The summer holidays have started and that means over six weeks to fit in lots of fun!
Trying to keep the kids entertained can be a big task, but thankfully there’s no shortage of attractions in the area.
No matter the weather, there is plenty to see and do across the north of Scotland, so if you are looking for something to pass the time, why not check out these fun activities and days out?
Go ‘over the sea to Skye’ from Glenelg
Take the last ferry if its kind in the world, the MV Glenachulish, across the original route ‘across the sea to Skye’. Glenelg is the closest point on mainland Scotland to Skye.
The crossing at Kylerhea narrows in the Sound of Sleat was an old droving route used by crofters on Skye to take their cattle to market in the Central Belt of Scotland. There has been a crossing here for hundreds of years.
The crossing itself provides the opportunity for spectacular wildlife spotting – including seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, as well as the wonderful resident sea eagles who nest nearby annually and regularly fish in the narrows.
A unique experience amongst spectacular scenery – the ferry and the crossing are part of Scotland’s living history.
The kids (and the grown ups) will love a trip on this unique ferry.
Get up close to the animals at Doonies Rare Breed Farm
At Doonies Rare Breed Farm, their aim is to provide people of all ages with a fun and informative visit to help preserve rare and endangered native farm animals.
The small team has been busy during the winter months looking after the animals, improving the facilities and everything is ready for greeting visitors for the summer months ahead.
And while you’re there, why not visit the Farm Freezer Room where you will find their Longhorn Beef and Large Black Pork for sale, all home reared and also available for home delivery.
So head to Doonies during the holidays and join in the fun, with plenty to see and do including an opportunity to meet the new lambs, a great play area and buy a bucket of vegetables and feed the animals – children and adults will have a fantastic day out.
Take a CREATIVE vacation at Eden Court!
Come rain or shine, Eden Court CREATIVE is offering exciting new classes that will shake up the summer.
Kids can explore fairytales and bust moves in the Youth Drama (Monday to Friday, July 24-28, for 13 to 17 years old, £85) and Dance Weeks (Monday to Friday, August 7-11, for 12 to 21 year olds, £85), or boogie with friendly bears at the Little Bears Summer Party (Saturday, July 29, 3 years and over, £4.50) and receive a discount on their ticket to see We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the Empire Theatre.
They also have loads of classes for all ages so check out the full brochure on the website for more details.
Click here to see the full brochure.
Enjoy an action-packed day at Crimond Raceway
With the 2017 season well under way, this weekend (July 1 and 2) is the Munster Weekend at Crimond Raceway.
And with over 40 races this is sure to be an action-packed weekend. Gates open at 10.30am on Saturday and 1-am on Sunday.
Race day really is a popular day out for all the family, providing plenty of action and drama on track. And on opening day, children under 16 get in FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
Spectators enjoy being part of the excitement as the drivers aim to gain as many points as possible.
A full race calendar and detailed list of Formula competing at each event is now available on their website and Facebook.
Crimond Raceway has free trackside parking, a free seated grandstand and refreshments are available, if you can pull yourself away from the action on track!
Click here to find out more about Crimond Raceway’s upcoming events.
Enjoy an adventure in nature at Landmark
Families have been enjoying Landmark Forest Adventure Park for nearly 50 years and with such a great range of activities on offer, it’s a must-do for any family in the Cairngorms National Park!
Where else can you twist and turn through the trees on a family friendly roller-coaster, take the plunge down one of three water coasters and even get the chance to walk through an amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of stunningly beautiful butterflies?
Be intrigued in the Bamboozeleum as you enter a magical gallery of illusions and puzzles.
Adventure down to the Wonder Wood where nothing is as it seems! Here you’ll find three mind-boggling cabins where the normal rules of physics simply don’t apply.
For those looking for a real challenge why not take on RopeworX? According to scientists, people are officially 98% monkey, so now’s the chance to put their theory to the test on the high-ropes course.
And make sure to visit the latest addition to the park, the Butterfly house. An amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of stunningly beautiful butterflies and exotic flowers. Watch close-up as they hatch, fly and feed on nectar and fruit.
Don’t forget to take in the beauty and tranquillity of the 10,000-year-old forest via the Tree Top Trail.
Click here to visit the Landmark website.
Explore the coast on horseback with Silversands Trekking Centre
In an area with stunning scenery and spectacular coastline, what better way to enjoy exploring than on horseback.
The Morar area has great scenery with the deepest freshwater loch in Europe flanked by majestic mountains. Lovely beaches such as Camusdarach beach which was used to film Local Hero as well as the sweeping ‘silver sands of Morar’. R
iding along the beach looking out to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum, it’s a great place to trek, so why not give it a go?
Silversands Trekking Centre is a small family-owned trekking centre based at Glenrowan Farm, on the outskirts of the picturesque Morar village.
Hosting a variety of daily activities, suitable for all ages, and abilities, we take regular trips down to the local beaches where you can experience the beautiful local scenery from horseback.
With a bit of everything to suit everyone, enjoy a long hack on the beach, or an in-hand meander around the local country side all tailored to your exact requirements.
Visit the Silversands Facebook page to find out more.
Enjoy some soft play fun at Loopty Lou’s
Loopty Lou’s is a fabulous new venue in Boddam, Peterhead, that is a big hit with parents and kids alike.
This popular family-owned venue is an exciting addition to Aberdeenshire and was opened when Jason and Bonnie Stephen felt there was real need for a new kids soft play centre in the area. They have created this fantastic facility, aptly named after their daughter, Lulu.
Perfect for entertaining the kids through the summer holidays while you can enjoy a well-deserved cuppa with delicious homebake or fuel up on the large selection of lunch options. The kids can have fun in the gigantic play frame with climbing walls and super slides, let off steam in the ball pool and polish off their football skills on the astro turf football area.
And the little ones can safely explore the separate baby and toddler zone.
Click here to visit the Loopty Lou’s website.
Take a train ride through Royal Deeside
Royal Deeside Railway is a full size railway of one mile in length along the bank of the River Dee offering good views of the surrounding countryside.
You embark on your journey from an easily accessible platform and rebuilt Victorian Station with pictures, museum, shop and disabled toilet.
The trains are pulled by a steam or diesel engine depending on the timetable.
During the 20 minute return journey, the onboard cafe serves tea/coffee, soft drinks and light refreshments for you to enjoy at your comfortable carriage seat.
Trains run also on a Wednesday in summer holidays and are an ideal way to entertain young children.
The Milton of Crathes complex nearby also has shops and a children’s playground.
Special points of interest are the adjacent events field and the renovated railway carriage Birkhall recently unveiled by Prince Charles.
A warm welcome awaits you at the Royal Deeside Railway, whether toddler or grandparent.