Family days out in the Scottish Highlands

Kyle of Lochalsh

Eilean Donan Castle

★ 4.6 (27,605)

This iconic Scottish fortress perched on a small tidal island offers stunning Highland scenery, an onsite restaurant and picnic-friendly grounds, though facilities are limited and accessibility is restricted.

Inverness

Culloden Battlefield

★ 4.6 (15,735)

Visit the haunting moorland where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army met defeat in 1746, Scotland's last pitched battle and a turning point in Highland history.

Golspie

Dunrobin Castle

★ 4.7 (9,860)

Scotland's most northerly grand castle welcomes families to explore its fairy-tale towers, formal gardens and falconry displays, with onsite dining and facilities for a memorable day out.

Carrbridge

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

★ 4.7 (4,432)

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.

Portree

Faerie Glen

★ 4.6 (4,802)

Explore this enchanting natural landscape near Uig with otherworldly rock formations and grassy mounds perfect for a family picnic, though note the uneven terrain makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Inverness

Fort George

★ 4.6 (4,647)

Step inside this impressive 18th-century military fortress where history comes alive through interactive displays and sweeping coastal views. Explore ramparts, barracks and artillery while enjoying family picnics in historic surroundings.

Newtonmore

Highland Folk Museum

★ 4.7 (3,585)

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.

Kingussie

Highland Wildlife Park

★ 4.6 (3,955)

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.

Nairn

Cawdor Castle

★ 4.6 (3,941)

This historic Highland fortress near Nairn welcomes families with wheelchair access, baby facilities, onsite parking and a restaurant serving refreshments throughout your visit.

Garve

Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve

★ 4.7 (3,089)

Marvel at Scotland's dramatic 60-metre-deep wooded gorge in the Highlands, where a Victorian suspension bridge offers thrilling views of the thundering Falls of Measach cascading through ancient rock formations.

Lairg

Sango Bay

★ 4.6 (3,027)

This remote Highland beach offers dramatic coastal scenery and an onsite restaurant, though visitors should note limited facilities and challenging terrain for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Dalerb

The Scottish Crannog Centre

★ 4.8 (1,974)

Step back 2,500 years at this award-winning living history museum, where families can explore an authentic Iron Age loch dwelling and discover how Scotland's ancient ancestors lived on the water.

Aviemore

Cairngorm Sleddog Centre

★ 4.7 (2,254)

Meet magnificent huskies and experience the thrill of dog sledding at Britain's sole working sleddog centre, set within the stunning Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore.

Aviemore

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

★ 4.7 (2,252)

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.

Nairn

Nairn Beach

★ 4.7 (2,059)

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.

Pitlochry

Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre

★ 4.5 (2,799)

Discover how hydroelectric power works at this fascinating dam attraction featuring a unique fish ladder, plus enjoy riverside walks and an onsite restaurant with full accessibility and family facilities.

Aviemore

Strathspey Railway

★ 4.6 (2,068)

Step aboard a heritage steam train journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands, departing from Aviemore Station for a nostalgic railway adventure the whole family will treasure.

Ballachulish

Glencoe Mountain Resort

★ 4.4 (2,888)

Scotland's premier winter sports destination near Kingshouse offers thrilling slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, complete with an onsite restaurant for refuelling between runs.

Portree

Skye Museum of Island Life

★ 4.6 (1,976)

Step back in time at this traditional thatched cottage museum near Portree, where visitors can enjoy refreshments and explore island heritage at their own pace with a picnic.

Aberfeldy

Highland Safaris

★ 4.7 (1,605)

Meet graceful Red Deer up close with expert Rangers guiding your adventure, then explore scenic trails perfect for all ages at this accessible Perthshire wildlife experience.

Inverness

Ness Islands Walk

★ 4.8 (1,283)

Stroll through this scenic riverside pathway connecting peaceful wooded islands via charming footbridges, beginning at The Infirmary Bridge. An onsite restaurant provides refreshments along the route.

Isle of Skye

Portree Treasure Hunt Trail

★ 4.6 (1,604)

Follow clues through this charming Isle of Skye harbour town on an interactive adventure that takes families past scenic spots and up historic towers for memorable views and discovery.

Beauly

Plodda Falls

★ 4.8 (1,086)

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.

Lochinver

Achmelvich Bay

★ 4.9 (792)

This stunning Highland beach near Lochinver offers white sands and crystal-clear waters, with onsite parking and a restaurant serving food and snacks for visiting families.

Lairg

Scourie Beach

★ 4.7 (997)

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.

Inverness

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

★ 4.5 (1,352)

Discover Highland heritage and artistic treasures at this Castle Wynd cultural venue, where families can explore exhibits together and refuel at the onsite restaurant between gallery visits.

Inverness

Whin Park

★ 4.5 (1,331)

Four fantastic play zones await young adventurers at this Inverness park, complete with a scenic boating pond and charming miniature railway journey to the Ness Islands.

Fortrose

Fortrose Beach

★ 4.7 (963)

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.

Dornoch

Dornoch Beach

★ 4.8 (774)

This scenic Highland coastal spot offers golden sands and an onsite restaurant, with convenient parking available. Note that facilities are limited, with no toilets or wheelchair access provided.

