Scotland

Amazing 5-Day Scotland Itinerary for Families

Scotland with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary and Our Family Experiences

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo during our Scotland trip · Scene from our film (11 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 11 sec

Our Scotland memories mix Highland views, food stops and Edinburgh fun. Use this five-day outline with our family film, then choose the stops that fit your bookings and driving route.

Misty, mysterious, green rolling hills are a notable part of the gorgeous country of Scotland, but they are not all Scotland has to offer. This relatively small country boasts charming towns, unique outdoor experiences, and fantasy-inducing sights.

Our Scotland film brings together the food stops, big sights and little family moments from our visit. It starts with getting everyone ready to leave, including going to wake the boys and finding them already awake. That feels about right for traveling with five kids! Use the day-by-day plan below as a starting point, then adjust it to your bookings, base and driving route. Save the longer activity list for optional swaps or a return trip.

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Watch our original related film on Vimeo

Check UK entry requirements before booking. Whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa depends on your nationality and status. The official ETA guide currently lists a £20 fee, including for each eligible child or baby. An ETA lasts two years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits visits of up to six months for eligible purposes. Airside airport transit without passing border control is exempt; check with your airline if unsure. Allow up to three working days for a decision and wait for confirmation before traveling. Read the application guidance and exemptions on the UK government website.

Great Itinerary for Families in Scotland

Scotland is best explored in two to three weeks, but if you are on a time crunch like we were, you can still enjoy many of Scotland’s best highlights in a few days.

Day 1: Edinburgh

Harry Potter discoveries around Edinburgh · Scene from our film (39 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 39 sec

Our Harry Potter enthusiasm also shows up on our walk around Edinburgh. The film follows the city streets and wizard-themed shops, with the children reacting to what we find. Leave room for the discoveries that catch your family’s attention as you explore.

• Morning: Arrive in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
• Afternoon: Explore Edinburgh Castle, a fascinating historical site that offers stunning city views. Book tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly!
• Evening: Stroll down the Royal Mile, do a self-guided Harry Potter Tour, and enjoy vibrant streets with shops, street performers, and charming architecture.

Day 2: Edinburgh

• Morning: Visit the dynamic and interactive Museum of Scotland, which has something for all ages.
• Afternoon: Spend time at the Holyrood Palace and the surrounding Holyrood Park. Hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, for panoramic views.
• Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly ghost tour to hear spooky tales and legends of Edinburgh.

Day 3: Highlands

Our children decide whether Nessie is real · Scene from our film (49 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 49 sec

At the Loch Ness Centre, the children watch the displays and then give their verdicts on Nessie. Their answers include the possibility of an eel and a dinosaur that survived. Those are the kids’ imaginative theories, of course! Listening to each other’s answers became part of the fun. The film then moves from the exhibition to trying a Scotch egg and spending time around Loch Ness itself. The indoor visit and seeing the loch are different parts of the outing, so allow time for both if they interest your family.

Highland scenery from our family film

A woodland walk during our Highland trip · Scene from our film (45 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 45 sec

• Morning: Drive or take a guided tour of the Scottish Highlands. The scenic journey is quite an experience in itself.
• Afternoon: Explore Loch Ness and take a boat tour to search for the famous Loch Ness Monster. Visit the Loch Ness Museum, and learn all about Nessie!
• Evening: Check into your accommodations in the Highland region.

Day 4: The Highlands

Our film records our visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the Harry Potter locations we were excited to see. We had bought Jacobite tickets when our planned ride was canceled, so the account below keeps that disappointment alongside the places we did get to enjoy. Choose this day’s priorities around your base, driving route and the departure times of any booked activities.

• Morning: Visit the Culloden Battlefield, where the historic battle of Culloden took place. The visitor center showcases engaging exhibits, so make sure to stop in.
• Afternoon: Head to the Glenfinnan Viaduct (also known as the Harry Potter Bridge) if it fits your route. A viaduct visit and a Jacobite train ride are different plans: the Jacobite runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back. Check departure times and allow time for the whole journey; do not assume it can be added to a Culloden morning. Tickets for the Jacobite Train are here. Sadly, even though we had purchased tickets in advance, this was closed for repair on our visit. However, I still recommend advance purchase of tickets, as they do sell out early.
• Evening: Relax in the Highland scenery, perhaps with a gentle hike or family time by a picturesque loch.

