travel scotland with baby

Scotland Road Trip with a Baby or Toddler (Itinerary + Tips)

Are you planning a road trip in Scotland with your baby or toddler?

We’re a Canadian-American family of three visiting Scotland for a few months and we recently did a week-long road trip with our 15-month old baby. I’m here to tell you that doing a Scotland road trip with a baby or toddler is 100 percent doable , even with a baby who’s never liked the car (like ours!).

You’ve probably heard that Scotland is an amazing country to drive around in — highlands, incredible scenery year-round, distilleries and castles galore… But you may not have heard that it’s also really, really great with a baby/toddler/child too!

There’s plenty for a little one to do, as long as you know where to go, plan ahead of time, and be sure to dress everyone for the weather! I’ve also written an article specifically on how to travel in the Scottish Highlands with a toddler which you can read here .

Planning Your Road Trip in Scotland with a baby or toddler

I always think it’s a good idea to have an itinerary/plan for what you’d like to do each day (check ours out below!) , but to also keep your plans flexible and to be able to move things around based on the weather and how you’re all feeling.

In Scotland especially, the weather is very unpredictable and you’ll want to brace yourselves for lots of rain and gloom (and then perhaps be pleasantly surprised!). Honestly, the rain and gloom is part of Scotland’s beauty, in my opinion.

We did our road trip with the three of us (me, my husband, and our toddler son) and my parents, who were visiting from the States. We had a few things in mind that they definitely wanted to see while in the country, and then some “it would be nice” items.

My advice would be to leave your expectations at the door and leave LOTS of space for spontaneity. Choose just a few “must-dos” or “must-sees” and don’t stress the rest. For us, our “must-dos” were:

• Visit St Andrews
• Visit Edinburgh
• Go on a whisky distillery tour
• See the Scottish Highlands

I did a lot of research on Visit Scotland , the Scottish government tourism organization, which has some really great information, and even itineraries that gave me ideas for our road trip week.

We never did more than 5 hours total in the car in one day. That was the MAX amount of time, and we made lots of stops every day — for toilet breaks, coffee breaks, food, sightseeing, etc. There are plenty of fun and necessary excuses to get out of the car which I recommend you build into your journey time expectations.

What time of year to do a Scotland road trip

It’s probably best to try and go when you have a better chance of good weather (and when more things will be open — some castles and such are seasonal), so starting in April to the end of October .

We did our recent road trip in October and it was lovely — nothing was too crowded , and the changes leaves were beautiful. It wasn’t too cold or rainy either. We actually got very lucky and had mostly sunny days all 6 days.

What to wear on your Scotland road trip

Scotland has the four seasons but can be more on the chilly and windy side year-round. I would recommend bringing raincoats, waterproof shoes/boots and changes of clothes on day trips. This goes for the adults and the babies/toddlers.

In October when we went, we brought a full-body rain suit for my son as well as a warm winter coat, and a winter hat to cover his ears. It was really windy on some days and we were glad to have him bundled up.

For adults, it will depend on your tolerance for cold! I can’t bear wind in my ears, so I needed to bring a hat. I also wore a winter coat most days. But my parents, who are hardy Bostonians, were fine most days in just a sweater and rain jacket.

Stroller vs. Carrier/Hiking Backpack

At the moment, we are HUGE fans of leaving the stroller at home when traveling. There are just too many places, especially in Europe, where there isn’t stroller access and we’ve had to carry our stroller up a hill WITH our son in it (such as when we walked up a miniature mountain in Barcelona to Park Güell!).

If this isn’t an option for you, don’t worry — but you may be a bit more limited in terms of places you can go (especially natural places that don’t have ramp access).

We travel with our Lille Baby carrier everywhere (my husband is wearing it in the photo above) and we’re getting more and more into our baby hiking backpack (our currently hiking backpack is a model from MEC in Canada). These are all great for navigating the airport with a toddler as well.

Our 6-day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (with a baby or toddler)

We are based in Dundee , near St Andrews , but this itinerary would also be ideal for anyone staying in Edinburgh as well.

We slept in one place the whole week (in Dundee). Without a baby or toddler, it might have been nice to jump around and sleep in other towns but, with a wee one, we opted for the simplest plan! We wanted to pack a lot of sightseeing in, but still have it be enjoyable for our son and make sure he got enough sleep.

You’ll see later that even though I took the time to create a “perfect” bespoke, curated itinerary — road tripping with a toddler, grandparents, and sleep-deprived parents requires giving yourselves grace and making room for last-minute changes!

Here is what we planned; our complete itinerary (the simplified version), with more of an explanation down below:

Day 1: Edinburgh

There is a LOT to see and do in Edinburgh , so if you’re able to spend more than one day here, I would! You’ll be slowed down considerably by a baby or toddler so you’ll want more time here if there are many things on your Edinburgh wish list. We had all been there before so we decided to just do the one day.

Here are some of the best things to stop and do in Edinburgh with a baby or toddler:

Calton Hill

There’s a lot of open space for a toddler to run around, and great views of the city.

Edinburgh Castle

You may have to reserve this in advance depending on the season! If you only have time to do one or two activities in Edinburgh, this is a good one to choose because you’ll get history, views, and plenty of space for your toddler to run around!

Day 2: St Andrews

My parents wanted to see the town of St Andrews because it’s where my husband is working as a visiting scholar this term (and the reason we’re in Scotland…) but also because St Andrews is beeeaautiful!

