You’ve probably heard from friends and family how beautiful Scotland is for holidays. So if you need some help to plan what you could do in Scotland with your kids on your next holiday, read on.
From natural parks to beautiful walks in different forests, your children will love so many different regions of Scotland. Kids will also enjoy visiting castles whether they are ruins or true museums of Scottish history. And yes, visiting Loch Ness is a true family fun experience too.
So here are 31 things to do in Scotland with your kids:
1. Edinburgh Castle / Edinburgh
Why is it great: Visiting the famous Scottish Castle must be on the to do list of many travellers in the world. The magic of walking through the castle in and out with the tour guide in your headphones is such a great experience to remember.
What to do: There are different itineraries to choose from starting at 1-hour tour up to 3 hours extensive walk tour. We recommend visiting Edinburgh Castle with your children in the morning if you want to avoid the crowd. And of course, don’t forget to pay a visit to the shop and take home some good quality memorabilia of the castle. If you wish to stay overnight in Edinburgh, have a look at our kids friendly hotels and apartments.
FREE for Children under 5

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Opening Times
Summer (1 April to 30 Sep)
Mon: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Tue: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Wed: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Thu: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Fri: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Sat: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Sun: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Winter (1 Oct – 31 Mar)
Mon: | 10.00am – 4pm |
Tue: | 10.00am – 4pm |
Wed: | 10.00am – 4pm |
Thu: | 10.00am – 4pm |
Fri: | 10.00am – 4pm |
Sat: | 10.00am – 4pm |
Sun: | 10.00am – 4pm |
2. Loch Ness by Jacobite / Highlands
Why is it great: There is no chance you can visit Scotland without a trip to Loch Ness. Your kids will ask you what is is the best way to find Nessie. Taking a cruise boat with Jacobite is a great adventure for the whole family whether it is raining or not. You will take amazing photos of the Loch and its surroundings such as the Urquhart Castle.
What to do: Several boats are cruising on the Loch Ness everyday with journeys from 50min to 2 hours. Food and drink are available on the boat as well as free Wi-Fi in case you need to make an urgent call to book a restaurant for the evening!
FREE for Children under 5

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Address
Different Departure points:
Clansman Harbour
Dochgarroch Lock
Tomnahurich Bridge
Inverness Bus Station
Phone
+44 (0)1463 233999
3. Eilean Donan Castle / Dornie
Why is it great: This famous Castle has been a long favourite among movie directors with such scenery landscapes around it. For instance, James Bond movie The World is not Enough was shot partially there as well as Highlander. Yes this place will be busy especially during school holidays but you will be amazed how beautiful the site and you will take photos from every corner of the castle too as soon as you arrive in the car park.
What to do: You can visit inside the castle but it is not essential. However the coffee shop serves decent quality sandwichs with drinks so perfect if your family has the munchies after a busy morning and the shop has lots of books about Scotland for kids too.
FREE for Children under 6

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4. Armadale Castle & Gardens / Isle of Skye
Why is it great: If you are visiting the Isle of Skye, take some time with your kids to explore the Armadale Castle and its exceptionally beautiful gardens. Yes it is much better on a good sunny day with children wandering around. Because the Castle is a ruin, you can’t really walk close to the area though.
What to do: Gardens and museum are open all around but do check their website for opening hours time. There is a playground area where you can have your own picnic if you wish. Otherwise, the bistro in the Stables building offers drinks, light lunches, teas & coffees. Last but not least, you can stay in one of the 6 lodges available all year round.
FREE for Children under 5

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Opening Times
26 April – 31 October 2021
Mon: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Tue: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Wed: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Thu: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Fri: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Sat: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Sun: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
5. National Museum of Scotland / Edinburgh
Why is it great: Known for being one of the most popular Scottish museums, the National Museum of Scotland is a great venue to explore and make discoveries with your kids. Whether your child enjoy science, anthropology, dinosaurs, fashion or art, this museum is a fantastic way to spend some learning time all together as family.
What to do: The natural world galleries are simply gigantic with hundreds of stuffed animals to look at. The science galleries are equally interesting, especially if you are a transportation geek.
FREE for everyone but you need to pre-book your ticket(s)

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Opening Times
Everyday | 10am – 4.30pm |
6. Fairy Pools / Isle of Skye
Why is it great: On a sunny day, a day trip to the famous Fairy Pools is highly recommended even for little legs. The surroundings of the area are absolutely stunning and after a nice walk up to the little falls, you can’t wait to dip your toes or your own body into the different natural pools.
What to do: If your family can walk up for 40min (return trip), you will be spoilt with what nature can offer. Expect incredible blue colours and crystal clear waters where you can freshen up after the walking exercise. Some people will also like to climb further and discover more natural pools will less crowd. If you have a baby or toddler, don’t forget to bring your child back carrier.
FREE for everyone although parking space is chargeable

