Last updated: August 2026
Looking for somewhere brilliant to take the kids in Scotland?
From castles and science centres to wildlife adventures, boat trips, museums, forests and fantastic family events, Scotland is packed with places where families can explore, play and make memories together.
Whether you’re planning a big weekend adventure, looking for something to do during the school holidays or simply need inspiration for a rainy Saturday, our Family Days Out in Scotland Guide is here to help.
We’ve brought together some of the attractions, activities and experiences featured on Scotland4Kids to make planning your next family adventure a little easier.
Find Your Perfect Family Day Out
Looking for something specific?
Explore our guide by interest:
Outdoor Adventures | Animals & Wildlife | Science & Discovery | History & Heritage | Indoor Days Out | Arts & Culture | Family Events | Free & Affordable Ideas
Outdoor Family Adventures
Sometimes the best family days are the ones where everyone gets outside, explores somewhere new and returns home happily exhausted.
Scotland certainly isn’t short of options.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park – Carrbridge
If your family likes a little bit of everything, Landmark Forest Adventure Park in the Cairngorms is worth adding to your list.
Set among ancient pine forest, Landmark combines outdoor adventure with family attractions.
Children can brave water coasters, meet prehistoric residents in the dinosaur experience, explore the tropical Butterfly House and take on aerial adventures among the trees.
The Red Squirrel Trail takes visitors up into the forest canopy, while a mixture of indoor and outdoor attractions makes Landmark useful when the Scottish weather can’t quite make up its mind.
Best for: Family adventure, thrill seekers, nature lovers and active kids.
Location: Carrbridge, Cairngorms National Park
👉 Discover Landmark Forest Adventure Park: Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Family Boat Trips & Adventures
Why explore Scotland from the road when you can see it from the water?
Maid of the Forth – South Queensferry
Set sail from South Queensferry for a family adventure on the Firth of Forth.
Maid of the Forth offers family-friendly cruises beneath the iconic Forth Bridges, with opportunities to spot seals, puffins and seabirds along the way.
Families can also choose trips to historic Inchcolm Island.
Once there, little explorers can discover its 12th-century abbey, explore the island and enjoy its beaches before returning by boat.
There’s commentary during the cruise too, making it a lovely mixture of sightseeing, wildlife and Scottish history.
Best for: All ages, wildlife lovers, little explorers and families looking for something different.
Location: South Queensferry, near Edinburgh
Scotland4Kids tip: Keep your eyes open for seals and seabirds during the crossing!
👉 Explore Maid of the Forth: Maid of the Forth – Family Cruises and Island Adventures
Science & Discovery Days Out
Got a child who asks “why?” approximately 300 times a day?
Perfect.
Scotland has some fantastic places where curious minds are positively encouraged.
Glasgow Science Centre – Glasgow
A family favourite for curious kids, Glasgow Science Centre combines hands-on learning with plenty of opportunities to play.
Across the Science Mall, children can explore interactive exhibits covering science, technology and the world around them.
Depending on what’s running during your visit, families can also discover science shows, creative challenges and special activities.
Then there’s the Planetarium, where budding astronauts can journey into space, and the IMAX for larger-than-life cinema experiences.
The indoor setting also makes it particularly useful when the Scottish weather isn’t cooperating.
Best for: Curious children, STEM fans, space enthusiasts and rainy days.
Location: Glasgow
👉 Discover the latest Glasgow Science Centre activities: Glasgow Science Centre
Wildlife & Animal Adventures
For some children, nothing beats a day surrounded by animals.
Scotland has wildlife attractions where families can combine a fun day out with opportunities to learn more about animals, habitats and conservation.
Blair Drummond Safari Park – Near Stirling
Get ready for a wild family adventure at Blair Drummond Safari Park.
Home to hundreds of animals, the park gives families the chance to discover species from around the world while learning more about wildlife and conservation.
There are also talks, displays and plenty of space for children to explore.
And when little legs need something different to do, the adventure play areas provide another opportunity to burn off some energy.
Best for: Animal lovers, younger children, outdoor adventures and family days out.
Location: Near Stirling
👉 Discover Blair Drummond Safari Park: https://blairdrummond.com/
Highland Wildlife Park
From cheeky monkeys and elusive wildcats to Scotland’s only polar bears – there’s something for the whole pack to explore at Highland Wildlife Park, voted best visitor attraction!
Set in the stunning Cairngorms National Park only seven miles from Aviemore, the park is open seven days a week and offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
Best for: Animal lovers, younger children, outdoor adventures and family days out.
Location: Kincraig
👉 Discover Highland Wildlife park: Wild days out are SO back!
History & Heritage Days Out
Scottish history becomes considerably more exciting when children can stand inside a castle, walk through a palace or explore the places where famous events actually happened.
Palace of Holyroodhouse – Edinburgh
At the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile sits one of Scotland’s most important royal buildings.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has connections to figures including Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie and remains The King’s official residence in Scotland.
Families can explore centuries of royal history while discovering some of the people and stories that shaped Scotland.
Next door, The King’s Gallery hosts changing exhibitions featuring works from the Royal Collection.
Best for: History lovers, older primary children and families exploring Edinburgh.
Location: Edinburgh
👉 Read more about the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Historic Scotland Adventures
Scotland itself can feel like one enormous history book.
From mighty castles to prehistoric settlements, historic sites give children the opportunity to discover thousands of years of stories in the places where they happened.
Think castles, ruins, archaeology, battles, kings, queens and plenty of space to explore.
Sites across Scotland mean families can often find a historical adventure closer to home than they might expect.
Best for: History fans, explorers and families who enjoy combining learning with outdoor adventures.
