9 Family fun things to do in Scotland in September

September is the start of the autumn months in Scotland. This means beautiful changing colours in the leaves and trees, slightly chillier weather, plenty of warming coffees and hot chocolates, and the perfect landscapes for heading outdoors. Nothing beats the crunch of leaves underfoot, the morning dew on grass and plants, and the refreshing cool air as you take a wander around Scotland’s gardens, parks, forests, lochs and more. Everywhere from our bustling cities to our cosy countryside locations come to life with a changing colour palette – allowing you see Scotland in a different light.

One of the most popular activities to do in autumn is pumpkin picking. There are dozens of farms and estates across Scotland that grow a variety of pumpkins every year. Most of these farms also offer children’s activities, photo opportunities, fresh local produce, and homemade goods to buy too.

Although September is just the start of pumpkin season, you can still find a great range of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colours from mid-September onwards. Plus, it’s never too early to start the Halloween festivities with some pumpkin carving, is it?

From Balgone Estate in East Lothian and Arnprior Farm in Stirling, to Craigie’s Farm in South Queensferry and Loch Ness Pumpkins, you’ve got plenty of choice!

When: 6 September 2025

Kick off the month right with a deep dive into 200 years of culture and heritage at the Braemar Gathering. Held on the first Saturday of September each year at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, get ready for a day of parades, sporting spectacles, pipe bands, Highland dancing, track events and more.

If one isn’t enough, why not join in the cultural scenes at Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games (7 September) or Pitlochry Highland Games (13 September) too?

Delve into a new book, discover a new author, or take part in one of Scotland’s book festivals. Nairn Book and Arts Festival (30 August – 7 September) is a celebration of art, literature, music, and drama, set in the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. You can expect a unique and innovative programme of events, full of talks, readings, inspirational speakers, and Gaelic language events.

In Stirling, Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival, Bloody Scotland (12 - 14 September), is back for its 13th year and will see a variety of crime authors come together in this historic city. Enjoy walking tours, prize panels, talks, speakers and more across the weekend.

Don’t miss Tidelines Book Festival (25 – 28 September) in Ayrshire, a community-run festival that brings world-class literary authors to the area. Delve into a range of genres, from poetry and children’s fiction to travel, heritage and more.

Elsewhere, Wigtown Book Festival (26 September – 5 October) takes place in Scotland’s National Book Town and and is a 10-day literary celebration that sees over 13,000 visitors descend on the town.

Largs Viking Festival has been a staple in the events calendar since 1980! From 30 August – 7 September, immerse yourself in the living history Viking village, offering a unique insight into what life would have been like in the 13th century. Make sure to ask the friendly Vikings on hand about their beliefs, homes, crafts, ships, and their homeland to delve deeper into this fascinating period of history.

Get ready for a packed week of events, with a Viking parade, an entertainment stage with pipe bands, choirs, and Largs Music Club, a theatre with a range of performances, the Haakon Haakonsson Lecture, the Festival of Fire, and much more!

In Scotland you’ll find that our local produce grows throughout the seasons, and autumn is no stranger to the goodies that grow in our fields and farms. Head to Cairnie Fruit Farm to pick your own strawberries and sunflowers or visit the farm shop onsite for freshly picked fruit, delicious home baking, fresh bread, seasonal vegetables, free range eggs, a selection of chutneys, honeys, oils, and more.

Elsewhere on the farm, the kids will love the Funyard & Maze. The wee ones can get stuck into the huge range of activities on offer here, with go karts, trampolines, the barrel bug ride, flying fox and more. New for this year is the Mega Maze - 6 acres of maize stretching to a height of 8ft, featuring pathways and blind alleys to navigate your way through.

It’s not a trip to Scotland without sampling some of our delectable local produce, recipes, or homegrown food. Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival (6 – 7 September) takes place on the shores of the iconic Loch Lomond and is packed with food stalls, a cocktail bar, cooking demos, street food, fresh produce, and kids’ entertainers.

In Dumfries & Galloway, Stranraer Oyster Festival (12 – 14 September) celebrates Scotland’s last remaining wild and native oyster bed, with celebrity chef demos, live music, family fun, tasty food & drink, and a huge oyster bar with native oysters from Loch Ryan.

The Argyll Food Festival (27 – 28 September) is back for a third year and will be held at The Corran Halls in Oban. Get ready for a weekend of entertainment, family fun, food, and drink, with live music, brewing, foraging, cookery demonstrations and more.

Although we’re getting into autumn and undoubtedly the ‘cooler months’, September is often a great time of year to plan a getaway to enjoy the last of the summer sun. Whether you fancy a long weekend in one of our unique cities, a quiet stay in a coastal town, a hop across to one of our spectacular islands, or a return to one of your favourite haunts, September is the time to visit.

An ‘off-season’ month after the business of summer is over, you can expect a slower paced, more relaxed trip, coupled with mild temperatures and a slight breeze, you’ve got everything you need.

Get in touch with your cultural side at a folk festival in Scotland this September. Kelso Folk Festival (5 – 7 September) in the Scottish Borders will see a range of acts and performances take to the stage in various venues across the town. You can also enjoy children’s concerts, tune sessions, singarounds, open mic, and great hotel and pub food.

Ardersier Fork Festival (12 – 14 September) near Inverness is putting on a show, with an opening ceilidh dance, hosting family concerts and afternoon sessions, alongside singing workshops and more.

Head to ‘the best wee fest in the west’, Ceol Cholasa Music Festival (18 – 21 September) on the Isle of Colonsay for a toe-tapping time. A small island with a mighty line up of artists and bands performing across the weekend, you can enjoy a spot of island life alongside traditional Scottish music.