Things to Do in Aviemore with Kids – 2026

Things to do in Aviemore with Kids – I love this part of Scotland, and regularly refer to it as the ‘Playground of the North’. Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore works all year round for families and adventurers.  In the snow this region is pretty magical, and the Cairngorms in the summer are epic. Here’s a list of family-friendly activities in Aviemore and nearby…   *Contains affiliate links

Quad Treks / Cairngorm Mountain & Funicular / Landmark Forest Adventure / Farm Tour / Free-Range Reindeer / Highland Wildlife Park / Strathspey Steam Railway / Beekeeping Experience at the Rowan Tree / Ice Rink & Snowstorm Foam Discos / Orbital Path / Cinema / Highland Folk Museum / Where to Stay

Cairngorm Quad Trek – Things to do in Aviemore with Kids

This is one of the best things we’ve ever done as a family!  Situated at Dalraddy Holiday Park where we camped (see more under Where to Stay) Cairngorm Quad Treks organise epic family treks – with junior quads available for little ones aged 9+. After a quick safety intro (and once we’d stopped laughing at how big our heads looked in our helmets) the family takes a few trial laps round a training circuit. Then, when you’ve got the hang of stopping, starting and steering!, it’s off into the woods, up hill and down dale. It’s a MEGA adventure. I was SO proud of my children.

Our fun guide Andy was great with the kids (and us big kids), kept things safe yet pushed and challenged us across terrain and speeds we were comfortable with. Driving the quads through the river was a particular highlight – I thought Andy was winding us up when he first mentioned it! Plus the guide gets great family snapshots – it really was memory making stuff. We all felt we’d achieved something and done it together. If there’s one thing you try in the next twelve months, make it this! Prices and booking are here. It’s currently £47 but worth every penny. Beautiful scenery and woodland too. Watch our quick Instagram video.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park – Things to do in Aviemore with Kids

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Landmark forest adventure park lives up to all hype. It was actually way more fun than I could have hoped for, and kids love it.

Highlights include rope trails for all ages – a Wee Monkey Trail for little ones, a Tarzan Trail for kids over 1100cm and RopeWorkz for those over 1.5m high.

Other highlights were the speedy Wild Water Ride. Several indoor activities, such as an exotic Butterfly House, offered rainy day options. And lots of confusing, bamboozling curiosities appealed, from the Lost Labyrinth and the Illusion Chair to Bamboozeleum itself, which is full of mind-bending optical illusions. We had a ball, and the description above only scratches the surface.

Tip – Landmark is open all year round but several rides are seasonal. Entry prices reflect this but check what’s available before you visit. Secondly, Landmark doesn’t operate on a token system, which is a huge bonus. Once you’ve paid to enter, it’s job done. No more fees. Yes, you have to queue for the more popular attractions but it’s nothing major, still smart to avoid peak days/times where possible. There is so much to do, expect to spend most of the day here. For info on prices click here.

The Cairngorm Mountain

One mountain, so much to do!

Cairngorm Mountain Adventure Play Area – Tubing, Ball Runs, Zipline & Jumping Pillow

Right next to Base Camp is Cairngorm Mountain’s Adventure Play Area. For £20 the children have access to the following fun activities, with the most amazing natural backdrop and fresh air.

Tubing – kids hurl themselves down two tubing slides in giant doughnut shaped inflatables. Always a winner. [A ‘Snowflake Slide’ is available for younger kids, aged 2-8.]

Inflatable Pillow – I thought my kids were a bit old for this (at 11 & 10) but it was a surprise highlight of wrestling, leaping, posing, chasing etc. Never grows old.

Zipline – dual zipline, races galore, and what views as well!

Ball Runs – Again, I thought my boys were maybe too old for this but, armed with their ‘Ball for Life’ they raced each other down several tracks. The Hare Twins Ball Race features 2 tracks for racing, as Hamish takes on Heather the hare. There is also the Fergus the Frog ballrun situated in the Mountain Garden.

Rhona the Reindeer Ballrun Q&A asks questions about nature and animals. Kids pop their ball in choose an answer, and we had such a laugh doing this, as the balls pop out clanging bells if you get the right answer.

Highest phone box in the UK – Call granny and grandad from the highest call box in the country.

Mountain Garden, Winch Cat Climbing Frame & Camera Obscura – The garden reveals plants that grow well at 600 feet above sealevel, and the camera obscura shows the landscape.

Top of the Cairngorm Mountain – Funicular, Restaurant, Exhibition, Interactive Sands & Viewpoints

Ride the Funicular – Scotland’s only Funicular Railway takes you from the Base Station (635 metres) up to the Ptarmigan Top Station (1097 metres) in under 10 minutes. Trains run every 20 minutes so no long waits. Friendly drivers and commentary en route. Passes last all day. What scenery! View prices here.

