Things to Do in Highlands
48 attractions and days out
Photo © M P, Google Maps
The Highlands cover such a stretch of ground that days out here rarely mean sitting still. Drumnadrochit and the Loch Ness shoreline draw the crowds chasing monster lore at The Loch Ness Centre, while Aviemore and the Cairngorms lean towards adrenaline, with quad biking, segway treks and archery filling out an activity-packed base for the national park.
Further afield, the coast and islands offer a quieter pace: seal trips from Plockton, wildlife watching at Handa Island near Scourie, or a walk on Portmahomack's beach. Inverness makes a practical hub for indoor options like virtual reality and laser games on wet days, while Ballachulish and Kingussie suit those combining glen walks with paddleboarding or a spot of target shooting.
Choosing between them depends largely on whether you want scenery or activity to lead the day, and how far you're willing to travel between the two.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
The Loch Ness Centre
Journey through Loch Ness's captivating history across six immersive themed rooms in Drumnadrochit, from ancient geological beginnings to legendary monster tales. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby facilities.
⭐ 5.0
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Laser Go - VIRTUAL REALITY
Step into an immersive VR adventure near Inverness with cutting-edge laser gaming technology. Facilities include parking, toilets and baby changing, plus picnic areas for families to enjoy.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Target Technique
This Scotnet activity centre offers hands-on experiences for active families, though accessibility is limited with no wheelchair access, baby facilities or pushchair-friendly areas throughout.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Cairngorm Quad Bikes
Experience the adrenaline rush of an off-road quad biking adventure through Aviemore's stunning Highland scenery - perfect for families with teenagers aged 12 and over, with no prior riding skills needed.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Bowhunter Archery
Step into the forest at Balanagowan Woods for an exciting archery experience, aiming at 3D targets among the trees with all gear provided. Facilities include parking, toilets and picnic areas.
⭐ 5.0
Boat Tours & Cruises
Calums Plockton Seal Trips
Set sail from picturesque Plockton harbour to spot seals in their natural coastal habitat on a family boat trip through stunning Highland waters with parking and facilities available nearby.
⭐ 5.0
Watersports
Rugged Paddleboard Glencoe
Master the art of stand-up paddleboarding in stunning Glencoe, where dramatic Highland scenery provides an unforgettable backdrop for your water adventure. Perfect for families seeking active outdoor fun.
⭐ 4.9
Farm Parks
Loch Ness Pumpkins at Corrimony Farm
Pick your perfect pumpkin at this family-run farm near Loch Ness, with fully accessible paths, dining options and autumn activities. Pushchair and wheelchair-friendly throughout with facilities for all ages.
⭐ 4.9
Horse Riding
Grenaby Estates Equestrian Centre
Experience the joy of horse riding at this rural equestrian centre in Grenaby Mooar, where light snacks keep you refreshed during your visit to the stables.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Potter's House Pottery
Get creative at this hands-on pottery centre where families can craft their own ceramic masterpieces in a welcoming, wheelchair-accessible workspace with parking and facilities provided.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
G2 Adventure Hub
Set within the stunning Alvie Estate near Kingussie, this outdoor activity centre welcomes families with parking and picnic areas, though lacks wheelchair access and baby facilities.
⭐ 4.9
Boat Tours & Cruises
Western Isles Cruises
Sail along Scotland's spectacular coast and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and seabirds on these relaxing boat trips departing from The Pier, with snacks available onboard.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
West Highland Museum
Explore Highland heritage and local history at this Cameron Square museum, though families should note the lack of facilities including toilets and baby changing areas before visiting.
⭐ 4.8
Paintball Centres
Wildwoodz Paintball Park
Action-packed paintball battles await at this Highland venue near Munlochy, though families should note the lack of facilities including toilets and wheelchair access.
⭐ 4.8
Adventure & Activity Centres
Treezone
Experience aerial adventure among ancient Caledonian Pines at Rothiemurchus, where families can tackle thrilling treetop challenges including rope courses and flying fox rides high above the forest floor.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
The Manx Aviation and Military Museum
Discover Isle of Man's rich aeronautical heritage at this specialist museum showcasing historic aircraft and military memorabilia at Ronaldsway Airport.
⭐ 4.8
Beaches & Coastline
Cromarty Beach
This wheelchair-accessible sandy shore on Scotland's east coast makes an ideal spot for young adventurers to play and families to enjoy their own picnic by the sea.
⭐ 4.8
Boat Tours & Cruises
Ecoventures
Explore the waterways with guided boat tours departing from Victoria Place harbour, offering families an eco-focused aquatic adventure with convenient nearby parking and facilities.
⭐ 4.8
Beaches & Coastline
Redpoint Beach
This remote Highland beach near Gairloch offers stunning coastal scenery and an onsite restaurant, though limited facilities mean it's best suited to able-bodied visitors without young babies.
⭐ 4.8
Sightseeing & Attractions
Plodda Falls
Experience the dramatic cascade of this impressive Highland waterfall accessed via forest trails, with convenient parking but limited facilities making it best suited for active families with older children.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Fortrose Beach
This expansive sandy and shingle shoreline offers plenty of space for children to play and explore, with wheelchair access and the option to bring your own picnic to enjoy by the sea.
