Days out with the kids in Ayrshire and Arran
Days out with the kids have never been easier! Get outdoors, enjoy some crisp fresh air and burn off some energy. Family holidays create some of the fondest memories we have from our childhoods, adventures big and small can be found in all corners of Ayrshire and Arran. Here we have pulled together some of Arran and Ayrshire’s best family-friendly attractions and activities, whatever the weather!
Travel back in time
Museums are an awesome choice for the odd days when the weather isn’t being kind. Visit the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine for a fun-packed day discovering Scotland’s importance to maritime history and about the people that built and sailed Scottish ships around the world.
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s national Bard at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, the village in which Burns was born. The museum holds fascinating collections about the early years of Burn’s life. There is a great café that serves delicious home made food too! Nearby, you will find the beautiful Burns Monument and Memorial Gardens.
Nature is calling
Venture outdoors to Ayrshire’s country parks and inspire the kids to love nature with some great days out and fun activities. Nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock, Dean Castle Country Park has some beautiful woodland walks and you can spot wildlife along the way. A fantastic free day out for all the family.
Kelburn Castle and Estate is home to the Secret Forest, a complex of woodland paths and raised walkways with surprises at every turn, including the Giant’s Castle and the Fairy Village. There’s also the Adventure Park, the Wild West Saloon, and the (indoor) Play-barn. Non-stop fun!
The beautiful Dumfries House Estate is open daily from dawn to dusk for woodland walks in magnificent surroundings. Visitors can explore the beautiful setting, river walks and the resident wildlife. Situated next to their cafe is a Woodland Adventure Playground which provides fun and adventure for kids of all ages! If you’re not feeling particularly active, you can relax with a cup of coffee as the young ones let off steam. Toddlers can also have a run around in the toddlers’ play area at the front of the Coach House Café.
Cool for kids
Ayrshire and Arran is full of very cool experiences that all the family will enjoy. Hit the artificial slopes at Newmilns Snow and Sport Complex. At affordable prices you can take a taster session, or improve your skills with tuition for skiing or snowboarding. If that doesn’t appeal, then prepare for major amounts of fun with some big slope tubing!
The universe is full of magical things, and Fullarton Fairy Trail is one of them. A brilliant woodland walk with fairy houses and woodland carvings to see along the way. There’s a small play park too. Be sure to make a stop to see the tiny world where the fairies live in the Fullarton Woods near Troon.
Clydesdale heavy horses are the gentle giants of the horse world. Blackstone Farm is a VisitScotland five star visitor attraction situated in Cumnock, East Ayrshire. Here you can enjoy a two hour ‘family time’ experience, meet the farm animals including two of the heavy horses and even have a go on a digger! Riders and non-riders are welcome to spend some time on the farm with these rare and beautiful horses.
Island Adventures
Lamlash on the Isle of Arran is the place to be for island adventures. Visit COAST: Marine Discovery Centre to learn about the island’s marine biodiversity and the conservation efforts that are taking place in the Clyde. Entry to the centre is free!
There is also a 24/7 tennis court with a sea view available on a pay-per-play basis. The Lochranza Centre provides a full range of outdoor activities and of course there are endless beautiful beaches for the perfect family day out. Try Blackwaterfoot Beach, Kildonan Beach or Whiting Bay Beach
Cumbrae is just a short 10 minute ferry ride from the seaside town of Largs. Cumbrae is the most perfect destination for a family day out. Leave the car in Largs and head to Millport where you can hire bikes for a fun-packed day exploring this small yet beautiful Scottish island. Don’t forget to say hello to the resident crocodile!
Adventures for the whole clan
If picking from a range of activities for an adrenalin-filled trip is for you and your family, then choose from Adventure Carrick‘s long list of adventurous experiences. Whether journeying on foot, canoe, SUP or bike, Adventure Carrick aim to balance adventuring whilst caring for the natural environment.
Also try Sea Clyde who provide scenery and wildlife tours in and around the Firth of Clyde from Largs Yacht Haven, Primal Adventures who deliver thrilling outdoor wilderness experiences or take a Segway tour with Arran Adventure.
Looking for more adventures?
The Coig’s five routes offer unforgettable experiences around the Clyde Coast and Islands – take a look and plan your next adventure along The Shire, The Shiel, The Arran, The Bute or The Cumbrae!
Be sure to download The Coig app to discover the best of Ayrshire and the Firth of Clyde on-the-go, and join the adventure with #TheCoig on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Check out the VisitScotland website for even more info on all the amazing adventures you can have during your time in Ayrshire and on the isle of Arran!
