things to do for children in scotland

The Kids Are Alright

There is so much to do in Scotland this autumn. Here are just a few ideas for having a brilliant time with the family.

The sights and sounds...
Scotland's wildlife is really something special, and there is lots going on during the autumn. Stags gather in sheltered glens for the annual rut, a loud ritual defined by echoing roars and the clatter of antlers. See this magnificent display first hand by going on a wildlife watching trip with Highland Wildlife Safaris or the Galloway Deer Range. Autumn is also the time of year when thousands of migratory birds visit Scotland for the winter months. Explore the countryside and view such species as Barnacle Geese, Whooper Swans and Pink Footed and Greylag Geese.

The great outdoors
Take advantage of Scotland when the weather is still mild and explore Scotland's natural heritage. Events are taking place all across Scotland this autumn, which celebrate our trees, woods and forests. As the most wooded country in the United Kingdom, activities include guided walks, orienteering, crafts and food tasting. For more information about an event near you, visit the Treefest website.

Extreme, Dude!
The great outdoors really is great here, with mountains, rivers and forests providing a giant adventure playground. Try canyoning, the newest and wettest adventure sport in Scotland, taking in natural slides, flumes, high jumps from rock faces and eye-opening abseils. Experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, catch the waves with some of the best surfing in Europe on unspoilt beaches, explore stunning coastal scenery by kayak, or hurtle down terrifying trails on a mountain bike.

Top of the World
Have you ever climbed a mountain? Feel on top of the world on one of Scotland’s 300 mountains over 3000 feet high, known as Munros. Some people try to climb all of them, but if you’re pushed for time you can pick one and cheat a wee bit by taking the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. A funicular railway takes you up to the UK’s highest restaurant, the Ptarmigan (named after a local resident, the rare mountain cousin of the famous Red Grouse), at a dizzying 3600 feet. From here you can scramble the last 400 feet to the summit.