Your adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you’ll have time to get settled after the flight. An easy stroll through Princes Street Gardens offers the perfect introduction—kids can run on the lawns while adults admire the view of Edinburgh Castle looming above. We were able to get to the castle in time to walk around that same afternoon. It was the perfect introduction to this gorgeous and historic city.

If you have a bit more energy, wander through the nearby New Town, whose wide Georgian streets are stroller-friendly. For our family, this first afternoon was simply about stretching our legs and adjusting the kids to a new rhythm before heading back to the hotel for a cozy night in the city.

Leave Edinburgh behind and head toward the seaside town of St. Andrews, famous as the birthplace of golf and home to a lively university. Families can explore the sprawling ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle, where little ones love climbing over stone walls and running through wide-open courtyards. A walk on the broad sandy beach is a highlight—our toddlers delighted in digging and chasing waves.

Continuing north along the coast, the scenery shifts as you make your way to Aberdeen, a city nicknamed the “Granite City” for its distinctive silver stone architecture. It’s a surprisingly lively place, and an evening walk through its compact center is a nice way to wind down before settling in for the night.

Kid-approved tip: Pack a small ball or frisbee—cathedral greens and seaside lawns make for the perfect impromptu play stops.

From Aberdeen, the road turns inland toward the heart of the Highlands. A stop at Elgin Cathedral provides a chance to explore another set of atmospheric ruins; kids will enjoy climbing around the grassy spaces while adults take in the intricate stonework still standing after centuries.

Next, visit Culloden Battlefield, where the open moor and immersive visitor center bring the Jacobite history to life in a way that older children may find especially engaging. Just outside of town, Clava Cairns introduces families to prehistoric standing stones and burial mounds. This is a magical spot where even young kids can safely explore. If you’re an Outlander fan, the standing stones are an added bonus!

Arriving in Inverness by evening, you’ll find a compact, walkable city that makes it easy to take a short stroll before dinner. For families, Inverness feels relaxed and manageable, with just enough bustle to be interesting without overwhelming little ones.

Heading south, the day begins with a stop at Loch Ness, where you can take a short boat cruise and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The castle’s grassy grounds and dramatic position on the water make it just as fun for children to explore as it is fascinating for adults to photograph. Even if the kids don’t care much about the legend of Nessie, the boat ride is always a hit.

The journey continues through scenic Highland roads, with chances to pause in small towns for snacks or a playground break. By the time you arrive back in Edinburgh, you’ll be ready to enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the Royal Mile, where cobblestones, street performers, and cozy shops give the city a magical feel. We found that breaking up the drive with frequent stops made the return to Edinburgh both fun and manageable for the kids.

Spend your final morning enjoying one last taste of Edinburgh. A visit to Edinburgh Castle is a great way to wrap up the trip if you didn’t make it there on your arrival day. The cannons, towers, and expansive courtyards always capture children’s imaginations, while parents appreciate the history and views over the city.

A short walk through Princes Street Gardens or along Victoria Street makes for the perfect send-off before heading to the airport. Our kids loved the bagpipers we passed on the way, which felt like the most Scottish farewell possible. With memories of castles, lochs, and Highland drives, you’ll leave Scotland with a trip that balances big sights and family-friendly fun.