If you are looking for inspiration for your next family holiday in Scotland, we have so much on offer in the Cairngorms for families and children of all ages. Every day can be adventure packed and then head home to your very own Aviemore lodge to recharge for the next day of exploring.
Outdoor activities in Aviemore
When it comes to adventure parks, Landmark Adventure Park must be one of the best. Set in ancient Caledonian pines, you are really having a forest adventure but with the luxury of rides, adventure and some great food at the Cafes. Dogs are also welcome. Top tip would be to start your adventure early, as it gets very busy over peak times and maybe book for a few days, one never seems to be enough. Suitable for all ages and something for all abilities.
Treezone is located in Inverdruie, Rothiemurchus and is a real treat for the older adventurous kids. Spend a whole afternoon among the treetops of ancient oak and pine.
Another place with lots of activities on offer is Craggan Outdoors who specialise in delivering the very best in outdoor activity-focused experiences for all ages and abilities. Just along the road and a great spot for lunch is the fantastic Grantown East Station – a restored heritage station complete with dining car – the pizzas are excellent.
Bike tracks for a range of abilities are located everywhere in the area, but for some real action, head to Wolftrax in Laggan.
Discover Highland History
Head to Newtonmore, the home of the Highland Folk Park. The good news is that this facility is free to enter. You will soon be transported to a bygone era and a lesson from the very strict schoolmaster is a must. Also, don’t miss the sweetie shop for a quarter bag of your old favourites. The facility has a modern and well stocked cafe, with toilet block and shop. Dogs are not permitted, but there is an enclosed area for your pet to have a stretch and a drink. Enjoy an ice cream while the kids play at the park. A super day out.
Ruthven Barracks is another must see whilst you are visiting and also completely free. Built to suppress the further rise of the Jacobites, you get a glimpse of life many centuries ago and also panoramic views of Badenoch.
Culloden Battlefield is a 30 minute drive away but worth the drive to find out a bit more about Scotland in the time of the Jacobite Rebellion. If you want to combine with another activity – Inverness itself offers lots for families including a swimming pool with flumes, ten pin bowling, ice skating and mini golf.
Wildlife in the Cairngorms
A trip to the Highland Wildlife Park will occupy the kids for a full day. They have many native species to the Scottish Highlands as well as some more exotic animals such as the famous Polar Bears and Tigers. The Reindeer Herd can be found in Glenmore – it is the only free raining reindeer herd in the UK. Loch Garten offers good options for family walks and is home to the RSPB ospreys.
Nature days out near Aviemore
Loch an Eilean is nice walk for families that takes in view of a famous ruined castle on an island in the loch – good path and suitable for all takes around 2 hours. Starting from Glenmore – An Lochan Uaine or The Green loch is a nice short walk and great spot for a picnic – there are plenty of options in area to make it longer if you want to explore more.
Rainy day activities in Cairngorms
One of our favourites, you cannot beat an afternoon at soft play with a nice coffee while the kids play. There is a frame at MacDonald’s resort, in the swimming pool building and also another at Coylumbridge Hotel which is called the funhouse and also boasts a crazy golf and a swimming pool. Enjoy a coffee whilst the kids play in a mini frame in Tiso in Aviemore. If you fancy a bit of creativity – check out Smarty Art in Grantown on Spey for pottery painting fun.
