Our list of places to visit in Inverness for great fun family days out.

  • Bellfield Park

    This is a hidden gem of a park close to the town centre and Ness Islands – while not huge it has plenty on offer for children and families with great play areas, bike hire, tennis courts and a lovely well maintained paddling pool. There is a kiosk selling the usual ice cream and juice to enjoy on the many benches. Just beside the Ness Islands so a visit to the park could easily be combined with this.
  • Inverness Crazy Golf

    On the other side of the River from Bellfield Park and just through the islands is Inverness’ only crazy golf course. Independently owned and very well run, the owner Gus and staff here will make sure your family has a great time. You can play round the 12 fun and challenging holes as many times as you like which lets you really get the hang of it.
  • Whin Park Miniature Railway

    The mini trains in Whin park have been running since 1983 – and are now run by the Highland Hospice to help raise vital funds. Trains go round the picturesque ½ mile route including going over and under a suspension bridge – keep an eye out for the Elephant and Hippo sculptures on the way round – £2.50 a trip, kids under 4 go free.
  • Inverness Aquadome

    Inverness’ swimming pool with two pools – the leisure pool for family fun and 25m competition pool for lane swimming. The leisure pool offers large wave pool, 3 flumes, lazy river with jets and geysers, small outdoor pool, family sized spa bath and a toddler pool.
  • Frankie and Lolas

    For rainy day fun Award winning soft play with town themed toddler frame and safari themed junior frame – there’s lots here to keep the kids occupied in a fun and safe environment. The cafe has a focus on good quality locally sourced food and has great coffee which makes it enjoyable for grown ups too.
  • Nairn Beach

    If you fancy a day at the beach – Nairn is a charming seaside town about 15 miles from Inverness with lots on offer for families. The sandy beach is a popular spot for families and is big enough you can have space to yourself even on busiest days. Near the beach there is also a nice playpark, swimming pool and outdoor rainbow splash pad.
  • Loch Ness – Jacobite Cruises

    Go on the hunt for Nessie! A great fun way to see the loch is by boat, check out Jacobite Cruises who run trips out onto Loch Ness. Trips start from the banks of Loch Ness or from Dochgarroch on the Caledonian Canal to allow you to experience both the canal and the open waters of the Loch. Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus and Dores all offer choices for food.
  • Ecoventures

    The Moray Firth is home to some amazing wildlife – including a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Ecoventures in Cromarty organises trips out into the Firth in their RIB boat – Saorsa. They are family run with years of experience and they will make sure your trip with them is truly memorable. The company prides itself on showcasing the best of the Firth’s wildlife whilst being respectful of the wildlife and the environment.
  • Landmark

    A short drive down the A9 is Landmark forest adventure park for hours of family fun. Set amongst the Caledonian forest at Carrbridge, it combines the woodland location with lots of great fun for all ages. The attraction has been recognised as one of the best in the UK and boasts water slides, kid friendly rides and a spectacular new Dinosaur Kingdom – with huge, life-size (and roaring!) dinosaurs. You can also explore the treetop trail, learn all about the area’s history, have fun with optical illusions at the bamboozaleum and if your feeling fit head to the top of the fire tower for spectacular views.

Some more great ideas for family days out in Inverness

  • Infinity trampoline park – great bouncy fun for all ages.
  • Ice Rink – just beside the aqudome in the Bught area. 
  • Vue Cinema – cinema at the retail park beside usual food offerings you’d expect.
  • Open top bus – see the sights of the city from open top double decker.
  • Rollerbowl – 10 pin bowling, arcade games and burger bar.