⭐ 4.7
Zoos & Animal Parks
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Meet Scotland's only free-ranging reindeer herd in the stunning Glenmore setting, where families can hand-feed these gentle animals and learn about their Arctic heritage.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Nairn Beach
This Highland coastal spot offers convenient facilities including an onsite restaurant, toilets and baby changing areas, though the beach itself isn't suitable for wheelchair users.
⭐ 4.7
Beaches & Coastline
Scourie Beach
This wheelchair-accessible sandy shore welcomes dogs and picnickers to enjoy azure waters framed by rolling grassy slopes. Perfect for a peaceful family day out in Scotland's stunning coastal landscape.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Highland Folk Museum
Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing traditional Highland life through historic buildings and working exhibits. Wheelchair accessible with onsite dining, parking and picnic areas.
⭐ 4.7
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Experience thrilling rides including rollercoasters and water flumes at this family-focused forest park in Carrbridge, plus climbing walls, indoor mazes and woodland play areas. Fully accessible throughout.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Tarbat Discovery Centre
Explore fascinating archaeological finds and local heritage at this compact museum in coastal Portmahomack, with refreshments served on-site for hungry visitors.
⭐ 4.6
Beaches & Coastline
Rosemarkie Beach
This Scottish sandy shore bordered by grass and woodland offers plenty of space for children to explore and play, with wheelchair access and picnic-friendly facilities.
⭐ 4.6
Water Parks & Splash Pools
Lochbroom Leisure Centre
This Ullapool swimming facility welcomes visitors who can bring their own refreshments for a fun aquatic day out on the scenic west coast of the Scottish Highlands.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Cawdor Castle
This historic Highland fortress near Nairn welcomes families with wheelchair access, baby facilities, onsite parking and a restaurant serving refreshments throughout your visit.
⭐ 4.6
Beaches & Coastline
Brora Beach
This Scottish Highland beach offers a coastal escape with convenient parking and snack options, though families should note the lack of facilities like toilets and baby changing areas.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Brora Heritage Centre
Discover Brora's fascinating past at this local museum on Coal Pit Road, complete with an onsite restaurant and parking. Perfect for families exploring the area's rich history together.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Castle Rushen
Step back in time at this impressive medieval fortress on Castle Street, featuring authentic period rooms and historic displays. Nearby parking and facilities available, though limited accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Nautical Museum Isle of Man
Discover the Isle of Man's rich maritime heritage at this fascinating museum on Bridge Street. Perfect for older children and adults interested in seafaring history, with convenient parking close by.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Inverewe Garden and Estate
This stunning Highland estate near Poolewe offers families a chance to explore exotic plants thriving in Scotland's microclimate, with parking and facilities onsite but limited accessibility.
⭐ 4.6
Zoos & Animal Parks
Highland Wildlife Park
Experience Scotland's native and endangered species up close at this Kingussie wildlife haven, where you can drive or tour through natural habitats showcasing majestic animals in stunning Highland scenery.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Ice Factor Kinlochleven
Scotland's premier indoor ice climbing and aerial adventure venue offers thrilling wall challenges for all abilities in the dramatic Highland setting of Kinlochleven.
⭐ 4.5
Beaches & Coastline
Loch Linnhe Beach
Young adventurers will love discovering marine life in the rock pools scattered across this shingle shoreline, where wheelchair-friendly access and on-site parking make family visits easy.
⭐ 4.5
Boat Tours & Cruises
Avoch Dolphin Trips
Set sail from the harbour to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat on an unforgettable boat excursion. Pack your own picnic or enjoy snacks onboard as you watch these magnificent creatures.
⭐ 4.5
Sightseeing & Attractions
Seadrift-Dunnet Visitor Centre
Discover local heritage and coastal wonders at this charming visitor centre near Dunnet's caravan site, featuring an onsite restaurant and refreshments for families exploring Scotland's northern shores.
⭐ 4.5
Zoos & Animal Parks
Handa Island Wildlife Reserve
Journey by boat to this remote Scottish island sanctuary where dramatic sea cliffs teem with puffins, razorbills and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat.
⭐ 4.4
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Invergordon Leisure Centre
This Highland community leisure facility on Academy Road features a swimming pool plus an onsite restaurant, though visitors should note limited accessibility and baby facilities.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Timespan
This wheelchair-accessible museum and gallery on Dunrobin Street features an onsite restaurant, though visitors should note there are no toilet facilities or baby changing areas available.
⭐ 4.3
Museums & Galleries
Treasures Of The Earth
Journey through atmospheric underground displays showcasing spectacular giant crystals and gemstones within immersive mining scenes that bring the earth's hidden wonders to life.
⭐ 4.3
Beaches & Coastline
Applecross Beach
Remote Highland coastal spot offering rugged natural beauty and sandy shores, though families should note limited facilities and challenging access for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
⭐ 4.3
Sightseeing & Attractions
Old House of Keys
Step into the Isle of Man's fascinating parliamentary past at this historic chamber where the island's government once met, now welcoming visitors to explore its heritage with onsite dining available.
⭐ 4.3
Beaches & Coastline
Portmahomack Beach
This Scottish coastal gem offers excellent sand for building castles, with wheelchair access and toilets available, plus you're welcome to bring along a family picnic.
⭐ 4.2
Indoor Soft Play
The Nevis Centre
Young adventurers will love this multi-activity venue in An Aird featuring bowling, inflatables and play zones. With onsite dining and parking available, it's an entertaining destination whatever the weather.
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