Inverness is one of the sweetest cities in Scotland, it is full of some wonderful things to do and all within the city or a short distance away. We spent a lovely weekend in Inverness. Here’s our top best things to do in Inverness with kids (which adults will love too!). A mix of culture and fun (and check out our ☔ Rainy day activities labelled below):
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Table of Contents
1. Ness Islands
The Ness Islands are accessible from the centre of Inverness and you can cross over some beautiful Victorian bridges into these places of tranquillity.
The Ness Islands are a really fun place for a ramble through. With pooh stick playing on the bridge and some fresh air.
Join other families taking in the scenery and explore these lovely islands in the middle of the Ness River.
2. Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle is a really impressive building that can be seen throughout the city.
It overlooks River Ness and there has been a castle on this location since at least the 11th century (the current building was built in 1836).
It’s a fun climb up and from the top there are wonderful views across Inverness.
3. Inverness Hop On Hop Off Bus
We are big fans of the Hop On Hop Off buses around the world. They’re a great way to see destinations, to find out more about a place and also to get around.
They’re brilliant if you’re visiting with kids as it helps rest tired legs. The Inverness Hop On Hop Off bus is no exception.
Book your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tickets here
4. A day trip on the Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour
Inverness is seen as being the gateway to the Highlands. It’s easy to take a day trip from here to really experience some of the best the region has on offer.
This 12 hour trip takes you on the world famous Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This was voted one of the world’s most scenic railways and made even more famous through the Harry Potter films.
You’ll get to experience the beauty of the Scottish highlands and also Loch Ness. Plus you stop for lunch in a local fishing town. All of the travel is taken care of.
Get your Jacobite Steam Train & Highlands Tour from Inverness tickets here
5. Inverness Leisure Centre
Inverness Leisure Centre is located just outside of the main city centre. It is absolutely packed full of rainy day options and ways to get the kids burning off some energy.
There’s indoor climbing but best of all a great 25 metre pool with some fun water slides.
☔ Rainy day activity
6. Loch Ness – things to do in Inverness with kids
Loch Ness is a must visit when you’re in the Inverness area and we took an amazing boat trip with Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises which took us onto the water.
We loved trying to spot Nessie and hearing facts about the elusive creature who resides here.
It was also really interesting to hear more about the lake and why, for example, it’s the interesting and unique colour it is.
Find your perfect Loch Ness tickets here
7. Whin Park (things to do in Inverness with kids)
Whin Park is a fantastic playground and play park which kids will love.
There’s a pond here where you can rent boats to row across in the summer, a cafe for ice creams and coffees and lots of fun play equipment for children of all ages to enjoy.
8. Inverness Botanic Gardens
Inverness Botanic Gardens make a great location year round.
They were opened fairly recently as far as botanical gardens go (1993) and are a wonderful space to wander through complete with waterfalls and a tropical house.
There’s also a cafe here to relax in too. Best of all it is free to enter with an option to give a donation. I especially love the sound of the cactus gardens.
☔ Rainy day activity
9. Culloden – Inverness for kids
My absolute favourite thing to do in Inverness is to visit Culloden. Just outside the city centre.
Here 1600 men were killed in less than an hour in 1745, which may then seem like a strange place to recommend visiting but this location offers such an insight in to the last pitched battle on British soil.
The volunteers here are wonderful and will help you all to take part in a Highland Charge and learn more about this period of the past. And the site is so evocative, it’s a great way to experience history.
Get your skip the line Culloden Battlefield tickets here
10. Inverness Museum & Art Gallery – Inverness family trip
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is a free to enter space which allows plenty of opportunity for kids to get hands on.
There’s lots to explore here, from the jewellery found thousands of years ago to ways people in the city have lived through time. This is right in the centre of Inverness so great for a wander in to.
☔ Rainy day activity
11. Urquhart Castle – things to do in Inverness with kids
Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness is a really evocative location to visit.
It is primarily a ruin which dates from the 13th to the 16th centuries (although there was a fortification on the site for centuries before). It is perfect for exploring its spiral staircases, looking out its empty windows to the Loch beyond and imagining what life must have been like in this often raided castle.
This was part of our trip with Loch Ness by Jacobite cruise and we had two hours to explore the castle which was perfect.
Get your Urquhart Castle tickets here
12. Highlanders Museum (things to do in Inverness with kids)
Built as a result of the Culloden uprising, to guard Inverness, the Highlanders Museum is somewhere different to visit with kids.
It has around 20,000 exhibits and is a great place to explore more of the history of this beautiful region. There’s also a great cafe on site.
☔ Rainy day activity
🏨 – Find great places to stay and your perfect family holiday to Scotland (at our sister site, Family Hotel Expert).
We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions, do let us know if they come in useful for you or if you have anywhere else to suggest we should be visiting. Read our trip report of our weekend in Inverness here.
