August is the peak time of the Scottish summer holidays to get the children outdoors and to engage with some of the best that Scotland can offer.
And with that goal in mind, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has published its Our Big Scottish Summer activity map, full of outdoor activities from across the country that are ideal for families with children.
Research conducted by NTS has found 85 per cent of adults agree the best way to keep young children entertained is by exploring outdoors.
The activities highlighted by the trust heavily feature visiting Scotland’s woodlands, forests, and beautiful countryside, as kids experience the thrill of discovery and the wonders of wildlife.
But with more than 100 places throughout Scotland under the conservation charity’s care, including castles, coastlines, battlefields, woodlands, islands, mountains, glens and gardens, there are countless options to explore.
Claire Grant, operations manager in Edinburgh at NTS, said: “The long days of summer are such a wonderful opportunity to create shared moments, make memories and enjoy good times together, and we welcome families and all visitors to the special places that our charity cares for.
“We know that the summer holidays can feel very long for some parents and carers, but we have a range of activities, such as the playpark at Newhailes, the beautiful Malleny Garden and our unique ice cream flavours at Gladstone’s Land, which give kids the chance to explore the outdoors and highlight the importance of the trust’s vision of sharing nature, beauty and heritage with everyone.
“With more than 100 places under our charity’s care, there are so many opportunities for both children and adults to make lifelong memories, discover new interests and see nature and heritage up close. We’re very grateful to our generous members and supporters who make our vital work to care for and share these places and the experiences, adventures and discoveries they offer possible.”
The Scotsman has selected the following ten outdoor adventures that we have rated as the best from the NTS’s full list - taking in playparks to wildlife hunting, heritage and walks.
The full list of locations to explore from the trust can be found here.
9. Puffins on a Scottish island
Puffins pictured here returning to their summer breeding grounds. The adorable-looking birds can be found around numerous islands off Scotland's coast, including at Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth. Going bird spotting for puffins is listed as one of the National Trust for Scotland's must-do summer activities for families | Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
10. Portobello, Iona and Findhorn Beach
The National Trust for Scotland has highlighted some of Scotland's best beaches as must-visit activities with your children this summer. These include the ever-popular Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, the peaceful island of Iona, surrounded by incredible white sandy beaches, and Findhorn Beach, for its spectacular natural beauty, miles of open sands, great walks and wildlife-spotting | Lisa Ferguson