Day 5: Glasgow and Back to Edinburgh

• Morning: Wake early and travel to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Enjoy walking the city and doing some shopping on Buchanan Street. Enjoy the fabulous street art.
• Afternoon: Take the kids to a museum like the Sharmanka Kinetic Theater. Catch the show and enjoy the sculptures.
• Evening: Return to Edinburgh, and prepare to head home.

More Things To Do in Scotland With Kids

Edinburgh

✔️ National Museum of Scotland – Interactive museum worthy of several days of exploring.

✔️ Calton Hill – Quick hike for beautiful city views.

✔️ Princes Street Gardens – Kids will love the playground.

✔️ Camera Obscura and World of Illusions – This interactive museum is a hit with kids, featuring optical illusions, holograms, and a rooftop Camera Obscura, providing amazing views of the city. This was one of our favorite things we did in Scotland! It’s such a fun museum.

Trying the tongue-twister exhibit at Camera Obscura · Scene from our film (15 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 15 sec

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions gets a longer stretch in our film because there is so much family interaction to capture. The kids try the displays and attempt a tongue twister. It is easy to see why this was one of our favorite Scotland activities. Give yourselves room to play with the exhibits instead of trying to rush through them between other appointments.

✔️ Dynamic Earth – An immersive science center that educates and entertains with exhibits about the Earth’s history, geology, and natural phenomena.

✔️ Royal Yacht Britannia – Tour Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating royal residence, launched in 1953 and decommissioned in 1997. The tea rooms offer excellent food and scones.

Our tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia · Scene from our film (59 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 59 sec

Our Royal Yacht Britannia visit finishes another part of the film. We follow the tour and its audio guide through the former royal residence, and our original tea-break photo below records that side of the day too. Britannia belonged to Queen Elizabeth II’s era; it is a different experience from the castle, the outdoor Highland stops and the hands-on exhibits. That variety is what I would keep when choosing your own family’s highlights.

✔️ The Royal Tattoo – This historical and hugely popular performance at Edinburgh Castle is a must-see if you are visiting at the right time of year.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives the film a very different scene: the performance and the crowd at the castle. We loved it, as the original photo below shows. It is a specific event to plan around, rather than something you can assume is happening whenever you reach Edinburgh. Check the dates and ticket arrangements before building an evening around it.

✔️ Active Kids Adventure Park – One hour from Edinburgh, this farm complex has lots of activities for kids to get all their energy out.

Where To Stay in Edinburgh With Kids

• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel – is on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town, close to Princes Street and Waverley Station. The hotel has an indoor pool; check current family swim arrangements when booking.

• Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – is a 5-star luxury hotel near Grassmarket. They provide a free crib for your little one.

• Murrayfield Hotel – is a 4-star hotel near Edinburgh Castle. Some attractions worth visiting are the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Glasgow

✔️ Cycle to the Falkirk Wheel – This impressive engineering feat connects canals and is quite a sight to see. Rent some bikes as a family, and enjoy riding around.

✔️ Glasgow Science Centre – Engaging exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities make this a great destination for learning and fun.

✔️ Riverside Museum – Kids will love the old street car and play areas at this award-winning transport museum.

✔️ The Tall Ship Glenlee – Kids can learn how to care for a ship, including swabbing the deck.

✔️ Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – Explore an impressive collection of art and artifacts, including the famous Salvador Dali painting “Christ of St John of the Cross.”

✔️ Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park (Stirling) – Between Edinburgh and Glasgow, this extensive safari park showcases animals from around the world, a large adventure playground, and a sea lion show.

✔️ Falkirk and The Kelpies – You can visit the giant metallic horsehead sculptures between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

✔️ The University of Glasgow – Harry Potter fans will love the beautiful campus that screams Hogwarts inspo!

✔️ Glasgow Police Museum – A small museum where kids can learn all about the roles and responsibilities of police officers.

✔️Glasgow Quest Adventure – Purchase the activity and use the app for a scavenger hunt around the city.

Where To Stay in Glasgow With Kids

• Leonardo Hotel Glasgow – Formerly Jurys Inn – is near a metro station. Spend the afternoon in some of the local landmarks nearby, including The Mitchell Library and Tall Ship at Riverside.