It’s kind of a thing that Americans walk around Scotland saying, “oh my god, I feel like we’re in Harry Potter!” and truly, you will feel like saying this a lot when you’re in St Andrews.

It’s kind of a fairy tale university town and home to the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world. You’ll visit cute little old cafes, winding cobblestone streets, a gorgeous ruined castle on the seaside… and a cathedral in ruins that was once the largest building in Europe.

Another fun fact — St Andrews is where Prince William and Kate Middleton met each other as students. And there are some cafes/restaurants around town that advertise themselves as places where the two met for a date. Some of the places to visit in St Andrews include:

• St Andrews Cathedral
• St Andrews Castle
• The Swilcan Bridge
• St Andrews Botanic Garden
• St Andrews University

My son’s favorite thing to do in St Andrews, now that we’ve been there several times to visit his dad at school, is to run around the ruins and cemetery at St Andrews Cathedral. There’s also a cute canal full of ducks that he loves to chase.

Day 3: Distillery tour, Stirling, the Kelpies

This is definitely too ambitious to try and do ALL of these in one day. I listed them together as more of a choice. You could choose to visit, for example, the city of Stirling in the morning and the Glenturret Distillery (the oldest working distillery in Scotland!) in the afternoon.

Or you could visit the Lindores Abbey Distillery in the morning and then see the Kelpies in the afternoon… Or do any other combination of these awesome sites/attractions!

The Kelpies are a 100-foot tall double horse head statue that is really impressive in person. They’re part of a larger family park, with nature trails, called the Helix .

I would definitely recommend seeing the Kelpies at the Helix with a toddler (or baby or a child!) because (1) it’s FREE to just go and see them (without a tour) and (2) there are places to eat, drink, shop, and play — plenty of space and playgrounds for toddlers and kids to have a blast. There are also picnic tables if it’s nice out and you wanted to bring your own meal.

Day 4: Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven

This day in the car was perhaps my favorite so far, if I had to choose. It’s a drive up the coast (for us, from Dundee to Dunnottar Castle, near the town of Stonehaven).

Dunnottar Castle itself is stunning, a ruined castle perched on a cliff. You climb winding stairs up the entrance, so a baby carrier or hiking backpack is pretty essential. This was our final destination, the climatic finish to a day of road tripping along the Scottish coast.

We had so much fun running around the grounds of this castle. We arrived a bit later in the day, around the time of the last entrance (I want to say it was around 3 pm) and that was PERFECT because we had the place almost to ourselves — and during golden hour.

On the way to the castle, we made a couple of stops. Some of the places you can stop along the way are:

• The Davidson Cottage: Where the family who created Harley Davidson lived
• Fettercairn Distillery
• Arbroath Cliffs

We stopped at Arbroath Cliffs and Lunan Bay on the way up to Dunnottar Castle and found that that made for the perfect day trip for us.

Arbroath is a seaside town with the most gorgeous walk along massive cliffs — with very high, steep drops! We had our son in his carrier the whole time so I wouldn’t have a heart attack.

We also stopped for lunch at a cute cottage restaurant in Arbroath called the Old Brewhouse , which had great service — especially for our son. They brought him a little coloring set, juice, and had a great kid’s menu.

We stopped at Lunan Bay , a beautiful beach where my dad and husband had fun skipping rocks before getting back in the car and back on our merry way!

Day 5: Highlands drive in Cairngorms National Park

This was a road trip day that we actually did on another day, a few weeks later, despite having it planned for this 6-day road trip week.

It’s a good example of how we should try to be flexible and delete/move items from our itinerary that best suit our family in the moment!

I’m glad we got around to it, and if you like to hike, I suggest that you try to make this one of your priority days. If you want to see the Scottish Highlands, but you only have one day (and a baby/toddler with you), this is a good way to do it: Drive to Glen Clova , about 50 minutes north of Dundee, and do the Loch Brandy hike.

It’s not too strenuous and we were able to stop comfortably many times along the way to give our toddler a break from the hiking backpack and fuel up on snacks! And the views are incredible.

There’s also a hotel with a restaurant and cafe if you want to get coffee and drinks before or after your hike. I think it would also be lovely to spend a night at the hotel — it’s super cute, nestled at the foothills of the highlands.

We also considered other longer routes through the highlands, such as doing a loop in the Cairngorms up to Balmoral Castle . This was Queen Elizabeth II’s property in Scotland.

There are so many ruins and castles to see along this road (such as Braemar Castle and Knock Castle ), but it takes about 5-6 hours (without stops) so with a baby, I thought we would probably have to stop somewhere in between to sleep for the night or it would be too long of a day trip for us. It’s still on my list though!

Day 6: Glamis Castle

We were SO pleasantly surprised by Glamis Castle ! It’s just a 25-minute drive from Dundee and the childhood home of the the Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth II’s mother) and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.

It’s also supposedly the most haunted castle in Scotland and has connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth .

You can visit the castle and gardens, or just the gardens (which is cheaper). The “Alice in Wonderland”-like gardens are so beautiful. You can also take photos with carved statues of the three Macbeth witches.

It’s another place that’s great for a toddler because there’s so much space to run around. While my son could not be put down inside the castle itself (because he would have destroyed all of the priceless furniture), he loved throwing rocks into the fountain outside, running down the garden maze paths, and smacking the statues.

