It’s the summer holidays! If you’re a child, this is the best time of year - no school, sleep in, visit friends and family, and play outside without a stress in the world. If you’re a parent its a chance to spend time with your kids and an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, green spaces and outdoor play and activities.
From adventure parks and go-karts to bouncing pillows and straw bale climbing frames, there's plenty to enjoy when you Go Rural! Discover some of the best activities for children on real working farms across Scotland in our new blog.
Active Kids Adventure Park, Perthshire
If you ask your child to imagine their idea of a good day out, the image of Active Kids Adventure Park might come to mind. There are loads of activities to explore and your kids are sure to have a blast.
Nestled in 11 acres of picturesque rural Perthshire, Active Kids offers both outdoor and indoor excitement. Outdoors, kids can enjoy giant bouncing pillows, zip lines, and pirate ships, guaranteeing hours of entertainment. There are also friendly farm animals to meet, including donkeys, alpacas, and rabbits.
Indoors, there’s a brand-new treehouse play area, complete with exciting tunnels and treetop adventures and before you leave, don't forget to visit the café for delicious snacks, lunches, and teas and coffees.
Cairnie Fruit Farm, Fife
Although known as a ‘fruit farm,’ Cairnie offers much more than just fruit picking. With an array of fantastic activities for kids and the young at heart, it's a destination that will have them eager to return time and again.
From March to October, Cairnie's hugely popular Funyard opens, a vast outdoor play area packed with exciting activities. Highlights include the jumping pillow, go-kart track, wave slide, straw-bale fortress, and flying fox. Additionally, Cairnie opens The Mega Maize Maze each summer. This sprawling 6-acre labyrinth of pathways and false exits provides a thrilling challenge for even the most enthusiastic explorers!
Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze
Ernespie Farm, Dumfries & Galloway
Located just outside Castle Douglas in Dumfries & Galloway, Ernespie Farm offers fun for the whole family with a fabulous cafe, gift shop and garden centre as well as indoor and outdoor play.
The outdoor play area boasts a variety of fantastic activities, including tractor rides, woodland walks, bouncy cushions, climbing frames, and even tractor driving for those with a steady hand!
If the weather isn’t sunny, don’t worry – the Busy Bees Soft Play is a fantastic indoor alternative. Suitable for children of all ages, it features soft ball pits that will have even the adults shouting ‘Geronimo’ and there’s a quiet area’ perfect for small children under the age of four.
Byres Farm, Moray Speyside
If you’re in Morayshire and seeking a fun-filled outing with the kids, Byres Farm is a must-visit. Located near picturesque Spey Bay, Byres Farm combines the charm of an authentic farm with plenty of fun activities.
Purchasing a flexible Day Ticket grants you access to all the farm's attractions. A standout feature is the straw bale frame, perfect for climbing, running, and jumping with family and friends. For young vehicle enthusiasts, a variety of pedal cars and tractors await. And don't miss the chance to test your skills at archery for an extra dose of excitement!
There's also three lovely themed circular walks to enjoy at the farm, including a whisky trail and a kids trail, complete with QR codes. Afterwards pop into the quirky self-service coffee shop for some refuelling!
Briarlands Farm, Stirlingshire
Briarlands Farm is bursting with fun and offers a fantastic day out for the entire family. While the farm is famous for its pick-your-own soft fruit, it also boasts a range of activities designed to keep the little ones entertained.
Kids will love bouncing on the giant jumping pillows and testing their skills with football golf. You can take a scenic tractor ride around the farm, or challenge yourself with some archery.
Younger children, especially those under seven, can explore an exciting indoor play frame. When it’s time for a break, head to the café for delicious lunches, freshly brewed coffee, and delightful homemade treats.
Jacksons at Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
If you're in the Scottish Borders with a toddler, be sure to visit Jacksons at Jedburgh for their Farm Toddler sessions! These sessions are specially designed for parents and carers with young children, offering a perfect opportunity for your little ones to explore the great outdoors, learn about farming life, and gain confidence around animals. The sessions are held sporadically throughout the year, so make sure to check Jacksons at Jedburgh online and register for their mailing list to stay updated.
The farm is also open daily for regular farm visits. Go around at your own pace and stay as long as you like! Bring a picnic, enjoy the circular walks, and feed the adorable animals. Also, don't miss the Highland Cow experience! These tours provide an excellent chance to learn more about and get up close to these majestic animals.
Charleton Fruit Farm, Aberdeenshire
Charleton Fruit Farm is notable for its extensive pick your own soft fruit options, and with the addition of a lovely play area for kids, it makes for a great and fun packed family day out.
Located just north of Montrose, the large outdoor play area is home to an exciting go-cart track, lots of fun push cars, a wooden fort, swings, slides, and plenty of space for the kids to run around and burn off their energy!
After picking your fruit and burning off those calories in the play park, make sure to pop into the café and gorgeous farm shop before leaving and grab some delicious fresh food from the farm.
Dalmore Farm, The Highlands
Just a minute off the famous NC500 driving route, Dalmore Farm is a great place to pick up some fresh produce, have a bite to eat and let the kids burn off some energy.
The farm boasts a large shop, offering high-quality products from various local suppliers, and a fantastic café serving delicious lunches, cakes, and hot drinks.
A highlight for families is the Children’s Farm & Play Park. This great outdoor area features a large sandpit, ride-on tractors, and a variety of climbing obstacles that will keep children entertained for hours. Kids can also visit and learn about the farm animals, adding an educational aspect to their playtime.
Westerton Farm, Aberdeenshire
Westerton Farm is a family-run business committed to sustainable farming and providing the public with the most delicious seasonal food.
There is plenty to enjoy at the farm. You can pick your own soft fruit and vegetables, and visit the onsite farm shop, Farm To Table, to stock up on high-quality produce grown directly on the farm.
During school holidays, the fun ramps up with Barn Bounce & Play, a special child-friendly activity held daily. In the barn, you’ll find two bouncy castles, pedal tractors, and an exciting straw bale pit! The farm also frequently offers a special children’s lunch deal, giving your kids enough fuel to keep their energy going at great value.
Dalraddy Holiday Park, The Highlands
Dalraddy Holiday Park is full to the brim with excitement for kids of all ages!
Located in a superb location within the stunning Cairngorms National Park and close to the popular town of Aviemore, the park now boasts exciting new additions to its extensive range of activities. Recent upgrades include brand-new trampolines, a fun grass sledging area, and a thrilling zombie archery experience, all created in partnership with local activity provider, Cairngorm Activities.
You can also enjoy quad bike tours, zip lines, pony trekking, paintball, farm tours, and more! There’s so much to do, you won’t want to leave!