Alloa Tower, Scott Crescent, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, FK10 1BT, United Kingdom
Castle Campbell, Castle Road, Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, FK14 7PP, United Kingdom
National Museum of Flight, B1377, East Fortune, East Lothian, Scotland, EH39 5JZ, United Kingdom
Livingston Designer Outlet, Almondvale Boulevard, Howden, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland, EH54 6QX, United Kingdom
Linlithgow Palace, Kirkgate, Preston, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland, EH49 7EY, United Kingdom
Jupiter Artland, Humbie, Wilkieston, West Lothian, Scotland, EH27 8BB, United Kingdom
Deep Sea World, Forthside Terrace, North Queensferry, Fife, Scotland, KY11 1JR, United Kingdom
Conifox, A9, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH29 9GW, United Kingdom
Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Gait, Holyrood, Southside, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 8AS, United Kingdom
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Union Canal Towpath, Hillend, Ratho, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH28 8RA, United Kingdom
Museum of Childhood, 42, High Street, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1TG, United Kingdom
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, 549, Castlehill, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Balloch Castle, Inchconnachan Avenue, Mollanbowie Estate, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, G83 8JW, United Kingdom
Whitelee Wind Farm, Moor Road, Polnoon, Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire, Scotland, G76 0QG, United Kingdom
Kelvingrove, Glasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, G3 7NT, United Kingdom
Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, New Lanark Road, Braxfield Farm, New Lanark, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 9DG, United Kingdom
New Lanark, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 9DJ, United Kingdom
David Livingstone Museum, Station Road, Kirkfield, Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, G72 9BX, United Kingdom
Chatelherault, Leven Road, Haughhead, Allanton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML3 7WS, United Kingdom
The Lighthouse, 11, Mitchell Lane, Blythswood Hill, Glasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, G1 3NU, United Kingdom
Tollcross Children's farm, 254B, Wellshot Road, Auchenshuggle, Shettleston, Glasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, G32 7XL, United Kingdom
Air thrill, Bankside, Bankside Industrial Estate, Middlefield, Falkirk, Scotland, FK2 7XF, United Kingdom
Kinneil House, Kinneil Estate Path, Castleloan, Kinneil, Bo'ness, Falkirk, Scotland, EH51 0PR, United Kingdom
Smith Art Gallery & Museum, 40, Albert Place, Top of the Town, Kings Park, Stirling, Scotland, FK8 2RQ, United Kingdom
Argaty Red Kites, Commonty Walk, Argaty, Doune, Stirling, Scotland, FK16 6DT, United Kingdom
The Dunmore Pineapple, St Andrew's Drive, Dunmore, Falkirk, Scotland, FK2 8LP, United Kingdom
Loch Drunkie, Scotland, United Kingdom
Amazonia, Scotland, United Kingdom
Go Ape Aberfoyle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Doune Ponds Nature Reserve, Scotland, United Kingdom
Beecraigs Country Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Scotland, United Kingdom
Mugdock Country Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
Summerlee Heritage Museum, Scotland, United Kingdom
Broadwood Stadium Softplay, Scotland, United Kingdom
Time Capsule, Scotland, United Kingdom
Doon Hill Fairy Knowe, Scotland, United Kingdom
M&D's Theme Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
World Of Wings, Scotland, United Kingdom
Castle Rednock Trekking, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Tall Ship, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Firpark Ski Centre, Scotland, United Kingdom
Scottish Crannog Centre, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Peak, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Macrobert Arts Centre, Scotland, United Kingdom
Blairdrummond Safari Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
Almondvalley Heritage Centre, Livingston, Scotland, United Kingdom
Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Scotland, United Kingdom
Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland, United Kingdom
National Museum of Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens, Scotland, United Kingdom
Loch Lomond Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inchmahome Priory, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Kelpies and Helix Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
Falkirk wheel, Scotland, United Kingdom
Little Drum Wood, Scotland, United Kingdom
Loch Katrine, Scotland, United Kingdom
Bracklinn Falls, Scotland, United Kingdom
Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Riverside Museum, Scotland, United Kingdom
Loch Lomond Aquarium, Balloch, Scotland, United Kingdom
Bass Rock, Auldhame, Scotland, United Kingdom
Isle of May, Scotland, United Kingdom
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, Scotland, United Kingdom
Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, Scotland, United Kingdom
Stirling castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Wallace Monument, Scotland, United Kingdom
Doune Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Wonderworld Softplay, Falkirk, Scotland, United Kingdom
Elie, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Lodge, Aberfoyle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Wellsfield Farm Park, Scotland, United Kingdom
Briarlands Farm, Scotland, United Kingdom
Table of Contents
Family Days Out In Scotland With Teens
There are plenty of family attractions in Scotland for kids. But teens and tweens don’t always like the same things as younger children. So this list of places to visit in Scotland with teens is for older children.
