Things to do in Aviemore for families

Open all year round, Cairngorm Mountain is one of Aviemore’s biggest family attractions. In winter it is well known for exhilarating snowsports, whilst during the other seasons there are exciting activities for the whole family. Choose from tubing slides, mountain biking, carting or simply discovering the local wildlife.

Girl on guided walk at Cairngorm Mountain

Easily accessed by car, train and the Aviemore Adventurer bus, Cairngorm Mountain is the perfect place for quality time with the kids.

We have you covered, with kid-friendly food and drink options to please even the fussiest eaters, and baby changing facilities, so even the smallest family members don’t have to miss out on the fun.

Enjoying the great outdoors, trying out snowsports in winter, and exploring the Scottish wilderness means Cairngorm Mountain is perfect for your next family adventure.


Cairngorm Mountain Reviews

 

Our top 10 suggestions of things to do for families when visiting Aviemore

Child on Tubing Slide

1. Outdoor Tubing Slides

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Aviemore then look no further than Cairngorm Mountain.

The mountain tubing slides are perfect for children aged 4 and over, providing an exhilarating experience with brilliant views over Loch Morlich.

Adults can also join in the fun, making it a great family experience.

2. Mountain Biking on the Mountain

In spring to autumn, the ski slopes transform into 3km of mountain biking trails and children can take the ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts to the beginner trails.

Perfect for families looking for activities in Aviemore, we offer on-site bike hire, including small balance bikes, adult sizes, and electric bikes.

Person on mountain cart

3. Scotland’s Gravity Fuelled Carting

Scotland’s only gravity fuelled mountain carting is designed for teenagers and adults (age 14 or over). The experience begins with a trip on an offroad vehicle up the mountain to the starting point at over 900 metres above sea level.

The 3-wheel cart provides an exhilarating ride down the 1.9 kilometres track! Go faster if you dare.

Cairngorm Mountain Railway on track

4. The Mountain Railway

Take the family on a ride on Scotland’s only mountain railway to reach over 1,000 metres above sea level.

Take in the views from the terrace, let the children’s imaginations run wild with the interactive sandboxes, watch the dramatic 270-degree Cairngorm film, have a spot of lunch and finish with a visit to The Shop at the Top.

Frog ball run

5. Adventure Ball Runs

Think marble runs but much bigger! Watch your toddlers eyes light up in delight as they run back and forth watching their wooden ball snake through the trees and obstacles before reaching the finish lines.

The ball runs begin in the camera obscura, then lead to the mountain garden and finish with a dual ball run at the bike park.

Child on zip line

6. Adventure Play Park

The little ones will love the outdoor play park with the gentle tubing slide, climbing frame, dual zip lines and the jumping pillow!

Free entry when you purchase an adventure ball from us.

Snowboarder on beginners slope at Cairngorm Mountain

7. Snowsports

The best thing to do in Aviemore over winter with kids is to experience snowsports at Scotland’s favourite ski resort – Cairngorm Mountain.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or want to brush up on your skills, we offer snowsports lessons from our partner ski schools. With 30km of family-friendly runs, our dedicated beginner zone with ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts and on-site equipment rental, children as young as three can get on the slopes safely and confidently.

Camera obscura at Cairngorm Mountain

8. Visit the Educational Mountain Garden

Enjoy a visit around the wild mountain garden with viewpoint and picnic benches together with interpretation boards to learn more about the local wildlife, plants and more. 

You’ll also find the UK’s highest phone box and the camera obscura in the garden too.

Family at Cairngorm Cafe
Cairngorm Mountain

9. Refuel with cosy treats

Head to the Cairngorm Café in the Day Lodge for a quick bite or a filling lunch, including soups, sandwiches and cakes. The menu is also family friendly with options including pizzas.

After a fun day of activities, choose to warm up inside in front of the log fire or outside on our terrace. We’re dog friendly and licensed too.

10. Take a memory home

Our gift shop is a great way to remember your fun-filled family trip to Cairngorm Mountain. Surprise the family with a gift from our wide range of children’s books, toys, and clothing, or kids can spend their pocket money on a souvenir.

© Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited | Registered in Scotland No.SC614703

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Book Your Cairngorm Mountain Experience

We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during busy holiday periods. 

The Mountain Railway

Experience a trip on Scotland’s only mountain railway to over 1,000 metres above sea level with panoramic views.

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Adventure Ball Runs

Think giant marble runs and fun questions as all the family compete and then race their ball to the finish line!

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Tubing Slides

Enjoy an exhilarating session on our tubing slides whilst enjoying panoramic views, for ages 4 to adults.

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Motorhome Site

Book a stay in our Motorhome site open from May to October with spectacular views of the Cairngorms.