We’ve put together a list of some of the best summer family days out there are in Stirling (without even mentioning the Castle and the Wallace Monument!). If you are in Stirling with kids in the summer holidays, you will be looking for a mix of ‘big day out’ and ‘cheap and cheerful’ days. Here are some ideas to help you build your own itinerary to suit your family, your pocket, and the weather.
Big days out
Zebras at Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond Safari Park: Less than 7 miles from Stirling, you can see lions, tigers, chimps, llamas, meerkats and much more, alongside home-grown species like Clydesdale horses and otters. Included in the admission price are boat trips round Chimp Island, sea lion shows and birds of prey displays, adventure playgrounds and pedal boats. The bouncy castle, face-painting and fun fair will cost a little extra. Two adults and two kids online ticket: £45. Website: http://www.blairdrummond.com/
Briarlands farm, Blair Drummond: Outdoor activities include jumping pillows, tractor go karts, cable ride, mini diggers, tyre maze, sand pits, a football skills challenge and animal paddocks. Indoors there is a Busy Bees craft area, Farmers Den tearoom, and you can pick your own strawberries in polytunnels too. Family entry £20. Website: http://www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk/
Battle of Bannockburn Centre: Advance booking is essential for the new state of the art centre. With costumed actors, 3D battle games and battle shows, this is an immersive tour of medieval battle best for children 7 years and above. Family tickets (two adults and up to 4 children) £30, single parent family tickets £25. Website: http://battleofbannockburn.com/.
Boness and Kinneil Railway: Take a ride on a steam train, even enjoy afternoon tea on board, or (if you are here late July) have a day out on Thomas the Tank Engine. A memorable day out with a range of tickets prices starting at Adults £9, under-fives free, with family tickets (2+3) at £25. Website: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/
Jousting at Linlithgow Palace in July
Jousting at Linlithgow Palace: This spectacular annual event on 5 and 6 July sees costumed knights on horseback battle it out with real-life lances in traditional jousting and foot combat. There are lots of family activities too, with insights into medieval costume, a chance to meet court jesters and more. Family tickets booked online start start at £21.38. For details visit: http://www.historicscotland.gov.uk
Free days out
Callander House: Callander House in Falkirk is a brilliant free resource set in beautiful park gardens perfect for a picnic, with a kids play area on hand too. Inside the house’s restored and working Georgian kitchens, costumed staff share historic food samples, recipes and activities. The Park Gallery also runs a programme of arts and crafts activities for children of all ages. For details of the free summer programme, see this website and click at the top right to download the PDF: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/callendar-house/
The Kelpies at the Helix, Falkirk
The Helix: Scotland’s newest visitor attraction has something for everyone including cycleways, public art and outdoor events, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and nature activities. It’s all about connecting with our environment again, and learning about it while having loads of (free) fun in spectacular surroundings. Nestled under the shadow of sculptor Andy Smith’s Kelpies, this new park is definitely worth a visit. Website: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/things-to-do/
The Stirling Smith Museum: While small children may not be too interested the Museum’s exhibitions, the grounds outside have become a free visitor attraction in their own right. Ailie’s Garden comprises everything from a storytelling area to a willow garden, outdoor chess and draughts, a picnic area, sculpture, mosaics, labyrinth, and a children’s play area: a unique example of outdoor gallery and biodiversity garden combined. For more information: http://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk/visitors/allies-garden
Kings Park Stirling: Very near many of our properties in Stirling, Stirling’s biggest park and playground is free entry and is fully equipped for children of all ages. There is putting, crazy golf, giant draughts/chess, tennis courts, a wheelie park for skateboards, skates and BMX bikes, toddler swings and sand areas, climbing frames, slides, helter skelter, a tyre swing and trampolines. There is plenty of space for picnics, walks and views across to the castle too. For info: http://www.visitstirling.org/AttractionDetails.aspx?docid=247
Photo credits:
- Young zebra at Blair Drummond Safari Park: By Bardrock (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Jousting at Linlithgow Palace: By Adam Cuerden (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Kelpies at the Helix: By Rosstheamazing (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons