Fun for families
In and around Stirling, keeping children entertained couldn’t be easier, thanks to the huge variety of family‑friendly activities and attractions.
If your little monkeys are into creatures great and small, then Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park is the place to be – see lions, rhinos, meerkats and plenty more besides in the drive-through safari. Laugh and thrill to sea-lion and bird of prey shows, and visit Lemur Land, the petting farm and our elephant habitat – all included in your admission price. Up-close animal encounters make a day at Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park truly unforgettable. Explore Giraffe Feeding, Penguin Experiences and even Be a Keeper for a Day! Have faces painted; burn off energy in the adventure playground; relax in the BBQ and picnic areas. It’s bound to be a roaring success.
Imagine touching a dinosaur’s tooth, playing a giant outdoor xylophone, exploring a willow tunnel and watching out for hedgehogs – do it all and more in Ailie’s Garden in the grounds of Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The free-to-enter museum is home to models of people at work and play and lots of interesting artefacts including the world’s oldest football – you’ll kick yourself if you miss it!
The Battle of Bannockburn Experience transports you back to 1314 in an award-winning hands-on digital recreation of the historic battle. Learn about the medieval combat on the exhilarating day when King Robert the Bruce dramatically seized control of Scotland’s destiny, and afterwards follow in his footsteps and see the spot where he raised his royal standard.
When you fancy fresh air family fun, you can have a field day at Briarlands Farm. Kids can jump on pillows, zoom about on tractor go karts, whizz across the cable ride, climb on outdoor play frames, explore the tire maze, dig in sand pits, show off football skills and get up close to animals. Exhausted adults can take time out in the family-friendly tea room. Saddle up for pony trekking at family and beginner-welcoming Rednock Farm. There’s no better way to discover Scottish countryside … unless you prefer exploring on a Segway, while the kids can tour the farm in the quad pods. Orienteering and Shetland pony driving are also available.
High quality entertainment is literally the name of the game at Go Ape in Aberfoyle, where you can admire the glorious setting of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park from a unique viewpoint – flying 150 feet clear of the ground along two of Britain’s longest, most exhilarating zip wires. High ropes courses are offered for those who want even more adventure at altitude.
Travel in time with award-winning Stirling Old Town Tours, through the weird, wonderful and wicked corners of the Burgh. Unlock the truth behind the infamous Tolbooth Prison, “the worst gaol in Britain”, be spellbound by the dark curse placed upon Mar’s Wark by the vengeful Abbot of Cambuskenneth, and be enthralled by a treasure trove of sensational secrets. Led by talented local guides, the tours are splendid fun for the whole family, with a memorable blend of history, humour, drama and storytelling.
Opening in 1847, Stirling’s New County Jail – known today as the Old Town Jail – was the last Reformed Prison built in Victorian Scotland. It was a last attempt to put education, training and rehabilitation at the heart of Scotland’s penal system. This process worked remarkably well, for a while at least… Stirling’s Old Town Jail brings history to life through immersive performance tours and dark tales.
Discover the story of William Wallace and the Battle of Stirling Bridge at the iconic National Wallace Monument. Explore three immersive levels delving into one the events of one of Scotland’s most recognised events of history as you climb the 246-steps of the tower to the crown to see views over Stirling like no other. Walk from the car park up the ancient woods of The Abbey Craig to discover a timeline of woodcarvings telling the history of Stirling. A shuttle-bus service also departs regularly. During the spring and summer months, gather outside the Monument and watch as a costumed actor brings history to life during a performance of ‘Scotland’s National Hero’.
For inspirational, innovative entertainment and enjoyment, just introduce the family to Stirling.
