Scotland with Kids

Edinburgh with Children

Scotland capital city is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Britain. The Old Town rises dramatically around Edinburgh Castle, while the New Town offers elegant Georgian streets and plenty of green space. A few days here can fill a holiday on their own.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched on an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline. Children can peer into dungeons, see the Scottish Crown Jewels, and learn about battles and sieges that shaped Scottish history. The One O Clock Gun fires daily (except Sundays) and the view over the city is spectacular.

Book tickets online to skip queues. Allow 2-3 hours and pick up the children trail guide at entry. The climb up is steep - bring a carrier for toddlers rather than a pushchair.

More Edinburgh Highlights

• Camera Obscura - Five floors of optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits. Children adore it
• Dynamic Earth - Journey through Earth history with interactive exhibits, 4D cinema, and planetarium
• National Museum of Scotland - Free entry, incredible variety from dinosaurs to space travel, with interactive galleries for children
• Edinburgh Zoo - Giant pandas, penguin parade, and hilltop setting with city views
• Arthur Seat - An ancient volcano in the city centre. The climb to the top rewards with panoramic views

The Scottish Highlands

The Highlands offer Britain most dramatic landscape - mountains, lochs, and glens stretching to the horizon. Driving is the best way to explore, and the journey itself becomes the experience.

Getting Around

Single-track roads with passing places are common in the Highlands. Teach children to watch for oncoming vehicles and enjoy the adventure of pulling over to let cars pass. Distances take longer than expected - allow plenty of time and embrace scenic stops.

Fort William makes an excellent base for Highland exploration. From here you can access Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Isle of Skye within reasonable driving distances.

Glencoe

One of Scotland most atmospheric valleys, Glencoe combines dramatic scenery with sobering history. The visitor centre explains the 1692 massacre in age-appropriate ways. Several walks suit families, including the path to the Hidden Valley where the MacDonalds hid their cattle.

Wildlife Watching

The Highlands teem with wildlife that children rarely see elsewhere in Britain. Red deer are common - look for them on hillsides especially at dawn and dusk. Golden eagles soar over remote glens. Seals bask on rocks around the coast. Wildlife boat trips from various harbours offer chances to see dolphins, whales, and seabirds.

Loch Ness and the Monster

No trip to Scotland with children is complete without monster hunting at Loch Ness. Whether or not Nessie exists (probably not, but do not tell the kids), the search is half the fun.

Loch Ness Centre

Located in Drumnadrochit, this exhibition examines the legend with scientific rigour while keeping the mystery alive. Children love exploring the evidence, watching sonar footage, and deciding for themselves whether something lurks in the depths.

Urquhart Castle

Dramatically ruined castle on the loch shore with views across the water. This is prime monster-spotting territory, so bring binoculars. The castle history spans 1,000 years with stories of battles, sieges, and explosive endings when it was deliberately blown up to prevent enemy use.

Boat Trips

Several operators run monster-hunting cruises with sonar equipment scanning the depths. The Jacobite cruise combines Loch Ness boat trip with Urquhart Castle visit. Even without a monster sighting, cruising the dark, mysterious loch makes for memorable family experience.

Scotland Best Castles for Families

Scotland has more castles per square mile than almost anywhere in the world. These are the best for children.

• Stirling Castle - Rivals Edinburgh for grandeur, with costumed characters bringing history alive. The Great Hall and Royal Palace are spectacular
• Dunnottar Castle - Dramatic clifftop ruins on the Aberdeenshire coast. The approach walk is stunning and children can explore every corner
• Eilean Donan - Scotland most photographed castle, on an island reached by stone bridge. Interior tours tell tales of clan warfare
• Blair Castle - Private castle with tours and extensive grounds. The Hercules Garden is magical and children can run free
• Craigmillar Castle - Near Edinburgh, less crowded than the city castle, with more freedom to explore. Mary Queen of Scots connections

Family Activities and Adventures

The Jacobite Steam Train

This genuine steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. Children (and adults) gaze in wonder as the train curves across the 21 arches with Loch Shiel below. Book months ahead for summer dates - this sells out fast.

The journey runs from Fort William to Mallaig, taking 2 hours each way with time to explore Mallaig between journeys. Even without Harry Potter interest, the scenery ranks among Britain finest railway journeys.

Isle of Skye

The magical Isle of Skye offers otherworldly landscapes - the Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr. Some walks suit adventurous families, while the drive alone reveals spectacular views. The island needs at least 2-3 days to explore properly. Book accommodation well ahead.

More Family Activities

• Highland Wildlife Park - Polar bears, wolves, Scottish wildcats, and drive-through reserves
• Landmark Forest Adventure Park - Tree-top walks, water flumes, and adventure playground near Aviemore
• Glasgow Science Centre - Interactive exhibits, IMAX cinema, and planetarium
• Dinosaur hunting, Isle of Skye - Real dinosaur footprints visible at low tide on beaches near Staffin
• Beach adventures - Scotland has stunning beaches, often deserted. Morar has white sand that rivals the Caribbean (if not the temperature)

Beyond Edinburgh: Other Scottish Cities

Glasgow

Scotland largest city often gets overlooked but has plenty for families. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is free and magnificent - dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and the famous Salvador Dali painting all under one roof. The Riverside Museum covers transport history with ships, trains, and vintage cars. Glasgow Science Centre makes an excellent rainy day option.

Dundee

The V&A Dundee showcases design in a stunning waterfront building. Discovery Point lets you explore Captain Scott Antarctic ship. The city is compact and family-friendly, and nearby attractions include Glamis Castle and the coastal scenery of Angus.

Practical Tips for Scotland with Kids

• Weather - Prepare for everything. Scotland can have four seasons in one day. Layers, waterproofs, and warm clothes are essential even in summer
• Driving - Distances take longer than you expect. Highland roads are scenic but slow. Build in plenty of time
• Midges - The Highland midge is vicious from June to August. Avon Skin So Soft or Smidge repellent helps. Avoid standing near water at dusk
• Accommodation - Book Highland and island accommodation months ahead for summer. Self-catering cottages offer flexibility for families
• Scottish breakfast - Children can try haggis (most love it), tattie scones, and square sausage. Start the day like a local

Sample Week Itinerary

1. Days 1-2 - Edinburgh: Castle, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth
2. Day 3 - Drive to Fort William via Stirling Castle and Glencoe
3. Day 4 - Jacobite steam train to Mallaig, afternoon exploring Fort William
4. Day 5 - Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, monster hunting boat trip
5. Day 6 - Highland Wildlife Park, leisurely drive back south
6. Day 7 - Glasgow Science Centre or final Edinburgh exploration before heading home