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7. Cairngorms National Park / Highlands
Why is it great: Did you know that Cairngorms National Park is the largest park in the UK? Situated in the Highlands, this natural reserve has so many activities to offer from watersports to birdwatching or trail walking. For the adults, you can even visit one of the many whiskey distilleries too.
What to do: The best way to discover the Cairngorms is to walk with good shoes or rent a bike and wander around the different areas. You can explore different forests like the Caledonian Forest or the Glenmore Forest Park with its famous Loch Morlich Beach. And if you feel staying a few days in the Cairngorms, why not booking a family room at Macdonald Highland Hotel and make your trip to Scotland with kids a memorable one.
FREE for everyone

8. Inverness Murder Mystery Treasure Trail / Inverness
Why is it great: Here is a fun way to discover and explore the city of Inverness. Thanks to Treasure Trails, you will need to find clues through the city. The self tour lasts about 2-hours and is great for young detectives and adults.
What to do: You need to pay and print the booklet and follow different paths. You can even get some help with free mobile phone text messages organised by the self tour guide. This trail is fun for kids age 6+
Each booklet costs £9.99

9. Highland Museum of Childhood / Highlands
Why is it great: This small museum is hidden in a old train station called The Old Station Strathpeffer. It stores many toys from the 20th century and also features a fascinating film about people remembering what kind of toys they were playing with in the old days.
What to do: There is small fee to pay at the entrance in order to support the museum and its overhead costs. Bear in mind that this museum is run by friendly volunteers. This attraction is a great way for our kids to look back in history about what was the life of being a child decades ago. You can also have tea or coffee at a little café nearby the train station

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Opening Times
Mon: | CLOSED |
Tue: | CLOSED |
Wed: | CLOSED |
Thu: | 11am – 4pm |
Fri: | 11am – 4pm |
Sat: | 11am – 4pm |
Sun: | 12pm – 4pm |
10. Landmark Forest Adventure Park / Carrbridge
Why is it great: Landmark is one of the largest adventure parks in the country that has been running for more than 50 years. You can easily spenda whole day out in this park with plenty of activities and rides for all children.
What to do: The dinosaur kingdom will be an area where young children would like to wander around. Others might like to get splashed on the Wild Water Coaster especially on a hot day. Finally, there are plenty of trails available to kids such as the Monkey Trail or the Tarzan Trail perfect for your adventurous children.
FREE for children under 3

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Opening Times
Mon: | 10am – 6pm |
Tue: | 10am – 6pm |
Wed: | 10am – 6pm |
Thu: | 10am – 6pm |
Fri: | 10am – 6pm |
Sat: | 10am – 6pm |
Sun: | 10am – 6pm |
Not enough ideas on things to do in Scotland with your Kids? Let’s look at some more then…
11. Inverness Leisure Pools / Inverness
Why is it great: If you visit Inverness on a rainy day, why not spend a few hours at the Inverness Leisure Centre with 2 massive swimming pools, a toddler pool and plenty of fun with a wave pool, several flume rides and even a family size spa bath.
What to do: These pools are part of Inverness Leisure where they teach swimming to 2,000 children a week. You will have the choice of swimming in a 25m competition pool for advanced swimmers or the Leisure Pool more suitable for younger children. You can also pre-book a session at the Climbing wall available for children 3 to 5 years and older.

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Opening Times
Leisure Pool opening times
Mon: | 10am – 8pm |
Tue: | 10am – 8pm |
Wed: | 10am – 8pm |
Thu: | 10am – 8pm |
Fri: | 10am – 8pm |
Sat: | 9am – 5pm |
Sun: | 9am – 5pm |
12. Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Why is it great: If you spend some time in the Northern Highlands, take half a day to visit this beautiful castle which has some French architecture inspiration. Dunrobin Castle was the home of the Earls and the Dukes of Suntherland. Gardens are also lovely to walk around.
What to do: This private castle has also a little museum which collects plenty of animals heads that were hunted in the past including a vast collection of stones. The best attraction is the Falconry exhibition that runs twice a day. Your children will have their jaw dropping when they see how fast birds of prey can fly.

