When you’re looking for a family getaway, what are you really looking to find?

Are you going for cheap and cheerful, but the perfect kids’ holiday with lots of activities and things to do nearby?

Maybe you want your own self-catering space/accommodation so you can really feel at home and be somewhere that has relaxing walks on the beach or in the fresh air of the countryside?

Or do you want to treat yourself to luxury accommodation with childcare to help you out, a beautiful spa, soft play, and numerous activities for the family to choose from?

We’ve put together a selection of offerings across Scotland for you to consider for your next family-friendly break. Whether it’s heading up to the Highlands or down to Dumfries & Galloway, we’ve handpicked accommodation to suit you that is truly family-friendly, as well as lots of activities and days out to discover while you’re there!

Family breaks in the North of Scotland

No matter where abouts in the North of Scotland you’re looking, there is SO much to find. From stunning beaches for rockpooling, spotting the dolphins leaping or discovering new farm parks, we’ve put together 5 places to stay across Aviemore, Inverness, Nairn and Aberdeenshire for you to choose from.

Self-Catering Accommodation and Activities in Aviemore

There are few places more loved than Aviemore for a family getaway. I remember travelling on my Primary 7 school trip to Landmark Adventure Park. Around 3 hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh, it’s a weekend full of adventure.

Landmark Adventure Park

You can enjoy a full day out exploring a huge variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, including the Ancient Forest aerial walkway, Dinosaur Kingdom, Bamboozeleum, Butterfly House, water slides, adventure play areas and climbing attractions, including ropes courses and climbing challenges high up in the trees. It’s truly an unforgettable day with so much to explore in the local area as well.

“I can’t believe we put off going here for so many years! It really is the perfect day out for the whole family, whether you’ve got a babe in arms or you’re taking the grandparents. There is fun for everyone. We loved the high rope trampoline nets and the squirrel trail! It was so easy to spend the whole day here and we found everything reasonably priced as well. Cannot wait to go back!!” – Beth, mum of 1, Ayrshire

Great North Lodges

We discovered some excellent family-friendly accommodation options through Great North Lodges, where there are lodges with hot tubs, cots and enclosed gardens, so perfect for kids of all ages. They also have great options for large or small groups and in beautiful surroundings.

If you love the sound of visiting Aviemore and the surrounding areas, check out our recent reel on Instagram for some more inspiration for things to do in the local area.

Holiday Parks in The Highlands

The Highlands cover such a huge area, but some of our favourite places to visit are close to Inverness, so it’s really easy to get to and there’s so much to explore.

Munlochy, Avoch, Fortrose & Rosemarkie

Growing up, our summers were spent strawberry picking, playing tennis at Rosemarkie Beach and searching for dolphins at Chanonry Point. A core memory is also bumping into Ade Adepitan, filming a documentary about the wildlife on the Black Isle, before he became a well-known presenter. Only 30 minutes from Inverness, you can travel through Munlochy and Avoch to reach the beautiful beach at Fortrose & Rosemarkie.

The Fairy Glen

“The Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony, where the children of the village decorated a pool, next to a spring, with flowers. This was said to ensure that the fairies kept the water supply clean.” Source

Parkdean Resorts

This time, we chose to stay at Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, a Parkdean Resort. It was excellent value for a family-friendly break, with everything you could need on site, including mini golf, a play park, and just a short walk to Nairn park, where there is another amazing play park, including a splash pad, mini golf, and an adventure trail. All this is right next to the beautiful white sandy beach.

Nairn itself is only 30 minutes from Inverness and has everything you could need for a great family holiday in Scotland.

Family-friendly accommodation for large groups in Dundee

Find everything in one place at Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort.

Offering lodges that sleep up to 12 people, they are the ideal family and pet-friendly accommodation in Dundee. There’s a vast array of family friendly activities including “Little Pipers” their soft play area and a heated indoor swimming pool.

In addition to this, there’s table tennis, tennis, crazy golf, footgolf and family archery to choose from, so really you don’t even need to leave the resort. If you want a break from cooking in the lodge, Piperdam’s Little Acorns and Tiny Sprouts Kids menu offers “Kids eat for only £1 with any Adult main” – offering exceptional value for money.

