Scotland Family Tours
4.6 stars on(9,492 reviews)- Choose from 200+ Scotland tours
- 4,600+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Scotland family vacation packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Majestic Scotland
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
- 4-Day Scottish Castles Experience Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - from Edinburgh
- Country Roads of Scotland - Premium (Small Group)
- Wild Scotland and Isle of Skye (Small Group)
- Spectacular Scotland
- Scottish Daytripper - 6 Days/ 5 Nights (from Glasgow to Edinburgh)
- Country Roads of Scotland (Classic)
Majestic Scotland
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very knowledgeable about all facts on history of Scotland. Would highly recommend this tour.”
Stephen, traveled in September
Glasgow's Winter Gardens, Loch Ness Monster hunting, and Edinburgh Castle await families on this Scottish adventure. Children 5+ welcome, with stays at Ibis City Centre and Holiday Inn. A scenic ferry ride to Isle of Skye included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Grantown-on-Spey, Isle of Skye, Pitlochry, St Andrews, Edinburgh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $2,675
10% Off- NZ$2,408You save $268
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
79 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nice customer service with prompt reply for the inquiries.”
Jasmine, traveled in March
Highland adventures starting at approx. £90 per day, ideal for ages 5+. Visit kid-friendly attractions like Loch Ness and seal-watching spots near castles. Family rooms available in Portree accommodations, with flexible pace and regular breaks at Highland villages.
Duration 3 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, LagganSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Timberbush Tours From
10% Off- NZ$549
4-Day Scottish Castles Experience Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The overall experience was great! Jim Divine, the tour van driver, was a knowledgeable tour guide, with a fun sense of humor.”
CYNTHIA, traveled in September
Fairy-tale castles enchant families with children over 5, including Crathes Castle's pink turrets and Blair Castle's 9-acre gardens. Visit Falkland Palace's historic tennis court and enjoy easy walks at Culloden Battlefield, with comfortable B&B stays throughout.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Falkland, St Andrews, Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Crathes, Elgin, Culloden, Forres, AberlourSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From $1,732
15% Off- NZ$1,472You save $260
Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“my tour of Scotland in June/July 2024 was a wonderful experience made all the more fun and informative.”
Fred, traveled in June
Tales of Scotland come alive for families with children 5+, from Loch Ness adventures to Harry Potter's Glenfinnan Viaduct and medieval castles. Edinburgh Castle and traditional Highland entertainment create lasting memories. Costs approx. $440 per day.
Duration 13 days Destinations Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose, Glamis, Dundee, Culloden, Inverness, Loch Ness, Thurso, Orkney IslandsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $8,695
10% Off- NZ$7,826You save $870
Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - from Edinburgh
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Visited great sites. Absolutely worth its money.”
Manon, traveled in December
Urquhart Castle ruins, Nessie-spotting on Loch Ness, and ancient Clava Cairns captivate families with kids 5+. Gentle walks through Glencoe and The Hermitage keep young adventurers engaged, while comfortable coach travel ensures relaxed sightseeing.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Aviemore, DalwhinnieSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Timberbush Tours From
10% Off- NZ$323
The Scottish countryside welcomes families with kids 5+, featuring monster-hunting at Loch Ness and ancient Skara Brae village tours. Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness hosts families between ranger-led walks in Glencoe Valley and other easy-paced activities across 10 Scottish cities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Brendan Vacations From
10% Off- NZ$9,404
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dornoch, Culloden, Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Brendan Vacations From
10% Off- NZ$16,742
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Perth, Culloden, Dornoch, Loch Ness, Oban, Isle of Mull, Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Luxury Gold From
10% Off- NZ$13,075
Duration 6 days Destinations Glasgow, Isle of Arran, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Edinburgh Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
10% Off- NZ$3,858
Country Roads of Scotland (Classic)
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Seamless travel with all details managed perfectly. Well done!!!”
RamonaValadka, traveled in September
Scotland's castles, lochs, and legends come alive on this family tour. The Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle, Nessie-spotting at Loch Ness, and the ancient Skara Brae village await. Comfortable stays at the Kingsmills Hotel and Holiday Inn Glasgow.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Blair Atholl, Fife, Culloden, Loch Ness, Thurso, Wick, Orkney Islands, Skara BraeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations From $7,119
10% Off- NZ$6,434You save $685
Reviews of Scotland Family Tours
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
Excellent tour, our tour guide Martin was great and very informative. My only gripe is that we could've left an hour earlier so that we had more time in Edinburgh especially for those people who had to return to Glasgow!
Great tour.... only wish it was longer !!!