To make it a little easier to scroll through I have separated the places by region. I have included Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Glasgow & Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh & Lothians and Fife & Clackmannanshire. Please let me know if you have any queries about the list or anywhere else you think I should add to my list of family days out in Scotland with teens. Also, if you would like to find some interesting walks around Stirlingshire and the Trossachs National park, click here and for country parks in Scotland click here.
Enjoy scrolling through all the fantastic family days out Scotland!
Best Places For Family Days Out With Teens in Stirlingshire
Doune Castle, Doune.
This is a small Historic Scotland castle in the village of Doune. The castle is used in several films/TV programmes including Monty Python’s Holy Grail (they even have coconut halves in the shop to try out!) and more recently Outlander. Teens and tweens will enjoy listening to stories about Monty Python or Outlander using the audio headsets.
Wallace Monument, Bridge of Allan.
Monument to Sir William Wallace, set in a lovely woodland. The monument had several floors (winding staircase to the top) with information and activities, teens will love learning about the battle of Stirling Bridge and taking selfies at the top of the tower.. The views from the top of the monument are amazing. Check their website for special events.
Stirling Castle, Stirling.
A popular Scottish castle with loads to see and do for adults and teens alike, it’s one of the best places in Stirling to visit with teens. There’s plenty of Scottish history to learn about here and some interactive areas too! You could spend a whole day here exploring the castle and having lunch at the cafe. It’s a fun day out and definitely one of the best castles in Scotland with teens! Don’t forget to buy an ice cream at the van outside the castle and admire the fantastic views.
Bracklinn Falls, Callander.
A woodland walk above the town of Callander. The stunning waterfall can be seen from the bridge. You can easily walk to the bridge and go a little further along the woodland paths to take you to the Scout’s Pool. A perfect place for a wild swimming dip. Then follow the road back down to the car park.
The Pineapple, Airth.
A must see simply for the stunning architecture of one giant Pineapple building! The gardens and pond are beautiful for a walk and picnic and there are several walks around the area. Teens will love posing for photos in front of the Pineapple.
Loch Katrine, Brig of Turk.
Bring your own bikes or hire them and take the boat to the far end of the loch. Then cycle along the road around the loch back to the car park. You can also just take a return steam boat trip from the car park area or a lovely walk with amazing scenery around the loch. Check out this post for a few photos..
Inchmahome Priory, Lake of Mentieth, Port of Mentieth.
This priory is situated on a small island in the middle of the lake (Scotland’s only lake) and is where Mary Queen of Scot’s spent a few weeks as a child when there was a possibility of an English invasion. Interesting history and a beautiful island to visit along with a picnic. Don’t forget boots for the muddy paths and you can read a little more about the island here!
Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling.
They have showings of various films or theatre productions that are perfect for a trip out with your teens in Scotland! There are various productions throughout the year, check the website for details.
The Peak, Stirling.
A large sports village where you can go swimming, ice skating, rock climbing, variety of gym classes, dance and football classes, plus lots more. Check out their website for times and dates of activities.
Castle Rednock Trekking, Port of Mentieth.
Pony trekking, segway trekking, quad pods, orienteering and wellie boot course. Activities suitable for tweens and teens, a fun active family day out in Scotland.
Argaty Red Kites, Doune.
