Finding somewhere new and innovative to take the kids is always a fun way to spend time on google. But we’re here to help. Scots2Travel visited the recently opened Playful Garden at Brodie Castle in Morayshire for a morning’s entertainment, and we were pretty surprised by what we found!
The garden’s strength is how quirky and unusual it is. The first impression is Scotland’s biggest bunny rabbit sculpture. Who knew we needed one?!! My kids didn’t know what to make of it but absolutely loved it. Even as adults it’s so unusual I had to touch it and find out more, it was such a curious object. Slightly bonkers in a brilliant way.
The toys and apparatus stimulate the senses – from water and reflective mirrors, to musical instruments and megaphones. It’s a slightly surreal sensory place, so it stands out from your average play area. There are some fun challenges, some toys are very high, others include the possibility of getting totally soaked, so there’s a little bit of jeopardy for youngsters (and parents).
Another thing to mention is to bring a change of clothes if your kids like wading and playing in the water area. Mine certainly did.
An indoor soft play area and café are also draws, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse, or if you simply need coffee.
Considering many playgrounds are free, the Playful Garden is relatively expensive, but if you’re a member of the National Trust for Scotland it’s completely free and you can visit as often as you wish. Ultimately that’s the entire point of NTS membership, it pays to be a member. But take a look at the pictures, read a little more from the NTS here, and decide if a wee trip to Brodie is tempting for your tribe.
Our Story – We spent a weekend in Morayshire, so discover where to stay and an extensive list of family friendly things to do and place to eat by clicking here.
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Kathi
This looks like the perfect playground for all ages! I’m hoping to spend some time in Moray this year and Brodie Castle would definitely be on my list now – kids or no kids; I want to touch that bunny! Can’t imagine what it was like to pitch that to the garden designers 😀
scots2travel
It’s a very quirky addition. The castle is very elegant, and I believe it has 400 years of Brodie clan history.
Nicola holland
I had no idea Brodie Castle had so much for kids, it looks like so much fun! I’ll need to visit in the summer
scots2travel
It’s a really quirky, original and memorable garden. I did have to interact with the kids more, as they’re used to slides and swings, so needed a little encouragement with certain installations that were completely alien to them, but when it came to the giant bunny, castle and xylophones they were in their element.
Yvette Morrissey
This is the dream of my childhood. What lucky kids- I’m sure they’ll remember this place when they’re older
scots2travel
They’ll never forget that bunny! 🙂
Claire Jessiman 🏴🍽🥂 (@foodiequine)
I’ve not been to Brodie in years but the giant rabbit has convinced me of the need to revisit. The whole gardens remind me a bit of The Alnwick Garden. Even my teenagers would love them.
scots2travel
You should. It’s a grand day out.
I don’t know anything about the Alnwick Garden – google beckons me…
pigeonpairandme
This is a lot more interesting than the (slightly boring) standard swings, climbing frames and roundabout. I bet your kids won’t forget the bunny in a hurry! #CulturedKids
scots2travel
It’s innovative and memorable. It’s nice to experience something different.
Scarlett Roitman
What a bunny! Love the mirror park, such a beautiful way to reflect the natural world. #CULTUREDkids
scots2travel
I liked the mirror park too. And I even got time to contemplate it as the children mauled the bunny!
bavariansojourn
It truly is a playful garden, what a great day out for little ones (and grown ups!). Love the giant bunny, it reminds me of me somehow lying on a beach! 😀 Thanks so much for joining in with #CulturedKids
scots2travel
I look a bit like a relaxed pale creature on the beach too, with kids climbing all over me 🙂
Nancy | MapandFamily
Playful by name….! The bunny is a bit bonkers but it’ll make the garden memorable and I do like the fact they can get their feet wet – good idea to add the warning about the change of clothes. We used to scramble around a lot in the New Forest when the boys were that age and I learnt the hard way!
scots2travel
Exactly, though they did play with it for ages, clambering all over the poor fella! I’m sure he’ll be very popular this Easter!
Yes, kids love getting wet, or risk getting wet. But then they require to be miraculously dry again swiftly!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
I thought that bunny would be the most captivating thing and then I saw the mirrors, what an amazing place
scots2travel
It’s quite different, and if you’re a member of NTS it’s free.
Rhian Macleod
In the area and trying to find something to do on a very wet day. Just wondering if the soft play is suitable for an energetic 14 month old?….
scots2travel
Hello, It’s quite a small soft play but aimed at the younger ones. It’s small because the main attraction is outdoors, but this may suit a wee one. It’s right next to the cafe too, which is handy.
scots2travel
Woodside Farm in Kinloss may also work. Read more here https://scots2travel.com/2018/12/08/morayshire-kids/