The 10 Best Family-Friendly Things To Do And See In Scotland

Scotland is a magical place whatever your age. And the best way to be a kid again is to learn from the experts! Whether channeling your inner cryptozoologist, exploring untamed wild landscapes or adventuring across urban jungles, shed all social codes and see Scotland through a child’s eyes with the best family-friendly attractions. Oh, the places you’ll go!

1. Dynamic Earth

Aside from looking like an armadillo spaceship from the future, Dynamic Earth is a hotbed of knowledge begging to be absorbed. Curious minds can experience wanderlust through a 4Dventure of the world and set foot into a bygone time to witness how the earth was shaped. The high-tech exhibits and meticulous layout makes marveling at constellations, glaciers, volcanoes and the deepest hinterland of the ocean a moment to remember.

Dynamic Earth, 112-116 Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK +44 131 550 7800

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh | Courtesy Of This Is Edinburgh

2. Loch Ness

Long before Nessie toys appeared in every Scottish tartan tat shop, there were sightings. A substantial amount. And we all know every good story has to start somewhere. Never missing a beat and graced with sharp observation, children see the world in an untainted way. Opt for a day tour or extended getaway and head to Loch Ness with the aim of spotting Nessie. Whether boat tour or on-foot meander, there’s something special about Loch Ness.

Loch Ness, Scotland

Loch Ness | © graham_lowe/Pixabay

3. Flip Out

Flip Out

Home to the biggest trampoline arena in the world and one of the UK’s first ever Ninja Warrior courses, you can’t help but jump for joy over Flip Out. Say so long to the days of the lone grotty springless trampolines and usher in 63,000 sq. ft. of non-stop fun. Even big kids can shake off that excess energy in the adult section! Based in Glasgow, highlights include the dodgeball area, basketball court, bungee run, wall runners, foam pits and 200 trampolines — 30 of which are olympic-sized.

Flip Out, 89a Southcroft Rd, Rutherglen, Glasgow, Scotland +44 141 406 1600

Courtesy of Flip Out

5. Glasgow Science Centre

Museum

With its sculptural shape and otherworldly hues, the Glasgow Science Centre makes Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth look like an antiquated structure from the past! Spanning the whole scientific and technological gamut, this inspired attraction boasts two acres of interactives, a magnificent planetarium, IMAX cinema and live science shows, to name a few. A bubble of mindboggling truths.

6. Go Ape

Forest, Park

Amazing things happen when we see change perspective. With three awe-inspiring locations — Glentress Forest (near Edinburgh), Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (near Glasgow) and Crathes Castle (near Aberdeen), Go Ape is a treetop dreamland of epic proportions. Suspended in the sky and awash with colour, the network of adrenaline-producing crossings, high wires and zip lines are the stuff of dreams. Go Ape speaks to the adventurer in everyone, at any age.

Go Ape, Go Ape Peebles, Falla Brae Car Park, Scotland +44 845 094 9508

Go Ape | © kelly last/Flickr

7. Camera Obscura And World Of Illusions

Camera Obscura offers an unprecedented experience set to stimulate all senses. Located right beside the Castle, this trippy fun house is Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction. And it doesn’t disappoint. Highlights include one of Europe’s largest hologram collections, a maze of mirrors, morph machine and of course, the Camera Obscura herself. Stepping into the light tunnel is like melting into the inner workings of a kaleidoscope.

Camera Obscura, 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, +44 131 226 3709

Ames Room | | Courtesy Of Camera Obscura

8. Jupiter Artland

Cells Of Life At Jupiter Artland | © Rosa Menkman / Flickr

Basking within the grounds of 19th century Bonnington House, Jupiter Artland is an illustration straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. An impressive array of artworks and installations punctuate this evocative sculpture garden. Each tells its own story in a way that capturing the imagination. The café is a gem in its own right too.

Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, Scotland

‘Cells Of Life’ At Jupiter Artland | © Rosa Menkman / Flickr

9. Wildlife Watching

Scotland is no place to be cooped up indoors. Between the moody rolling glens, towering munros, atmospheric lochs and hidden sea caves, there’s much exploring to be done. And a wildlife-watching expedition is the best way to begin. From one-day wildlife tours and boat trips, to conservation areas, remote beaches and nature reserves, all you have to do is open your eyes to witness the wonderful ways of the animal kingdom in Scotland. Whether organised animal holiday or impromptu beach trip, keep all eyes peeled for dolphins, whales, seals, badgers, pine marten, red squirrels, deer, Scottish wildcats, golden eagles and more!

Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Fochabers, Scotland

Bottlenose Dolphin Breaching Off Moray Firth | © Ellis Lawrence/Flickr

10. St Andrews Aquarium

Aquarium

For a tiny coastal town, St Andrews offers bucket loads of fun family-friendly things to do. Set on the most striking cliffs, St Andrews Aquarium is home to a number of underwater creatures, including British sharks, lionfish and piranhas. Along with the 100-plus fish species, this awe-inspiring pocket of nature also hosts penguins, reptiles, spiders, seals, lobsters and even meerkats. And, don’t leave Scotland’s favourite bubble without swinging by Jannettas Gelateria for some life-affirming gelato.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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