Aberdeenshire

We couldn’t believe we only just discovered Wynford Farm Park recently and knew instantly it would be a popular one to share with you for a great family holiday. Not only is it a great day out, but they also have their own holiday cottage that you can stay in on site. But be quick, as once people know more, I’m sure it’ll be fully booked!

Deeside Holiday Park

Just a short drive from Aberdeen city centre, Deeside Holiday Park is a great base for families looking to explore the countryside and local attractions. Offering a range of accommodation, including lodges with hot tubs, glamping pods, and campsites, Deeside is a perfect location for exploring the countryside and coast. There are lots of activities nearby and the great costs keep your holiday affordable.

Family Rooms at Ardoe House

As a different option, check out the family rooms at Ardoe House, offering spacious, comfortable hotel accommodation with leisure facilities on site as well as easy access to local attractions, making it an excellent choice for a family weekend away in Aberdeen. “Where luxury meets comfort for families seeking an unforgettable stay.”

Family Days Out Near Aberdeen – Beaches, Parks & Seaside Fun

Families staying near Aberdeen are spoiled for choice when it comes to easy, affordable days out. Just a short drive from the city, Balmedie Beach is a favourite with families thanks to its huge stretch of golden sand, impressive dunes and plenty of space for sandcastle building, beach games and paddling when the weather is warm enough.

Back in the city, Hazlehead Park offers a completely different outdoor experience, with woodland walks, beautiful gardens, a large play area, Pets’ Corner and plenty of open space for children to run around and explore. The on-site Park Café is ideal for a coffee break or family lunch before continuing your adventure.

For families looking for something a little more action-packed, Codona’s on Aberdeen Beach provides classic seaside entertainment with amusement rides, adventure golf, bowling, arcade games and indoor attractions suitable for a range of ages. Together, these family-friendly attractions offer a great mix of outdoor adventure, seaside fun and traditional family entertainment, making Aberdeen an excellent destination for a family break in Scotland.

East, West & Central Scotland Family Breaks

From luxury countryside resorts and family-friendly holiday parks to wildlife centres, adventure attractions and beautiful lochside locations, we are really spoilt for choice across East, West and Central Scotland, offering some of the best family staycation destinations in the country. There are so many family-friendly options to suit every budget and style of holiday, so we have picked a few to share with you.

Family-Friendly Holiday Parks Across Scotland

Largo Leisure Parks

A top pick with KidLocale and with six holiday parks across Scotland to choose from, Largo Leisure offers a fantastic range of family accommodation, including lodges, cosy cabins, camping and glamping options, as well as larger holiday homes for extended family breaks. Their parks are situated in some of Scotland’s most scenic locations, like Crieff, Crail and Killin, making them an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions and enjoying the great outdoors.

Whitekirk Hill

“Eat.Chill.Play.Stay” – as they say themselves – look no further than Whitekirk Hill, and it’s definitely on our wish list to stay this summer (or any time of year to be honest!). It’s unique to find a beautiful setting, gorgeous accommodation, indoor play, outdoor play, spa and leisure all in one place! Based in North Berwick, you’ll find the perfect place to stay and a very popular choice for family breaks.

Luxury Family Escapes in Scotland

Cameron House, Loch Lomond

You deserve a little bit of luxury too, on the shores of Loch Lomond. Cameron House has such an impressive range of activities as well as beautiful accommodation. Maybe it’s junior golf you enjoy or paddleboarding, horse riding or treasure hunts before settling down for a relaxing private cinema experience. Choose from hotel stays or self-catering lodges on site to explore the surroundings of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

Gleneagles

Known worldwide for its luxury, Gleneagles has an exceptional reputation as a true “playground for all generations”. With babysitting services, fully supervised children’s holiday programmes and dedicated dining options throughout the resort.

Gleneagles offers an incredible range of activities, making it a destination where everyone can find something they love. Children can enjoy dedicated menus at The Birnam and The Dormy, while sweet treats are never far away thanks to the ice cream cart and pick-and-mix station at The Garden Café.

