Families and kids

Time spent outdoors with the kids is a joy in the Cairngorms National Park, thanks to nature-filled views and the fresh air that comes as standard in this region. And when you have little legs, adventures don’t have to be grand to be exciting: sometimes, a walk to the local playpark via a coffee shop is enough for one day. If that’s a little low octane for your liking, there’s a vast selection of more lively attractions and indoor and outdoor activities to choose from.

Family-friendly walks and cycles amid lochs, rivers and forests

The area’s most popular walks and bike rides for adults are often firm favourites of kids too. They’re accessible year-round (unless there’s heavy snow), cost nothing and are a great way to connect with nature. Every town and village has its own network of paths ready for exploration: simply pack a picnic and just-in-case waterproofs and head out.

Choose from a stroll through woodlands, a walk along riverside paths or an easy hill for a first hike. There are no fewer than nine nature reserves to discover and several waterfalls to wonder at.

Outdoor attractions and adventures

The National Park has tonnes of options for little (and big) adventurers. Local activity providers offer everything from archery to canyoning, and there are bike parks spread across the area for mountain bikers of every level. Drive a quad bike, go tubing down a mountain, try axe-throwing: there is something for everyone here.

• Family on old logging way Rachel Keenan

  

  
• Enjoying the outdoors Rachel Keenan

  

  
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Wildlife encounters

The National Park is a wildlife haven featuring bold inhabitants – it’s not unusual to spot a red squirrel darting around the forest, for example – and more elusive ones, such as beavers and wildcats. But as well as possible encounters in the wild, there are plenty of opportunities to get closer to wildlife in a managed environment. You can feed reindeer their lunch, launch a bird of prey from a gauntlet, take some alpaca for a walk, or giggle at playful monkeys in a wildlife park. It’s important we treat wildlife and their habitats respectfully to ensure future generations can enjoy them as much as we do now.

Winter activities

Winter in the Cairngorms brings snowsports to the fore, with Glenshee Ski Centre, The Lecht and Cairngorm Mountain offering slopes for all abilities of skiers and boarders, plus sledging fun.

History brought to life

With interactive exhibitions and huge - but enclosed! - grounds to roam, a visit to an ancient castle with your little kings, queens and knights is a great way to pass a day.