As most of Scotland's favourite attractions are given the UK Government's Good To Go , post-covid stamp of approval we have put together a series of great places you can take your little ones for a day out.
During lockdown some of Scotland's favourite family friendly destinations were hosting virtual visits to keep children amused while they were stuck at home.
But now, as lockdown restrictions are eased the virtual has finally become a reality.
With the September weekend just a couple of weeks away we have put together a list of five great places in Scotland you can take your own wee beasties to see some amazing wildlife.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond,
Near Stirling,
Blair Drummond,
Stirlingshire,
FK9 4UR
01786 841456
Without a doubt, Blair Drummond Safari Park offers one of the most unique family days out in Scotland.
The park has more than 350 exotic animals roaming their reserves with safe viewing for families to spot lions, tigers, Scotland's only herd of giraffes, rhinos and an elephant, amongst others.
This year the attraction marked it’s 50th anniversary with the opening of a new permanent dinosaur exhibit and visitors will not be disappointed.
World of Dinosaurs was part of a £1m upgrade to the Safari Park and is home to more than twenty life-size, animated dinosaurs, including velociraptors, triceratops, T-Rex and a giant 21m diplodocus .
The Safari Park was able to reopen on the 29 June, following lockdown, with a wide range of new measures in place to keep visitors and employees safe.
The restrictions include a limit on the numbers of visitors allowed each day and allocated arrival times. There is also a new one-way system in place and 60 new hand sanitiser dispensers around the park.
As well as the animals children can go wild in the incredible adventure playground, which has just been equipped with self-service hygiene points, so that visitors can spray and wipe before use.
Due to Covid restrictions there are some parts of the park, such as Boat rides to Chimp Island and some animal presentations which are currently not operating, but with so many upgrades families are still getting plenty of value for money.
Safari Park ticket are £16.50 for adults and £13.50 for children and can be bought from www.blairdrummond.com
Heads of Ayr
Dunure Road,
Ayr,
Ayrshire,
KA7 4LD
info@headsofayrfarmpark.co.uk
01294 441210
As well as its famous big bouncy pillows, Heads of Ayr has a fabulous farm attached to the park where youngsters can meet and learn all about the many animals who live there including rabbits, guinea pigs, degus, mice and birds. Venture outside to see many of the larger residents including Ralph the Camel, Troy the Tapir, llamas, ponies, donkeys and goats. The Park is also home to various breeds of monkeys, lemurs and meerkats.
Once they have said hello to all the animals there are plenty of exciting activities for the kids to enjoy. They can captain their own boat with in the amazing bumper boats, soak family and friends in water wars or try out the electric tractors and diggers. There is even an extensive play area with an assault course, giant sand pit, trampolines, ringo sledging, a giant aerial runway and jumping pillows. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, you can have fun on the electric quad-bikes, suitable for all ages.
Five Sisters Zoo
West Calder,
West Lothian,
EH55 8PT
enquiries@fivesisterszoo.co.uk
01506 870 000
Five Sisters Zoo is home to over 160 different animal species from around the world.
Families who visit will get up close to rescued circus bears and lions, wolves and lynx, gibbons, meerkats, monkeys, otters, owls, lemurs and many more.
COVID-19 safety measures have now been put in place. These include new hand sanitizing stations, one way systems around busier areas of the park and a brand new online booking system (all tickets must be booked online in advance).
Prices (excluding online booking fees):
Adults : £12.95
Children (3+) £10.45
Concessions : £11.45
Family ticket : £38.00 (2 adults + 2 children)
Edinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh,
City Of Edinburgh,
EH12 6TS
info@rzss.org.uk 0131 334 9171
Edinburgh Zoo is home to more than 1,000 rare and endangered animals from around the world and home to the UK's only giant pandas and koalas and is packed with fun and unusual things to do.
Families are in for a treat at the 82 acre park with the famous penguin parade and visit the world’s only Knighted penguin, Sir Nils Olav. Or spend your day learning about brilliant birds, mischievous meerkats, super strong sun bears and more with daily keeper talks.
Get closer than ever to monkeys, lemurs, wallabies and pelicans in our walkthrough habitats or at the daily animal-handling sessions. Watch a Sumatran tiger walk right over your head in Tiger Tracks, our amazing glass viewing tunnel. And if you prefer smaller critters, you’ll enjoy Wee Beasties where you can find reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Please note that pre-booking is essential this summer for all visits to comply with Scottish Government guidelines.
Highland Safari and Red Deer Centre
Aberfeldy,
Perthshire,
PH15 2JQ
Previously voted the ‘Best Visitor experience’ in Scotland the Highland Safari and Red Deer Centre truly is a uniquely Scottish experience.
Families can get up close to the red deer in the barn with the opportunity to, stroke, feed and photograph these magnificent and iconic animals in the company of Safari Rangers.
Kids can also pan for gold in our all-weather Gold Panning flume, Explore the Discovery Trail, get lost in Rua’s Maze, play in our Tractor Park and Play Park or take in the sights from our picturesque view point - you'll need a full day for this visit.
The award winning exhilarating land rover safaris are a must.
Armed with cameras and binoculars, climb aboard your Land Rover or Pinzgauer and journey to the high tops and take in breath-taking views with no shortage of photo opportunities. You may even be lucky enough to see the Majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle as you travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks.
To round it off relax and enjoy the Highland Safaris café and shop set in a unique and stunning location.
Admission prices vary depending on what activities are booked,
Visit https://www.highlandsafaris.net/ for booking.
Seabird Centre
Enjoy a great day out at the seaside with the five star Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh.
Relax in the Seabird Café which boasts East Lothian's only seaside sun deck, with stunning views out to the Firth of Forth. There's also a gift shop and seasonal boat trips.
There's different wildlife to see throughout the year and at different stages of the breeding season. It's worth checking out the wildlife calendar on the website for details of what you might see at what time of year.
Boat trips run between April and the end of September. Enjoy the wildlife in the Firth of Forth from the custom built 55 seat catamaran or the Three Islands Seabird Seafari on the fast RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Further trips include Landing trips to the Isle of May and Bass Rock.
Full disabled access, baby changing and free parking. Visitors with a valid train ticket can receive 20 percent discount on entry to the Discovery Experience on that day.
