Scotland's best outdoor adventures for kids named including 'breathtaking' beauty spot
For energetic youngsters and curious explorers.
The "best outdoor adventures for kids" in Scotland have been named. Three picturesque destinations were singled out.
On Wednesday, July 30, cottages.com shared a roundup of "where to go and what to do with children" in Scotland. Among the various destinations and activities noted by the experts were a number of days out specifically dedicated to Scotland's great outdoors.
The first destination in Scotland named on the cottages.com roundup is the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The national park is centred around Loch Lomond and the hills and glens of the Trossachs, as well as other ranges of hills.
The fourth-biggest national park in the British Isles, the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park covers much of the western part of the southern Highlands. It welcomes millions of visitors each year from across Scotland and beyond.
The park was described as a "breathtaking national park" by the experts. It was singled out for its wide selection of child-friendly activities.
According to cottages.com, one of the top kid-friendly things to do in the national park is hire bikes and explore the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path. The experts also recommend paddling along the calm shoreline in a family-friendly kayak.
Elsewhere, the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail near Luss was also singled out. Described as a "magical, interactive woodland walk", the trail features whimsical faerie houses, sparkly faerie wings, mushrooms, and more.
The second destination in Scotland named among the best for outdoor adventures for children was the Galloway Forest Park. The forest park mainly covers woodland in the area of Dumfries and Galloway.
Known as the UK's first Dark Sky Park, Galloway was praised by the experts as ideal for stargazing, wildlife spotting, and nature immersion. According to cottages.com, little ones will also enjoy exploring its wild woodland play areas and taking part in forest ranger activities.
Other locations within the Galloway Forest Park singled out by the experts were the Kirroughtree Visitor Centre and the Red Deer Range. The former was noted for the nearby Bennie's Trail short circular walk, while the latter was praised as a top place to see and learn about red deer up close.
The third and final destination featured on the cottages.com roundup is the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. The UK’s only mountain gondola allows visitors to ride up Aonach Mòr near Ben Nevis.
At the top, hikers can enjoy family-friendly trails with panoramic Highland views. Meanwhile, there is a café and play areas—as well as easy access to picnic spots.
Walks in Scotland
According to the experts, the three destinations are well suited to young children. Many trails in the areas are designed with families in mind, with pram-friendly paths, gentle loop walks, and clearly marked nature trails.
The cottages.com website states: "For families with energetic youngsters and curious explorers, Scotland’s great outdoors is a natural playground. From mountains and lochs to forests and trails, the country is packed with inspiring destinations that make adventure holidays in Scotland both fun and accessible.
"Whether you're looking for bike rides, woodland wanders, or gentle hikes with panoramic views, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Scotland for kids that blend excitement with discovery."
For more information about where to go and what to do with children in Scotland, visit the cottages.com website.
The best outdoor adventures for kids in Scotland
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Galloway Forest Park
- Nevis Range Mountain Gondola