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Opening Times
Open from 1st April until 31 October
May, June, July and September
Mon | 10am – 5pm |
Tue: | 10am – 5pm |
Wed: | 10am – 5pm |
Thu: | 10am – 5pm |
Fri: | 10am – 5pm |
Sat: | 10am – 5pm |
Sun: | 10am – 5pm |
13. Loch An Eilein – Highlands
Why is it great: This is arguably one of the most popular and accessible lochs in the Highlands with only a 15min walk with your children. When you reach the Loch, you are blessed with such a peaceful landscape full of pine trees.
What to do: Protected within the forest of Rothiemurchus, this lake is such a treat for wild swimmers. You will take amazing photos of the area with the ruins of the island castle. Don’t forget to stop by the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop and The Barn where you can buy local fresh produce such as cheese, beef or honey.

14. The Falls of Dochart / Killin
Why is it great: The Falls of Dochart are a favourite outdoor attraction among visitors because of its impressive cascade of water falls. The view you get from the bridge and we won’t be surprised if you don’t stop by to make the perfect photo and upload it your Instagram feed.
What to do: The Falls are in the small town of Killin nearby Loch Lomond. There is also nearby some nice Pine tree forest to explore and you might be lucky to forage some girolle mushrooms if you are visiting the area in the Summer. We can’t recommend enough to book a table at the Falls of Dochart Inn with exquisite smoked salmon done locally.
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15. Loch Katrine / Trossachs
Why is it great: Loch Katrine and its area is a perfect location to ride a bike with great paths all around the lake. Katrine Wheelz has different bikes to rent including Kids trailer so very useful if you have unexperienced young cyclists.
What to do: Another way to visit the area is to take a short cruise with Loch Katrine cruises either with The Lady of the Lake or Rob Roy III. Pre-book your tickets here. And if you feel staying a few days close the lake, why not booking an eco lodge available up to family of 4.

16. Active Kids Adventure Park / Perth
Why is it great: This adventure park for young children is a crowd pleaser with many activities outdoor and indoor (if Covid 19 situation gets better). There is also a great coffee shop with like snacks, sandwiches, ice creams and hot drinks.
What to do: Your children will explore the park with an animal farm, a crazy golf course and even a karting circuit. For your little ones, there is a Tractor outdoor play field, expect to snap lots of memory photos. Finally the Pirate ship will be the place to be and see your kids going through tunnels and slides.

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Opening Times
Mon: | 11am – 7pm |
Tue: | 11am – 7pm |
Wed: | 11am – 7pm |
Thu: | 11am – 7pm |
Fri: | 11am – 7pm |
Sat: | 11am – 7pm |
Sun: | 11am – 7pm |
17. The Den & The Glen / near Aberdeen
Why is it great: If you need your kids to be active during your trip in Scotland, The Den & The Glen offers a great way for them to play extensively outdoor or inside a purpose built facility. You can also organise birthday parties too.
What to do: A great indoor soft play area called The Den prefect for young boys and girls who likes slides, climbing wall and more. The Glen is a huge outdoor play area with lots of fairytale characters,
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Opening Times
Mon: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Tue: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Wed: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Thu: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Fri: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Sat: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
Sun: | 9.30am – 5.30pm |
18. Inflata National Glasgow / Glasgow
Why is it great: If you are visiting Glasgow or have some time to kill before taking the train on your way home, this indoor attraction will please everyone in your family. You will bounce, climb, jump and have so much fun together with this massive inflatable park.
What to do: You can book sessions by the hour with different areas in the park. The venue also has a specific area for young children under 3 called Inflata Tots. A great activity full of fun and energy especially on a rainy day.
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Opening Times
Mon: | 10am – 7pm |
Tue: | 10am – 8pm |
Wed: | 10am – 7pm |
Thu: | 10am – 8pm |
Fri: | 10am – 7pm |
Sat: | 9am – 7pm |
Sun: | 10am – 7pm |
19. Argyll Adventure / Inveraray
Why is it great: A long time 5* awarded attraction in the area, Argyll Adventure offers great quality lessons for pony and horse riding for kids as young as 4. It is great to include a pony ride among things to do in Scotland with kids.
What to do: Depending of your experience, you can book a 20 min pony ride up to a 2-hours scenic ride with horses. Other activities include Laser Tag or Paintball for teenagers.

