There are few places in the world that feel like they’ve been pulled straight from a storybook. The Scottish Highlands-and especially the Isle of Skye-are one of them.
We went searching for family and found a magical land along the way. From misty hills and castle ruins to waterfalls and wild trails, Scotland gave us the kind of experience that invites both kids and adults to slow down, explore, and wonder. It felt like every turn in the road came with a view, a legend, or a chance to let our kids’ imaginations run wild.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland with kids, the Highlands and Skye offer something really special. Here’s what made it unforgettable for us, and why it might be the highlight of your trip too.
A Landscape Straight Out of a Storybook
Even before you dive into the history or myths, the landscape does half the storytelling.
- Jagged mountains and misty glens give everything a mysterious feel.
- Sheep dot the roadsides – and yes, you will get caught in “sheep traffic.”
- Lochs shimmer under overcast skies, making everything feel a little enchanted.
- Wildflowers, waterfalls, and moss-covered trails offer endless spots to explore and imagine.
Our kids turned every hike into an adventure. They weren’t being asked to go for a walk. They were looking for fairies, climbing over ancient rocks, and naming every hill after something from a book.
Magic, Myths, and the Fair Folk
If your kids love fantasy, Scotland is the real-world version.
Family Favorites:
The Fairy Pools (Isle of Skye)
These crystal-clear waterfalls and pools are something out of a dream. The hike is flat, easy, and family-friendly. Just pack waterproof shoes or go barefoot – it’s irresistible.
Fairy Glen (Isle of Skye)
A surreal little valley full of natural spirals, grassy mounds, and stone towers. There’s no signage, no big parking lot – just a short, magical stroll that feels like stepping into another world.
The Old Man of Storr
A short but dramatic uphill hike to a jagged pinnacle of stone. It’s got that classic “epic fantasy landscape” feel and is a great place to tell a story while you walk.
Everywhere you go, locals have stories – about selkies (seal people), kelpies (shape-shifting water horses), and fae that live in the hills. Whether or not you believe in fairies, there’s something about the Highlands that makes you look twice over your shoulder.
Castles, Clans, and Real-Life History
What’s better than castles? Castles surrounded by mist, mountains, and lochs.
Highlights:
Eilean Donan Castle
Arguably the most photogenic castle in Scotland. Super fun for kids to explore – they can climb towers, peek through battlements, and learn about clan history inside.
Dunvegan Castle
Still the seat of the MacLeod clan. Home of the Fairy Flag, said to bring magical protection. The castle gardens are great for kids to run around, and you can take a seal boat tour if you want to splurge.
Duntulm Castle (Ruins)
Free to explore and perched on the edge of the sea. No gates, no ropes – just you, the stones, and the wind.
Even without guided tours, your kids will walk away with a feel for Scottish history. It’s not something they memorize – it’s something they hike to and imagine themselves living in.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Scotland doesn’t nickel-and-dime you for its beauty. Most of what we did cost little to nothing.
Some of Our Favorite Free Experiences:
- Hiking to the Fairy Pools, Neist Point, Quiraing, or Glen Coe
- Beachcombing and tide-pooling at Staffin Bay (bonus: dinosaur footprints!)
- Picnics with epic views (Glen Coe and Sligachan are perfect)
- Small local museums or heritage centers (often donation-based)
- Wildlife spotting: seals, deer, sheep, Highland cows, and maybe even eagles
Pro Tip: Don’t over-plan. Some of the best moments come from pulling over to explore a trail or skipping rocks on a loch while eating snacks from the back of your car.
What We Packed (and What We Didn’t Need)
Must-Haves:
- Rain jackets and layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottles and snacks
- A sense of curiosity
- Check Out Our Scotland Gear List HERE ➡️
Didn’t Need:
- Screens. Between the stories, trails, and scenery, our kids were too busy living their own adventure.
Why It Stuck With Us
Scotland gave us more than just a family vacation. It gave us shared memories that feel like part of our family’s mythology. It’s not about ticking things off a list. It’s about standing still on a windswept cliff together. Walking hand-in-hand through mist and wondering what’s around the bend. Feeling small and connected all at once.
You don’t need a big itinerary to make a trip meaningful. The Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye do most of the work for you – through nature, magic, history, and stillness. All you have to do is show up, breathe it in. Get out there and explore.
Enjoy the Day!