Other places near Glamis Castle that would be great to stop in, explore, and get a coffee or meal:

• the town of Forfar
• the town of Kirriemuir (where playwright and writer of Peter Pan , JM Barrie is from!)
• the Gin Bothy Experience

Alternative Routes and Stops for Your Scotland Road Trip

If you’re still looking for more activities and places to add to your Scotland road trip itinerary, I would recommend some of these ideas:

• Loch Lomond
• Broughty Ferry: A cute seaside town with good restaurants, cafes, and free castle (with a playground next to it!)
• The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth
• Lomond Hills Regional Park

Of course, where you choose to road trip will depend greatly on where you’re choosing to stay in Scotland. My ideas tend to be a bit more to the east because we’re based in Dundee, but anywhere you go in Scotland will be magical I’m sure.

Do I Need to Reserve Tours Early for My Scotland Trip?

Depending on what time of the year you’ll be visiting Scotland and what attractions you really wish to see, it may be necessary to reserve certain tours in advance.

Since we’re here in the semi off season (October), we haven’t had too much trouble getting tickets to things like Edinburgh Castle on the day of, but I’ve heard that popular attractions like this can sell out days in advance in the high season.

Whisky distillery tours require advanced booking as well — most of them take reservations on their websites. If there’s a particular restaurant that you know you want to go to, make a reservation. We sometimes had trouble finding a place to eat without a reservation in cities like Edinburgh and St Andrews.

How to Rent a Car for Your Scotland Road Trip

We simply used the Enterprise car rental website, booked in advance, and picked up our rental car from the Enterprise location across from our Airbnb! It’s a good idea to look up rental places near where you’ll be staying if you plan to do any road tripping while in Scotland.

Also: It’s a good idea to watch some YouTube videos or do some Google searches to become acquainted with the Scottish/UK road signs if you’ve never driven here before.

We brought our own car seat with us from the States and Canada.

What to Pack in the Car for Your Scotland Road Trip with a Baby or Toddler

You can be tempted to bring the entire house with you when you’re taking a car ride, and while it is good to be prepared, I think bringing too much stuff in the car just makes a mess and makes it harder to find things quickly when you need them.

My biggest piece of advice would be to really think about what you’ll need immediate access to while your baby or toddler is in the car and put those items loosely in a reusable shopping bag at your feet (or close enough for you to be able to grab quickly).

Here’s what I like to place in that “close” bag:

• Food/drinks (snacks that he can eat in the car and milk/water sippy cup)
• Some sticker books
• A few battery-powered toys with buttons that I know he likes
• His blanket and pacifier
• Snacks and a water bottle for the grown-ups

In the trunk, we put all the winter jackets and clothes, the baby carrier, and anything else.

I hope this helps you plan your own Scotland road trip with a baby/toddler comfortably! You’re going to have so much fun 🙂

Brittany is a Wayfaring Human who loves to adventure with her husband and son. When she's not having adventures, she's taking pictures of them and writing about them.

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Traveling to Scotland with a Toddler or Baby

Are you looking for tips on traveling to Scotland with a baby or toddler? I’m sharing a detailed guide on why you should consider Scotland, what to do and see with your toddler or baby, how to dress, what souvenirs to consider, where to stay for a family-friendly experience, and what travel gear to take with you.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We only recommend products and services that we love!

Our first international adventure as a family of three was to Scotland, and my husband and I can honestly say that we loved traveling to Scotland with a toddler (or a baby- she was just over one year old). We had traveled to England and Ireland together, but hadn’t made it to Scotland. We vowed to return to the British Isles, and it worked out perfectly to take our daughter there for her first trip across the pond.

We traveled to Scotland after spending a week in England ( London and the Lake District ). We were there for a week, and we split our time between the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh . Our daughter truly loved the trip, so I’m excited to share my tips for traveling to Scotland with a toddler or a baby with you!

Why Scotland?

I’ll start by sharing our reasons for choosing Scotland. Scotland is obviously stunningly beautiful and there are so many reasons to visit, but it’s also a great choice for families. My husband and I have traveled internationally together quite a bit, but we still were a bit nervous about taking our daughter overseas for the first time. The actual trip didn’t concern us very much, but we were concerned about the flight. Our daughter had done great on long road trips, but we were worried about starting her out with an international flight that was too long, so we decided to choose a destination in Western Europe (non-stop flights to the U.K. are about 10-11 hours from where we live in California).

I started doing some research and asked several other traveling families for their destination recommendations, and I was overwhelmed with responses telling me to consider Scotland. I brought it up to my husband, and the more we thought about it, the more we liked the idea. We knew we wanted to return to the U.K. one day, and I had never been to Scotland (my husband had been to Edinburgh but never to the Scottish Highlands). I had fallen in love with photos of the Isle of Skye that I’d come across online, so we were sold.

It turns out that Scotland was an excellent choice. The flight was easy and not too far from California, considering that it was international (our daughter did amazing!), and the United Kingdom felt a lot like home in many ways. It was familiar to us, driving there was relatively easy (they do drive on the opposite side of the road, but it doesn’t take long to get used to), and we were able to find everything we needed in stores (even brands that we were used to purchasing in the states). Not having a language barrier also helped make the trip relaxing with our daughter. Overall, we were very happy with our decision and would recommend Scotland to any family who loves adventure, beautiful landscapes, and quaint cities!

You might also be interested in: What to Pack in a Toddler’s Carry-On

What to Do & See with a Toddler or Baby in Scotland

You’ll find that Scotland is very family-friendly, and there are tons of things that you can do with a toddler or a baby. I am a firm believer in taking our daughter along for the ride. We did seek out attractions that we knew she would enjoy (like playgrounds), but we also visited typical attractions like castles, museums, and cathedrals. She did well and loved everything! I’ll share a few of my top recommendations for both the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh below, along with some tips.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. We spent 2 full days there and loved every minute of it. It is located in northwest Scotland (in the Scottish Highlands) and is accessible by bridge, making it easy to drive your rental car there.

