Highlands is a great place to have a day out with the kids. Below we've tried to list as many attractions as we can to make it easy for you to find fun places to visit - we hope you find our website useful - and easy to use. Do you know of any other great
places to go that we may have missed? If so, it would be really nice if you could you get in touch, so that other kids can enjoy the day out as well - thanks a lot - have fun!
Family Days Out in Highlands
Landmark Forest Theme Park
Carrbridge
Landmark Forest Theme Park Where else in the UK can you 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 hidden microscopic universe and learn all the secrets of Scotland's ancient Pine forest? - And you've only just got going!
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
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.
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.
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.
The Castle of Mey Animal Centre
Caithness
The Castle of Mey Animal Centre The animal centre is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Visitors can have hands-on, supervised contact with some of the animals, providing an enjoyable and educational visit. There are numerous colourful and eye-catching birds, unusual sheep breeds, donkeys, alpine goats, pigs, lambs and an incubator with baby chicks.
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.
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
Inverness Aquadome - Leisure Waters
Inverness
Inverness Aquadome - Leisure Waters which combines numerous water rides - river, flumes, cyclone, toddler pool, spa pool, outdoor pool
Gourock Outdoor Pool
Inervclyde
Gourock Outdoor Pool Heated outdoor pool offering a variety of sessions and lessons including midnight swims and kayaking.
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool
Arberdeenshire
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool Olympic-size, heated seawater Pool and Lido open daily 29 May 5 September 2010.
Inverness Leisure Pool
Inverness
Inverness Leisure Pool Inverness Leisure Pool offers lots of fun water actvities for every member of the family. It features a massive wave pool with water geysers. From the wave pool you can move into the River which will take you on a fairly rapid journey around the pool and from there you can move into the 'thistle shaped' outdoor pool, also with geysers and bubble jets. In addition, you can also take the challenge of the three flumes or just relax in the family spa bath. The leisure pool also has an area dedicated purely for babies, toddlers and small children.
Peterhead Swimming Pool
Aberdeenshire
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.
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
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.
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.
Little Monkeys Soft Play Centre
Alness
Little Monkeys Soft Play Centre Purpose built indoor soft play centre on 2 levels
Scrambles
Edinburgh
Scrambles Kids love exploring, crawling and swinging around in EICA's climbing soft play. In fact they love it so much, that by popular demand we have made it even bigger!
Loch Ness Monster Visitors Centre
Drumnadrochit
Loch Ness Monster Visitors Centre Now you can take our official guide and explore those murky waters for yourself: examine the evidence, find out some important facts about Scottish History, take home some souvenirs via our online booking system, and look forward to that long-awaited visit to a very unique part of Scotland!
Smoo Cave
Durness
Smoo Cave This spectacular limestone sea-cave in Sutherland is the largest in Britain. It was formed by a burn that runs down into the rear chamber, as well as erosion caused by the sea. A stepped path leads down from the car park and there is a walkway through the cave. Boat trips are available in the summer months.
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.
Loch Insh Watersports & Skiing Centre
Kincraig
Loch Insh Watersports & Skiing 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.
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.
Monster Activities
Spean Bridge
Monster Activities Whitewater Rafting, Mountain Bikes, Water Sports, Target Sports, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Abseiling, Archery and many more outdoor activities
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.
Invergordon Leisure Centre
Invergordon
Invergordon Leisure Centre A great 20m pool complete with flume and water features.
Outfit Moray
Lossiemouth
Outfit Moray We run 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.
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway
Aviemore
Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway transports visitors to the Ptarmigan Top Station, nestled just below the summit of Cairn Gorm.
Seaprobe Atlantis
Kyle of Lochalsh
Seaprobe Atlantis See shipwrecks and wildlife through the glass bottomed boat narrated by local guides as you drift along through the kelp. You may also come across seals, whales, dolphins, otters, starfish, conger eels, basking shark and a whole range of other wildlife.
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.
Loch Ness Express
Inverness
Loch Ness Express Cruise the entire length of Loch Ness, through the stunning scenery of the Great Glen, past Urquhart Castle and on to Fort Augustus, while enjoying superb views from the comfort of Harris Tweed clad seats or the open-air deck on Loch Ness Express.
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.
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
Waltzing Waters
Newtonmore
Waltzing Waters The world's most elaborate water, light and music production. 'It's like nothing you've ever seen before ... a triumph of artistry and engineering'.
Landmark Centre
Carrbridge
Landmark Centre There's something for everyone at the Landmark Centre. There are watercoasters, climbing walls, slides, minicars, a Red Squirrel Trail and a Timber Trail. Why not take a trip to the micro-universeand and come face to face with some of the most extraordinary creatures you'll ever see.
Huntfun Inverness Treasure Hunt
Inverness
Huntfun Inverness Treasure Hunt A great fun way to explore in your own town or when visiting somewhere new. Fun for all the family and something a bit different getting everyone out and about in the fresh air for a few hours.
Aviemore Walking Treasure Trail
Aviemore
Aviemore Walking Treasure Trail Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Aviemore? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun treasure hunts will teach you fascinating facts about the area and show you some beautiful scenery. Enjoy a fun family walk in the fresh air and solve an intriguing mystery at the same time.
Thanks for all the great places to go when visiting Highlands you keep sending in.
Now the summer holidays are upon us, we're trying to find as many 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 soft playcentres, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, castles, railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, ten pin bowling alleys, steam railways and other tourist attractions.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys.
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't listed above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people on holidays and all the other children in Highlands can enjoy the great day out as well.
If you're looking for fun places for kids when visiting america on vacation, go to our new site familydaysoutusa.com
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