Description
If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Aberfeldy, Highland Safaris is an exceptional choice. This award-winning multi-activity visitor attraction gives families an immersive way to discover the natural beauty and wildlife of Highland Perthshire. It provides a fantastic educational day out where children can come face-to-face with native animals, pan for gold, and explore rugged mountain trails.
Standard tickets for the Red Deer Experience start from £10.00 per person, while children under 3 years old enter completely free of charge. Individual activity prices vary, with Mini Land Rover safaris starting from £35 per person and Mountain Safaris priced from £47.50 per person.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines outdoor adventure with hands-on wildlife encounters, this destination ticks every box. It offers a relaxed, welcoming environment that makes exploring the Scottish highlands accessible and fun for all ages.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- The Birks of Aberfeldy: Explore this stunning wooded gorge immortalized by Robert Burns, featuring cascading waterfalls and scenic walking paths.
- Loch Tay: Head to the nearby shores for scenic boat cruises, water sports, and tranquil lakeside views.
- Aberfeldy Distillery: Discover local heritage in the heart of Perthshire with historic whisky tours nearby.
- The Scottish Crannog Centre: Step back in time to explore reconstructed Iron Age loch dwellings and ancient crafts.
What Visitors Love:
- The staff and kilted rangers are exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and brilliant at keeping children engaged.
- The Red Deer Experience offers a uniquely personal and unhurried wildlife encounter compared to traditional zoos.
- The combination of outdoor trails, panning, and animal talks provides fantastic variety for a half-day family trip.
- The on-site cafe offers high-quality home baking and a cosy atmosphere centered around a peat-burning stove.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Individual activities are priced separately, which can add up if booking multiple experiences for a large family.
- Outdoor walking tracks and gravel paths can become wet and muddy during periods of heavy Scottish rainfall.
- Popular weekend activity slots can fill up quickly, requiring advance online planning.
Attractions & Live Exhibits
- Red Deer Park: Home to the resident herd of red deer.
- Barn Owl Enclosures: Housing resident barn owls for daily educational flights.
- Discovery Trail: 500-metre outdoor interactive walk featuring local heritage exhibits.
- Gold and Gem Panning Pews: Dedicated water troughs for mineral and gemstone hunting.
- Mini Land Rover Track: Off-road driving course for junior visitors.
New for 2026
- Upgraded Discovery Trail Play Zones: Newly installed rustic wooden balance beams and interactive sound stations along the walking route.
- Enhanced Red Deer Viewing Platforms: Improved low-level barrier designs ensuring toddlers have a completely unobstructed view of the herd.
- Expanded Panning Channels: Additional family-friendly gold and gem panning troughs to reduce wait times during peak weekends.
- Refreshed Cafe Outdoor Seating: Expanded patio seating areas overlooking the Perthshire hills for relaxed family dining.