• Carlton George Hotel is nested in the City Centre of Glasgow. This 4-star hotel provides family-friendly facilities to make your stay comfortable.

• Native Glasgow – is an aparthotel in the City Centre of Glasgow. Each unit has its own kitchen where you can prepare and cook food for the family.

Highlands

✔️ Nevis Centre Spectrum Indoor Playground – This is a good option for a rainy day and is close to the train station in Fort William.

✔️ Hiking near Glencoe – Explore walks and hikes in the area, such as the Lost Valley Hike.

✔️ House of Bruar – This is a great pit stop on your drive into the Highlands. We enjoyed the fish and chips and specialty food shopping here. House of Bruar is a shopping and food stop; any castle visit should be planned separately.

Our family food stop at House of Bruar · Scene from our film (57 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 57 sec

House of Bruar became more than a quick stop for us. In the film, we browse the food hall, talk about preserves and look at cheeses before the fish and chips. It is the kind of place where the children find things to ask about as we walk around. Keep room in the driving day for a food stop you actually want to enjoy, rather than treating every break as a race back to the car.

✔️ Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountains – We stayed in Aviemore for a couple of nights. We loved the remote feeling and what a great base camp it was for the Highlands.

✔️ Highland Folk Museum – Free open-air museum. See how locals lived in the 1800s and 1900s.

✔️ Highland Wildlife Park – Close to Aviemore and Newtonmore, this park has a drive-through section and a walk-through section.

✔️ Explore Fort William – It’s a cute town with some yummy food options and shopping. Jaffy’s Fish & Chips Takeaway and Deli Shop offers a great lunch, or check out Bloom and Graze for some sweets.

✔️ Black Isle. Grab some of the best ice cream in the world at Black Isle Dairy.

Where To Stay In The Highlands With Kids

• Macdonald Aviemore Resort is close to the train station and theme parks. You can also do cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding.

• Cuillin Hills Hotel is in Portree on the Isle of Skye, overlooking Portree Bay. It is a Skye base to compare with the island hotel options below.

• Carlton George Hotel is in central Glasgow, not the Highlands. It belongs with the Glasgow hotel options above; check the location carefully before using it as a base for Highland outings.

Isle of Skye

✔️ Old Man of Storr Hike. The official Storr guide recommends allowing at least two hours up and back. The route is steep and exposed, and weather, stops and your children’s pace can change the time you need.

✔️ Brother’s Point Hike. Enjoy beautiful views of the water and wildlife.

✔️ Fairy Pools Hike. Older kids will enjoy a hike to the Fairy Pools, a series of stunning natural pools and waterfalls.

✔️ Isle of Skye Boat Cruise. Take in more of the amazing views by boat.

✔️ Fairy Glen Hike. Spot fairies on this easy hike for kids.

✔️ Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. Kids may be over castles at this point, but if not, this is another great option!

Where To Stay in the Isle of Skye With Kids

• The Sligachan Hotel is a 3-star hotel on the Isle of Skye and has 21 rooms for single travelers, couples, and families.

• The Bosville – Compare its exact location with the Skye outings you want to do, and allow for the driving route to places such as Brothers’ Point.

• Duisdale House Hotel is in a rural area and near the beach. Some of the cultural highlights are the Museum of the Isles and the Giant MacAskill Museum.

Inverness

✔️ Highland Wildlife Park (Kingussie): Just a quick jaunt outside of Inverness, you can drive through this park to see a variety of animals native to Scotland and other parts of the world, including reindeer, bison, and Scottish wildcats.

✔️ Landmark Forest Adventure Park (Carrbridge) – An outdoor adventure park with treetop walks, water rides, and activities suitable for various age groups.

✔️ Moray Firth – Spot dolphins off this northern shore. For a different, west coast outing, Western Isles Cruises operates from Mallaig toward Loch Nevis. That is a separate location from the Moray Firth, so check the departure port before choosing a wildlife cruise. Sightings are not guaranteed.

✔️ Dunrobin Castle – Opulent castle from the 1400s with falconry displays.

✔️ Culloden Moor – A visitor center and sober history lesson for the family await you here.

