Family-Friendly Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest of the UK's national parks. Encompassing 1,748 square miles (4,528 square kilometres) of pine forest, heather-covered moorlands, rivers, lochs and wetlands in the Scottish Highlands, it’s a firm favourite with hikers, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families.

Our guide to the best family activities in the Cairngorms features everything from nature reserves to adventure parks and wildlife centres, with suggestions for family-friendly walks, activities and events for all ages in this enchanting natural playground, whether you want to explore, learn or just relax.

Educational and wildlife experiences

Highland Wildlife Park

Dedicated to the conservation of both native and global species, the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig is the home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. It’s open every day except Christmas Day, and a visit here provides one of the best family days out in the Cairngorms.

The park is home to native Scottish wildlife including wildcats, beavers and red deer, as well as more exotic species like snow leopards, tigers and Scotland’s only polar bears. Visitors can explore both by car and on foot, via a network of trails (some steep) and elevated wooden walkways. Take a trip in the drive-through reserve to spot free-roaming bison, deer and wild horses. 

Alongside all the animals, there’s a regular programme of educational talks and workshops. If you feel like splashing out, special Keeper Experiences (16+, please book in advance) let you get up close and even feed some of the animals. An admirable commitment to accessibility includes the provision to hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and viewpoints and picnic spots have been specially chosen for their glorious views of the surrounding Highlands.

RSPB Loch Garten 

Open all year round, and just 20 minutes by car from Aviemore, the RSPB’s Loch Garten Reserve at Nethy Bridge is another great venue for nature lovers. It’s home to a Nature Centre and three waymarked trails (0.5 to 2.5 miles/0.8 to 3.5 kilometres) with information panels along the way.

Depending on the time of year, you can spot ospreys, tree pipits, crossbills and woodpeckers among the pines and heather, as well as greylags and pink-footed geese on the loch, and red squirrels and dragonflies in the woods. 

Open during spring and summer, the family-friendly visitor centre has live video feeds and recorded images of the local wildlife, plus a daily programme of talks and family activities. Outside there are feeders to encourage feathered visitors, with binoculars and telescopes so you can get a closer view. The centre’s knowledgeable staff will tell you what to look out for. If you want to get a better view, binoculars are available to hire. Check the website for details of occasional guided walks. 

Please note: Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on leads at all times. When exploring the reserve, please follow the Countryside Code, and leave no trace of your visit.

Family-friendly walks and hiking

One of the great delights of the national park is the chance to get out, immerse yourself in nature and explore – whatever your age. Here’s our pick of family walks in the Cairngorms.

Loch an Eilein loop 

Length: 3.5 miles (5.5 km)
Start point: Loch an Eilein car park
Time: 2 hours

This gentle circular walk is deservedly popular, suits all ages and levels of fitness, and is navigable for bikes and pushchairs too. Follow the clearly marked path through the pines of the Rothiemurchus Forest to savour views of the surrounding mountains, reflections of the towering trees in the water and the added bonus of a ruined 13th-century castle on an island in the loch.

Good to know: The Scottish weather can be unpredictable. Wear sturdy shoes and carry waterproof clothing (just in case) but do take a picnic – there’s no hurry, after all.

The Green Loch/An Lochan Uaine 

Length: 2.4 miles (4 km)
Start point: The lodge near Glenmore Outdoor Centre
Time: 1 hour (out and back)

This short, easy walk from the end of the road near the Glenmore Lodge follows a well-maintained path through pine trees, willows, rowan and birch and continues around a magical lochan renowned for its turquoise hue. If your kids need persuading to come along, it’s worth mentioning that local folklore suggests that the colour of the loch is due to pixies washing their clothes in the water.

Good to know: Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged for taking pictures, and pick a sunny day in spring or summer to enjoy the colour at its best.

If you’re looking for some more challenging walks within the Cairngorms, check out our guide to Cairngorms hiking.

