Top 10 Family Days Out In Aberdeen
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Image © Unsplash.
After spending a lot of time cooped up at home, there is nothing more exciting than planning a great family trip.
If you're struggling to find any ideas for kids activities in Aberdeen, look no further than our handy guide. Or perhaps you are taking a staycation to Scotland - either way, we have all the information you might need.
Looking for some great things to see and do around the city centre, along the coast and in the countryside? This definitive list will show you some great attractions and fun activities that you can find near you.
Whether you're a culture vulture or an adventure seeker, we have you covered for ten of the best places around Aberdeen for a fun day out with the kids.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Image © Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
Location: Shiprow, Aberdeen.
A great place to visit for some educational activities, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum harbours exhibitions all about Scotland's long history with the sea. Covering everything from shipbuilding methods to giving insight into the oil industry, this location's unique displays and fun quizzes gives you lots to find out about Aberdeen's aquatic heritage.
COVID-19 Precautions: Visitors may be required to wear a mask indoors.
Food: The Aberdeen Maritime Cafe is located inside the museum.
Facilities: Toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
Parking: There is all-day parking available nearby.
Prices: Free!
The Tolbooth Museum
Image © Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
Location: Castle Street, Aberdeen.
The Tolbooth Museum is a great place to visit if you're looking for some different things to do with kids in Aberdeen. This 17th-century gaol is one of the oldest attractions in Aberdeen. The exhibitions here offer historic information about the jail and takes visitors through a timeline of the development of crime and punishment.
COVID-19 Precautions: At this time the museum is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Keep an eye out on their website to see when they plan to reopen.
Food: There are no food vendors on site.
Facilities: There are no toilets or baby changing facilities available.
Parking: There is pay and display parking available near the museum.
Prices: Admission is free!
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Location: Schoolhill, Aberdeen.
After a huge £30 million renovation the Aberdeen Art Gallery is back with a boom. With state of the art attractions like brand new gallery spaces, improved accessibility and a rooftop terrace with an incredible view of the city this location is a must-see.
Introduce your children to the world of fine art in a way that they will enjoy and understand with a day out at the best gallery in Aberdeen.
COVID-19 Precautions: The Aberdeen Art Gallery is not currently open, however, it plans to reopen towards the end of August, so keep an eye out for updates!
Food: There is a cafe located inside the museum.
Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.
Parking: There are plenty of places to park near the gallery.
Prices: Admission is free!
University Of Aberdeen Zoology Museum
Image © Aberdeen Zoology Museum.
Location: Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen.
This museum is small but mighty, attractions include taxidermy models, skeletons and fluid-preserved specimens there are so many creatures to see and learn about here. From tiny butterflies to great whales, any animal lover will have a great time at this location.
COVID-19 Precautions: This museum is currently closed, however, they are working hard to reopen safely soon. In the meantime, why not visit their online exhibitions? Many of their resources are currently available to see on their website, it's just a click away.
Food: There are no food vendors at this location.
Facilities: There are toilets available in the building.
Parking: Car parking on site is restricted to staff however you can find some places to park in the pay and display areas near the premises.
Prices: Admission is free!
Gordon Highlanders Museum
Location: St. Luke's, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen.
This museum is a monument to the famous Gordon Highlanders, one of the strongest regiments in the British Army. The different exhibitions cover a 200-year history of these soldiers with interactive maps, life-size models, original film footage and much more. The Gordon Highlanders Museum is also home to a lovely walled garden that makes for a nice afternoon stroll.
COVID-19 Precautions: Unfortunately the museum is currently closed however they are working on reopening safely soon.
Food: There is a tearoom inside the museum.
Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.
Parking: There is free parking on the grounds.
Prices: Child ticket £4.28. Adult ticket £7.60, see website for family deals.
Kirkhill Forest & Tyrebagger Wood
Image © David Connolly on TrailForks.com.
Location: Dyce, Aberdeen.
Follow the Tappie Tower Trail to immerse yourself in nature. Kirkhill Forest has amazing woodland scenery as well as a great picnic area, so be sure to pack some lunch for your hike.
The trail is mostly flat and wide so children can easily tackle the trail. This forest allows dogs too so bring along the furry friends for more fun.
COVID-19 Precautions: Please be mindful of social distancing.
Food: There are no food vendors at this location.
Facilities: There are no toilets available.
Parking: There is free parking on the grounds.
Prices: Free!
Johnston Gardens
Location: Viewfield Road, Springfield, Aberdeen.
This small public park has won the Britain in Bloom competition many times. This scenic location is one of the most peaceful places in the city, a great break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park is stunningly landscaped with features for all the family to enjoy such as waterfalls, a beautiful bridge and not to mention the many flowers that bloom during the summer.
COVID-19 Precautions: Please be mindful of social distancing during your visit.
Food: There are no food vendors at this location.
Facilities: There are public toilets available here.
Parking: Car parking is available near the park on Viewfield Road.
Prices: Free!
Wynford Farm Park
Image © Wynford Farm Park.
Location: Wynford Farm, Kingsford, Aberdeen.
Meet the adorable animals, from piglets to turtles there are so many new friends to see. When you're finished on the farm then you can take a walk through the Enchanted Forest.
You can find over 3,000 mixed trees, minibeast monsters in the bug hotels and make sure to keep an eye out for any magical creatures in the fairy village!
COVID-19 Precautions: Please book your tickets to the park online to ensure that social distancing guidelines can be followed.
Food: There is a cafe on site.
Facilities: There are toilets and baby changing facilities available.
Parking: There is parking available on the grounds.
Prices: Child ticket £8.95. Adult ticket £7.45.
Duthie Park And Winter Gardens
Location: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen.
Visit one of the biggest and best indoor plant collections in Scotland for some botanical beauty. With lots of open space, a great play area for kids and many koi ponds, spending some time here will be a day well spent.
The horticultural themes range from Japanese gardens to desert cacti, the huge range of plants will delight children and adults alike as you take in the beautiful nature.
COVID-19 Precautions: Visitors are required to wear a mask while indoors.
Food: There are no food vendors at this location.
Facilities: There are toilets accessible onsite.
Parking: There is a paying parking area onsite.
Prices: Admission is free!
Balmedie Beach
Image © Days Out Scotland.
Location: Balmedie Country Park, Aberdeen.
Balmedie Beach is a long flat strand with 23 kilometres of gorgeous sand dunes, the fifth largest sand dune in the UK. It is the perfect place for a seaside picnic with the family, scenic views, low tides and an interesting history.
During World War II Balmedie Beach was used as a "bomb cemetery", any unused bombs were detonated on this beach.
COVID-19 Precautions: Please be mindful of social distancing during your visit.
Food: There are no food vendors on site.
Facilities: There are toilets available on the grounds.
Parking: There is free parking around the beach.
Prices: Free!
Main image credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Shutterstock.com
Scotland Aberdeen Aberdeen City United Kingdom Aberdeenshire
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Bachelor's degree specializing in Art
Megan WynneBachelor's degree specializing in Art
Dublin resident Megan is a lover of all things artistic. She's currently pursuing a degree in Art and enjoys experimenting with photography and painting. When she's not in the darkroom or the studio, you can find her enjoying the newest films at the cinema. She also loves spending quality time with her two younger sisters and discovering new things to do in the city.
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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