Plan to spend almost all of your time outdoors on the Isle of Skye. It is known for its beautiful coastline, stunning views, and beautiful lochs. You’ll experience mostly cool weather, so you’ll want to dress your toddler or baby appropriately (you can find my clothing recommendations in the next section!).

You won’t find an abundance of “family-friendly” recommendations for the Isle of Skye- as in, there aren’t very many children’s museums, etc. (but you can find a few playgrounds). I suggest planning your time there based on what you want to see, and then make sure you have the appropriate gear to keep your toddler or baby safe in those spots. You will want to make sure that you have a comfortable baby carrier for the Isle of Skye, as a stroller won’t make it very far in most places (more on gear recommendations below). If you are only there for one day, you will not want to miss the Trotternish Loop. If you’re there for two days, I recommend adding Neist Point (our favorite!) and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens to your itinerary. You can check out how we spent our time there in this post: The Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary .

You might also be interested in: Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting the Isle of Skye, Scotland

Edinburgh, the beautiful capital of Scotland, is a must-see destination in Scotland. We loved how small it felt. We stayed near Edinburgh Castle the Royal Mile, and we were able to walk everywhere easily. Our travel stroller held up well on the cobblestone streets too (more gear recommendations below)!

Edinburgh Castle is incredibly family-friendly and is a must-see. Our daughter slept in her carrier through most of our visit there, but she loved what she saw when she was awake. I recommend leaving your stroller behind for this visit. While they are allowed, you’ll find that you’ll need to park it often, and it will become more of a nuisance than a help.

Other attractions that we visited and loved were St. Giles’ Cathedral, Scott Monument, and Holyrood Park. Holyrood Park turned out to be a highlight for us. Our daughter loved watching the birds and running around in the wide open spaces (a nice change after being cooped up for so long in her carrier and stroller).

There is a lovely playground in the Princess Street Gardens. It is the perfect place to let your little one run around, in the midst of the busy city.

We primarily walked everywhere, but we did take a taxi a few times when the temperatures dropped and the wind picked up. Before having our daughter, my husband and I were big fans of Uber . But now we cannot always take an Uber with a child due to car seat laws. In the U.K., car seats are not required if the child is in a taxi (check up-to-date car seat laws here ). We followed advice from our vacation home host and downloaded the Gett App . It is easy to use, and our taxi drivers were all among the friendliest people we met during our trip!

Important note about restaurants: we were surprised to find that many restaurants were only open to adults ages 18+, particularly in the New Town neighborhood. We did find several family-friendly dining options , but don’t be alarmed if you cannot take your toddler or baby into the first restaurant you see.

How to Dress a Toddler or Baby in Scotland

Temperatures in Scotland can be pretty cool, even in the summer months. We traveled there in early May, when it was in the 50s (F) in the Isle of Skye and in the 40s (F) in Edinburgh. You should also expect rain. We lucked out and only experienced a few sprinkles on our first day in the Isle of Day, but we did experience consistent showers on our first day in Edinburgh (it was so heavy that we called it a day around 4pm and relaxed in our vacation home for the rest of the evening).

In the Isle of Skye, our daughter wore fleece-lined leggings (with warm tights layered underneath), a warm long-sleeved shirt, and a fleece sweatshirt every day. We also put her in a rain suit to protect her from rain and wind. Even though it didn’t rain as often as it could have, we were thankful for the protection the suit provided from the wind. She wore rain boots (or wellies, as the locals would say) and a warm hat . We removed layers as needed, and she was definitely warm enough!

In Edinburgh, we kept her warm in fleece, but we transitioned to a more stylish, warm coat . At this point in the trip, she decided that she loved her gloves and wore them often!

You won’t want to forget to bring an umbrella. I recommend buying a small, compact umbrella that can easily fit in your bag. You’ll find that as soon as the rain starts, locals pull theirs out of their bags. We also used a rain cover for our daughter’s stroller (more on that below).

You might also be interested in: Tips for Visiting London with a Toddler (or a Baby)

Souvenir Ideas for a Toddler or Baby in Scotland

If you are like most travelers, you’ll want to pick up a few souvenirs from your travels. You’ll find that Scotland, like most tourist-heavy destinations in the world, has no shortage of souvenir shops. If you would like to shop for traditional souvenirs, I recommend shopping along the Royal Mile. You’ll find everything from Tartan scarves to kilts to Scottish shortbread.

Tip: You can find lower prices on traditional items closer in the center of the Royal Mile, as opposed to the shops near the beginning and the end.

If you’re like us, you might prefer a practical or minimalist approach to souvenirs . Our favorite souvenirs to purchase for our daughter are clothing items and children’s books- and we stuck to this during our trip to Scotland. In Edinburgh, we purchased our daughter a couple of summer dresses and shirts. We loved that these items are practical and things that she would need anyway. Rather than purchasing them in the states , we bought them abroad, and they bring up fond memories every time we dress her in them.

We bought her two books in Scotland- one from each of our destinations. We found these in traditional souvenir shops (in Dunvegan and Edinburgh Castles). She loves to read them, and we love that they are exposing her to other cultures. We love fostering her love for reading by expanding her library in this way- and we will all treasure these books for years to come!

