So you’re considering taking a trip to Aberdeen with the kids in tow, are you? Good choice!
This large city in northeast Scotland is jam-packed with fun and exciting adventures for you and your little ones to enjoy, whether you explore the site of an old castle, take a nature walk together, or feed the ducks in one of the city parks.
Take your pick between indoor activities and outdoor fun; exhilarating theme parks or a long walk along Aberdeen harbour looking at the boats. Old Aberdeen is filled with rich Scottish history, but even if your kids are too small to understand, you can be sure they will have a fun-filled visit to the city and its various parks, gardens and attractions.
We’ve got the low-down on the best things to do in Aberdeen with toddlers — let us know if we’ve missed your favourites!
Fun Things to do in Aberdeen with Toddlers
There are plenty of exciting attractions for kids of all ages to enjoy. We have compiled a list of just a few, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. Some you need to pay to access, while some are good old free-to-enter parks and gardens.
The Den & The Glen
This exciting indoor and outdoor attraction is packed full of fun for children (and adults) of all ages. The Den is the perfect all-weather attraction, with a dedicated toddler area and soft play. Older kids will love the exciting climbing wall and Astro slide!
Take your little ones on a magical trip through the beautiful Glen, where their favourite fairy-tale characters come to life. Make sure to visit Old McDonald’s Farm and meet some friendly animals up close!
The Den & The Glen are perfect for children of all ages. Open Monday to Sunday: 09:30 – 17:30.
PLAY AT Mains of Balquharn, Brewers Fayre
This multi-level, indoor soft play environment is perfect for children to work up an appetite before lunch!
The play area is ideal for the whole family. Adults can sit and talk before their meal while children run wild and free across bridge walks and through ball pits and scramble up and down climbing nets. Each child can play for 90 minutes before sitting down to enjoy their food.
There is lots of fun to be had for children aged 0-8, with a super-safe, extra-soft area for babies and very small children to explore, too. There are plenty of activities too, including discos, messy play and crafting.
The restaurant is open Monday to Sunday 9:30-20:00, while kids can play everyday between 12pm and 7pm.
Wynford Farm Park
This popular farm park is the perfect place for families to explore together! Take a stroll through Wynford Farm Park and meet friendly sheep and goats, ducks, horses, rabbits and a host of other curious critters.
Your children will relish the chance to run wild in the adventure playgrounds; clamber over a real combine harvester and tractor, and take a turn on the zip wire. There are lots of family-friendly things to do, including a round of mini golf, swings, and plenty of water and sand play for little waders.
Conclude your visit and fun family day with a trip to the café or a late lunch in the picnic area. Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday 9:30 – 17:00
- Saturday to Sunday 9:00 – 17:00
Hoodles Play Barn
Sit back and watch your kids enjoy different types of play at a fantastic place designed just for little ones in Aberdeen city centre. Hoodles Play Barn has a fun-packed multi-level area for older children, with classic rollers, ball pits, and climbing nets. There’s also a big outdoor area to explore as well when the weather is good.
There is also a secure, gated space for little ones to enjoy with a small slide, just the right size for little legs, and soft puzzle pieces to climb on. In the warmer season, enjoy outdoor activities with a castle-themed adventure zone and tricycles for hire.
Make sure that you take advantage of Hoodles’ amazing coffee shop while you’re here — their cakes look absolutely scrumptious.
Aberdeen Beach
A trip to Aberdeen beach is an absolute must if you plan to visit Aberdeen with kids. The beach is the perfect spot for all the family to enjoy, with plenty of space for kids to run and play on the golden sand and a bright, crisp walk beside the sea for grown-ups to enjoy.
Not far from the city, this historic beach includes the Aberdeen beach leisure centre, renowned for sports, activities and attractions, including eateries, a seasonal ice area and a cinema. At its heart, however, it is still a beach – and who doesn’t enjoy a trip to the ocean and a splash in the sea?
Aberdeen Science Centre
So maybe museums like the Aberdeen Art Gallery are not the first thing you think of when you imagine taking your little kids on holiday. Still, The Aberdeen Science Centre is not just a museum — it’s an attraction with over 60 interactive exhibits and even a friendly robot to meet.
There is a special zone for kids under 6, where they are encouraged to think about colours and shadows and have fun learning about science for the first time. Visit the café for some tasty food.
Open daily 10:00 – 16:30.
Duthie Park
This beautiful, 44-acre park is spread across a large site, including a young children’s play area, a duck pond with very friendly waterfowl, and some long slides for small adventurers to enjoy.
Visit the Winter Gardens, one of the largest indoor gardens in Scotland, and have fun looking at weird and wonderful plants together.
Open daily:
- March to October 10:30 – 17:00
- November to February 10:30 – 16:00
Doonies Farm
This fabulous, 134-acre farm in Aberdeen is the perfect place for kids (and big kids) to meet and learn about several different species of animals, including sheep, cows, horses, goats, pigs, and poultry. Learn about different native species and teach your kids about being clean around and considerate of animals, all in a safe environment.
Just 15 minutes by car from Aberdeen city centre, Doonies Farm has an enclosed animal contact area, a hygiene station and a separate picnic area where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a packed lunch right there in the Scottish countryside.
Doonies Farm is not open to the public daily, so plan your visit carefully.
- Monday to Wednesday 10:00 – 16:00
- Thursday to Friday Closed
- Saturday to Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Seaton Park
A 27-hectare park in the north of Aberdeen, Seaton Park is filled with beautiful trees and plants; and is home to many species of birds, small mammals and mini beasts. Take a nature walk, look for different critters, or collect fallen leaves together. This park is particularly beautiful in the Autumn and Spring months.
Seaton Park includes a play area suitable for children aged 3-8 and a public toilet (which, as any parent will know, is a major plus!).
Codonas Amusement Park
A popular destination for children of all ages, Codonas Amusement Park offers something for everyone. Try ten-pin bowling and mini golf, or take to the roller coasters with your older kids. Tots will enjoy the Little Nippers’ safe play area where they can be as adventurous or as cautious as they like.
Many of the rides are aimed at 6 year-olds and above, but some adventurous tots are bound to enjoy a spin in the teacups or their first go-karting experience with you to hold on to them. Many toddlers love the famous caterpillar train, and if they aren’t scared of heights, the view from the big wheel is sure to impress them!
The park is open daily, but times vary depending on the season. There are packages available where you can bundle several activities and a meal for a bargain price, so visit their website for details.
Hayfield Riding Centre
What better way to explore the North East than on horseback? This riding school caters to children as young as three, so it’s the perfect place to give them their first riding experience.
They’ll get to enjoy a short ride through the woodland paths, led by an experienced guide who knows the ponies and the area inside out. These short treks last 30 minutes (perfect for toddlers’ short attention spans!), and kids must be suitably dressed for the mud in boots.
Looking for another location? Check out our Days Out section for more ideas.