Dine on Top of the World – Eat in the UK’s highest restaurant, the Ptarmigan. At 1000ft above sea level, grab a light bite (sandwich or bowl of soup), or mains such as a Highland venison chilli. Next door, is the Cairngorm Gin Bar for a wee tipple.

Viewing Terraces – There are 2 viewing terraces for great vistas and photo opps. I was too shy to use them – see below.

Exhibition, Shop, Interactive Sand and 260 Degree Film – offering more info and knowledge on the mountain, its geography and history, and consider how man has adapted to this wild terrain and utilised it. Young children love playing with the interactive sand pits.

Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports

When it snows, the Cairngorm Mountain gives kids the chance to learn new skills and try new sports. Ski hire and equipment rental is available, classes can be booked, or just style it out on the baby slopes. Find further info here.

The Highland Wildlife Park – Things to do in Aviemore with Kids

The big attraction at the Highland Wildlife Park are the polar bears – remember when cute Hamish the cub was born, the only polar bear cub born in the UK in 25 years! With feeding talks, a self-drive safari and many animals to spot on foot, from tigers and red pandas, to camels and monkeys, it’s educational and fun. If we could tackle it in swirling snow then I’m guessing it works in most weathers. If you fancy it click here for the lowdown. For prices take a look here.

The Aviemore Reindeer Herd – Things to do in Aviemore with Kids

Meeting a reindeer herd is fun at any time, but in the run up to Christmas it’s festive and magical for tots. We first visited the Aviemore Reindeer Herd just after Christmas Day, and the kids believed that these were the actual reindeer who had helped Santa on Christmas Eve.

Guests can take a hike up the hills to meet the UK’s only free-range reindeer herd, or visit the paddock to see the beasts up close and learn more about them. The paddock is a far more manageable option with wee ones, but older kids may prefer the hike. Crafts and a story-corner were also popular with our kids. For a full write-up of what you can get up to visit here. For prices click here.

Farm Tour at Alvie & Dalraddy Estates

When we camped at Dalraddy Holiday Park we tried one of their Farm Tours. The estate has a Home Farm, managed by farmer James. James runs the tours and is obviously super knowledgeable and passionate about the land and livestock. The children got to bottle-feed the orphan lambs, feed the bulls hay, see the newborn calves (one was just born that morning but was already stotting around trying to find her feet).

A highlight was being introduced to sheepdog Ben, and watching him round up the sheep. Then a tour in the farm truck takes in the scenery and viewpoints, the paddock of triplet lambs and the paddock of twin lambs (that required extra feed). James is a fount of knowledge about the 900 blackface sheep, shorthorn and Simmental cattle, the bull Alvie Jock, and the feed/cereals used, but the children were mostly drawn to the hands-on interaction with the animals.

Beekeeping Experience at Rowan Tree Country Hotel – Things to do in Aviemore with Kids

For something totally different, put yourself in the very calm hands of Tamasina at the Rowan Tree Country Hotel for a family introduction to bee-keeping. Get donned out in beekeeping suits – hilarious, bizarre and essential in equal measure. Tam gives the kids water sprays and herself a smoke machine to calm the bees, then it’s off to the hives.

At the two hives (each one is home to approximately 60,000 bees) Tam talks through the types of bees at work, the infamous Queen, wax, nectar, honey, eggs, larvae and the baby bee nursery. We even saw a bee being born!

The kids asked roughly a million questions – apiaries/honey/bees are a strangely fascinating topic – and Tam was very patient. Then we returned to the hotel for a honey tasting experience, followed by a well deserved cup of tea and cake. More info and prices here – kids aged 10 and over welcome. This is a seasonal activity, and in the winter months Stargazing is an alternative. [This hotel is situated on the shores of Loch Alvie and has a well respected restaurant.]

Ice Skating & Snowstorm Discos – Things to do in Aviemore

The Aviemore Community Ice Rink is located at the Macdonald Highland Resort. It’s small but perfectly formed, with balance aids (penguins) for beginners. Look out for the snowstorm discos that have a festive, wintry vibe. Find prices and book here.

Strathspey Steam Railway – Things to do in Aviemore with Kids

A vintage steam ride through the countryside works for all ages. But with Mince Pie specials and Santa Express services, this railway outing can feel very child-friendly and Christmassy too. We took our 5 month old on this 10 mile journey when he was a babe in arms, and it was so chilled, proving kids are happy to look out the window at any age. Fares and timetables are here.

Cycle the Orbital Path

FREE – We cycled the Orbital Path around Aviemore – it’s also v popular with dog walkers and joggers. The signage did throw us a few curveballs and we had to follow our noses/check Google maps etc. but we enjoyed getting active.

Cinema

Head to the Spey Valley Cinema at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort for the latest releases, including many family friendly hits.

