and Estate World famous garden with plants sourced worldwide grown on the banks of Loch Ewe. The enormous Garden is itself surrounded by over 2,000 acres managed for conservation and include dog friendly walks, wildflower meadows, a wildlife hide and a Ranger service providing school holiday walks and talks aimed at families.
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Shetland
Hermaness National Nature Reserve Very wild territory but worth it for the excellent birdwatching and the great hikes. Also very good for kids into sketching or photography.
Fair Isle Bird Observatory
Shetland
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Britain's most remote inhabited island with utterly spectacular scenery to accompany your birdwatching rambles, accessible by boat or plane from the mainland. Accommodation available within the actual observatory, so why not spend the night too?
Balloch Castle Country Park
Loch Lomond
Balloch Castle Country Park Nice for exploring and has a great enclosed play area, there are ruins dotted about and a beautiful walled garden. Not a full day's worth but a nice spot for a picnic and some kite flying.
Eoropie Dunes Playpark
Isle of Lewis
Eoropie Dunes Playpark Offers a wide range of fun-filled and educational play facilities for children of all ages, as well as an enjoyable day out for the adults and guardians who may accompany them.
Faerie Glen
Isle of Skye
Faerie Glen A bizarre and delightful miniature landscape of grassy, cone-shaped hills, the Faerie Glen is a beautiful and sweetly atmospheric spot guaranteed to tap into their imaginations.
Dornoch Beach
Dornoch
Dornoch Beach Beautiful expanse of golden sand - The beach extends around the point to the south and all the way to the village of Embo in the north. Dornoch itself is a fascinating and historic town with a range of facilities and its famous cathedral.
Brora Beach
Sutherland
Brora Beach Sandy beach whose special appeal besides the fossils is the regular appearance of dolphins, minke whales, and grey and common seals off the coastline.
Thurso Beach
Thurso
Thurso Beach Great for fossil hunting and exploring, but not really for young kids as the foreshore can be very slippery and the whole thing is quite rocky and easy to stumble on. Good surfing.
Strathy Bay
Sutherland
Strathy Bay Remote and rugged, this is a sandy beach for exploring, photgraphing, with it's iconic rocky stacks carved out by bad weather. Kayaking, surfing and sea tours can all be arranged locally.
Sango Bay
Durness
Sango Bay Sandy beach with unusual rocky outcrops, safe for swimming and surfing but no lifeguard cover. Fascinating cavern on one end with an underground waterfall observable by safe viewing platform.
Sandwood Bay
Tongue
Sandwood Bay No swimming recommended, and a four mile walk to get there from the car park: this isn't for tourists so much as explorers, who will be rewarded with a stunning coastal wilderness perfect for photography.
Firemore Beach
Wester Ross
Firemore Beach Unspoilt rural sandy beach opposite Isle Ewe, much favoured locally. Close to the National Trust for Scotland Inverewe Gardens. The warmest swimming on the west coast.
Redpoint Beach
Gairloch
Redpoint Beach Isolated but unique beach with red sand and shingle. Mountain views, safe swimming, and rarely crowded, with lots of local wildlife and birds.
Applecross Beach
Applecross
Applecross Beach Reached through the highest mountain pass in Britain the journey is half the fun here! Huge dunes for sand sledging, calm (cold) waters for swimming and water sports, and a wildlife heavy wilderness just behind the beach.
Calgary Bay
Argyll
Calgary Bay Safe for swimming and you can angle for rock cod, mackerel and sea trout from the rocks. Basking sharks, dolphins seals and porpoises are regularly sighted off the coast.
Machrihanish Bay
Argyll
Machrihanish Bay A soft sandy beach surrounded by rocky coastline good for swimming, surfing and kite-surfing. You can usually see seals and wild goats in their respective habitats, and there is a nearby wildlife observatory.
Vue Cinema Inverness
Inverness
Vue Cinema Inverness A 7 screen, 1,758-seater cinema situated just east of the city centre. The state-of-the-art multiplex is surrounded by various restaurants for afterwards and if that's not enough it's the only cinema for 100 miles! Really!
Fired Art Ceramic Cafe
Fort William
Fired Art Ceramic Cafe a warm quirky cafe with an atmosphere to match, a pottery painting studio for kids and big kids, an art gallery, picture framers, outdoor activity booking office
Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm
Inverness
Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm Where else can you get quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintball, in and outdoor play areas, an arts and craft studio, exotic insects, spiders and snakes, farm animals, digger driving, traditional music sessions and concerts, antique accordions, home made soup, the best in Highland farm produce and a nice tea and scone?
Extreme Dream
Aviemore
Extreme Dream Come for a climb, coffee and a chat whilst the tots play in our soft-play area and -5's climb zone.
Robertsons Childrens Farmyard
Beauly
Robertsons Childrens Farmyard Visit children's farmyard for an enjoyable, unique and educational trip for the family. Meet and feed our rare breed animals , we also have a large play area with a giant sand pit , wendy houses, mini tractors and diggers for the children to enjoy + farm shop
Avoch Dolphin Trips
Avoch
Avoch Dolphin Trips Daily sailings from picturesque Avoch Harbour on the hour, every hour - Easter to October or as demand, weather and tide allow. You may encounter osprey, red kites, seals, porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and many other wildlife species including otters, along with the odd historical landmark for good measure.
Thanks for all the great things to do and Historical and Educational Attractions in Highlands with kids you keep sending in.
Now the school half term is upon us are with winter and the christmas holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find as many fun things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Highlands can enjoy the great day out as well.
Family fun in Grampian | Fun days out in Tayside | Fun with kids in Strathclyde
Things to do in Central | Historical and Educational Attractions in Grampian | Attractions in Fife
Things to do in Inverness | Elgin Educational Attractions | Historical Sites in Inverness
Places to visit in Elgin | Places to go in Aviemore | Historical and Educational Attractions in Tayside
Historical and Educational Attractions in Aviemore | Educational Attractions near Sutherland | Historical Sites in Moray
