7 Days in the Highlands for Kids

From Scottish wildcats to snow leopards, and from red squirrels to red pandas, you'll find an incredible mix of endangered species from all over the globe, as well as native species at the Highland Wildlife Park. It's home to wolves, lynx, beavers and wild horses; animals which at one time roamed Scotland's lands. Enjoy a safari experience as you drive round the main reserve. As you explore the rest of the park on foot, you might come face-to-face with an Amur tiger, see mighty polar bears, and watch Japanese macaques - also known as snow monkeys - during feeding times.

Let your imagination take you back to the time of the Jacobites as you enter Ruthven Barracks, located on a hilltop overlooking Kingussie. Now a ruin, Fort Ruthven was built by George II's forces in the early 1700s in response to the failed uprisings of 1715. In 1745, the barracks were defended by government soldiers when it was attacked by the Jacobites, but a year later, the soldiers were forced to surrender when a larger force of Jacobites carried out an assault. After the Battle of Culloden, 3,000 Jacobites rallied at the barracks only to find that Bonnie Prince Charlie had declared that the Jacobite cause was over.

See what life was like for the people of the Highlands from the 1700s up until the 1960s at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.

In Outlander the museum's replica 18th century Highland crofts are shown when Claire joins Dougal and his followers on their task to collect rent from the clan's tenants.

Budding naturalists will love RSPB Loch Garten. This reserve is home to breeding ospreys in the warmer months, whilst the capercaillie, Scotland's largest grouse and a rare species, can be seen displaying in spring. There are plenty of trails to follow with fantastic self-guided activities, such as quizzes and bark rubbing, as well as great things to do in the nature centre. The wide paths and short trails make it suitable for both walks and cycles with the kids.

You're in for an adventurous family day out at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, with three exciting water coasters, aerial tree top courses, Scotland's biggest dinosaur experience, the Dinosaur Kingdom, and much more to explore. The world's first bamboozeleum can be found here in the heart of the Cairngorms, filled with illusions and puzzles that will keep you and the wee ones entertained for hours. If you're looking for a more tranquil afternoon, follow along the Red Squirrel Trail - a peaceful wonder along woodland trails with the chance to see the elusive red squirrels up close. Don't miss out on the Tree Top Trail amongst the ancient forests here, with spectacular viewpoints looking out into the 10,000 year old forest from above.

Take a short walk through the woodlands of Carrbridge. There are three waymarked trails to choose from, the longest of which takes just over an hour. The woodlands are home to wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for the likes of timid red squirrels, as well as charming wooden carvings of forest creatures - Carrbridge is known for its annual chainsaw carving competition!

Get up close and make new friends! This herd of reindeer are pretty much left to their own devices, grazing on the sides of the Cairngorm mountains. Daily hill trips depart to visit the reindeer at 11am and, in the summer months, at 2.30pm, where you'll follow an experienced herder up the mountainside. Alternatively, you can see them at the paddocks and exhibition at Glenmore. The gentle deer can be hand-fed. Just wait until you feel their velvety-soft noses!

10 minutes from the centre of Aviemore in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, you'll find Loch Morlich Watersports. The centre offers equipment hire, lessons, activity days and a range of courses. Take part in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more.

On the River Ness lies the pretty Ness Islands, connected to the river banks by footbridges. The series of paths and bridges are great for a gentle walk, with pathways suitable for pushchairs. From Whin Park, you could also take the charming Ness Islands miniature railway. Twolittle locomotives, one named Chrissy and the other named Uncle John, ride along a ½ mile of track, with services running most weekends and during school holidays.

This centrally located family-friendly museum is free to visit. With lots of fascinating objects from the past and hands-on activities for kids, you can learn about the people of the Highlands, from the Picts to the Jacobites, and Gaelic cultures. Try on an 18th-century-style Highland dress, or play the Roman-era board game, Merels. In the summer holidays, there are also often special, fun-filled activities for children.

The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.

A great freshwater loch complete with a fantastic sandy beach, Loch Morlich is the perfect watersports destination. Families can learn to sail, windsurf, kayak or canoe with lessons provided by Loch Morlich Watersports. The loch and its beach lies within the Glenmore Forest Park, and from the Glenmore Visitor Centre, there are some marvellous woodland trails which weave through beautiful pine trees and alongside the water's edge. The Beach Trail has a wide, surfaced path which means it's great for buggies and wheelchairs.

On this spectacular Highland estate you can enjoy quad bike rides, clay target shooting, an aerial assault course, fishing, pony trekking, Segway trips, archery, hired bikes, and more. You can also get up close with Highland cows on a 'Hairy Coo Safari' and try fun river activities too, including river tubing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, gorge walking and gorge swimming. You can also canoe on Loch An Eilein, a place voted the UK's best picnic spot.

Loch Insh is a fantastic watersports destination. Get to grips with fun paddlesports such as kayaking, open canoeing, paddleboarding and rowing. Plus, there's windsurfing, raft building, sailing lessons and pedalo hire. Should you fancy exploring nearby forest trails, mountain bikes are available for hire, including electric bikes.

Located not far from Grantown-on-Spey, this activity provider operates a number of activities from their Speyside location and are able to accommodate groups of all ages and sizes. Brush up your wilderness survival skills as you try bushcraft or toss a caber as you experience a mini Highland games. Activities on land also include climbing and abseiling, mountain biking, pony trekking, mini quads, zip wire and high ropes. Practice your aim and try the fun golf-inspired activities of disc golf, or foot golf. You can also get on the water and try gorge walking, white-water rafting or canoeing.

Just an hour's drive from the Cairngorms National Park, Nairn is a relaxing and friendly seaside resort in the Scottish Highlands, blessed with three beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and two championship golf courses.

Brodie Castle is the ancient seat of Clan Brodie. Shakespeare seemed to really love the idea of Highland castles - Brodie Castle also has literary connections to the playwright's work and is said to be near the hill known as "Macbeth's Hillock" where Macbeth is said to have encountered the Weird Sisters. Inside, it is filled with countless antiques and lavish furnishings - you might be quite tempted to move in!

The charming fishing village of Findhorn has a lovely long beach, and seals can often be seen basking where the River Findhorn meets the sea. The village is best-known for the Findhorn Foundation, an eco-friendly, spiritual community. Have refreshments at the Phoenix Café in the eco-village, or the nearby Bakehouse Café. At the Findhorn Village Icehouse & Heritage Centre, explore the chambers of a 150-year-old ice house and discover the area's fishing heritage and more (check opening times before you go). The attraction is free to enter.

This medieval stronghold is a great place for the whole family, especially kids. Entry to the ruin is free, and it's a fantastic location for kids to let their imaginations run riot as they pretend to be fierce kings and warriors from a bygone era. 

Choo choo! Hop on board the Strathspey Railway for a steam train adventure. Whether your kids are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, or want to imagine that they are travelling with Harry, Ron and Hermione to Hogwarts, they are bound to be enchanted by a chance to ride the railroad tracks in a vintage locomotive. Trips run from Aviemore to Broomhill via Boat of Garten, with a return trip taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can experience dining on board, and on some days there are special themed events.

About 8 miles south of Aviemore lies Feshiebridge, an area of forest which makes up part of the Glenmore Forest Park. There are some lovely trails which follow the grassy banks of the River Feshie, perfect for stretching your legs and getting some fresh air. One of the walks you can follow is the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail, a gentle path lined with wooden carvings that explore Scottish culture. There are picnic benches too, should you want to enjoy an al fresco packed lunch watching the rushing waters of the River Feshie.