FREE – This mile long outdoor museum is epic, and has featured in Outlander (remember the Rent episode?). Inspired by the Scandinavian open air museum movement, the founder Dr Grant, set up her first museum in 1935 in Iona, and today it’s an 80 acre site in Newtonmore. Kids go back in time to a 1700s township, Baile Gean (pics above), where character tour guides in costume explain how locals lived, survived and worked. Visitors can step inside each house and get a feel for how simple and crowded life would have been.

The middle village, Balameanach (pics above) is from the 19th century, and includes a school, shinty pavilion, church, Highland cottage and clockmaker’s workshop. A highlight is the Kirk’s Store that sells old fashioned quarters of sweets, just like in the olden days.

A final stop is the Aultlarie Croft with its steading, tin cottage, smokehouse, post office as well as livestock including Highland Cattle.  A café and playground are modern additions.

Newtonmore – also check out a Wildcat Trail (ideal for kids), Ruthven Barracks and more, here – Discover Things to Do in Nearby Newtonmore

Shopping

Aviemore’s High Street has many independent shops and names such as The Highland Soap Company. If you’re a fan of destination shops stocking clothing, gifts and local produce, like The House of Bruar, Glendoick and Brodie Countryfare, then you’ll appreciate Spey Valley Shopping. It’s hard to leave empty-handed.

Where to Stay

There’s a varied mix of hotels, self-catering and campsites to choose between. Here are our reviews of the family friendly accommodation that worked for us.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – Camping, Glamping & Self-Catering

Camping & Mobile Homes – Dalraddy Holiday Park is run by a forester laird, which means that each camp site is situated in scenic Scottish woodland. With electric hook ups, ample fresh drinking water, laundries, washing-up stations and clean, piping-hot showers and toilet facilities, it’s a winner. Self-catering cottages(ranging from sleeps 4 to sleeps 10) and chalets are also available. A shop sells camping essentials, from milk to marshmallows, and the staff are notably friendly and helpful.

Activities – Embrace agri-tourism at Dalraddy. There’s so much to do onsite! The epic quad bikes and the relaxing Farm Tour are mentioned above. When we return we want to try the Zip Trek Park – ziplining for 2km across the canopy of Scottish pines (roughly 20 ziplines). Clay-pigeon shooting, gorge walking, paintball, fishing archery, horse-riding and survival courses are other options. 

Younger children can make the most of the Magic Slide, Mini Quads, Zombie Archery, Trampoline and the Alvie Express train all situated onsite by the Reception Office.

Food & Drink – Whatever the weather, by day or night, grab your orders from local businesses and cosy up in the intimate Yurt hand out to eat. As mum and dad ate Thai food from Nana’s Kitchen, the boys tucked in excellent pizza from G’s Pizza. Or check out the Coyote Cookhouse for loaded fries, burgers and more – they also do a mean hot chocolate. Some ventures are weekly pop-ups so check opening hours at recpetion, and it also helps to pre-order, especially in high season. Non-residents welcome.

It’s also possible to buy meat direct from Alvie & Dalraddy estate. We went for venison sausages for breakfast, but other options such as burgers are available in the shop. Read a full review here. 

Play at Your Hotel – Macdonald Aviemore Resort

The Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers more than your average hotel for families, way more! We’re talking cinemas, activity centres, swimming pools with flumes and wave machines, not to mention four storeys of soft play. To find a family-friendly hotel where you can, not only rest and recuperate, but play and entertain yourself, is a huge temptation. There are also several restaurants onsite, such as Giovanni’s and The Highland Fish Bar, mentioned below under Food & Drink.

Take a look at our interconnecting family rooms at their Highlands Hotel. I appreciated the Elemis toiletries.

Onsite dining includes family-friendly Giovanni’s Italian and The Highland Fish Bar(dishing up fish n chips in a restaurant setting. Takeaway available too). Non-residents very welcome.

Self-Catering at the Woodside Retreat

My friend opened this self-catering holiday home in a sought after location in Aviemore. The Woodside Retreat is a contemporary, smart three-bedroom property in a secluded cul-de-sac. It has direct access to the Aviemore orbital path right across the road, so you nip into the centre of town on the main road, or take the orbital path through the woods for a family walk or cycle. This is one of the cosiest properties in town. Quality fittings and furnishings, kitchen is well kitted out, powerful shower (essential after a day outdoors skiing or cycling), garden, plus a shed with hose for skis/bikes and cleaning skis/bikes. Check prices and availability here.

Our Story

We usually drive direct to Aviemore from Aberdeen, especially as many attractions are easier to visit with private transport. Alternatively, Aviemore has its own railway station, served by Scotrail and the Sleeper train direct from London.

Still to Try

We still want to try go-karting, the numerous watersports in the area, ziplining on the Dalraddy & Alvie Estate, and more. Families never get bored in this neck of the woods! For more ideas visit VisitCairngorms.com.

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