You might also be interested in: Souvenir Ideas for Minimalists

Capture Your Memories with a Professional Photo Shoot in Scotland

I almost put this recommendation under my souvenir suggestions, but I think it deserves its own space, because this is our favorite recommendation. We highly recommend booking a professional photo shoot with Flytographer . We started booking photo shoots with them in 2017, after we learned about their amazing company. They partner with local photographers around the world (in over 200 cities) to help you capture your travel memories.

We loved our photoshoot in Edinburgh with Jilli . She took our photos along the Royal Mile and was able to capture our love for each other and the city so well! Our daughter loved having her photos taken by her and begged for “more!” when the photoshoot was over. As a local, Jilli was able to take us to spots in Edinburgh that we didn’t know existed. It was like having our own personal tour guide!

Photos are priceless, and we love having them when we return home. If you’re interested in booking a photo shoot with them in Edinburgh or any other destination around the world, you can use my referral link to earn $25 off your first photo shoot . If you love the idea but aren’t ready to book a photo shoot yet, you can sign up for an account through my link , and the $25 will be waiting for you when you are ready.

If you would like to learn more about Flytographer , you can read about our maternity photoshoot in Paris too!

You might also be interested in: 15 Reasons to Book a Photo Shoot with Flytographer on Your Next Vacation

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Lodging Recommendations in Scotland

When we travel with our daughter, lodging is one of the things that I focus on first. We almost always book apartments or homes through sites like VRBO when we travel, and our trip to Scotland was no exception. We like the flexibility of having our own kitchen (especially because I have food allergies and want the option to cook for myself when I cannot eat out easily) and a washing machine for doing laundry (doing laundry while you travel can get pricey, especially on long trips).

When you book through VRBO , you can easily narrow down your search by filtering important amenities. You can search for homes that include cribs, high chairs, toys, etc. We loved the three vacation homes that we stayed at in Scotland. If you prefer to go the hotel route, I highly recommend checking out Expedia . They are our go-to when we book hotels, as they offer amazing deals!

We stayed in a lovely home in Edinbane on the Isle of Skye. It was in the perfect location for exploring the isle. It was spacious, clean, and was on a beautiful property with baby lambs. Unfortunately, this home isn’t listed anymore, but here are a few other family-friendly vacation homes and hotel options on the Isle of Skye.

Vacation Homes on the Isle of Skye (with cribs!):

• Spacious family-friendly home with a sea view- sleeps 6
• Beautiful cottage with sea views near Neist Point Light House (one of our favorite spots of the isle)- sleeps 8
• Cosy Crofter’s Cottage near Portree- sleeps 5

Family-Friendly hotels on the Isle of Skye:

• Skeabost House Hotel
• Tongadale Hotel

We also had an amazing experience in Edinburgh, where it is pretty easy to find a vacation home with a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle .

Vacation Homes in Edinburgh (with cribs!):

• Luxury Apartment with Dramatic Castle Views- sleeps 6
• Stunning Apartment with Castle Views- sleeps 6
• Modern 1st Floor Apartment with an excellent location- sleeps 5

Family-Friendly hotels in Edinburgh:

• The Balmoral Hotel
• Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
• Fraser Suites Edinburgh

Some of our vacation homes in Scotland were more “toddler-friendly” than others, but they all worked well for us. When booking your lodging, here are a few things you should consider:

• What amenities are important to you (e.g., a kitchen or washing machine)?
• What features are important for the safety and comfort of your child (e.g., no inside stairs, a crib, tidy shelves, no messy cords)?
• Is it near attractions that you plan to visit? Or is it within reasonable travel distance?

Travel Gear Recommendations to take to Scotland

Are you planning to rent a car? Check out these suggestions for travel car seats for one year olds .

Here is a list of gear that we loved using in Scotland:

• Lightweight, compact travel stroller: We took our compact travel stroller (fits in overhead bins on airplanes)! It is easy to use, folds up very small, and held up well to the cobblestone streets in Edinburgh.

• Baby carrier: We love our Ergobaby 360 ! It’s comfortable and ergonomic. This was a must for exploring castles and hiking around the Isle of Skye.

You might also be interested in: The Best Travel Strollers

I hope that you enjoyed my tips for traveling to Scotland with a toddler or a baby! We loved our time there and wouldn’t hesitate to return with our daughter. If you’re traveling with children, check out these things to do in Edinburgh with kids !

Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help! If you’ve traveled to Scotland with little ones, I would love to hear your advice.

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36 comments, melissa m sanchez.

I absolutely love this post. I have been desiring to take my kids over seas so that they can see the world and this is such a great and insightful post. Thank you for sharing, I think Scotland just made the top of our list for travel next year!

Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions during your planning process!

Adriana Avila

Love your post and all of your photos! This makes me so excited to go visit! We recently moved to England and have a 4 year old and were wondering how it would go bringing him along.

Thank you for sharing!

You are lucky to live so close to Scotland! We love England too- enjoy your new adventures!

I wish I had this post when we took my son to Jamaica at 6 months old. You are so amazingly organized! I’ll be travelling with him again, on my own, to Jamaica ( he’s 3 now) and I’m nervous about how he will do on the plane. Thanks for the recommendations on what to pack in a carry on as well. Scotland seemed to be the perfect choice. I hope my husband, son and me will get to experience it together.

I’m so glad this was helpful! I hope your trip to Jamaica goes smoothly and that you get to visit Scotland soon!