3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
- Scottish Dream - 8 Days/7 Nights
“Scottish Dreams” CIE (Bus) Tour My wife and I recently took a CIE bus tour titled “Scottish Dreams” – a nine day tour that began in Glasgow and ended in Edinburgh, with four nights in hotels in the Highlands. Although we are fairly seasoned (international) travelers, this was my first full-blown bus tour. My wife and I typically travel in our own, choosing our own hotels, lengths of stays in each city, and modes of transportation. But Scotland provided a challenge for us because of the proportional amount of time that we wanted to spend in the Highlands and because of my very strong desire to get to the Isle of Skye. So we decided to give the bus-tour route a try, and we could not have been more pleased. Apparently, CIE is viewed as the best (bus) tour operator in Scotland, largely because the company operates only in Ireland and the UK (unlike competitors such as Globus and Trafalgar, which operate in many countries in various parts of the world). Our tour director, Becky, was very knowledgeable, polite, courteous, and amazingly accessible. She was always willing to be of assistance to us, and to answer any questions we had about Scotland, the EU, the places we visited, etc. (In fact, my wife felt a little sorry for Becky, at times, because of the many questions I posed to Becky during the nine-day period.) Our bus driver, Raymond, was also very courteous and was an extremely competent driver who faced some challenges on the roads (especially in the Highlands) and handled each admirably. The itinerary for the Scottish Dreams tour was ideal for our purposes. Following a very brief stay in Glasgow, we made our way north with our first stop being a cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond. That was followed by a brief visit to the town of Inverary and its castle. We then crossed into the Highlands proper and spent our next night in the town of Ballachulish around Loch Leven. The following day we passed through Glencoe and Fort William to the spectacular view at Glenfinnan. We then crossed the ferry to the Isle of Skye before returning back to the Scottish mainland. Continuing on in the Highlands, we then viewed Eilian Donan Castle and Loch Ness on our way to Nairn (at the Firth of Moray) where we spent the next evening. The following day, we visited various sites, including the town of Pitlochry (where we spent two nights), Blair Castle, and the Blair Athol Distillery. The next day, we visited Glamis Castle and St. Andrews, before making our way to Edinburgh, a wonderful city where we could easily have spent a week. The pace of the tour seemed well suited, despite our feeling a little hectic during the first few days. But we were very pleased with being able to see so much (in a meaningful way) in such a short time. I wish that we had more time to spend in St. Andrews, and we were very happy that we extended our stay in Edinburgh by one day. On balance, we thought that the tour was a very good value. The hotel accommodations – especially in the Highlands – were very charming. The meals included were very good. But I think that what really made the whole tour work so smoothly was Becky’s efficiency and competency as a tour director. I cannot say enough positive things about her. Having had such a positive experience on my first bus tour in Europe, I would happily take one with CIE again. And I would strongly recommend anyone who is thinking about taking a bus tour of Scotland (or anywhere else in the UK) and/or the Republic of Ireland to consider CIE. If you are lucky, you might even get Becky as your tour director and Raymond as your driver. But even if you choose a different mode of travel, definitely visit Scotland – a beautiful country with very friendly people!
What our customers ask about Scotland Family Tours
What are the best family-friendly attractions and activities in Scotland?
Scotland's family attractions blend history and natural beauty in ways that engage visitors of all ages. Edinburgh Castle's exhibits let children explore Scotland's past through hands-on displays while the Highlands offer chances to see red deer and golden eagles in their natural habitat. The Isle of Skye provides easy walking trails with views of rock formations and waterfalls that children find fascinating. Boat tours on Loch Ness appeal to young imaginations as guides share tales of the famous monster. One TourRadar traveler noted "Chris was an excellent guide and the trip was very family-friendly. The kids loved visiting castles watching sheep dog demonstrations and exploring the beautiful beaches of Harris and Lewis." Families often enjoy seeing the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct taking photos at Eilean Donan Castle and attending Highland games in summer.
What's the recommended time of year for family travel in Scotland?
The summer season from June through August provides the most reliable conditions for family travel in Scotland. Days are longer with sunset as late as 10 PM giving extra time for outdoor activities. Edinburgh becomes especially active in August during the Festival and Military Tattoo. For quieter experiences with good weather the Isle of Skye is best in May or September. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We visited in July and had perfect weather for exploring the Highlands with kids plus we got to experience traditional Highland games."
How are accommodations arranged for families on Scotland tours?
Tour operators in Scotland work with properties that cater to family needs. Many hotels and B&Bs offer rooms designed for parents traveling with children. The Skye Inn in Portree has rooms that can fit families of four or five while the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry provides multi-room suites. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The B&Bs were excellent for our family - the hosts were so welcoming and breakfast was always delicious."
What types of accommodation options are available for families in Scotland?
Scotland's accommodation scene includes family-sized rooms across various property types. The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness offers dedicated family spaces while the Isles of Glencoe Hotel combines room comfort with pool access and outdoor areas. Local B&Bs like Oak Villa in Fort Augustus get positive feedback for their family focus. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The B&B was lovely and the hosts were fantastic it was way above our expectations with an amazing breakfast and perfect for our family stay."
What is the recommended age for children on Scotland family tours?
Tour operators in Scotland typically welcome children aged 5 and above on family trips. Some companies like CIE Tours set their minimum age at 8 years old. Properties such as the Skye Inn and Dalmore Guest House have proven track records with young guests. Activity restrictions may apply for certain experiences so reviewing detailed tour information before booking helps ensure a good fit for children's ages.
What educational opportunities are there for children on Scotland tours?
Scotland's landscapes and landmarks create natural classrooms. Children learn about medieval life in castles see the impact of history at sites like Culloden Battlefield and discover Scottish wildlife in protected areas. Local guides share stories that make history accessible to young minds. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Our guide made Scottish history fascinating for the kids through exciting stories about clan battles and legends - they learned so much without realizing it."