Top 10 Family Days Out!

It’s a digital world for a new generation and our biggest challenge as 21st century parents appears to be finding a way to prise their eyes up from Pokemon and out to the world beyond the couch.

Cross over into the countryside of Perthshire and you will find that challenge has all but been solved for you. Rolling hills, craggy canyons and rivers that run white with excitement will stimulate even the most hard-core of gamer. After all, what could possibly be better than starring in your own fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled adventure complete with special tools, kick-ass costumes and the slightly heightened risk of a bruised shin?

Perthshire is home to plenty of activities and days out to satisfy all the generations of a family, leaving big smiles on their faces, and making memories to last a lifetime. In no particular order, here's our pick of the Top 10 Family Days Out!

Active Kids – Stanley

There’s tons for your kids to do here, in any weather! They can enjoy scaling the climbing frames, flying down the slides or bouncing gleefully on the trampolines, burning energy to their hearts content. There’s a brand new pirate ship to explore, crazy golf, go-karts, a straw mountain to climb, and the giant ‘jelly bellies’ to jump on. You can let them unleash their inner farmer, with the push tractor and mini diggers, or meet the friendly farm animals. There’s also a computerised games screen with educational games to keep the kids entertained. The outdoor adventure park is open until 29th October and the indoor soft play area remains open until Christmas time and is perfect when the weather outside isn’t playing ball! Once you’re all tired out you can relax in the coffee shop.

Auchingarich Wildlife Park - Comrie

They have over 50 different species of animal, each with its own particular charm. While you explore  all that Auchingarrich has to offer the kids can learn more about the animals at designated feeding times and talks. The friendly staff are always happy to chat; Maxine and Karen the full time keepers have been in the park for a number of years, and have even hand reared orphaned babies, so there’s not much they don’t know about your new furry friends. As well as the all the animals to say hello to, there’s plenty of other activities from indoor play barns and soft play to mini golf. The last time we visited one little boy was enjoying what looked like a brilliant birthday party package, so I’m keeping it in mind for that too!

GALLERY

The Scottish Crannog Centre – Kenmore

Discover what life was like 2,500 years ago at the Scottish Crannog Centre, a unique reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling in the heart of beautiful Perthshire.  Fun, exciting, inspirational and informative, this award winning centre has something for everyone, from the youngest explorer to the serious knowledge seeker! The distinctive roundhouse sitting over stunning Loch Tay is one of the most recognisable sights in Perthshire, and draws on remarkable discoveries made by divers from the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology during their underwater excavations of Oakbank Crannog at nearby Fearnan. They’re celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2017 and have lots of special events happening, which you can keep an eye out for on their website.

Wee Adventures - Aberfeldy

Unplug from modern life and reconnect with nature!  Chose from activities like canoeing, biking, climbing, abseiling and much more besides.   There’s an incredible amount of family fun to be had with Wee Adventures, and you can't help but be inspired by their unique enthusiasm for all things outdoors. Kids can book in on an adventure club or you can arrange a private group or birthday party booking for a special day together. Biscuit, the man behind Wee Adventures in Aberfeldy had this to say: “Kids are basically sponges for adventure and are far more willing to take on the challenge of being outdoors than a lot of adults. Once they’re kitted out and they know what to do and how to keep themselves safe they can’t wait to get going. They want to be let loose, to be given the freedom of the wide open spaces and the chance to explore things they may not ordinarily get to do. It’s thrilling for them!”

Crieff Hydro - Crieff

Their in house activity centre, Action Glen, has plenty of activities just waiting for the kids to enjoy. With activities for all ages, including archery, horse-riding and crazy golf, you’re bound to find something to entertain you all. If exploring is your thing then you’re in luck; they own Scotland’s largest fleet of Segways, and have mountain bikes, quads and even ponies available to roam around the grounds safely at your own pace. There’s also the ‘Aloft!’ tree top rope course which is suitable for over 7’s and includes zip wires, tightropes, cargo nets and climbing walls (read about our team day out here>). Indoors back at the hotel there’s plenty of dodgy-weather friendly activities at ‘Big Tree Country’ including the soft play, and awesome food in The Hub café.

Loch Tay Safaris - Kenmore

Brand new in 2017 is this unique boat trip that brings the heritage and history of Loch Tay to life! The custom built boats will take you to almost inaccessible parts of the loch, with your guide talking you through local history and folklore. Visit Queen Sybilla’s Island and the Loch Tay Fault Line, and marvel at the abandoned village of Lawers. The modern custom-built boat is comfortable, fast and dry, allowing you to explore magnificent wildlife and nature in complete comfort. The trips are ideal for small private groups or family gatherings and can take up to 12 people comfortably. They’re run by Highland Safaris who have been operating land based trips for over 25 years, so they know a thing or two about making your experience memorable!

Nae Limits - Ballinluig

This is one of Scotland’s longest established activity centres (18 years!), people travel from far and wide but for us lucky ones in Perthshire, it’s right on our doorstep, just off the A9. Their location means they’re smack bang in the middle of some of our most dramatic landscape, which lends itself to a huge range of both land and water based action. There’s over 14 activities to choose from, from the classic white water rafting to canyoning and quad biking. If you fancy a day out with a difference just give them a ring and the friendly team will tailor make a day to suit you. Nae Limits also offers a children’s outdoor activity programme ‘The Wee Limits Adventure Academy’, during school holidays, which is open to “wee adventurers” aged 5-12.

Perth Leisure Pool – Perth

Perth Leisure Pool just five minutes outside of the centre has been one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions since it opened its doors in 1988.  Boasting a training pool, a health suite and a modern gym it offers hours of fun for families of all ages.   It offers plentiful parking, is just a minute’s walk from multiple bus routes and even has a crèche which provides a fun, stimulating and safe environment for your little ones to explore whilst you make use of the other facilities the pool has to offer.  Public swimming is available at various hours, and you can even make a day of it and head over to Dewars ice rink on one of their 'swim & skate' passes!

RSPB Loch Leven - Kinross

Enjoy some wild family fun this summer with RSPB Scotland.  Bring the kids to one of the three family-friendly reserves - Loch Leven, Lochwinnoch or Loch Garten - and enjoy a half-price family day to remember.  Bursting with wildlife, areas to explore and kids activities such as bug hunting (my personal fav as a kid!) and pond dipping as well as regular special events and picnic stations, these reserves are a great day out amongst nature for all.  In the summer there is a chance you could see ospreys on Loch Leven, and in the winter, thousands of pink-footed geese, swans and ducks make the reserve their home.  Find out more about RSPB Loch Leven in our article here>

Willowgate Activity Centre - Perth

The brand new Willowgate Activity centre nestles on the banks of the beautiful River Tay just 2 miles outside of Perth City centre and offers a host of exhilarating activities in the ultimate natural playground.  Get your recommended daily dose of fun whether it’s in the water or on dry land, they have got something to suit everyone!    You can try your hand at stand up paddleboarding, aqua zorbing or even go kayaking on their sports lake. They also have a range of brilliant summer family activity days and short courses on this year, see here>