Family-friendly activities and places to visit in Aberdeenshire & City
Do you ever find yourself struggling for ideas when you’re trying to plan a fun day out with the family? It can sometimes be tricky to think of something that will be good for everyone. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the best things to do in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with the family.
1. Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Stuck with a rainy day but still want to feel as though you’re out in nature? The Duthie Park Winter Gardens are a perfect choice.
2. The Fairy Woods at Fedderate
At the Fairy Woods at Fedderate children have the chance to take part in fun activities such as orienteering, pond dipping and fairy finding. Their tagline is “outdoor learning with a little bit of magic”, which sums it up perfectly! A great way for children to try something new in such a fun environment. At the end of your experience, enjoy a cosy mug of hot chocolate and a delicious fairy cake by the fire.
They cater to all ages and run no matter the weather. Make sure to book your visit to the Fairy Woods soon!
3. Drum Castle
Did you know Aberdeenshire is known as Scotland’s castle county? There’s actually a castle trail you can follow through the county. Drum Castle in Banchory is home to one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses. On your visit, you can take a tour of the medieval halls or take a walk through the Old Wood of Drum.
4. Aberdeen Art Gallery
Following a complete renovation, the Aberdeen Art Gallery is open to visitors once more. Within the gallery, you’ll find collections dedicated to fine art, archaeology, maritime history and much more.
5. Johnston Gardens
The landscape of Johnston Gardens changes with the seasons, but you’ll always be greeted by a rainbow of flowers, dotted amongst streams, waterfalls and beautiful rockeries. The focal point is this striking blue bridge in the centre - it’s a great place to take pictures!
6. Strawberry Picking at Middleton Farm in Potterton
At Middleton Farm you can pick your own strawberries, and also pick up a few other bits of produce from the farm shop!
7. Haddo House & Country Park
Haddo House is an elegant Victorian stately home surrounded by a terraced garden and rolling country lawns that are perfect to run around wild in! There’s also a tearoom you can visit once you’re done exploring.
8. Burn o’ Vat
Fancy a bit of a hike? Take a scenic walk to Burn o’ Vat.
There’s a clear path leading up to the Vat, but make sure to take care when moving over the rocks, particularly when the water level is high.
Feeling hungry?
SYMPOSIUM coffee house have several family-friendly locations across the northeast of Scotland. Enjoy a hot chocolate and a yummy homebake to help you relax after a busy day exploring. Or why not stop by for lunch with the family?
Visit the SYMPOSIUM coffee house website for opening times and locations. You can even click & collect your order to takeaway if you want to pack it as a picnic for your adventures!
Related reading: Why I Support Symposium Coffee
9. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Located on the historic Shiprow, with a unique viewpoint over the bustling harbour, the museum covers the history of Aberdeen’s port and fishing industry. There are also displays related to the North Sea oil & gas industry.
10. Linn of Quoich
A peaceful afternoon awaits visitors to the Linn of Quoich in Upper Deeside, where you can find the curious “punching bowl” and a tumbling waterfall amongst the trees.
11. The Beach!
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches in the northeast of Scotland. Here are a few options:
Ugie Beach
Aberdeen beach
Balmedie beach
Newburgh beach
Collieston beach
12. Aden Country Park
Aden Country Park is recognised as one of Aberdeenshire’s best green spaces. There is plenty to do within the park’s 230 acres including several walking trails, a visitors centre, sensory gardens, an outdoor gym and a children’s play area.
13. Fyvie Castle
Another stunning Aberdeenshire castle. I just love the beautiful pink colour! You can take a tour inside, or take a stroll through the castle gardens.
14. River Don Path
There are plenty of walks around Aberdeen that give you the chance to escape from the business of the city. There’s a path that runs right along the banks of the River Don - just make sure to bring the welly boots!
15. Formartines
Formartines is worth visiting if you’re visiting Haddo House or any castles in the area. There’s a play park for the kids, a food hall and a cafe as well as several walking routes within the estate.
16. Cairnbulg Harbour
A visit to the many small fishing villages along the northeast coast makes for a great day out. In Cairnbulg, you can visit the wreck of the Sovereign ship.
17. Easter Anguston Farm
There’s so much to do at Easter Anguston Farm in Peterculter. Children can go fruit picking, visit the play areas or go on a walk where they get stickers when they spot the different animals on the farm.
18. Tyrebagger Wood
The paths in Tyrebagger Wood are perfect for cycling. Follow one of the well-marked trails or make your own way around:
The Beech Tree Trail
The Robbers’ Trail
Visit this website for more information.
19. Charleton Fruit Farm
Pay a visit to the cafe at the Charleton fruit farm where you can enjoy sweet treats such as homemade brownies topped with freshly picked fruit. Afterwards, children can enjoy some time outdoors in the play park where they have trampolines, go-karts, summer houses and lots more.
They also have a pumpkin patch, which is perfect since October is fast approaching!
20. Stonehaven Harbour
The harbour is mainly used for recreational fishing nowadays, but is a gorgeous backdrop for a coastal walk. Stop to admire the small fishing boats, or search for fish among the tide pools along the beach.
21. Limited Edition Photoshoots!!
Here at Kingshill Studios, we do fun ‘extra’ photoshoots throughout the year. Very shortly we will be doing our Superhero Sessions and our Limited Edition Christmas Sessions. Information on both of these can be found here.
Things to do in Aberdeenshire with the Family
No matter the weather, there is plenty to do in northeast Scotland with the whole family. We hope this article has given you some new ideas to add to your list! Are there any more places you think should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Special shout out to the Kingshill Studios family on Facebook for these amazing photos!