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20. Go Ape / Aberfoyle
Why is it great: If you plan a day out at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park near Loch Lomond, make sure to save some time and try the famous zip lines at Go Ape unless you have vertigo of course.
What to do: Adults and Children 10 years+ (min heigh is 1.4m/4ft7in) will enjoy 3 different experiences from 1 hour easy line experience to a 2/3 hours Treetop challenge with exceptional unique views over Trossachs National Park. This activity is among the most adventurous things to do in Scotland with kids for sure.
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Address
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle, Stirling. FK8 3SX
Phone
01603 895500
View in Google MapsOpening Times
Mon: | 7am – 10pm |
Tue: | 7am – 10pm |
Wed: | 7am – 10pm |
Thu: | 7am – 10pm |
Fri: | 7am – 10pm |
Sat: | 7am – 10pm |
Sun: | 7am – 10pm |
21. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park / Loch Lomond
Why is it great: Located in the Loch Lomond area, the Forest Park is heaven for walkers, cyclists or horse riders. The Lodge Forest visitor centre can help you to find the most suitable trails for your family depending on how challenging you are ready to explore these magical woods.
What to do: Expect to see a lot of wildlife such as red squirrels if you are early risers or ospreys or even red deers if you are walking in silence. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is your entry point to beginners who’ve never experienced trail before. So wear your best walking shoes and enjoy a nice family day trip.

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22. Dino Park
Why is it great: If your children are still dreaming about seeing dinosaurs, maybe Dino Park is the right place to visit if you visit the South of Scotland
What to do: Dino Park is open from the 30th March until the end of October and welcome families with kids of all ages. The park will introduce you to different species of dinosaurs such as the giant brachiosaurus or the kids favourite T-rex. You will also find a soft play open all year round. Perfect for a rainy day and with lots of fun for your little ones.

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Address
Hetland Garden Centre Carrutherstown
Dumfries DG1 4JX
Phone
01387 840632
View in Google MapsOpening Times
Everyday | 10am – 5pm |
23. Maid of the Forth / Edinburgh
Why is it great: Close to Edinburgh, Maid of the Forth is a lovely sightseeing cruise boat that takes your family for a 90 minutes trip
What to do: At the comfort of being in a boat, you will discover the wildlife of around the Forth Bridges. Animals to spot are seals, puffins and more. If you are looking for a longer trip and want to pause on one of the island, the 3 hours Inchcolm Landing Trip is a perfect choice for the whole family. Last but not least, the excursion is dog friendly too!
FREE for Children under 5

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Address
Hawes Pier, Newhalls Rd, Queensferry
South Queensferry EH30 9TB
Phone
0131 331 5000
View in Google Maps24. Blair Drummond Safari Park / Stirling
Why is it great: Dinosaurs and Safari explorers will love this great attraction among the best things to do in Scotland with your kids. You can also bring your own food and enjoy a nice lunch at the designated picnic area.
What to do: You will easily need half a day to visit Blair Drummond Safari Park but most family will spend the whole as there is so much to see. You can visit the park by car or by foot and spot as many as 300 animals such as giraffes, monkeys or sea lions. There is also a nice adventure play park with a big fort and pirate ships so your children can have a great time after lunch.
FREE for Children under 2

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25. Dalscone Farm Fun / Dumfries
Why is it great: If you are looking for an indoor play area for your little ones and plenty of outdoor space for your kids to go wild, Dalscone Farm Fun is a great venue to welcome families with young children. And there is also a petting farm to get your kids close to animals such as ponys, donkeys, llamas or sheeps.
What to do: This family run farm is a great attraction in the Dumfries region where your kids can enjoy lots of space to wander around. You can find trampolines, bouncy castles and sand pits. You can also see an army of meerkats and feed animals too. Last but not least, the toy shop is huge and one of the best in the area so expect to spend some money in there too!

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Opening Times
Mon: | 10am – 5pm |
Tue: | 10am – 5pm |
Wed: | 10am – 5pm |
Thu: | 10am – 5pm |
Fri: | 10am – 5pm |
Sat: | 10am – 5pm |
Sun: | CLOSED |
26. Inveraray Jail / Inveraray
Why is it great: This is probably one of the most original thing to do in Scotland with your children on a rainy day. While the thought of going to jail doesn’t sound great, visiting a jail and learn about the history of it is definitely appealing to adults and the young ones.
What to do: Located between Oban and Glasgow, Inveraray Jail offers an interactive visit with free audio guides. You can also meet the Warder Matron who will share some anecdotes about the history of the prison. And yes there will be plenty of opportunities to take photos with your children such as seeing them locked up behind the bars.
FREE for Children under 5

