Region guide
Family days out in Cairngorms
Scotland's biggest national park, from reindeer herds to funicular rides up the mountain.
The Cairngorms are built for a full day rather than a quick stop — wildlife parks, reindeer herding centres and forest trails that work whatever age the kids are, plus enough space that nowhere feels overrun even in the school holidays.
It's genuinely mountain weather up here, so bring layers regardless of the forecast at home, and check opening times for anything involving the funicular or higher trails before you set off.
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Nature
Lochan Ora Walk
Short scenic walk near Aviemore suitable for families.
Beach
Loch Morlich Beach
Sandy freshwater beach surrounded by Cairngorm mountains.
Zoo
Highland Wildlife Park
Large wildlife park in the Cairngorms with polar bears and native animals.
Playpark
Rothiemurchus Adventure Playground
Nature-inspired playground near Aviemore, with climbing logs, swings, and forest trails.
Nature
Loch an Eilein
Forest loch with a ruined castle on an island, encircled by an easy walking trail.
Attraction
Strathspey Steam Railway
Heritage steam train running between Aviemore and Broomhill through Speyside scenery.
Zoo
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
The UK's only free-ranging reindeer herd, with guided hill visits near Glenmore.
Activity
Loch Insh Watersports
Family activity centre on Loch Insh offering canoeing, paddleboarding and a beach.
Nature
Uath Lochans
Cluster of small lochans near Kincraig with an easy circular walk through pine forest, popular for wild swimming.
Nature
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve
National Nature Reserve on the hillside above Aviemore, with birch woodland trails and nesting peregrine falcons.
Nature
Glenmore Forest
Extensive Caledonian pine forest between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain, with waymarked trails and a visitor centre.
Museum
Highland Folk Museum
Free open-air museum in Newtonmore recreating Highland life across the centuries, with a reconstructed 1700s township.