Amazing 5-Day Scotland Itinerary for Families

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Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Leslie Stroud

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.

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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

• 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

• 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

• 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) and take a train ride on the real-life Hogwarts Express. 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 Glasglow, 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.

✔️ 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 the floating palace of Queen Victoria, which was in service for 40+ years. The tea rooms offer excellent food and scones.

✔️ 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.

✔️ 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 located in Old Town Edinburgh. Some of the nearby landmarks are the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. There is an indoor pool that the kids can enjoy.

• 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 Glasglow, 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 Glasglow 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. Enjoy amazing fish and chips, shop in specialty stores, and explore a castle.

✔️ 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 nestled in the mountains. You’ll surely enjoy the breeze and views!

• Carlton George Hotel is an eco-certified hotel near Merchants’ House and George Square.

Isle of Skye

✔️ Old Man of Storr Hike. This hike takes a little over an hour to complete, and you’ll enjoy a closer view of the ‘Old Man’ rock.

✔️ 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 is a few minutes away from The Brother’s Point and Isle of Skye Oysters.

• 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. Western Isle Cruises does one-hour tours of the bay, and you can see birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales, and basking sharks on this wildlife cruise.

✔️ 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. Want to explore the area’s natural beauty? Visit Merkinch Local Nature Reserve and Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, which are a few minutes away from the hotel.

• 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.

Where To Stay in Southern Scotland With Kids

• 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 is in a rural area and on a lake. The hotel offers a full-service spa.

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 – Easy hike along the top of a canyon.

✔️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 is in a rural area and on a lake. The hotel offers a full-service spa.

• Ingliston Country Club Hotel is located in a rural area. Some landmarks nearby are Glasgow Science Centre and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Enjoy the onsite British cuisine restaurant, Palominos Restaurant.

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!
  • If you encounter a single-lane road, pull off to the left (or let the other car do it). You may need to reverse until one of you can slide by.

• 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.

• Remember that the country of Scotland is actually quite small. It’s not hard to drive the entire thing! Each destination is only 2-3 hours, max, from each other.

• 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

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