Ideas for Family Fun
Great family days out
Sir Walter Scott Steamship – Loch Katrine
Although the 120-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott is currently out of the water for much needed repairs you can still cruise on Loch Katrine in her sister craft Lady of the Lake or book a family group charter for up to 8 people on Osprey. Loch Katrine is a National Nature Reserve and a cruise around the loch will reveal the surrounding woodlands, moorlands and high peaks. There are also a range of activities, events, shops and cafés at either the Stronachlachar or Trossachs Piers. Why not hire a bike and take in on board for the morning sail and cycle back along the shores?
Hamilton Toy Museum - Callander
One of Scotland’s hidden gems, this family run, private, museum offers visitors a chance to revisit their childhood. One of the largest private toy collections in the UK, the museum is housed in a small terrace and is packed to the rafters with Matchbox cars, Hornby trains, Teddy bears by Steiff and a huge collection of actions figures. Inspired by the toys of the 1950s the collection is a labour of love for the Hamilton family and their enthusiasm spills out over 3 floors. In the book, Uncommonly British Day Out, the authors perfectly sum up the Hamilton Family: Not dour collectors or traders in false memories, but real enthusiasts, they have built a very big toy cupboard for all of us. They have surrounded themselves with their (and our) playful past for common good. And then they have poured it all over their house. This is the loft of dreams. Go and have a poke around.
Club House Mini Golf Course – Callander
This immaculate little golf course has its own club house serving crepes, home baking, ice creams and toasties. A cut above the usual mini golf courses, players get 2 rounds of the 9-hole course for the admission price, and a lollipop for every hole in one. To find the Club House, head past the exit for Callander Meadows car park and you will find a path on the left-hand side of the pavement. You can also access the course from Callander Meadows
Blair Drummond Safari Park – Blair Drummond
With a safari driving route as well as a safari walk, Blair Drummond also offers a range of covered areas in which to observe the animals. On a wet day why not take the safari drive and visit the sealions, macaques or take a covered boat ride around Chimp Island. With over 350 species of wild animals, from alpacas to zebras there’s enough at Blair Drummond to provide the family with a full day out.
The world’s first and only rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel is a marvel of engineering and ingenuity. The Wheel was Designed to connect the Forth and Clyde Canals, which before the lift was opened, were connected by 11 locks which took a day to pass through. The Wheel has attracted more than 5.5 million visitors since it opened to the public in 2002. In the comfort of a covered canal boat you can see right across central Scotland and get a bird’s eye view of the neighbouring Kelpies. Visitors can opt for the short, 35-minute spin through one rotation of the wheel, or a 60-minute mini cruise starting and ending with a turn on the Wheel.
Once the home of the Stewart kings and queens, built high on a volcanic outcrop, there has been a castle on the site since 1490. Stirling Castle was originally built by James IV and was the principle residence of the Scottish monarchy until 1603 when James VI ascended to the English throne. The interiors of the castle have been painstakingly restored over the past 20 years and are now faithful to their Renaissance origins. Highlights include the Royal Palace, The Great Hall, The Chapel, the Great Kitchens and the Stirling Tapestries. There are plenty of activities for children throughout the high season as well as guided and audio tours.
Famous for its starring role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975, more recently Doune Castle has made appearances as Castle Leoch in Outlander and Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Built in 1361 by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, no expense was spared in its construction and it is one of the most complete medieval castles in Scotland. Many of the interior spaces are still intact and you can visit the Lord’s Hall, Upper Hall, Great Hall and kitchens and explore the labyrinth of smaller rooms, connected by spiral staircases and narrow doorways. Be sure to take the audio guided tour narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones.
National Wallace Monument –Stirling
This Victorian monument to Sir William Wallace was built in 1861 at the height of Victorian Britain’s obsession with all things Scottish. The fact that the monument celebrated Wallace’s victory in the First War of Scottish Independence being rather lost in translation. The 220ft sandstone edifice must be climbed up 246 steep spiral steps to reach the summit where you can visit the galleries or admire the view across the Ochils and Forth Valley. Those who are unable to make the steep climb can visit the Keeper’s Lodge and Visitor Centre at ground floor level.
The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
Built to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn this £10 million, state-of-the-art immersive visitor centre harnesses 21st century digital technology to virtually recreate the experiences of those who took part in the original battle. Using interactive role play, visitors are encouraged take command of their own virtual battlefield and interact with your troops.
There’s more than enough to keep kids occupied all day at this working farm. They can drive mini diggers, whizz along zip wires, bounce on giant pillows and get messy in sand pits. There are also go-carts, tractor rides, strawberry picking (June – August) and livestock to pet.
Argaty Red Kites is Central Scotland’s only red kite feeding station and offers visitors a choice of 4 hides, ranging from the public access hide, holding 30 people to 1-4-person private hire hides. Ideal for close up views of the red kite’s aerobatics, the hides are also ideal for wildlife photographers. Over 100 different types of birds have been recorded at Argaty as well as red squirrels and roe deer. There are also regular conservation events for children as well wildlife photography workshops for all ages.
Family run alpaca farm next to Flanders Moss nature reserve. They offer a wide range of packages including short farm visits, evening therapy sessions, treks and birthday parties. Advance booking essential via their Facebook site.