Scotland is gorgeous – as your pictures show! I think there’s still loads to see that you missed this time, so you need to go back. The isle of Mull is brilliant for kids too. Reading about Edinburgh here made me want to return – we haven’t been since our kids were very little and now they are 17 and 14. It’s a lovely city.

I have heard wonderful things about the Isle of Mull! It is on our list for next time. 🙂

Jen Brommer

What a helpful ad thorough post! I love the photos that help to tell the story!

Thank you! 🙂

My sister-in-law has just moved up to Scotland which has put it right back at the top of our list. I would love to go to Edinburgh and the highlands. We have been a couple of times but that was many years ago now.

I hope you make it there soon! There is so much to explore!

Sarah Wilson

Such a great post for families visiting Scotland! Love the souvenir recs too.

I wish we had started traveling internationally with our kids when they were much younger! This is a destination we have yet to visit with or without kids so it’s high on our list! Great info!!

I’m so glad! I highly recommend it! 🙂

Scotland seems like a great place to visit regardless of age, but great tips for those traveling with a toddler. Always love personal Airbnb recommendations.

It’s definitely a great place for everyone! And these Airbnbs are great for all ages too!

Many beautiful landscapes. Scotland looks amazing. I love family traveling with kids. We had used Baby carrier when my kid was small. I wish one day we could travel to Scotland. Thanks for sharing. Heena.

Thank you! We have loved traveling with our baby and look forward to sharing our future adventures!

I really enjoyed your article. It’s not often I get to read article that grab my attention like yours. Thanks.

So glad! Thanks for reading!

Lorna @ Gin & Lemonade

I’m an American living in Scotland. My husband is from Edinburgh, and we’re working on moving back with our 5 year-old daughter. But we currently live on Skye. So this wonderful post brings up conflicting emotions, ha! Beautiful trip and family and great recommendations!

How wonderful! I imagine that there are several wonderful things about living on Skye, but Edinburgh seems like such a great, family-friendly city to live in. Good luck with your move! Thanks for the kind words!

Cynthia Mackintosh

I love this post! Our family traveled to Scotland, specifically Edinburgh and Glasgow, to capture my husband’s ancestry. We traveled with preteens so not quite the same experience as yours, but we had a fantastic time! We visited Edinburgh Castle as well. We also had the “Mackintosh” crest done and printed on t-shirts that we all wore in front of the place my husband’s grandfather lived at (road now where the house used to be).

What a neat experience! I love that you had t-shirts made. How special!

Thank you! Everyone thinks we are nuts to travel in Europe with a toddler. Your ideas are great!

Definitely not nuts! 🙂

I love love love Edinburgh! And I am keeping this post for sure, my partner when it comes to the travelblog is having a baby soon – so I’ll pass your story along to her 🙂

Wonderful! I hope she finds it helpful!

What a lovely idea to arrange a professional photo shoot while you were on hoildays. I would never of thought to do that. What beautiful photos you now have for your memories.

Thank you! We do enjoy capturing our memories in this way!

Did you manage to do hikings in isle of skye with your little one. We have 2 year old girl, and planning to do Isle of skye , walks and hikes What do you suggest for that.

Regards, Dee

Yes, we did several hikes and walks! We didn’t do anything extremely long, but we did several hikes that were a couple miles each (many spots along the Trotternish Loop require walks). A good carrier is a must. The Isle of Skye is filled with beautiful places with uneven ground, so you’ll want to keep your little one safe in a carrier. You can go with a good structured carrier with a frame (like a Chicco carrier) or a soft-sided carrier (like an Ergo, which was our choice). Be sure your daughter has good, sturdy, water-proof shoes that she can wear to in the areas that she can walk around. It can be very wet there! Have a wonderful time! 🙂

Alexandria Wiley

I’m due with our first baby in March! We had a trip to Scotland booked for this October but had to cancel due to COVID. We need to use our travel voucher by this time next year (our baby will be approximately 7 months when we’re thinking about going). How did you go about the car seat issue? Did you take a car seat for the plane and/or car rides? Did you do any of those hop-on hop-off tours (does baby need a car seat for those)? Thanks for all this wonderful advice!

Congrats on your new baby! We traveled with a car seat. While it is possible to rent or buy one there, we thought it is easiest to bring one from home. We traveled with our baby as a lap infant, so we had to gate check it on the plane. We used it for car rides in our rental, but they are not required on bus tours. We did a hop on, hop off tour in London but not Edinburgh (although car seat laws tend to the same everywhere in the UK). Have a WONDERFUL time! 🙂

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Best Itinerary for Touring Scotland with Kids

24 Nov, 2020

Touring Scotland with kids can create lifelong family memories you’ll all treasure. This country is filled with magic, wonder, and countless opportunities for adventure. If you’re bringing the kids for a family holiday in Scotland, we’d love to offer some tips and advice for your trip planning. 

We know this country inside and out and we love sharing all our incredible sites and stories…especially if we can inspire a love of Scotland in the next generation! At Inspiring Travel, we have several Scotland itineraries you can check out for inspiration, or you can always create a tailor made tour to suit your family’s interests. We’d love to show you how magical Scotland truly is!

How to Tour Scotland with Kids

We wrote a whole article on everything you need to know about touring Scotland for more general information on travelling in the country.

But, of course, the best way to tour Scotland with kids is by private tour. Just think of the stress you can avoid if you’re not trying to navigate, drive, entertain the kids, and actually try to enjoy the views all at the same time. Gift yourself some serenity and let someone else handle all the driving…and most of the entertaining, too!

