Best family days out in Scotland

Let young imaginations soar with the skylarks. For nature lovers and active families, the awe-inspiring highlands, islands and castles of Scotland await.

Take a Seafari in Oban

Whether you have budding twitchers, amateur photographers or mini David Attenboroughs in the family, a windin-the-hair Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) adventure is a memorable way to visit the Scottish isles and see its abundant sea life and rare birds. Hop on a RIB excursion to the stunning isle of Iona, where you can visit the historic abbey and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before heading to the remote and windswept isle of Staffa. Witness the towering volcanic rock columns, which are home to black guillemots, fulmars and see the rare puffin colony (in season) before blasting back across the water. Every tour has an expert wildlife guide on board and wildlife sightings can include whales, dolphins, seals, porpoise, basking sharks, common seals, Atlantic grey seals and otter.

Compete in a Mini Highland Games

Revel in the traditions and history of this Scottish pastime and try your hand at some alternative sporting challenges. See who triumphs at caber tossing, haggis hurling, welly wanging, archery and more in your own mini Highland Games (kilts optional). Dream Escape will bring you a mini Highland Games experience to a location of your choice, and it's a fun-filled way to immerse yourself – and your clan – in this lively Scottish custom. Follow with a visit to one of the many summer Highland Games, including the Braemar Gathering, which is attended by the royal family.

Go Canyoneering in the Cairngorms

Canyoneering in the Cairngorms

VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Leap into natural pools, scale gorges, float down rivers and career down waterslides on the ultimate canyon adventure. Rothiemurchas Estate, located in the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, runs an epic Canyon Gorge experience, where active families can get the adrenalin pumping as they try an exhilarating mix of canyoning and gorge walking. It's suitable for eight years and above, and every leap and swim is optional, meaning smaller adventurers can miss the biggest jumps if they wish. There's an extraordinary variety of wildlife on the doorstep, so families can enjoy a host of other outdoor activities on the Highland estate of Rothiemurchus including bait-loch fishing, a treetop high-wire adventure trail, falconry experiences, archery and a mini Land Rover 4x4 track designed especially for kids.

Hunt for Clues around Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle and the Ross Fountain seen from Princes Street Gardens

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved

Towering above Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is home to some of the nation’s most treasured possessions, including the Honours of Scotland (Scotland’s crown jewels). Rich in history, tales and mysteries, an Edinburgh Castle Explorer Quiz, affectionately created by our Client Relationship Manager Rosie Peattie for Dream Escape clients, will set little minds alight as you explore the halls, ramparts, vaults, and nooks and crannies of this iconic landmark.

Learn all about the history of the castle, from its near destruction on the order of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce, to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite risings, as you hunt for answers for a chance to win a special Edinburgh Castle–stamped gold coin.

Join a Herd of Highland Coos

Highland cow

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Highland cows – or Highland coos, as the Scots call them – are often referred to as the gentle giants of Scotland and kids of all ages will love getting up close to these shaggy haired mammals. Enjoy a private visit to a working Highland cattle farm and meet the hardy yet docile cows that are a cherished emblem of the Scottish Highlands. Learn about the history of the native breeds and the farm, and have opportunities to photograph the longhorn and haired cattle. You may like to conclude with a delicious Highland beef tasting.

Meet the Fisher Tour on Loch Ewe

Fisher tour on Loch Ewe

Join local scallop diver and fisher Jamie Elder on a cruise to discover the beauty and bounty of Loch Ewe. Kids will love hearing Jamie’s tales of life on the water and his unique underwater experiences. Then lift the fishing creels to see what lies beneath – guests can often see velvet crabs, green crabs, edible brown crabs, lobsters, octopus, sea stars and a variety of fish as the creels are lifted. Guests will venture to Loch Tournaig, home to a large colony of harbour and grey seals and pups. Plus, keep an eye out for northern European otters, basking seals, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles and a host of swooping, skimming and nesting seabirds.

WORDS | CHANTAL HAINES