National Parks Weeks kicks off on Monday (24^th July) and what better way to celebrate than spending time together with family and friends – and the dog!

National Parks Week (24^th – 30^th July) is the National Parks family’s annual celebration of everything that is unique and wonderful about the UK’s 15 National Parks – Britain’s breathing spaces.

This year it’s all about family fun and in the Cairngorms, the Park’s ranger services are putting on a colourful pick n’ mix of activities from hunting for mini beasts and wood carving to treasure hunts and making mud pies. And there is even a Top Dogs Day Out courtesy of The Highland Council Ranger Service, to make sure that the four-legged members of the family don’t feel left out!

With Forestry Commission Scotland at Glenmore you can play Tree Bingo and create wild art; Scottish Natural Heritage are having some watery fun at Burn O Vat in Deeside; The National Trust for Scotland’s team at Mar Lodge, Braemar are inviting you to try shelter building and roast marshmallows and at Atholl Estates it’s all about red squirrels.

The RSPB are hosting a day of conservation activities for all the family at Milton Loch, Boat of Garten as well as activities involving maps and music at Insh Marshes. Or why not enjoy a Heritage in Action Day at the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore where you can find out everything you wanted to know about traditional skills like spinning, weaving and basket making.

All the information needed to plan a busy week of family fun in the Cairngorms National Park to celebrate National Parks Week can be found on the National Parks UK website. And don’t forget to share your #NationalParksWeek moments on Twitter with @uknationalparks and @cairngormsnews.