Best Itinerary for a Family Tour of Scotland

Choosing the best places to visit in Scotland with your kids will largely depend on their ages and interests. If you’re bringing very little ones, then we’ll want to plan your time around naps and ensure shorter travel days. If your kids are a bit older and, say, looking for Harry Potter locations in Scotland , then we have lots of places they could visit to relive that magic!

Whatever interests you and your family have, we have plenty of advice to offer. It would be impossible to outline every single itinerary option for travelling Scotland with kids just in this one article. But we’ll give you a starting point and then we’d be happy to chat about your specific family adventure. 

This itinerary is anywhere from 7-12 nights, but you may have a different timeframe in mind for your Scotland trip. Use this as a baseline and then we can cater your tour to your family. Feel free to contact us any time with any questions.

Visiting Edinburgh With Kids: 2-4 nights

Edinburgh is a magical city, no matter your age. From Edinburgh Castle to Dynamic Earth and everything along the Royal Mile in-between, the Old Town is sure to enchant every visitor. Kids especially love Camera Obscura, the National Museum of Scotland, and running around in Princes Street Gardens or the Royal Botanic Gardens on a sunny day. Head to the shore to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia if the kids are keen on fancy ships or journey through time with a tour at the Real Mary King’s Close.

Getting around Edinburgh with kids is easy, although the cobblestone streets and plentiful staircases can make it a bit of a challenge with a buggy or pram. If your kids are a bit older and looking for some adventure, climb Arthur’s Seat for a panoramic view of the city, or walk up the shorter Calton Hill right at the top of Princes Street.

If you’re touring Scotland with kids, it’s a good idea to base yourself in a few places for several days each. Stay in Edinburgh for multiple nights to truly enjoy the city. We’d be happy to include a day trip from Edinburgh, too.

Falkirk and the Kelpies

As you begin your Scotland tour, stop in Falkirk to visit the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. Kids marvel at the sheer size of the giant metallic horse head sculptures, and the Falkirk Wheel is an engineering wonder that amazes kids (and adults) of all ages. You could stop in Falkirk in the morning en route to Stirling.

Stirling Castle & Beyond

Stirling Castle is ideal to visit with kids, especially if you book a private tour for a more customised experience. You should also head up to the National Wallace Monument for views over the whole city and beyond. Go inside to check out historic memorabilia, including massive swords the kids are sure to love! Stirling University campus offers another space to wander and let them stretch their legs if they’re needing a distraction. 

When you’re ready, drive on towards the Cairngorms for an overnight stay.

Cairngorms National Park: 1-2 nights

Touring Scotland with kids means you should take advantage of the natural beauty of this land and let the kids get out any excess energy along your journey. Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and hosts an incredible array of topography and wildlife for everyone to enjoy. 

Pitlochry, a popular Victorian village, rests just before the national park boundaries if you’re driving from the Edinburgh area. You could spend a night here to start the next morning with the kids checking out the salmon ladder. Also in this area, visit Blair Castle, head up to Queen’s View for a panoramic vista, or even dare the kids to try the Soldier’s Leap at Killiecrankie (don’t let them actually try the 5.5m jump, though…just to be safe).

Once you’re in the Cairngorms, there are adventures aplenty to be had. Aviemore is a great outdoor adventure town, with the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre being a huge hit with kids of all ages! If you got an early start, you could head on to Inverness for your overnight stay. Or enjoy a second night for more time in the park if you’re keen.

Inverness & Surrounds: 2-3 nights

Inverness is often called the capital of the Highlands and serves as the perfect base for exploring this beautiful area. Take the kids on a boat tour of Loch Ness and check out the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition for fun. Visit Urquhart Castle while you’re here, and then head to the Moray Firth to look for dolphins. You could take a day trip up to Dunrobin Castle or, alternatively, get a sober history lesson at Culloden Moor and the visitor centre. Enjoy a few nights in the area to relax after several busy days of sightseeing.

Scottish Highland Highlights: 1 night

The Harry Potter fans will want to see the steam train crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. You could even book a ride on what’s been dubbed The Hogwarts Express for an extra special day! History lovers will want to explore Fort William. 

Driving through Glencoe is a Scotland tour requirement for its stunning topography and photo opportunities. Of course, in true Scottish fashion, you could get total cloud cover and miss out on those beautiful views. That’s what makes it extra special when you do get to see them in their full glory!

To truly enjoy this stunning part of the country, you should spend a night in Oban or the surrounding area. You could just carry on for a full day of road tripping between Inverness and Glasgow, but it’s nice to relax and really bask in this beauty. We’re fond of several special hotels in the Scottish Highlands , though not all of those are particularly kid-friendly, so we can advise on the perfect stay based on your kids’ ages.

Visit Glasgow with Kids: 1-2 nights

Finishing up your family tour of Scotland, you’ll want to head to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow is well-known for its fantastic music and arts scene, great shopping, and modern aesthetic. 

There are tons of museums to enjoy with the kids, including free options like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the People’s Palace on Glasgow Green. Both of those are surrounded by big parks where the kids can run around and have fun. You should also check out the Tall Ship and the Riverside Museum, and take the kids on a boat tour on the River Clyde while you’re there! There’s loads of shopping in the city centre, too.

Touring Scotland with kids can include such a variety of things to do and places to visit. It’s impossible to say this is the best itinerary for your family visit to Scotland, but it’s certainly a starting point to get inspired. If you want customised advice based on your kids’ ages and interests, we’d love to help you create the perfect tailor made tour of Scotland .