A project to maintain a self sustaining population of Red Kites in the wild. The Kites are fed at a certain time each day. You can book to visit the hide and attend a guided walk around the site.
Go Ape, Aberfoyle.
Two 400m long zip wires over a spectacular waterfall and beautiful forest. There is plenty of outdoor adventure to be had on the tree top trail, climbing, swinging and jumping in the trees from various apparatus. You can also wander around the forest nature trails afterward.
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling.
The museum part is great for teens and the rest of the family to learn more about the Stirlingshire area. There are also changing exhibitions in the different art galleries that are always interesting to check out. It’s free to enter, although donations are very much welcomed. A great place for visiting Scotland with teens.
Days Out In Falkirk
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness.
Steam railway, check times of trains before you go. A lovely museum to visit with old steam trains, moving model trains in an old carriage, shop and cafe. You can find plenty of different trains running along the tracks at weekends, check the timetable to find out whether it’s diesel or steam trains running. A nice place to visit in Scotland with teens who love trains!
Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk.
The world’s only rotating boat lift, used to lift a canal boat up to a height that normally would take many locks. It joins the Union canal to the Forth and Clyde canal. There is also a fabulous cafe, shop mini golf and activities such as archery or Segway tours.
The Kelpies and Helix Park, Falkirk
The Kelpies are two massive sculptures of horse heads located just off the M9. There are tours available of the Kelpies and you can even go inside one as part of the tour. The helix park includes many walkways that are great for bikes and scooters, a play park, small loch with canoes and pedal boats available for hire and various little food vans and cafes. Check out my post here for more info.
Kinneil house, Kinneil.
We had a lovely visit on there open day last year. A free tour around the house and then exploring the gardens and the small museum too. Check out the opening times and any upcoming open days here.
Airthrill Trampolining, Falkirk.
Teens will love to show off their skills on the 70 interconnected trampolines and perform their own stunts. My tweens love Airthrill Trampolining and it makes for a great place to visit for family days out in Scotland with teens.
Family Days Out In Glasgow and Dunbartonshire
Lomond Shores and Aquarium, Balloch.
An excellent aquarium (check out this post for more information on the aquarium), beach area where you can hire pedalos, a birds of prey centre and high ropes course. Areas to walk around, shops and cafes.
Riverside Museum, Glasgow.
It’s free to enter Scotland’s transport museum, although parking is paid. This is a great place to visit in Scotland with teens. There is a quaint cobbled street and horse drawn tram, huge trains, variety of cars and fire engines and even an underground train area. You can anlso find plenty of interactive features dotted around to keep the teens interested, plus various displays are updated on a regular basis. There are a couple of cafe areas and a well stocked shop. This has to be one of the best free museums for family days out in Scotland.
Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow.
This is on my list to visit this summer. The science centre has 100’s of interactive exhibits, a planetarium and giant IMAX theatre. Plus they have different events throughout holidays and at weekends.
Loch Lomond Islands, Loch Lomond.
I visited several of the islands in my early twenties as a volunteer and with my husband (then boyfriend) when he worked on some of the islands. You can get trips out to the islands from various points around the loch, some islands have basic campsites, some inhabited and others not. One island, Inchconnachan even has resident wallabies! A fun adventure with teens in Scotland.
World of Wings, Cumbernauld.
Scotland’s largest collection of bird’s of prey. Birds can be viewed at close quarters and summer flying times are 12 noon and 3pm.
M&D’s Theme Park, Motherwell.
Scotland’s theme park, with 5 white knuckle rides and over 20 smaller rides and attractions. There is also a glow-in-the-dark bowling area, soft play and restaurants. A great day out on Scotland with teens who love an adrenaline rush.
Time Capsule, Coatbridge.
A water park with rapids, hair-raising rides, lazy river and a gentle cove for little ones. There is also an ice rink, 3-tier soft play area and 2 cafes. The teens will love daring you to go down the fastest flumes!
Summerlee Heritage Park, Coatbridge.
A half kilometre electric tram track featuring shiny restored trams, adventure play park, recreated mine and miners cottages. Free entry, aside the tram ride (approx. £1). This is another great one for teens who love history and trains.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow.
