Kids of all ages looking to travel to Scotland this autumn are searching for thrilling and adventurous experiences, according to consumer intentions data from VisitScotland. 

Search engine data from VisitScotland shows that there has been an increased interest in theme parks and animal park experiences, with search terms such as theme parks in Scotland UK (increased 4650% since 2023) and zoo Scotland (increased 52.38% since 2023).

What's more, the latest Domestic Sentiment Tracker*, which is jointly commissioned by VisitScotland, Visit Wales and VisitEngland, revealed that almost 30 per cent of families from the UK planning a trip to Scotland put visiting a family attraction at the top of their to-do list (27%) this autumn.

Enchanting forests with light shows and a sprinkling of magic? Tick. Boredom-busting activities for kids in the October holidays (and their adults)?  Scotland has got it covered.

Check out some picks for fun this half term:

Fun for all ages:

Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry, Perthshire

2 October – 2 November 2025

Scotland's trailblazing sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, is set to become the first major light trail in the country to introduce specialist communication boards, designed to help children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) engage more fully with the award-winning magical experience. Expect dazzling displays and wrap up warm.

(Price: Adult from £27.50; child from £15.00; family tickets from £76.00; children under 3 and carers, free. Tickets include the shuttle bus transport to and from the event). 

Biggar Gasworks Activity Days, Biggar Gasworks Museum, Biggar, Lanarkshire

Selected dates until Sunday, 19 October 2025

A free event**, visitors can take part in some fun family activities, and a team of volunteers will be on hand to explain how the gasworks operated to provide power to the town.  Activities will include; build a Gas Lamp, Gas Lamp making, make a cut-out house with light, and make a (baking soda) boat.

(Price: **Entry to the activity days is free, but the museum does accept donations).

Wicked Encounters, Edinburgh Zoo

11 October – 2 November 2025, (drop-in session, 10am – 12pm), free with Edinburgh Zoo admission***

Ideal for animal lovers of all ages, head to the Budongo Trail building to get up close and personal with some fascinating creatures and learn wacky facts at the pop-up Wicked Encounter sessions. These sessions offer interactivity with some of the friendlier species, knowledgeable keepers and expert rangers

(***Edinburgh Zoo tickets: Adult, £27.50; child, £17.50; concession, £24.50; under 3s and carers, free)

Itison presents GlasGLOW, Glasgow

24 October – 9 November 2025, various times in the evening, timeslots every 15 mins.

This spooky season, step into the Glasgow Botanic Gardens for an all-new 60-minute blockbuster light and sound show where there will be icons of Glasgow past and present. Some will create chills, others laughs; all will light visitors up. The show takes place after hours once the gardens are closed, minimising impact on the local community.

(Prices: Adults, from £24, child from £10, under 3s free. See: www.itison.com/glasglow/tickets )

Back to the Bronze Age, Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park, Isle of Arran

Wednesday, 15 October, drop-in event, 12noon – 2pm

Guests can get immersed in Bronze Age life in the authentic replica roundhouse at Brodick Castle.  Experience how prehistoric ancestors lived, handle artefacts and learn about Bronze Age crafts, tools and weapons. Or simply soak up the atmosphere sitting around the open fire.

(Price: included in admission: Adult, £16, child, £8, concession, £12; family tickets also available from £24. www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodick-castle ).

For wee ones:

Squirrel safari, Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire

Thursday, 16 October, 1pm

Suitable for children aged 4–12 years, spot red squirrels at Crathes Castle with the ranger team. Learn all about these amazing animals that call the grounds of Crathes Castle home. Visitors will learn what squirrel field signs are, what squirrels need to survive and why it is important to conserve this iconic species. To finish off there will be themed games to celebrate all things squirrel.

(Price: Adult, £4.83, child, £9.06, book online).

Halloween Trail, Drumlanrig Castle & Estates, Dumfries and Galloway

11 – 26 October 2025

Step into a world of eerie fun as Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate hosts its annual Halloween Trail. Explore the spooky trail, team up with the Drumlanrig Detectives to solve creepy clues, tackle fun games and challenges, and top it all off by picking the perfect pumpkin in the picturesque pumpkin patch.  Packed with creepy clues, thrilling games, and fang-tastic photo opportunities, this year's trail promises an unforgettable family experience. 

(Price: Under 5's, £10 per child; 5 and over – £15 per child. Child ticket includes: Playground & Gardens entry, Halloween trail, map & pencil, pumpkin, snack box + two free accompanying adults).

All aboard!

Kids for a Quid and family pass with ScotRail

Available from ScotRail ticket offices and on trains

Available every day, all year round, families can get out and about across Scotland via Scotrail train for less. Kids for a Quid tickets are available with most adult tickets, including Advance Singles, Season Tickets, Flexipass, and most concession tickets. There are also deals available online for free entry for children at various visitor attractions across Scotland, too. See the ScotRail website for more information. 

In addition, this October, for limited dates, ScotRail will be introducing a great value product to encourage family travel over the Scottish school holidays. The ScotRail Family Pass**** will offer unlimited travel for a whole family for seven days for only £50****.

(****Only available from ticket offices and on trains; travel is valid for seven consecutive days to begin on any day between 13 and 20 October. Valid for up to 2 adults and 4 children. Valid on ScotRail services across Scotland).

For the big kids:

Broomstick Making Workshop^, Wheel of Fate, Edinburgh

Workshops several days a week, throughout the year (see website for more information).

Learn how to make a custom broom from scratch, and leave with a memorable, hands-on experience. Select a favourite handle, choose a bundle of natural broom corn, and choose flowers and a charm. Following a unique workshop, leave with a special item to cherish forever.

(Price: £52 pp, book online. ^These workshops are for adults 18+, but a crafter aged 13-17 may participate if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who has also purchased a ticket).

Check out more things to do in Scotland, including where to stay, online at: www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/family