UKC

Hi all,

We're thinking of going camping in the Aviemore area this weekend with our daughter who is a few months off turning 3. Can anyone recommend some good activities in the area? I've only ever gone climbing or skiing around there, which obviously won't be an option!

Reindeeer Centre at Glenmore.  But maybe worth a word of caution, reindeer aren't just as cuddly close up as they may appear on Xmas cards so may depend whether she's happy with calves or ponies.

The Highland Wildlife Park is great for kids of all ages, from about 1 to about 100

https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/

Thanks Bob, that sounds like a good idea. She has ridden (well, sat) on a friends horse before so hopefully would be not put off by them.

There are some nice short walks around Rothiemurchus Forest. Walkhighlands has good suggestions.

A trip on the funicular would work, or on the ordinary railway? Depending on weather, the "beach" on Loch Morlich has bucket and spade and sand castle potential! 

Oh, and Landmark is pretty good - if you have a spare arm and leg to spend:

https://www.landmarkpark.co.uk/

And at the free end of the price scale, this is a pleasant easy walk with stuff to look at:

http://www.frank-bruce.org.uk/

Thanks skog. The free end of the price range is definitely preferable, although Landmark does look good.

Trip on the Steam Train.  My kids loved it when they were that age, everyone waves as they go past.

Paddle on the shore at Loch Morlich and playing on the beach/in the trees.  We hired a rowing boat for half an hour (easily long enough for a toddler).

Highland Wildlife Park is a really good day out, as is the Newtonmore museum - most of it is outdoors with buildings you can go in, and an old fashioned sweetie shop.

There’s also the daft wee train thing near Grantown.

Have you got bikes and a kiddy seat?  Or could you hire some?  We did a nice loop a few years back along the Rothiemerchus (spelling?) trail then taking a left up a steep hill and looking back round along the national cycle network route.  Nice views, kids enjoyed wizzing along with a cafe stop on just before the steeper bit.

The Highland folk museum is excellent, and it certainly used to be free too (dunno if it still is). Plenty of things to do and a play park!

It is still free but you are requested to make a donation.

Well worth a visit - have been twice, when my kids were little and a couple of years ago when teenagers.  Enjoyed it both times

Noooooooooo!

Is that a maybe?

Thanks all, plenty of suggestions to keep us going there.