The summer is a great time for exploring Scotland by campervan or motorhome. Make sure the kids have something to entertain them. We pick some of the best places to go in central and southern Scotland.
At the centre
The Kelpies. Pic credit: Beninjam200
Enjoy lots of activities at The Helix including a splash zone or book in for an outdoor theatre evening performance of Roald Dahl’s famous tale Danny the Champion of the World on July 20.
Experience a day out on the tracks with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends at Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway on July 30 and 31.
Journey back to the 1820s at the free Back in Time event at New Lanark Heritage Site on July 17, where period costume, dancing, storytelling, games, food and craft demonstrations will take place.
Gourock swimming pool. Pic credit: Dave Souza
Take a dip in the salt water of the Gourock Outdoor Pool. There’s a children’s pool, diving boards and the water is heated to a comfortable 29C.
Walk to the waterfall, spot red squirrels from the squirrel hide or fly across the forest canopy on one of the UK’s longest zip wires at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, east of Loch Lomond in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Falkirk Wheel. Pic credit Sean Mack
Explore canal paths on a Segway, wander the canal basin in a buoyant water walker, hire an electric boat or try a canoe at the Falkirk Wheel.
There’s mountain biking routes for all at the 7 stanes network across southern Scotland.
Do you think you have got what it takes to lead an army on the battlefield? Put your medieval military tactics to the test at the interactive 3D Battle Game at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre.
From August 19 to 21 there’s festival fun at Doune the Rabbit Hole, near Stirling.
Head west
Go kayaking with Arran Adventure and paddle around the coast of this beautiful island.
Meet Zara, Scotland’s only “zorse” – that’s half-horse, half-zebra – at the Arran Family Fun Park and the Balmichael Centre.
Feed the animals, fly down an astroslide or row around the boating pond at Mabie Farm Park at Mabie, near Dumfries.
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre has lots for nature loving families to do.
Go east
Try cable wakeboarding at Foxlake Adventures or challenge yourself on the water ropes course. There is fun for all ages and abilities.
Soak up culture in the capital and experience events taking place during the Edinburgh Festivals across the summer.