Beautifully laid out gardens, fun for a play and wander around. Take a picnic or eat at the cafe there.
Amazonia, Motherwell.
Indoor tropical rainforest beside M&D’s theme park. There are handling sessions, interactive exhibits, feeding and talks. Dare your teens to hold an unusual animal!
The Lighthouse Gallery, Glasgow.
I have been visiting Glasgow since I was a tiny child, yet I only learnt about this place this year! It was originally the Scottish Herald’s buildings (where my Grandpa once worked) and now hosts some interesting exhibitions that change throughout the year. The jewel in the crown is the old water tower, which now holds a tall spiral staircase with a view at the top across the Glasgow roof tops. Entrance is free, although there is a small cafe and shop if you would like to support the gallery
David Livingstone Birthplace, Blantyre.
The David Livingstone Birthplace is set in David Livingstone’s former home, Shuttle Row, which his family shared with 23 other families. Learn about the famous explorer and missionary and his travels in Africa. The exhibit was reopened in July 2021 after a very extensive refurbishment. You can read more about the museum as a day out with teens here.
There is also a cafe, shop and great play park for the kids to enjoy.
New Lanark Visitor Centre, New Lanark.
One of Scotland’s World Heritage Sites, a 200 year old cotton mill that was planned by Robert Owen to be a utopian society where all the workers would be happy and healthy. The teens will love the exhibits just as much as the adults.
Falls of the Clyde, New Lanark.
This Scottish Wildlife Trust site has a fantastic little interactive visitor centre at New Lanark. Maps are available with the pathways across the reserve, but the most popular and easiest route is along to the beautiful Cora Linn waterfall.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow.
Kelvingrove is easily visited by car or public transport and is well worth a visit. It is home to one of Europe’s best art collections and is free to enter. Check out their website for more information on events and latest exhibitions.
Whitelee Wind Farm Visitor Centre.
Learn more about how wind turbines work and use the interactive exhibits at the visitor centre to see if you can build an efficient wind farm. Bus tours to get closer to the wind turbines are also available. There’s also a little cafe if you’re feeling peckish.
Balloch Castle Country Park, Balloch.
Balloch castle country park is on the eastern side of Loch Lomond, with amazing views up the loch. The country park consists of around 200 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens.
Family Days Out In Edinburgh And The Lothians – Scotland with Teens
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick.
A great day out for the family, lots to do for the whole family in the Discovery centre and a lovely beach outside to explore too.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh.
No family days out in Scotland post could be complete with Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh castle is recognised the world over and is often high on any visitors list of places to visit in Scotland. Explore the castle and discover the secrets behind closed doors, but don’t forget to listen out for the 1 O’clock gun!
Camera Obscura, Edinburgh.
This has been on my to-do list for quite a while now, but we haven’t made it. There are 5 floors of optical experiences that have been amusing visitors since 1853. I have been reliably informed it’s a must see!
Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh.
The first museum to focus solely on childhood. You can look at years of toys and try some hands on activities too. Not just for the kids, great for a day out in Scotland with teens!
Bass Rock, North Berwick.
Boat trips around the rock, watching the hundreds of thousands of sea birds flying to and from the rock. There are often seals to see as well.
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
Beautiful gardens that adults and kids can run around and explore, bring a picnic in nice weather although there is also a cafe. You need to pay to enter the glasshouses, but they are well-kept and worth paying a little to help with the upkeep of the gardens.
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Edinburgh.
A world class climbing arena with a huge amount of routes across the walls. It’s not just for professionals though, anyone can come along and try out their skill, from the clip & climb section to the proper climbing walls.
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
Just off the Royal Mile is the National Museum of Scotland. There is so much to see at the museum that you’ll probably just want to focus on certain areas of interest. Everything from the story of how our planet and creatures formed, world cultures, music and the story of Scotland. There are various areas aimed at kids, along with those for older children, plus a cafe and gift shop.
Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh.
