My Bonnie 5 Days in Scotland with Kids

Sightseeing at Edinburgh Castle

We started our first day in Edinburgh with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on an extinct volcano. This historic fortress isn't just a visual treat but a journey through Scotland's storied past. The castle's gates open to reveal the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in the British Isles. Our kids were thrilled to participate in the children's quiz, a fun way to learn as they followed clues around the castle.

The One O’Clock Gun was a highlight— the kids were excited to watch this daily tradition. We made sure to arrive early to see the gun being prepared, adding an educational twist to the experience. The climb up the Lang Stair was quite the adventure, and the view from the top was worth every step, offering a panoramic view of Edinburgh's New Town.

Fun at Camera Obscura

Next, we headed to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, just a stone’s throw from the castle. This fascinating attraction offers five floors filled with interactive exhibits that captivated our kids. From the mirror maze on the second floor to the infinity corridor and magic mirrors on the third, there was never a dull moment. The rooftop terrace provided us with stunning views of Edinburgh, from Arthur’s Seat to the Firth of Forth.

The kids particularly loved the vortex tunnel and the dancing skeleton at Camera Obscura. It was a full-on sensory experience that was both educational and wildly entertaining, making it a perfect spot for families.

Exploring Princes Street

Our afternoon was spent wandering along Princes Street, the heart of Edinburgh's New Town. This famous street offered more than just shopping; it was a cultural tour with statues and monuments at every turn. We visited the Wojtek the Bear Statue, which tells the heartwarming story of a bear who served in the army.

The Ross Fountain was another stop, where the kids marveled at the mythical figures and cascading water. We discussed various historical and cultural landmarks along the way, like the Royal Scots Greys Monument and the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial, which prompted a lively discussion about his literary adventures.

Our day ended at the Scott Monument, a striking Gothic structure dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, providing a perfect backdrop for our final family photo of the day.

Each stop on our first day in Edinburgh was carefully selected to ensure a blend of fun, education and physical activity, making it an unforgettable start to our week-long adventure in Scotland with the kids.

On our second day in Edinburgh, we decided to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of animals and nature, creating a perfect blend of education and entertainment for the kids.

Visit to Edinburgh Zoo

Our day began at the Edinburgh Zoo, where we embarked on a thrilling new trail of toy bricks inspired by our favorite animals. This engaging activity was included with our admission and was a hit with the kids. We then explored the T-riffic dinosaur exhibition, which transported us back in time to the age of dinosaurs, complete with life-sized models that amazed the children.

Lunchtime was a treat at the Penguins Café, right after some fun watching the penguins through the glass viewing areas that allowed the kids to get up close without any barriers. The zoo also offered face painting, turning our little ones into their favorite animals for the day. We wrapped up our visit by picking out soft toys as souvenirs from the gift shop, a lovely reminder of our wild day out.

Walk in Royal Botanic Garden

Next, we strolled through the lush landscapes of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. The giant redwood trees made us feel as though we were walking through the forests of California. The highlight was the glasshouses, where each zone transported us to different parts of the world, from steamy tropics to arid deserts. The kids particularly enjoyed the "survival of the smartest" quiz, which had them hunting for stamps and learning about exotic plants.

Interactive fun at Dynamic Earth

Our final stop was Dynamic Earth, an immersive experience that takes you through the history of our planet. The kids were fascinated by the hands-on displays and the interactive exhibits, like the moving model of tectonic plates. The time machine adventure was a family favorite, thrilling us as we stood in the heart of a volcano. The journey through various themed rooms, from arctic zones to rainforests, was both educational and entertaining, culminating in a spectacular planetarium show that brought the wonders of the universe to life.

Each experience today was carefully chosen to ensure that our kids not only had fun but also gained a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Stirling Castle exploration

Our third day in Scotland took us to the historical gem of Stirling Castle, less renowned than Edinburgh Castle but equally captivating. We were particularly moved by the castle's vibrant history and its direct connections to icons such as Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace. My kids were thrilled by the interactive section designed especially for children, where they could engage in activities that taught them about daily life in the castle. The highlight for us was seeing the room where Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood. Imagining her playing in these very halls added a poignant touch to our visit.

Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Next, we explored the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, located within Stirling Castle. This fascinating museum offers a deep dive into the history of the regiment, tracing its origins back to the 17th century. The museum is well-laid out, making it easy to follow the evolution of the regiment through various significant battles, including both World Wars. The personal stories of the soldiers and the war memorabilia displayed struck a chord with us. We were fortunate to meet a war veteran during our visit, whose stories added a personal layer to our understanding of the museum's exhibits.

Bannockburn battlefield

To round off our day, we headed to the nearby Bannockburn battlefield, a pivotal site in Scottish history. Here, we participated in the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, which vividly uses technology to recreate the dramatic 1314 battle where Robert the Bruce defeated King Edward II's forces. The combination of 3D displays and interactive exhibits made history come alive, and the kids were both educated and entertained. The visit was intense, with realistic battle scenes that might be intense for younger visitors, but it was an enriching experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for Scotland's fight for independence.

Navigating through Stirling provided us with a profound connection to Scotland's past, enriching our journey with stories of bravery and resilience that have shaped this nation.

Interactive science at Glasgow Science Centre

We began our fourth day in Glasgow with a visit to the Glasgow Science Centre, a place that has captivated the hearts of many over its 21 years. Our kids were enthralled by the gravity well on the first floor, where they learned about the orbits of mini-planets around the Sun. The Question of Perception exhibition was a hit, with mind-bending illusions like the Ames room, where the kids appeared larger than us, and the floating head illusion, which provided fantastic photo opportunities. They were also fascinated by the zoetrope and praxinoscope, which introduced them to the magic of animation illusions.

The Explore! exhibit was another highlight, offering interactive experiences such as creating colored shadows, exploring distorting mirrors and making spinning sand patterns. The new tube tunnels exhibit kept them entertained for ages, proving to be a delightful adventure on the big explorer.

Art at Kelvingrove Museum

Next, we headed to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a place that feels like a second home after numerous visits. The museum is a treasure trove of art and history, divided into an art gallery side and a museum side. Our kids' favorite section was the interactive room in the animal gallery, where they could open drawers to explore shells and fossils, and even play in big dinosaur eggs. They were particularly captivated by the rainforest room upstairs, where they pretended to be jungle animals amid thunderstorm effects.

The art gallery side offered a rich array of Scottish art, featuring works by the Scottish Colourists and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The 'Every Picture Tells a Story' gallery provided interactive activities that allowed our kids to engage creatively with the art, crafting their own mythological stories and solving art puzzles.

Ride on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer

Our day concluded with a memorable ride on the Waverley, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. Stepping aboard at one of the 16 ports along the Clyde Coast, we embarked on a journey past the stunning Kyles of Bute and beneath the Arrochar Alps. The paddle steamer, with its polished brass fittings and traditional wooden decks, offered a nostalgic experience, echoing the golden age of steam. Our kids enjoyed exploring the engine room and watching the mighty engine at work, a real treat for young and old alike. The cruise provided a perfect end to a day filled with science, art and history, making our visit to Glasgow truly unforgettable.

Exploring the Highlands

Our Highlands adventure began at Loch Insh, where the stunning pebbly beach and playful resident ducks immediately captivated us. The outdoor center offered a plethora of activities that kept us busy all day. From kayaking and paddle-boarding to a dry ski slope and a cozy cafe, the options were endless. The play parks were a hit with the kids, ensuring they were entertained while we soaked in the incredible views.

Visit to Glencoe

Next, we headed to Glencoe, known as the outdoor capital of the UK. Here, we engaged in various activities at the Glencoe Mountain Resort. The year-round chairlift rides offer breathtaking, scenic walks and, for thrill-seekers, skiing and snowboarding in winter. During the warmer months, we enjoyed tubing, biking and even a treasure hunt. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre provided an enriching experience with its interpretive displays about the history and geology of the glen, complemented by guided walks and Land rover Safaris.

Discovering Loch Ness

Our journey continued to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. We embarked on a memorable Loch Ness by Jacobite cruise, which included a visit to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle. As we cruised, the kids were thrilled with activity packs that taught them about the legendary Nessie and the local landmarks. The boat's spacious cabin was a haven from the drizzly Scottish weather, making our experience comfortable and enjoyable. Our day at Loch Ness was not just about monster hunting— it was about appreciating the deep, dark waters and the rich history surrounding them.