Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms is a great place to visit any time of the year for outdoors families with activities to suit children of any age including canoeing, hiking and biking around the surrounding areas. Here are a few of our family favourite activities.
Rothiemurchus – There is a plethora of activities for families to get involved in here; pony treks, tree top adventures, quad bike hire, archery, segways and loads of options for walking or biking on decent tracks. There are just as many choices of cafes lining the road as well as quirky independent shops. You won’t be stuck for ideas here!
Cairn Gorm Mountain – A couple of options for this one. You can either take a trip on the funicular train up to the top station and enjoy a hot chocolate from their café while enjoying the views. Or, if the weather’s looking good and you’ve all got a bit of energy, why not bag yourself a munro? Even though you’re starting high from the car park, don’t be too complacent. Make sure you’ve carried out the usual checks; weather forecast, packed waterproofs, carry map and compass, food and drink etc.
Lochan Uaine – The Green Loch as it is otherwise known as is a lovely low level walk near Glenmore which meanders along a well maintained track alongside ancient Caledonian pines. There’s a viewing platform, space to explore, fallen trees double up as chairs you can rest on while trying to spot the mischievous fairies it’s believed live there and wash their clothes in the loch, which is why the water is green.
Loch Morlich – Enjoy a day spent by this scenic loch, with stunning views towards the surrounding mountains. There’s a water sports centre you can hire canoes from and plenty of cafes in nearby Glenmore.
Highland wildlife park – Walk around the park and visit polar bears, red pandas, snow monkeys and wolves. You can also enjoy a drive around the animal park to see European bison, elk, vicunas and polar bears again. There is a small café and gift shop, tours and daily talks. A brilliant day out in any weather.
Check out these websites for further help planning your visit:
Aviemore Family Friendly Guide – http://www.aviemorefamilyfriendlyguide.co.uk/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-aviemore/
Visit Aviemore – http://www.visitaviemore.com/whatson/
Visit Scotland – https://www.visitscotland.com/
Cairngorms National Park – http://cairngorms.co.uk/
Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) – http://www.mwis.org.uk/
Need to know:
There is a health centre and dentist in Aviemore as well as a choice of banks, supermarkets, a post office, pharmacy and petrol station. There is a huge variety of accommodation available to suit all budgets and cafes, restaurants and pubs
An Outdoors Family 
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