✔️ Urquhart Castle – Prebook tickets in advance and enjoy views over Loch Ness.

Where To Stay in Inverness With Kids

• Kingsmills Hotel is a cozy, family-friendly hotel near Inverness Castle. Other recommended landmarks are Inverness Cathedral and Eden Court Theatre.

• Ness Walk is a luxury hotel located in the city center. Check the route to Merkinch Local Nature Reserve if you want to include it in your Inverness stay.

• AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness is also in the city center and close to Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park, which are fun for families.

Southern Scotland

✔️ Culzean Castle and Country Park (Ayrshire): This historic castle features picturesque grounds, a playpark, and family-friendly events.

✔️ Pony Trekking: Many places offer pony trekking experiences suitable for kids, allowing them to explore the countryside on horseback.

Other Places To Stay: Argyll and Loch Lomond

• Loch Fyne Hotel And Spa is close to Inveraray Castle. You can enjoy a body scrub, a facial, or a Swedish massage at their onsite spa.

• Perle Oban Hotel & Spa offers a full-service spa and steam room. Some of the attractions nearby are the Oban War and Peace Museum and Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds.

• The Beach House – Confirm the exact property and address on the booking page. The Beach House at Inverbeg on Loch Lomond uses spa facilities at The Lodge on Loch Lomond, about three miles away. Check the current arrangements and age rules if that is part of your family’s plans.

Loch Lomond

✔️ Balloch Castle – Castle surrounded by lush forests. You are not able to access the inside of the castle itself, but that won’t stop the kids from living in their imaginations.

✔️ Devil’s Pulpit / Finnich Glen – This gorge should not be treated as an easy family walk. Check current local access and conditions before considering it, and choose a managed walk that suits your children if you want a simpler outing.

✔️Queen Elizabeth Park – Try the Waterfall Hike with interactive displays to teach the kids.

✔️ Inchmahome Priory – Explore this 700-year-old monastery accessed by a boat ride.

✔️ Conic Hill Hike – It is a popular hike with stunning Loch Lomond National Park views.

Where To Stay in Loch Lomond With Kids

• Duck Bay Hotel is located in Alexandria, near the beach. Some of the fun attractions nearby are the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre and SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium.

• The Beach House – Confirm the exact property and address on the booking page. The Beach House at Inverbeg on Loch Lomond uses spa facilities at The Lodge on Loch Lomond, about three miles away. Check the current arrangements and age rules if that is part of your family’s plans.

• Ingliston Country Club Hotel is in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. Plan the drive to Loch Lomond or Glasgow attractions from this separate countryside base.

Tips for Traveling to Scotland With Kids

• Remember you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. We’ve visited the UK several times and lived in New Zealand for six months and still, it’s a challenge. 🙂 It’s totally doable, but it can be mentally tiring and requires all of your attention.
  • On that note, also remember that roads are potentially much narrower than where you live!
  • On single-track roads, use proper passing places. Highway Code rule 155 explains when to enter a passing place on your left or wait opposite one on your right, and when reversing to a passing place may be needed.

• There is a good reason Scotland is so lush and green: rain!! Take advantage of any good weather days to get outside. Also, pack for rain! Pack waterproof clothing, layers, and comfortable walking shoes for adults and kids.

• Plan each drive for the actual route rather than assuming every destination is within two or three hours. Highland and island roads, stops, weather and ferry connections can add substantial time. The VisitScotland driving guide is useful when deciding how much to include.

• If you’re renting a car, bring or rent car seats. They are required, and you’ll be driving a lot.

• English is the primary language, but there may be differences in accents and dialects. Encourage kids to ask for clarification if they have trouble understanding locals.

• The currency used is the British Pound (GBP). Inform kids about different currencies and involve them in simple transactions to help them understand.

• Scotland uses the UK’s Type G electrical outlets. If you have electronic devices, bring appropriate adapters and chargers.

There is so much to love in Scotland. Enjoy!!!

Xoxo,

Leslie

Watch our Scotland family film

Our Scotland family trip: food, Highlands and Edinburgh · Full film (12 min 0 sec)

▶Watch full film 12 min 0 sec

Our earlier family film includes House of Bruar, the Tattoo, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Edinburgh and Britannia. Check current opening dates, transport and ticket arrangements for your own trip.

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