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Opening Times
April to October
Mon: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Tue: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Wed: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Thu: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Fri: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Sat: | 9.30am – 6pm |
Sun: | 9.30am – 6pm |
November to March
Mon: | 10am – 5pm |
Tue: | 10am – 5pm |
Wed: | 10am – 5pm |
Thu: | 10am – 5pm |
Fri: | 10am – 5pm |
Sat: | 10am – 5pm |
Sun: | 10am – 5pm |
CLOSED on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
27. Five Sisters Zoo / West Lothian
Why is it great: If you are looking for a well maintained little zoo in Scotland, you can’t go wrong by booking a visit to Five Sisters Zoo. The venue is great for young children who wants to discover hundreds of animals as well as having fun at the fun fair.
What to do: Besides the forced closure of the zoo during the pandemic, Five Sisters Zoo has reopened again with lots of happy visitors. You will see all sort of species including wildcat or the popular meerkats. The restaurant has some good quality food if you want skip your own packed lunch.
Make sure you pre-book your ticket online

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Opening Times
April to September
Mon: | 10am – 6pm |
Tue: | 10am – 6pm |
Wed: | 10am – 6pm |
Thu: | 10am – 6pm |
Fri: | 10am – 6pm |
Sat: | 10am – 6pm |
Sun: | 10am – 6pm |
October, February and March
Mon: | 10am – 5pm |
Tue: | 10am – 5pm |
Wed: | 10am – 5pm |
Thu: | 10am – 5pm |
Fri: | 10am – 5pm |
Sat: | 10am – 5pm |
Sun: | 10am – 5pm |
November till January
Mon: | 10am – 4pm |
Tue: | 10am – 4pm |
Wed: | 10am – 4pm |
Thu: | 10am – 4pm |
Fri: | 10am – 4pm |
Sat: | 10am – 4pm |
Sun: | 10am – 4pm |
CLOSED on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day
28. Bowhill House & Grounds / Scottish Borders
Why is it great: Located in the Scottish Borders in the South of Edinburgh, Bowhill House belongs to the Buccleuch family since 1812. The inside of the house includes different private art collections and very large rooms such as the dining room or the lounge with a huge library
What to do: Bowhill House offers a guided tour of the estate with even a Land Rover tour to explore the surroundings of the house. The adventure playground is one of the favourite attractions with children. The Old Kitchen Café is also open if you need to break with a light lunch or simply have a tea break.

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29. Clyde Valley Family Park
Why is it great: Clyde Valley Family Park is one of the those small underrated day outs you can enjoy throughout the year. The venue has a small farm where your children will get up close and personal with goats, pigs, chicken or sheeps. Let’s not forget the Safari train that takes you all around the area.
What to do: The park is a good value for money attraction where your kids will have fun at the go karts or the different slides available to them. The little farm is a good introduction for the young ones to be comfortable with animals such as rabbits or Highland cows (you know the ones with long hair).

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Address
Clyde Valley Family Park, Crossford, South Lanarkshire,
ML8 5NJ Carluke
Phone
01555861222
View in Google MapsOpening Times
Mon: | 10am – 5pm |
Tue: | 10am – 5pm |
Wed: | 10am – 5pm |
Thu: | 10am – 5pm |
Fri: | 10am – 5pm |
Sat: | 10am – 5pm |
Sun: | 10am – 5pm |
Please note that in the Winter, the park is closing at 4pm.
30. A day at the beach in Luss / Loch Lomond
Why is it great: If weather allowed, a day at the beach is definitely possible in Scotland, especially in the summer. Luss is one of those places cherished by locals because it has a long beach with a great pier where advanced swimmers can dive from.
What to do: Expect lots of water equipments around the beach such as kayak, pedalo or even jet skiing that you can rent easily for an hour or by the day. We can’t recommend enough to prepare your own picnic you can enjoy by the beach or just behind in the green area. Otherwise, you can have a great lunch or dinner at Colquhoun’s Restaurant which offers a fantastic view over the Loch Lomond.

31. Sea Life in Loch Lomond
Why is it great: one of the most praised aquarium and sea life centres in Scotland. This attraction will please all different crowds with so many creatures to discover. It makes a perfect half day out with the family whether you are on holiday or live nearby.
What to do: plenty of sea tanks to explore with your visit. You can also touch some sea animals such as starfish, crabs or urchins. The panoramic underwater view room is also great to pause a little and observe all these fishes around you. And yes that are some sharks to spot too! Finally, don’t forget to go up to the roof and admire an incredible view of Loch Lomond

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Address
Drumkinnon Tower, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8QL
Phone
01389722319
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