A useful guide including stress-free travel tips, resources and itinerary ideas for holidays with kids in the Scottish Highlands.
Booking a holiday as a parent is stressful in itself. Finding time to actually plan and book is a nightmare and if budget is a consideration then it only adds another layer of complexity to your planning and booking process. All the while you’re still looking after your child/children, running your day-to-day and possibly also working at least a 9-5 if not more.
You’ll be relieved to hear that that much needed break away out of routine and into nature can be simpler than it sounds with our useful guide. Below we offer travel tips so you can keep your kids content on the way up to the Highlands (or wherever you are going…), things to do in the Scottish Highlands with kids (but also elsewhere with a similar environment), and some resources to action your plan right away.
How to keep kids occupied and happy on the journey to the Scottish Highlands
Whether you are travelling by car, plane or train these are our top things to bring / do:
- Re-usable stickers of the environment you are going to visit e.g Scottish fauna & flora or history. Kids love to hear stories about what they’ll be doing or where they’re going so use this opportunity to interact with them and keep them busy. You can stick these on windows, tables, a table tray – basically anywhere and pick them up before you go to open up again somewhere else.
- A travel busy board is a great easy to pack game full of different activities that you can do with your child or let them enjoy solo.
- No-mess travel water paint book. These are brilliant and so easy to travel with. They bring your young one that thrill of paint without all the hassle and mess.
- The classic eye spy, of course. Remember you can do this for all ages and levels of difficulty by using colour instead of a letter, for example. I don’t think this one needs a link or explanation!
- Singing. More of a car one but why not teach your kids some of your favourite tunes as you admire the scenery on your way over. Yes, it doesn’t always have to be kids music (but aways have this pre-downloaded as back-up if it can save a tantrum!)
- A little screen time. Give this a miss if you’re for 0 screen time but sometimes, as a last resort or to help everyone concentrate on something else for a minute it allows a wee breather. We always recommend slower, calmer series like Trash Truck or Puffin Rock rather than Cocomelon or the likes that can have the opposite effect. Again make sure you pre-download in case of no signal.
- The memory game. Try list as many words of a topic and keep adding as you go round each person. Use a relevant topic like Scottish wildlife or cities.
- If you’re driving, plan to stop at famous film locations. We’re written another guide on this blog with a fully mapped itinerary on Google Maps.
That should keep your kids happy and busy in between meals, toilet breaks, hopefully some nap time and leg stretching here and there!
Family-friendly accommodation in the Scottish Highlands
At Inverskilavulin Estate, childhood looks the way it should: muddy boots by the door, pockets full of treasures, rosy cheeks from fresh air, and early nights that leave parents free to relax by the fire.
You don’t need theme parks or packed itineraries here. The estate itself becomes the playground—and the memories tend to last far longer.
All our lodges have fully equipped kitchens so you can prepare food the way your kids like. We have high chairs for those that need. In terms of sleeping arrangements, we have baby travel cots with linen and can also supply an additional single bed if needed. Having a washing machine in Scotland on holiday is ideal as you will likely get wet and mucky on at least some days! Being able to leave your boots right at your doorstep and having your car next to the door is also a plus. You also have a bath in all family-friendly lodges. But most of all, it’s the hassle free outdoors at your doorstep feel of a self-catering that is so magical at Inverskilavulin Estate. No need to go hectic distances and plan for all your snack and meals out and about. Stay local and enjoy.
Nature Play All Around the Estate
Adventure starts the moment children step outside:
Fairy Glens & Mossy Worlds
Hidden across the estate are soft, moss-covered patches that feel like tiny fairy glens. Great to jump around in and imagine fairy villages and secret kingdoms.
Pine Cones, Pebbles & Rainy-Day Crafting
The estate is full of natural “treasures” just waiting to be collected—pine cones, smooth stones, bark, feathers, and fallen leaves. These are perfect to bring back to the lodge for painting or crafting, especially on rainy afternoons. We leave little paint sets in the lodge if kids are coming so you’re covered on that front.
The Pond: Buckets, Nets & Discoveries
Bring our small net and bucket and head to the estate pond (please accompany your children at all times), where kids can spot fish, tadpoles and other pond life.
Forest Adventures
The nearby forest is home to rare red squirrels, deer, pine marten, otters and so much more. Juust walking quietly through the trees can feel like a wildlife expedition. For a bit more action take bikes with you.
Tree Climbing (Safely!)
For older children, there are plenty of sturdy trees perfect for supervised climbing.
Muddy Puddles
Peppa’s favourite. Wellies and waterproofs are strongly encouraged. Splashing through puddles is all part of the fun. Laundry facilities are available for wet clothes in your lodge.
Bike Rides
Bring bikes or balance bikes and enjoy gentle cycling around the estate and surrounding roads down the Glen.
A Little Wildlife Safari
As evening falls, families often enjoy a gentle drive down Glenloy to spot deer at dusk. Drive slow, keep your lights dim and voices down.
Stories, History & A Touch of Imagination
Old Inverskilavulin Ruins
Explore the old ruins nearby and turn them into a storytelling adventure about old Scottish clans. See our history piece here for more info.
Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Lost Gold
Send the kids on a treasure hunt for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s legendary lost gold—many families hide coins or sweet treats as a reward.
Cosy Lodge Activities
Bake Together
Use the fully equipped kitchen to bake cakes, biscuits or pizza together.
Board Games by the Fire
Evenings are perfect for board games and puzzles by the fire (a fireguard is in place).
Colour or paint (colouring sheets and crayons as well as paint provided). Download our informative colouring pack below.
Enjoy our indoor mini-wigwams provided for you to enjoy with your kids or babies.
Family-Friendly Lodges
Beinn Bhan (sleeps 4) and Maclean (sleeps 6) are our most family-friendly lodges, offering space, comfort and easy access to outdoor play.
1-Week Kid-Friendly Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Settling In
Explore around the lodge, easy supper, board games by the fire.
Day 2 – Estate Nature Play
Fairy glens, collecting treasures, painting crafts, relaxed evening.
Day 3 – Pond Life & Bike Rides
Pond exploring, gentle cycling, quiet afternoon.
Day 4 – Forest Adventures & Safari
Forest walk, red squirrel spotting, evening deer safari drive.
Day 5 – History & Treasure Hunts
Explore ruins, Scottish clan stories, Bonnie Prince Charlie treasure hunt, baking.
Day 6 – Big Day Out
Choose from climbing, rafting (older kids), fossil hunting, boat trips or beach days.
Day 7 – Farewell Day
Final bike rides, puddle splashing, slow packing and goodbye walk.