There are a whole host of animals (as you would expect!) from Giant Pandas to penguins, there is plenty to keep teens and adults entertained. Various talks and close encounters are held throughout the day. There are various eateries and a gift shop. A fantastic day out for the whole family!
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.
This is one of the kids favourite museums, it’s an awesome place for everyone. Experience the primeval forces of nature as you learn about how the planet was formed and journey from polar ice caps (touching a real iceberg!) to the sticky heat of the tropical rainforest. There are loads of interactive activities that the kids will love. Plus the cafe and a small softplay for toddlers makes it a great place for family day out in Scotland.
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.
Arthur’s seat is the remnant of volcanic activity millions of years ago and sculpted by ice in the last ice age. It was once used as a Royal Pleasure Park and before this there was an iron age hill fort on the peak. Now it’s open to everyone and you can explore the grassland, climb to the top and have amazing views over Edinburgh.
Deep Sea World, South Queensferry.
Experience the underwater world, visiting the many different types of sea life in the world’s oceans. It also boasts the longest underwater tunnel in the UK. Plenty to see and do for a family day out with teens.
Jupiter Artland, West Lothian.
If you are looking for somewhere a bit different to take the kids to then Jupiter Artland is perfect. The grounds are filled with a variety of sculptures and there are also some indoor exhibits beside the reception area, along with a small cafe.
Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow.
A Historic Scotland property in the heart of Linlithgow and beside the beautiful loch. Easy to get to by train and a fantastic place for teens and tweens to explore. There are plenty of stairs, nooks, windows and of course amazing views from the top of one of the remaining towers. The ‘Peel’, the area of grassland beside the Palace is great to relax or eat a picnic. This is also where the annual jousting event takes place.
Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Livingston.
Within the Livingston Designer Outlet you can participate in a family friendly adventure golf experience. The kids will love getting to grips with the different holes and the adults are likely to get competitive as they follow the course round.
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune.
A little gem in East Lothian, near Edinburgh. There are several events throughout the year, which we love to visit. However, you can enter the museum buildings throughout the year to visit their hangars full of aircraft (including the Concorde!) and interactive exhibits.
Family Days Out In Fife and Clackmannanshire: Scotland With Teens
Isle of May, Anstruther.
Boat trips from Anstruther out to the Isle of May. A.K.A. Puffin Island. It’s a boat trip to the most amazing island to visit if you want close encounters with Puffins and other sea birds. This is the perfect place for those family days out in Scotland with teens who love animals.
Firpark Ski Centre, Tillicoultry.
Try out skiing, snowboarding or tubing with the kids on this 120m dry ski slope. A little hard to find, hidden behind a local school, but fun for the tweens and teens, phone to book.
Castle Campbell, Dollar.
This is a relatively new find of ours and you can read more about it here. The castle is found up a winding road above the village and is incredibly atmospheric. It’s also set above the stunning Dollar glen, worth a visit just for a walk along the steep glen.
Alloa Tower, Alloa.
Set in the centre of Alloa it’s very easy to get to and is only a small property. Despite it’s size, the tower is still an interesting visit and you can really learn a lot from the few rooms. Of course the view from the roof is brilliant on a clear day. You can read more about our visit here.
If you can think of any more exciting family days out in Scotland with teens that we have missed, please do tell me! We love finding new places to visit!
Travelling With Our Kids says
Awesome list. We have been to many of these. Need to try get to a few more x
Plutonium Sox says
Wow, so much to choose from. We’re hoping to head to this area at least once this year if not two or three times, so I’ll be back to check your list.
Nat.x
Chrysi-Bliss Seeking Mom says
I love Scotland. Hope to visit some of the places you propose! Great tour!
Susan Mann says
These are fantastic. I have been to several but a few for our bucket list for this year x
Jennie says
So so so many ideas for activities with kids. I can see myself visiting a couple without kids too 🙂 How cool is that pineapple building and the park that looks like a massive grass slide is the dream! Definitely bookmarking for a future Scotland visit!
Kerry says
Have you been to the Fuve Sisters Zoo near Bathgate, fantastic animals, outdoor summer rides and a new cafe and indoor soft play. we prefer it to Edinburgh Zoo.