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Planning a family trip to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire? The North-east of Scotland are packed with things to see and do together, whether your family loves getting outdoors, discovering new places, meeting wildlife or just exploring.
Discover 165 miles of coastline, sandy beaches and countryside, discover castles and historic sites, get hands-on in museums and attractions, or try something a little more adventurous. And when the Scottish weather does its thing, there are plenty of indoor options too.
From toddlers to teens, discover family-friendly places and experiences across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Beaches and coastal adventures
With miles of coastline to discover, a family beach day is an easy win. Build sandcastles, explore rock pools, paddle in the shallows or simply let the kids run free along the sand.
There’s a beach for every kind of family day out. Aberdeen Beach puts a long stretch of golden sand right on the doorstep of the city, while award-winning St Cyrus Beach offers sweeping sands, dunes and dramatic coastal scenery. For little ones who love a paddle, the sheltered sandy bay at Cullykhan Beach is a lovely spot to dip your toes in the water and explore the shore.
Fancy getting active? Head to Collieston Beach, where the sheltered waters make a great place to get out on a paddleboard and brush up on your skills. Or simply pick a stretch of coast, pack a picnic and see where the day takes you.
Keep your eyes peeled while you're exploring, from Greyhope Bay, you might spot bottlenose dolphins in the waters around Aberdeen, while Newburgh Beach is a great place to see seals resting in the estuary. Remember to enjoy wildlife from a respectful distance, follow local guidance and keep dogs on a lead where required.
With beaches, dunes, coastal paths and nature reserves to explore, the coastline is made for family adventures, and you never know what you might spot along the way.
Image: Pennan
Castles and history
Make history part of your next family day out, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are home to an impressive collection of castles, historic houses and ancient sites, each with its own stories to discover.
Step inside the storybook setting of Craigievar Castle, with its distinctive pink towers and turrets, or explore the grounds and gardens at Haddo House. Discover the dramatic clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched high above the North Sea, or spend a day exploring Fyvie Castle and Gardens, with its grand interiors, beautiful grounds and centuries of history.
At Crathes Castle, you can combine a dose of history with plenty of outdoor fun. Explore the castle and its beautiful gardens before letting the kids loose in the Wild Wood Adventure Play area, where they can climb, scramble and burn off some energy.
Further west, Balmoral Castle offers the chance to explore the historic royal estate in the heart of Royal Deeside, surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery.
Many historic attractions also run family activities, trails and events throughout the year, so check what's on before you visit and turn a castle visit into a full family adventure.
Image: Craigievar Castle
Museums, culture and rainy-day activities
A little Scottish weather doesn't have to put a stop to family plans. Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have plenty of museums, galleries and indoor attractions where you can learn, explore and have fun together and they're well worth a visit whatever the weather.
In Aberdeen, discover the city's creative side at Aberdeen Art Gallery, get a glimpse into the city's seafaring past at Aberdeen Maritime Museum, or get hands-on with science and technology at Aberdeen Science Centre, where curious minds can experiment, discover and play.
Take a journey through Scotland's transport history at Grampian Transport Museum, or discover the fascinating story of the Gordon Highlanders at the Gordon Highlanders Museum. When the weather does clear up, Hazlehead Park is another great option, with plenty of green space to explore and room for kids to burn off some energy.
Across Aberdeenshire, you'll find even more museums, visitor attractions and family-friendly places to discover.
Image: Aberdeen Science Centre
Outdoor adventures
If your family likes to get outside and get active, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are full of ways to make a day of it. From bike trails and adventure parks to woodland walks and storybook trails, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors together.
Get on two wheels at Tarland Trails, with purpose-built mountain bike trails through the beautiful Deeside countryside, or head to Aboyne Bike Park for trails and features designed for riders to develop their skills and have some fun along the way.
Fancy getting out on the water? Forvie Outdoors offers stand-up paddleboarding and sit-on-top kayak lessons and coastal tours around Collieston and Cruden Bay, with options for complete beginners as well as more experienced paddlers. It's a great way to see the coastline from a different perspective and suitable for a wide range of ages.
You can also bring stories to life at the Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Adventure Trail, where a walk through the countryside becomes an imaginative adventure, or head to Deeside Activity Park for a choice of outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to get stuck in.
Whether you're looking for your next family bike ride, a woodland adventure or something to get everyone's heart racing, you'll find plenty of ways to get active and explore together.
Image: Gonks of Gardenshillock
Family-friendly food and drink
A busy day of exploring calls for good food. Across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, you'll find plenty of family-friendly places to stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between.
Make a trip to Forest Farm for a relaxed family-friendly stop, or head to Barra Berries Farm Shop & Kitchen to enjoy local produce in a beautiful countryside setting. Marshalls Farm Shop is another great place to pick up something tasty, whether you're stopping for a bite or stocking up for a family picnic.
If you're exploring the coast, The Captain's Table in Fraserburgh is a great spot to enjoy freshly caught seafood after some fresh sea air.