👉 Explore Historic Environment Scotland
Museums for Families
Museums can be fantastic family days out – particularly when you find somewhere that allows children to explore history through real objects and stories.
National Mining Museum Scotland – Midlothian
Head underground – metaphorically at least – into Scotland’s fascinating industrial past.
Based at the historic Lady Victoria Colliery, National Mining Museum Scotland introduces visitors to the people, technology and communities behind Scotland’s mining history.
Children can discover real mining objects and learn how Scotland’s energy and industrial story developed.
The museum is also accredited as Autism Friendly.
Best for: History, STEM, curious kids and families looking for something educational.
Location: Newtongrange, Midlothian
👉 Discover National Mining Museum Scotland
Family Theatre, Shows & Culture
A family day out doesn’t have to involve muddy wellies or a museum.
Scotland has a fantastic programme of children’s theatre, concerts, festivals and live entertainment throughout the year.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe for Families
Every summer, Edinburgh becomes one enormous stage.
And the Fringe isn’t just for grown-ups.
Scotland4Kids regularly highlights family-friendly performances, including comedy, circus, science shows, magic, music and theatre.
There are experiences for everyone from babies and toddlers to older children and teenagers.
If you’re planning a family Fringe day, check age recommendations carefully and leave enough time between shows to explore the city.
👉 See the latest family Fringe recommendations: Family Events
Family Shows Across Scotland
You don’t have to wait for festival season.
Throughout the year, Scotland4Kids features family theatre, children’s concerts, pantomimes, science shows and touring productions taking place across Scotland.
That means there’s nearly always something new to discover.
👉 See what’s on for families: Family Events
Indoor Days Out for Rainy Weather
We love Scotland.
But we also know that “outdoor family adventure” can quickly become “everyone is soaking wet and asking to go home.”
Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor options.
Ideas featured across Scotland4Kids include:
Science centres
Museums
Art galleries
Family theatre
Children’s concerts
Indoor attractions
Creative workshops
Planetarium experiences
Seasonal events
Our Events section is regularly updated, so it’s worth checking whenever the forecast changes your plans.
👉 Find something to do this weekend: Family Events
Free & Affordable Family Days Out
A brilliant day together doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Look out for:
Free museums and galleries
Parks and woodland walks
Beaches
Libraries
Community events
Free festivals
Family trails
Council-run activities
Seasonal events
Picnics and nature walks
Throughout the school holidays, Scotland4Kids also shares free and affordable activities happening across the country.
Before heading out, check whether attractions require advance booking even when admission is free.
Family Days Out by Area
Not sure where to start?
As Scotland4Kids grows this guide, we’ll continue adding family adventures from across the country.
Edinburgh & The Lothians
Explore:
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Dynamic Earth
National Mining Museum Scotland
Maid of the Forth
Family-friendly Edinburgh Fringe shows
Plus museums, galleries, castles and seasonal events.
👉 Find family days out in Edinburgh & the Lothians: Edinburgh families
Glasgow & The West
Explore:
Glasgow Science Centre
Family theatre and concerts
Museums and galleries
Seasonal family events
Plus plenty of indoor options for rainy days.
👉 Find family days out around Glasgow: Glasgow Families
Stirling & Central Scotland
Explore:
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Alongside castles, outdoor attractions, family walks and historic destinations throughout Central Scotland.
👉 Find family days out in Central Scotland:
Highlands & Cairngorms
Explore:
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Then discover forests, wildlife, outdoor adventures and spectacular family-friendly places throughout the Highlands and Cairngorms.
👉 Find family days out in the Highlands: Cairngorms
What Can We Do With the Kids This Weekend?
This is where Scotland4Kids can make life easier.
Alongside this permanent guide, our What’s On listings are regularly updated with family events happening across Scotland.
That could include:
🎭 Theatre and shows
🎨 Arts and crafts
🔬 Science activities
🌿 Outdoor adventures
🎪 Festivals
🎵 Music and concerts
🏰 Heritage events
🎄 Seasonal activities
🎃 Halloween fun
🐣 Easter activities
☀️ Summer holiday events
So when Friday arrives and someone inevitably asks:
“What are we doing this weekend?”
We’ve got you covered.
👉 See What’s On in Scotland: Family Events
Get Five Family Ideas Every Friday
Don’t want to spend Thursday night searching for something to do at the weekend?
Sign up for the Scotland4Kids Friday Five.
Every Friday, we’ll bring you five ideas for family fun, events and activities to help you make the most of your weekend.
It’s an easy way to discover something new without endlessly searching for ideas.
📩 Sign up to Friday Five: Here
Planning a Family Day Out
Before setting off, it’s always worth checking a few details.
Look at:
Opening times
Ticket prices
Age recommendations
Parking
Public transport
Accessibility
Toilets and baby-changing facilities
Food and picnic arrangements
Whether advance booking is required
Weather
Attractions and events can change their opening hours, prices and programmes throughout the year, so always check directly with the venue before travelling.
Discover More Family Days Out with Scotland4Kids
Scotland is full of adventures waiting to be discovered.
Whether your children love animals, castles, science, theatre, climbing, boats, dinosaurs or simply running around outdoors, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
We’ll continue updating this guide as we discover more brilliant family days out in Scotland.
So bookmark this page, check our latest events and come back whenever you hear those four familiar words:
“What can we do today?”
Are you a Scottish family attraction or activity provider?
If you run a family attraction, experience, event or activity in Scotland and would like to be considered for inclusion on Scotland4Kids, contact our team jenny.belshaw@ni4kids.com
Please note: Opening times, admission prices, events and activities can change. Always check the latest information directly with individual attractions before travelling.
Last reviewed: August 2026
