Scotland has tons for families to do – the toughest decision is choosing where to go and what to try. We give you a helping hand with some of the top 20 ideas across northern Scotland.

Aberdeenshire

Balmedie beach. Pic credit: Patrick Mackie

Balmedie beach. Pic credit: Patrick Mackie

Walk the beach when the tide is out, or watch the waves crashing in at Balmedie Beach. You can also roll down the big sand dunes.

Make a splash at Stonehaven Open Air Pool. You could join a family friendly imflatables session or simply enjoy swimming outdoors.

Visit some favourite nursery rhyme characters at the Den and the Glen at Marycutler or let the kids burn off some energy in the all-weather play area.

Argyll

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool. PIc credit: Walter Baxter

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool. PIc credit: Walter Baxter

Check out a SeaFari Adventures trip to the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool. The trips leave from Easdale, near Oban, on daily RIB trips.

Enjoy storybook magic and follow the Gruffalo Trail through Ardkinglas Woodland, near Loch Fyne.

Highlands

Scottish wildcat. Pic credit: Sylvia Duckworth

Scottish wildcat. Pic credit: Sylvia Duckworth

See snow leopards, Scottish wildcats, red pandas and even a polar bear at the Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, by Kingussie.

Enjoy the fun and thrills of family adventures at Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge.

Time travel hundreds of years back in time at the open air Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore and discover how early Highland people lived and worked.

Head to Loch Garten Osprey Centre at Abernethy to see breeding ospreys.

Try all kinds of outdoor activities at Rotheimurchus Estate, near Aviemore

Nevis Range. Pic credit: Calflier001

Nevis Range. Pic credit: Calflier001

Take the gondola up the Nevis Range and try some great outdoor activities, including whizzing down the ZoomTrax tubing slide (it’s free!). There are also summer Ceilidh Nights in the Snowgoose Restaurant on Thursday and Friday nights from July 28 to August 19.

Enjoy the buzz of Inverness Highland Games and Gala Weekend on July 16. As well as traditional attractions, there is also TruckFest, which is the north of Scotland’s biggest truck event.

Spot dolphins in coastal waters from the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay, near Fochabers.

Perthshire

Scottish Crannog Centre. PIc credit: John Phillips

Scottish Crannog Centre. PIc credit: John Phillips

Delve into history at the Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay.

Visit the Red Deer Centre or enjoy a wildlife safari with Highland Safaris near Aberfeldy. You can even pan for gold.

Fife and Angus

Camperdown Wildlife Centre, near Dundee, is a great place to head during Zoofest – Festival of Animals! taking place over the school summer holidays.

The Crail Festival, from July 20 to 30 July, has lots of fun on offer including crabbing competitions, ceramics and crafts workshops, fossil hunting, magic shows and a sandcastle building competition.

The islands

St Ninian's tombolo, Shetland. Pic credit: Stuart Wilding .

St Ninian’s tombolo, Shetland. Pic credit: Stuart Wilding

Visit the impressive sand tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland.

The Island of Mull is famous for wildlife, both on land and in the sea. Take a trip and see for yourself or join a wildlife tour.

Head to the Isle of Lewis for the Hebridean Celtic Festival from July 13 to 16.