Bowfield Hotel & Spa

Located in Renfrewshire, Bowfield Hotel & Spa combines family accommodation in their hotel or self-catering lodges with hot tubs, with the opportunity for parents to enjoy a little downtime. You can benefit from soft play sessions that are included in your stay as well as the impressive swimming pool and spa area.

Family Breaks in Crieff & Perthshire

Crieff Hydro

A long-standing favourite of ours for a Scottish family break, Crieff Hydro combines comfortable accommodation with a huge range of activities for all ages. With a beautiful recent refurbishment of their restaurants and spaces, it’s a treat for adults as well as kids. Adventure play at Action Glen & Adventure Glen, a vast array of outdoor activities, swimming pools and family entertainment, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied throughout your stay or simply book the kids into Big Country to enjoy some adult time at the Victoria Baths.

Family Days Out Around Crieff

Crieff is also an ideal location and perfectly placed for exploring some of Perthshire’s most amazing family attractions, including:

• Auchingarrich Wildlife Park
• Action Glen at Crieff Hydro
• MacRosty Park
• The Crieff Food Company
• Active Kids Adventure Park

South of Scotland Family Breaks

From Ayrshire’s coastline to the countryside of Dumfries & Galloway and the beautiful Isle of Arran, southern Scotland offers plenty of family-friendly places to stay, with attractions nearby to keep children entertained throughout your break. Covering North, South, East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway – we’ve handpicked some excellent places to stay and visit this summer.

Ayrshire Family Breaks

Craig Tara, Sundrum Castle, Seamill Hydro & Cloncaird Castle

Ayrshire offers family accommodation to suit every style of holiday. Families looking for an activity-packed holiday park will love Craig Tara and Sundrum Castle, while Seamill Hydro provides a more relaxed hotel experience with leisure facilities and coastal views. For those who prefer self-catering accommodation, Cloncaird Castle’s luxury cottages offer a peaceful countryside escape, with on-site outdoor activities.

Things to do nearby:

• Heads of Ayr Farm Park
• Kidz Play Soft Play
• Little Play Planet
• Ayr Beach
• Troon Beach
• Culzean Country Park
• Kelburn Castle & Estate

Isle of Arran Family Holidays

Auchrannie Resort

A favourite with families, Auchrannie Resort combines family-friendly accommodation in their hotel and self-catering accommodation with swimming pools, activities and excellent dining options, as well as The Play Barn open to residents or non-residents. Located only 1 mile from Brodick Ferry Terminal and offering a complimentary shuttle bus for guests, it’s the perfect base for exploring what is often described as “Scotland in Miniature”.

Explore Dumfries & Galloway with your Family

Southerness Holiday Park

Southerness is a secluded beachside holiday park right on the coastline. With an indoor pool with waterslide and golf course nearby, as well as various nature trails and beach fun, it’s a popular location for families and just a short drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. At Southerness, you can choose a caravan, lodge or camping holiday for your family with very affordable prices all year round.

There’s also so much to do in the surrounding areas, only 30 minutes from Dumfries, as well as Mabie Farm Park, Ernespie Farm, The Cocoabean Company and Jacksons of Jedburgh – another amazing place to add to your list of places to visit.

Ready for your next family holiday in Scotland?

Let KidLocale help you find more family-friendly breaks, days out with kids and events across Scotland

Whether you’re planning for a weekend away, a last-minute staycation or a longer family adventure this summer, we have so much on offer here in Scotland. From luxury hotels and family resorts to glamping pods, holiday parks and cosy self-catering cottages, there are countless opportunities to create lasting memories without travelling too far from home.

We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next family-friendly break and shown just how much there is to discover right on our doorstep. If you’re looking for even more places to stay, family attractions, events and days out across Scotland, be sure to explore KidLocale. We’re passionate about helping families find the very best experiences, making it easier for you to spend less time searching and more time making memories together.

Looking for more family-friendly places to stay, things to do and events across Scotland? Visit KidLocale.co.uk and start planning your next adventure today.

Comment below your favourite places to visit with your family!