5-Day Family-Friendly Scotland Itinerary: Castles, Creatures & Curiosity Collide

After arrival, head straight to your hotel to check in or drop off bags. Rather than diving straight into sightseeing, take a neighborhood walk to reset your internal clock and get a feel for your surroundings. A nearby playground or green space is the perfect low-effort stop to stretch legs and ease into the local rhythm.

Keep the rest of the day simple. Enjoy an unhurried dinner close to your hotel and get to bed early. You'll want to be well rested for tomorrow’s early start into the Highlands.

Insider tip: Tonight, request the hotel to arrange a takeaway breakfast for everyone in the morning. Also have them book your morning ride to the tour meeting point. Early taxis and rideshares can be scarce, and a little extra planning here makes for a much smoother start.

Today begins early, but the reward is a full day in the moody, majestic Scottish Highlands. Join Heart of Scotland Tours for their Loch Ness and Highlands route, a family-friendly journey designed to enchant without overwhelming. From the haunting beauty of Glen Coe to the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness, each stop invites curiosity and awe. The pacing is generous, with plenty of time to rest between moments of exploration.

Children will especially love the mix of nature walks, woodland trails, and a certain shaggy Highland cow encounter that often becomes the day’s highlight. It’s a long day, but well worth the time.

Insider tip: The final stop on the tour offers time for a short stroll and light refreshment, but not a full meal. Since you’ll return to Edinburgh around 8 pm, consider asking your hotel to arrange a light supper or room service for your return.

Today, trace legends from Rosslyn Chapel to the windswept edge of Roman Britain. Heart of Scotland Tours also leads today’s journey along the Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders, and Hadrian’s Wall route, beginning with the intricate carvings and enduring mystery of Rosslyn. There's a charming children’s exhibit beside the chapel and a scavenger hunt sheet available if you ask.

From there, you’ll roll through the green expanse of the Borders before reaching the evocative ruins of Housesteads Fort and Hadrian’s Wall. Expect a moderately steep hike up to ruins where young and old can explore, climb, and imagine life as a young Roman soldier.

Insider tip: Take a bathroom break before starting the uphill hike to the fort and be mindful of the sheep droppings. The walkable section of Hadrian’s Wall isn’t clearly marked, so ask your guide or follow others.

Slow the pace with a self-guided day trip to St. Andrews, a seaside town known for its ancient ruins and royal alumni. Take the train and bus from Edinburgh for a relaxed arrival, then wander at your own rhythm. Explore castle and cathedral ruins, admire the university’s elegant quads, and pause for lunch at a cozy café.

For golf fans young and old, the Old Course is a must. If it’s closed for play, you can still walk part of it and snap photos. Then head to “The Himalayas,” a delightfully hilly putting green just beside it. It’s fun and casual and allows you to technically claim you’ve golfed at St. Andrews.

Insider tip: Reserve an 18-hole time at The Himalayas online if you're visiting in summer. Note that the shorter nine-hole course, ideal for most kids, is first-come only. Aim to arrive early if you want to play.

Today is all about Edinburgh. Begin at Edinburgh Castle and wander at your own pace through centuries of Scottish history. Highlights for families include the 1 pm cannon firing, the tiny charm of St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the glittering Crown Jewels beside the legendary Stone of Destiny.

Now you have some time to pause, wander, or rest before nightfall. If you want to keep exploring this medieval-meets-modern metropolis, wander through the city’s Old Town—you’re in the heart of it. The Elephant House café, where J.K. Rowling famously wrote, sits just steps from Greyfriars Kirkyard. This quietly atmospheric cemetery is known both for a loyal little dog and a gravestone that sparks curiosity among Harry Potter fans.

Come evening, step into Edinburgh’s darker past with Mercat Tours' family-friendly ghost walk. From the cobbles of Mercat Cross to the shadowy Blair Street Vaults, stories unfold of crime, mystery, and the occasional spirit. It all ends by candlelight in a cozy cellar with drinks and ghost tales. It is a perfect close to a day of discovery.

Insider tip: Mercat Tours also offers an afternoon version of the ghost walk, which can be a great alternative if your kids do better earlier in the day. Either way, note that the tour is only for children aged five and up.