Scotland · United Kingdom · Things to do
5 things to do in Scotland with kids
The five best things to do in Scotland with kids are Edinburgh Castle, a drive through Glencoe, a trip to the Isle of Skye, a boat on Loch Ness, and a walk through the closes off Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Edinburgh covers two of them in a few days, while the Highlands need a car and at least three more days.
What to do, in order
- 1
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands on Castle Rock, the plug of an old volcano, above the city. Inside are the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and the Great Hall. The one o'clock gun fires from the battery every day except Sunday, which children tend to like. Book timed tickets online in summer, as queues build at the gate. Allow two to three hours, wear shoes for the cobbles and a steep approach, and pair it with the Royal Mile below.
- 2
Drive through Glencoe
Glencoe is a long glen of steep mountainsides in the western Highlands, reached on the A82 from Glasgow in roughly two hours, passing Loch Lomond and the open moor of Rannoch. The road itself is the attraction, with lay-bys for photographs. Families can add short walks, such as the paths around the visitor centre or the Lochan trail. The weather changes quickly, so carry waterproofs, and expect midges in still, damp summer weather from late May to September.
- 3
Cross to the Isle of Skye
A road bridge links Skye to the mainland, so the crossing is a short drive rather than a ferry. The Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle are a short walk for most children, with clear blue pools below the Cuillin mountains. Parking fills early, so arrive before mid-morning. The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing are bigger walks with steep ground and weather exposure. Skye roads are narrow and often single track, so allow far more time than the map suggests.
- 4
Hunt for Nessie
Loch Ness is a long, deep, dark loch running south-west from Inverness, and the Nessie legend is the reason most visitors come. Boat trips run from Inverness, Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, and many families add Urquhart Castle on the shore, which has a visitor centre and ruins that children can climb around. Nobody has found the monster, so the trip is about the loch, the story and the hills around it. Take a jacket, because it is cold on deck.
- 5
Duck down Edinburgh's closes
The Royal Mile is lined with narrow lanes called closes and wynds, running off between tall old buildings. Most are free to walk, and some open into small courtyards or have steep stairs. Mary King's Close is a guided underground tour of a preserved old street, and it is best suited to older children. Do the closes in the morning before the crowds, and look for plaques on the walls that tell the story of each lane.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to September has the longest days, with light until after ten at night in June. July and August are busiest, midges peak in summer, and Edinburgh fills during the August festivals. Winter is dark, wet and cold.
- How long
- Three days covers Edinburgh. Add four or five more for Glencoe, Skye and Loch Ness, which is a week to ten days in total.
- Getting around
- Edinburgh is walkable and well served by buses, and trains link it with Glasgow. The Highlands and Skye are best done by car. Many roads are single track with passing places, so drive slowly and let others pass.
Good to know
- Pack waterproofs and layers at any time of year. The weather can change several times in a day.
- Fill the fuel tank before heading into the Highlands. Petrol stations are far apart and some close early.
- Book Highland family accommodation well ahead for summer. Choices are limited outside the main towns.
Frequently asked
Is Scotland good for a family holiday? +
Yes. Edinburgh offers castles and history in a compact space, and the Highlands give space, scenery and wildlife. The challenges are changeable weather, midges in summer and long drives on slow roads, so plan fewer stops each day.
How many days do you need in Scotland with kids? +
A week is a comfortable minimum for Edinburgh plus a Highlands loop through Glencoe, Loch Ness and Skye. Ten days gives a slower pace and room for bad weather. Three days only covers Edinburgh.
What is the best time to visit the Highlands with kids? +
June is often the best balance of long days and fewer midges than July and August. September is calmer and the colours begin to change. Winter has short days and some road and attraction closures.
Can you see Loch Ness and Skye in one trip? +
Yes. Inverness and Loch Ness are on the route to Skye, so most families combine them with Glencoe in a loop of three or four days from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Plan for long driving days and an overnight on Skye.
