Fabulous Family Days Out Inverness
Family Attractions
Looking for some great family vacation ideas? Seeking the best of family getaways with a UK staycation? You’re in luck with our guide to things to do in Inverness with kids! The Scottish Highlands is action-packed with castles and ruins, monster mythology, ancient battlefields and steam railways. So you’ll be sure to channel all your kids’ creativity and energy into an activity holiday you’ll never forget!
Things to do in Inverness with Kids
There are so many family activities to enjoy with the kids here in Inverness. Here are just a few of our favourites …
Boat Tours and Adventures
Scotland is brimming with myths and legends – and Loch Ness is the biggest of them all. Get up close in the search for our famous Nessie with Jacobite Boat Tours on Loch Ness. The most popular boat tour company in the area. Or if you are feeling really brave and fancy a true Scottish experience, join the millions of people who enjoy wild swimming in our stunning Scottish lochs.
A must for all little adventurers! Enjoy a boat cruise around the scenic Moray Firth with Dolphin Spirit. Here you can enjoy sights of bottlenose dolphins and seals. Other species of wildlife include porpoises, occasionally Minke whales and basking sharks! Pre-book to avoid disappointment.
The Ness Islands Railway, popular amongst tourists and the local population, operates replica locomotives, representing in miniature across two diesel engines and one steam engine. Enjoy loops, cuttings, and over-bridges, including a 140-foot iron bridge dating from 1837.
Visit Nairn Beach and Town
Miles of sandy beach to picnic and build your own Scottish sand “castles” upon, crystal clear seas to paddle, and if you’re brave enough, swim in! Nairn beach is a fabulous day out for all the family.
The small town of Nairn is now best known for its seaside resort which boasts two Scottish coastline golf courses, its vast award-winning beach, a mid-scale arts venue (Nairn Community and Arts Centre), a small theatre and museum. This charming town is close to Cawdor Castle and Fort George.
Historic Attractions
No family vacation to Scotland is complete without a visit to at least one of our many historic Scottish castles, and Cawdor Castle is one you’ll want to allow plenty time to explore. This magical Inverness Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and river walk. Explore the castle interiors, hiding place for Bonnie Prince Charlie and even take a boat trip across to see the local seals. You could spend a whole day here enjoying riverside and garden walks with lunch available too at the castles visitor cafe.
Immerse yourself in ancient Scottish history; April 16th 1746 brought to Inverness the great Battle of Culloden – otherwise known as the final confrontation of the ‘Jacobite Rising’. This was not only the bloodiest but the last battle ever fought on British soil. Explore the front lines of this historic Scottish battle with a very emotional tour through the museum to the battlefields where so many fought and died. Culloden Battlefield is suitable for families with older children. Recommended for ages 9 and above.
The barracks of Fort George are still in use as a live military base, but the majority of the grounds are open to the public with a tour relating to the history of the fort and displays of reconstructions of life as a soldier, or prisoner in the early days of the fort. Fort George has connections to the uprisings of the Jacobites and is home to the Highlanders’ Museum. Recommended for ages 9 and above.
Luxury Family Accommodation
Make the most of your Scottish family holidays and create memories for a lifetime. Book one of our spacious family rooms today and set base for your very own Highland adventure!
