15 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in the Scottish Highlands
I'm still adding to this list, so keep checking back, please get in touch if you've got any hidden gems to recommend, or if you have a picture to replace any that I'm missing (ie the places that have words). As a thank you, I'll send a 20% money off voucher to spend in the shop for anything that gets used.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Although I'd love to be able to travel to every place on here, time and practicalities dictate that I've sourced a lot of information from 3rd parties so some information might be incorrect (Please let me know if you spot anything that is so that I can amend it).
Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
An oasis of calm, packed with an impressive divesity of plants, including a tropical house, cactus house, and wooden bears at a tee pee, and a jungle path.
Plenty of local history, and artefacts from the natural world. Lots for kids including learning about the Jacobites, hands on microscopes and puzzles.
Stunning views over Loch Ness, woodland walks, moorland, and nature spotting including pine martins, red squirrels, and golden eagles. The kids will love the treehouses, and boardwalks.
A group of 3 prehistoric burial cairns, dating back about 4,000 years. For Outlander fans, it was the inspiration for Craigh Na Dun.
Packed with amazing exhibits including Rob Roys sporran, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s embroidered silk waistcoat, and treasure from a shipwrecked Spanish Armada galleon.
While the visitor centre is free, there'a a fee to climb the monument to Jacobite Clansman. Harry Potter fans can enjoy views of the famous viaduct, as well as the island used in the triwizard tournament.
An open air museum with over 35 historical buildings to explore and learn about highland life from 1700s - 1950s.
Just opened (April 2023), it's the world's first rewilding centre. Visitors can learn about Gaelic history, and learn about rewilding. There's a play area, check the website for kids events including pond dipping and scavenger hunts.
Near to John O Groats is a lighthouse, and the true tip of mainland, the Duncansby stacks. You can walk from John O Groats, or follow these instructions to drive closer.
A huge, magical place, packed with history and myths. There's 3 chambers, a waterfall, boards to read about the cave's rich history. Entry is free, but you can only reach the 3rd chamber by boat, so book a tour if you want to visit that one.
A sandy, clean beach, with rockpools to investigate, and a play park if the little ones get bored of making sandcastles.
An iron age settlement, with great views out to sea, and an information board telling you all about the history.
An information and heritage centre with games, displays, and activities for all ages including a garden and play area.
Managed by the RSPB, this blanket bog is one of the world's rarest habitats. Follow the trail and walk along the boardwalk to the awesome lookout, and explore the interactive games and displays in the visitor centre.
You know what the kids would love to be filling in as you're exploring new places? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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