Kids Just want To Have Fun!
A family holiday should be all about treating yourselves to a refreshing break from your normal habits and day-to-day life.
Dumfries and Galloway has forever been creating new kids activities and play areas. We know that for you grown up's bringing the little ones along that their holiday is just as important as yours. After all if they're not happy you won't be either!
So we thought we would help you plan in advance of your trip and list off some of the great places that we like to take our children and enjoy a day out the house with them.
Most places listed here will offer a cafe and services of some sort however if you want to go full adventure mode and explore some hidden gems perhaps with a packed picnic in the car head over to our Get Outdoors page and see the places we have listed there.
Galloway Activity Centre
Fun for grown ups and kids!
Founded in 1988 and still the same family run activity centre that it's always been; you're sure to be in for a warm welcome. Galloway Activity Centre started out as a shed by the side of the Loch and over the years have grown from a small sailing school to a great local attraction for tourists and avid sailors!
The activity centre has a whole heap of fun stuff to try. You can go climbing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing all in one day! Just about!
For more details on what to do and when to book your trip click the link below and visit their website!
Laggan Outdoor
Yep that could be you in there! Laggan has so many fun activities for kids (and big kids) here are just some to nam a few:
-
Archery
-
Segway
-
Water Balling
-
Clay Pigeon Shooting
-
Grass Sledging
-
Zip Wire
-
Human Slingshot
To the mum's reading this dreading the thought of been thrown down a hill in a big plastic ball or trying to stay upright on a two wheel machine, fear not Laggan have a great cafe overlooking the Murray Isles and beyond. They serve amazing tray bakes and cakes and a pretty good cup of coffee!
Laggan are great at catering for larger parties like a hen do or stag do and offer some very good full day packages to accommodate for all size parties. If you'd like to find out more about these hit the button below.
Cream O' Galloway
Perfect for all ages of kids! Cream O' Galloway has a woodland adventure playground including the fabulously bouncy 'Go Boing', Birds Nest lookout tower and The Flying Fox! It also offers an indoor visitor centre and play areas, daily events, exciting slides, rides and pedal kart track, and its miles of beautiful walks and nature trails to explore in Galloway's scenic countryside.
You can find a cafe here serving canteen style lunches and of course plenty of ice-cream for afters!
Depending on ages and what you would like to participate in that day some entries are free, if you would like to find out more head over to the
Cream O' Galloway website.
Barstobrick
Faerie trails and horse back riding? Yes please!
Nestled in the heart of Red Kite country but just minutes from the region’s main road Barstobrick is an attraction that’s not to be missed. There’s history, wildlife, horse-riding, walking, cycling, fishing and somewhere to eat all in one place.
The Galloway Faerie Trail is full of interactive activities for families of all ages to enjoy. Go and explore the enchanted grounds and help to solve the mystery of the missing faerie dust. Purchase your map in the coffee shop (open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm).
The Cocoabean
Welcome to the chocolate factory of South West Scotland! Make your own chocolate creations in their interactive chocolate workshops for children, enjoy lunch in the Cocoabean Café, take home some tasty treats from the factory chocolate shop, or explore our outdoor play areas and soft play.
It’s not just the kids that get to enjoy the fun at the Cocoabean...
They also have created special truffle making workshops just for adults – and just like the kids, you can take home all the delicious chocolates you make!
They offer adult workshops for group bookings, so whether it’s a birthday party, hen night, works night out or just a get together, the Cocoabean is the place to go.
Ernespie farm
New to Galloway - Busy Bees soft play! A two level soft play experience for children of all ages. They have slides, ball pools and lots more.
Don’t worry if your little ones are under the age of 4 there are plenty more quieter play areas. Ernespie Farm also offer bespoke sensory play, elements of that can be found throughout the building.
Outside you will find lots of activities ranging from tractor rides, woodland walks, bouncy cushions, climbing frames, animal feeding and even tractor driving around our miniature farm.
A particular highlight is the combine harvester, which once was used to cut corn on the farm. They have had this combine custom made into a fun slide!
Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool
As well as the pool they have a sauna and fitness suite. These facilities are available during pool opening hours. They also have a new improved spectator area with self service tea and coffee facilties.
Get the kids out early for a morning swim and spend the day exploring Kirkcudbright! Known as the Artist's Town of Galloway there are many Galleries and Art Studios that can be visited.
Need to grab some lunch? Why not pick up some Fish n Chips from
Polar Bites and enjoy them on the picnic benches overlooking the boats and the harbour - mind the seagulls!!