Things to do in Aviemore for kids and families

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

With so many activities to offer, here are just some of the great places in or close to Aviemore. 

  •  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 and it is now open all year round. 
  • 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. 
  • G2 Adventure has a zip park as well as other activities for thrill seekers such as gorge walking and white water rafting.
  • Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is fully loaded with watersports, wintersports and activities.  Includes a bar and restaurant and a fantastic park for the kids. Well worth a visit. 
  • Aviemore Kart Raceway is brilliant for the kids and adults alike.  A really good family activity and also has spectacular views.  A path from the orbital route allows you to walk or bike to the location. 
  • Rothiemurchus Estate  is fun packed with adventure on the “Little Landy’s” and quad bikes,  you can also meet some amazing birds of prey at the Falconry show.  Try a bit of pony trekking or archery and make it a full day out with lunch at “The Barn”
  • Cairngorm Mountain is traditionally known for winter sports but have recently adapted their services to include a bike park and a mountain tubing park.  Get some of the freshest air in the mountain garden or take a guided walk into the Cairngorm Mountain range.
  • Highland Wildlife Park is a short drive from Aviemore.  Discover some endangered local species and some visitors from afar, including polar bears, camels, wolves and tigers.  Bring all weather gear and make a full day of it at.  There are packed lunch areas and also a cafe and food stands.  Wind down at the park with a coffee before heading home for the day.
Family look at the dinosaur exhibition at Landmark adventure park Carrbridge
The Landmark dinosaurs will sure to be a hit

Rainy day indoor activities in Aviemore

Looking to tire the kids out then visit one of the Soft Play centres in Aviemore. Suitable for babies right up to the age of 11 and both provide refreshments.

  • MacDonald’s resort has a playframe in the leisure centre as well as other play rooms. 
  • “The Funhouse” at Coylumbridge Hotel has a large playframe, pottery crafts, a small bowling alley, arcade and crazy golf.  

Swimming pools are a great way of spending some quality time with the kids so its definitely worth considering on a wet weather day. 

  • MacDonald’s resort has a large pool with wave machine, curly slide and a baby pool.  Adults can also enjoy some relaxation in the sauna and steam room.  
  • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club have a smaller more relaxed pool which is unsupervised. There are floats for the kids and a sauna and steam room for the adults. 

Some other great indoor activities include

  • Aviemore Ice Rink – one of our favourite places for the  disco nights! Just wrap up warm as skates and refreshments can be provided. 
  • Spey Valley Cinema – A huge auditorium which hosts seasonal Pantomimes as well as the latest blockbusters. Refreshments are available at the door.  
  • Aviemore Escape Rooms has a choice of 3 different adventures and is suitable for ages 8+. 
  • Strathspey Steam Railway – take a train ride powered by steam to Boat of Garten or Broomhill.  Souvenirs are available in the gift shop and refreshments can be purchased in the dining car.  Some seasonal offers are available.
Kids and families skate at Aviemore ice rink
Lots of fun on the ice at Aviemore ice rink

Free activities in Aviemore

They say the best things in life are free, and some of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cairngorms are completely free.  Just remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and consider any risks such as forest fires, disturbing wildlife and always take your litter home. 

  • The Highland Folk museum – is a completely free open air museum to explore the best of local culture.  Enjoy a wee visit to the sweet shop and the shop and cafe whilst you are there for the day.  Some scenes from “outlander” were famously shot here. Situated in Newtonmore,  a 20 minute drive from Aviemore. 
  • Loch Morlich – one of the best freshwater sandy beaches in the world and a truly magical place to be in any weather, but summer is especially fun.  There is an orbital path right round the loch which is suitable for buggies and bikes, but the kids may prefer their bucket and spade and the bravest will venture into the water.  Grab some ice creams and food at the Boathouse or nearby Pine Marten bar. 
  • Loch an Eilean – is a paradise for photographers looking to capture it’s very special nature.  An orbital path round the loch is excellent for buggies and bikes and there are some spots to stop and reflect or have a packed lunch.  Imagine how Highland life once was in the 13th century island castle, once the home of the “Wolf of Badenoch” but now home to the local Ospreys, who have safe shelter here. A truly magical place surrounded by ancient Caledonian forest. 
  • Craigellachie Nature Reserve – has several routes for different abilities but the most challenging will take you right to the top for a view over Aviemore and stretching out over Badenoch & Strathspey.  Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you might just see something really special. 
  • MacDonald’s Resort park – sat near the foot of Craigellachie, this is a great place to let the kids run around.  Suitable for all ages.

Discover our collections:

With so much to do Aviemore and The Cairngorms are a great choice for your next family holiday – discover all our properties have to offer in these handpicked collections for your next family holiday.

Hot tub lodges

Our hot tub lodges in Aviemore and Cairngorms make the perfect place to get everyone together when the Schools are off. Sleeping from 8 to 19 there is a place for everyone. All are dog friendly too.

Family friendly

No matter the size of your family, our Highland lodges and holiday homes are a great choice in the holidays. They have everything you need for a family break. 

Budget friendly

We have great options in stylish Aviemore apartments – perfect for small families or couples. Close to everything Aviemore has to offer in the holidays.

Rural retreats

Our rural holiday homes in The Cairngorms offer relaxation in tranquil settings but also make a great base to get out and explore.

Stay in Aviemore

Aviemore is a year round destination for holidays – there is so much on offer for all ages this easter. It also makes a great base to explore the Cairngorms and wider Highlands.

Dog friendly

Almost all of our properties welcome dogs – so you can take the whole family to Aviemore in the school holidays. With great walks from your doorstep there will be sure to be waggy tails every day.

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