From farm shops and cafés to restaurants and coastal eateries, there are plenty of places to recharge between family adventures. Keep an eye out for children's menus, outdoor seating and family-friendly facilities when planning your stops.
Image: Forest Farm
Family-friendly places to stay
Make more time for family adventures by staying a little longer. From cosy countryside escapes and luxury lodges to hotels with plenty of facilities, there are family-friendly places to stay right across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
For something a little different, settle into a countryside escape at Clochforbie Yurts, or enjoy the space and comfort of Dalriada Luxury Lodges. Boutique Farm Bothies offer a chance to slow down and experience rural Aberdeenshire, while Meldrum House combines a historic setting with comfortable accommodation and plenty of space to explore.
If you're looking for a hotel stay with facilities the whole family can enjoy, Hilton Aberdeen TECA offers access to a full-service spa and swimming pool, making it easy to relax after a busy day exploring.
Whether you fancy a night under canvas, a luxury lodge, a countryside retreat or a hotel with family-friendly facilities, find a place to stay that makes your Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire adventure even better.
Check individual listings for family room options, facilities, age restrictions and any other requirements before booking.
Image credit: Boutique Farm Bothies
Family Friendly Itineraries
Duration: 48 hours
- City
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- Arts & Culture
A flavour-led escape
Duration: 24 hours
- Countryside
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- Family Friendly
A Family Day Out
Duration: 48-72 hours
- Countryside
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- Family Friendly
The signature farm shop experience
Duration: 48 hours
- Countryside
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- Arts & Culture
Castles, Countryside, and a Taste of Royal Life
Family Friendly Stories & Inspiration
Whether you’re mapping out a weekend break or dreaming up a longer stay, our stories bring the region to life. Explore blogs packed with tips, itineraries and inspiration to shape your perfect trip.
- Arts & Culture
Autumn culture in the North-east
Post Date: 27 Aug 2026
As summer fades and the North-east settles into autumn, the region's cultural calendar doesn't wind down - it shifts gear.
Autumn coastal walks and beaches in Aberdeenshire
The Aberdeenshire coast stretches for over 200 kilometres, from the Banffshire fishing villages of the north to the red sandstone cliffs of the Mearns in the south. In summer it draws visitors in their thousands. In autumn, it belongs to those who know.
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Discover the filming locations of Granite Harbour
If you've been watching Granite Harbour on BBC Scotland, you'll already know that Aberdeen is as much a character in the drama as Lindo and Bart. The Granite City's streets, squares, harbourside pubs and historic landmarks are woven through every episode
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Why September is perfect for a slower-paced break in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
There's a reason seasoned travellers return to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in September. The summer rush has passed, the landscapes are turning golden and the region’s castles, museums, galleries and historic towns can be explored at a pace that lets you take it all in.
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Family Friendly Events
Start Date
End Date
- Family Friendly
Curious About Aberdeen: Quirky Heritage Walks For the Curious - Marischal Square
Date(s): 9 Sept 2026 - 27 Mar 2027
- Family Friendly
Family Fun: Loose Parts Play - Aberdeen Art Gallery
Date(s): 7 Oct 2026 - 3 Mar 2027
- Family Friendly
Goldilocks and the Three Bears - His Majesty's Theatre
Date(s): 28 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027
Family Friendly Offers
- City
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- Family Friendly
10% off Pittodrie Stadium Tours
- City
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- Family Friendly
Family Offer - The Aberdeen Altens Hotel
- City
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- Family Friendly
Family Offer - The Aberdeen Dyce Hotel
Family Friendly Businesses
- Countryside
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- Family Friendly
The Grassic Gibbon Centre
- Countryside
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- Outdoors & Adventure
Kincardine Fishing Beat
- City
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- Family Friendly
Granite Adventures
- Coast
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- Family Friendly
Starfish Studio
- City
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- Outdoors & Adventure
Adventure Aberdeen
- Countryside
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- Family Friendly
Waulkmill Menagerie
- Coast
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- Family Friendly
Moo & Me Time
- City
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- Arts & Culture
Aberdeen Arts Centre
- Coast
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- Arts & Culture
The Smiddy
Frequently asked questions
- What can we do with kids when it rains?
Discover museums, galleries, science centres, indoor attractions and family activities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Many are great for a rainy day but worth visiting whatever the weather.
- Are there family-friendly beaches?
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have plenty of beaches to explore that are all family-friendly. Check local guidance before swimming or paddling.
- What can families do for free?
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the region without spending a lot, including exploring beaches, walking trails, parks, countryside and coastal areas. Visit our "free things to do" section
- Are there activities for teenagers?
Families with older children can try cycling, watersports, adventure activities, wildlife experiences and other more active things to do.
- Where can we find family-friendly events?
Family-friendly events take place throughout the year, including during school holidays. Check our What's On listings to see what's happening during your visit.
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