Inverness

Farm Ness

★ 4.7 (886)

Meet friendly farm animals in the heart of the Scottish Highlands at this hands-on petting zoo, where pushchair-friendly paths and baby facilities make it perfect for young families.

Inverness

Vue Inverness

★ 4.2 (1,840)

Catch the latest family-friendly blockbusters at this modern multiplex cinema in Inverness, offering weekend children's screenings, on-site parking, snacks and wheelchair access.

Pitlochry

Blair Castle

★ 4.6 (895)

Step back in time at this magnificent Highland fortress near Pitlochry, complete with family facilities, onsite dining and full wheelchair access for an unforgettable Scottish castle experience.

Oban

Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

★ 4.4 (1,036)

Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds, listed under Castles & Palaces, near Oban.

Inverness

Urquhart Castle

★ 4.4 (1,031)

Perched dramatically on Loch Ness shores, these atmospheric medieval ruins offer stunning Highland views alongside visitor facilities including a restaurant, parking and wheelchair access.

Inverness

The Loch Ness Centre

★ 4.4 (1,031)

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.

Fort William

Treasures Of The Earth

★ 4.3 (1,169)

Journey through atmospheric underground displays showcasing spectacular giant crystals and gemstones within immersive mining scenes that bring the earth's hidden wonders to life.

Pitlochry

Faskally Forest

★ 4.5 (807)

Explore winding woodland paths through this Perthshire gem, where families can spot wildlife, enjoy scenic picnic spots, and wander accessible trails with parking and facilities onsite.

Fortrose

Rosemarkie Beach

★ 4.6 (657)

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.

Inverness

The Highlanders Museum

★ 4.7 (568)

Discover the proud heritage of Scotland's Highland regiments at this fascinating Fort George museum, where military history comes alive through authentic artifacts and compelling stories.

Applecross

Applecross Beach

★ 4.3 (1,019)

Remote Highland coastal spot offering rugged natural beauty and sandy shores, though families should note limited facilities and challenging access for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Inverness

Brewsters at Inshes Gate

★ 3.9 (1,859)

This family-friendly soft play venue in Beechwood Park welcomes all ages with wheelchair access, changing facilities, and an onsite restaurant where you can dine or enjoy your own picnic.

Forres

Findhorn Beach

★ 4.8 (437)

Located on Scotland's North Shore, this accessible sandy stretch offers exciting dolphin-spotting opportunities for young wildlife enthusiasts, plus parking and space for family picnics.

Aberfeldy

The Birks Cinema

★ 4.7 (491)

Fort William

West Highland Museum

★ 4.8 (409)

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.

Brora

Brora Beach

★ 4.6 (504)

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.

Lairg

Sandwood Bay

★ 4.8 (379)

Trek to this remote Highland beach where golden sands meet dramatic sea stacks and crashing Atlantic waves, perfect for adventurous families who love wild, unspoilt coastal scenery.

Inverness

Inverness Kart Raceway

★ 4.7 (429)

Race around the track at this family-friendly karting venue welcoming children aged 5+, with full facilities including accessible toilets and baby changing. Picnics are welcome or grab snacks onsite.

Inverness

Abriachan Trails

★ 4.8 (361)

Explore woodland walking routes through Abriachan Forest with parking and toilets provided, though trails aren't suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs—snacks available but no picnics allowed.

Kingussie

Loch Insh Watersport and Activity Centre

★ 4.6 (450)

Set beside a stunning Highland loch, this adventure centre offers water-based fun and outdoor activities for all abilities, with an onsite restaurant and parking to make your visit easy.

Inverness

Frankie and Lolas

★ 4.3 (686)

This fully accessible indoor play venue welcomes families with wheelchair-friendly spaces, baby facilities, and a café serving refreshments. Little ones can explore safe play areas while grown-ups relax.

Isle of Lewis

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis

★ 4.8 (302)

Oban

Ganavan Beach

★ 4.6 (360)

This scenic Oban beach offers convenient parking and onsite toilets, though families should note picnics aren't permitted and there are no baby-changing or wheelchair facilities available.

Achnasheen

Inverewe Garden and Estate

★ 4.6 (353)

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.

Tain

Tarbat Discovery Centre

★ 4.7 (303)

Explore fascinating archaeological finds and local heritage at this compact museum in coastal Portmahomack, with refreshments served on-site for hungry visitors.

Inverness

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

★ 4.8 (233)

Explore Scotland's largest nature restoration project with fully accessible trails and facilities perfect for families with young children and wheelchair users seeking an inspiring wildlife experience.

Helmsdale

Timespan

★ 4.4 (360)

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.

Gairloch

Gairloch Beach

★ 4.8 (201)

This quiet sandy shore near Gairloch village welcomes families for paddling and picnics, with wheelchair access and onsite parking but limited facilities.

Gairloch

Hebridean Whale Cruises

★ 4.7 (222)

Set sail from Pier Road on an unforgettable marine wildlife adventure, spotting majestic whales and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. Onboard dining available during your Scottish coastal voyage.

Cromarty

Cromarty Beach

★ 4.8 (165)

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.

Inverness

Ness Islands Railway

★ 4.7 (176)

Take a delightful journey aboard steam or diesel locomotives at this charming miniature railway in Inverness, winding through beautiful Whin Park with full accessibility and family facilities available.