Family holidays in Scotland

Planning a family holiday to Scotland is your chance to blend adventure, discovery and quality time together. Here are just a few top tips to help you start planning.

• If you visit between May and September, don't miss the chance to enjoy a Highland games or gathering. 
• Many attractions across Scotland are designed with families in mind where you’ll find interactive exhibits, kids’ trails and outdoor play areas galore. 
• Take a trip to a local farm to meet the animals, and enjoy the very best of Scotland’s natural larder while also supporting local businesses. 
• Check out a Scottish museum or gallery – experience Highland life at the Highland Folk Museum or visit the National Mining Museum. 
• Set off on a wildlife tour through Scotland’s forests and coastline, where you can spot native wildlife and marine life in their natural habitats. 

Scotland is filled with incredible destinations that make the perfect setting for a memorable family holiday or day out. This is just a selection of locations to help tick off your bucket list, offering something for every age and interest.

Glasgow has lots of free museums and galleries for a good value break, and is within easy reach of the west coast in Ayr for some beach days too. 

Perthshire is a great choice for more active kids, with plenty of watersports and countryside walks. 

North West Highlands is home to a geopark, with fascinating landscapes shaped over thousands of years for budding geographers.

Dumfries & Galloway in autumn and winter offers a chance to stargaze in the Dark Sky Park alongside mountain biking and cycling routes. 

Discover more exciting destinations across Scotland

Local Helen recommends Cullen in Moray Speyside 

Ideal for simple, low-cost days out by the sea. 

Helen can be found enjoying scenic walks, visiting fantastic attractions and digging into foodie delights with her family.

Beaches and coastal fun 

• The smallest harbour beach is ideal for younger children – it’s a great place for them to go “crabbing” and explore rockpools in the hope of finding hermit crabs and special shells. 
• For older kids and adults, book a surfing lesson with Blue Coast where you can also hire surf and paddle gear too. 
• The coastal viaduct has been newly resurfaced with new access ramps – great for kids on bikes/scooters, pushchairs and wheelchairs. 
• In summer, see dolphins and sometimes minke whale. 
• During autumn and winter, marvel at the night sky with a stargazing experience with the best vantage points including Cullen beach, the Three Kings sea stacks and Cullen harbour. 

Jill’s family adventures in West Lothian 

Perfect for keeping the kids entertained, with plenty of hand-on activities.

Jill is here to shine a spotlight on some of the wonderful attractions West Lothian has to offer. Find out why she thinks this region is the perfect place for the whole family.

Family-friendly attractions galore 

• Beecraigs Country Park has lots of great things for kids including walks, a great playpark, Cockleroy Hill, a caravan site, picnic areas, a café and visitor centre.   
• At Polkemmet Country Park you’ll find everything from family-friendly play areas, tennis courts, and even a 9-hole golf course and 15-bay floodlit driving range, perfect for play after sunset.   
• Don’t miss the lovely Scottish Owl Centre where you’ll get the chance to meet a wide variety of owls and birds of prey, a must for all animal lovers.   
• Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder has a huge variety of animals from around the world. Think big cats, monkeys, meerkats, crocodiles and much more.  
• Be sure to check out Linlithgow Palace where they host special events throughout the year, including the Linlithgow Scotch Hop, a great place to get your dancing shoes on.  

Let the kids experience the magic of a Scottish event, where lively atmospheres, captivating stories, and unforgettable moments bring the whole family together.

Find world-renowned celebrations including the Edinburgh Festivals or the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, with a programme dedicated to family events, which will be sure to spark young imaginations. 

Check out local community events near your chosen destination. You can expect lots of games, colourful stalls, delicious food and live music while soaking up the true Scottish spirit of our events and festival scene. Scotland has a great history with storytelling, see skilled performers bring tales to life and transport audiences of all ages into the worlds of wonder. 

Search for great family events across Scotland