Adventure parks and outdoor activities

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

The family-friendly Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge Forest is a great place to let your children burn off some excess energy. Its many attractions include a boardwalk through the pines, a treetop trail (with nets for safety) that’s accessible for anyone over three years old, and a high ropes course for teenagers. 

Younger kids can play on the gentle fairground-style rides and spot more than 20 colourful animatronic dinosaurs. For more of a thrill, try the three waterslides, or climb to the top of the Forest Tower for views of the Cairngorm mountains.

Aviemore area adventures

During the summer, there are plenty more opportunities to experience exciting outdoor activities around Aviemore, including zip lining, mountain biking and white water rafting. If you’re looking for a family adventure, here are a few good places to start:

• G2 Outdoor – An adventure park with ziplines on site, plus bookable white water rafting, tubing and canyoning trips. 
• Glenmore Forest Park – A family favourite with mountain bike trails, plus paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing on Loch Morlich.
• Canoeing on the River Spey – Guided family tours along the river in two- and three-seater Canadian canoes.
• Aviemore Kart Raceway – An outdoor facility where you can get behind the wheel on a 550-metre track with views of the Cairngorm mountains.

Educational workshops and crafts

Cairngorms National Park Visitor Centres 

If you’re planning a family holiday in the Cairngorms, stop by at one of the visitor centres and ranger bases dotted throughout the park, which have a wealth of educational, craft-based and interactive activities to experience. Visit the national park website for details. 

Crafts and learning 

Rainy day? Perhaps you’re looking for somewhere where your kids can make their own souvenirs of their Cairngorms holiday, or learn something about local history and crafts? Here are a few places to get started.

• Highland Folk Museum – A fascinating open-air museum with historic buildings and craft demonstrations, exploring life in the Highlands from 1700 to the 1950s.
• Smarty Art – Paint your own ceramic items, from cups and vases to cute animals and piggy banks, then collect them when they’ve been fired.
• Backcountry Survival - Half-day classes where children can learn bushcraft and survival skills, including fire lighting, whittling and building shelters. 
• The Third Aye – A small jewellery-making centre with private workshops where you can learn how to make rings, bracelets, necklaces and bangles (book in advance).
• Spey Bank Studio – A craft centre in a former bank, with a regular programme of pottery and art classes.

Seasonal activities

Winter sports 

Long hours of daylight and better weather make summer the preferred time to visit the park for many families, but for the adventurous there are also exciting Cairngorm family activities in winter, chiefly at the park’s ski resorts.

The ski centres at Cairngorm Mountain, The Lecht and Glenshee all provide the chance for beginners (and experts) to try out cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and sledging (December to May, weather permitting), with instructors on hand, learner-friendly slopes and equipment available to rent.

For more detailed information on skiing and other winter activities, check out our guide to winter sports in the Cairngorms.

Highland Games

Scotland’s legendary Highland Games make a fascinating way to immerse yourself in local culture and discover more about the country’s traditions, music and sport. There are several gatherings throughout the national park every summer, including those at Atholl (May), Tomintoul (July), Newtonmore (August) and Braemar (September), which is often attended by members of the Royal Family.

A visit to one of these vibrant events will let you witness ‘heavy sports’ like tossing the caber and throwing the hammer, discover the delights of bagpiping and Highland dancing and watch pipe bands with musicians in traditional Highland tartan. Needless to say, they’re highly recommended.

The Highland Games are just one of many great cultural highlights in the Cairngorms. If you'd like to explore more of the area's heritage and history, take a look at our guide to Cairngorms cultural activities.

 

The Cairngorms National Park is a serene natural setting with a diverse range of activities to appeal to all members of your family, whether it’s camping, walking, ziplining or spotting local wildlife. If you’d like to try out some of our suggestions, we’d recommend checking opening hours in advance and booking ahead if you can, especially during peak season in the summer. Whenever you visit, we’re sure that your Cairngorms trip will be one to remember.