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Scotland with Kids Itinerary

Scotland with Kids Itinerary – I’ve lived in Scotland since I was two, and I have children aged 7 and 6. This itinerary features bucketlist destinations people want to visit with their family, plus child-friendly suggestions that are fun and maybe aren’t so obvious. I’ve tried to limit long drives and provide options to choose between. Enjoy your planning.                                               *Contains affiliate links

Edinburgh / Falkirk/Stirling/St Andrews /  Aviemore /  Loch Ness /  Choose Your Island – Skye/Orkney/Arran /  Return Leg & Other Suggestions

DAY 1 & 2 – EDINBURGH – Scotland with Kids

The Scottish capital has a lot to offer, so allow 2 days at least. We’re talking castles and zoos, farms, monuments, hikes and boat trips. I have a full list of where to go and a self-catering option in a great location, so prioritise what suits your family, and book the relevant tickets (many of which are free). Our highlights were the Royal Botanic Gardens, the children adored Edinburgh Zoo , and we all loved briefly escaping the city to sail to Inchcolm Island from South Queensferry.

DAY 3 – FALKIRK, STIRLING OR ST ANDREWS – Scotland with Kids

You choose, or mix them up i.e Falkirk is v close to Stirling. Falkirk offers the iconic Kelpies sculptures, plus the famous Falkirk Wheel (a world engineering first, which offers boat trips on the canal, and it’s way more interesting than it sounds). We found a lovely family friendly restaurant in Falkirk called The Boardwalk, and there’s the curious Pineapple sculpture to see as well. Discover an entire post on Falkirk right here .

Stirling boasts the Wallace Monument , Stirling Castle and the epic Blair Drummond Safari Park complete with lions, giraffes, a drive through monkey safari and a boat trip to chimp island. It’s fantastic and very child friendly. For accommodation near the park browse here . and get a complete post on Stirling right here, including family friendly accommodation with a swimming pool.

St Andrews has its beautiful beach (as featured in Chariots of Fire), the stunning cathedral ruins, an aquarium, a little sightseeing train, and lots of independent shops and cafes (including the ice cream parlour Janetta’s). We loved the Fairmont as a smart hotel that kids love – games room, swimming pool and several restaurants to choose between. Check for prices here .

DAY 4 & 5 – AVIEMORE – Scotland with Kids Itinerary

You could easily spend 3 days here if you wished. Landmark is a fantastic outdoor adventure park for kids. You can visit Aviemore’s free-range reindeer herd , puff away on a steam railway, explore the Highland Open Air Folk Museum, which has lots of croft houses to step inside featuring actors in character, so it’s engaging and memorable. And don’t forget the polar bears and all the animals at the Highland Wildlife Park . Read a full Aviemore write up here . The Macdonald Aviemore Resort is low key, but the pool is a huge selling point.

Day 6 – LOCH NESS

My kids genuinely loved looking for Nessie. We found a great cruise  for serious monster hunters, including a stop at the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle . A fantastic day out. Stay either by the loch ( Whitebridge Hotel is a relaxed family friendly hotel on the south side of the loch) or opt for urban living in the city of Inverness. Kingsmill Hotel and pool in Inverness is recommended, although I haven’t stayed in this hotel myself as we went for the self-catering options at the Mansley Highland Apartments. If Loch Ness takes your fancy dip here for more ideas .

DAY 7, 8 & 9 – CHOOSE YOUR ISLAND

Personally I’d recommend Orkney , sailing from Scrabster (with the car) then returning to Aberdeen. It’s a magical, transporting place with history and archaeology you can reach out and touch. Fantastic beaches and wildlife too. Read up on the ferry journey here, and discover what to do here . You’ll need three days to cover this, so it does take time, and isn’t the cheapest option but it’s unique. Check out some hotel ideas here .

Others have Skye on their must-do list. We loved our time here, and especially the walk to the Fairy Pools , but it’s a very popular destination. On the west coast you could also consider Mull, Arran or Bute . Beachlovers should seriously consider Harris and Lewis . If you love a family cycle then a day trip to the easy-to-reach island of Cumbrae, to cycle its ten mile circumference, is great family fun.

DAY 10 – RETURN LEG

Return to the starting point of Edinburgh. If you have a spare day, then choose a pitstop on the way back. From Orkney / Aberdeen I’d recommend Stonehaven with its stunning Dunnottar Castle and Art Deco outdoor heated swimming pool. St Andrews (already mentioned above) is another great option. Or hit Aberdeenshire’s castle trail.

From Skye or Aberdeen, Pitlochry in Perthshire is a good base for a day exploring. We stayed at Scotland’s Spa Hotel with swimming pool when attending Enchanted Forest – if you’re visiting in the autumn do not miss this illuminating forest walk! The Moness Resort is a very reasonable hotel with a pool, near Aberfeldy in Perthshire. Or indulge at Gleneagles , Perthshire – five star luxury with free child care. Talking of free childcare, the Crieff Hydro in Perthshire also provides free inhouse childcare. Here is a list of more things to get up to in Perthshire . From Skye you could also consider spending a day in the Trossachs near Loch Lomond or Luss.

If you’re staying in Scotland for two weeks I’d also recommend New Lanark , a historical mill town with a curious ghost ride, a Victorian school room and an easy walk to a waterfall. Or Dumfries and Galloway , which is surprisingly full of child friendly attractions, from a hands on chocolate factory and ice cream farm , to Moat Brae ( Scotland’s National Centre for Children’s Literature), the magical house that inspired JM Barrie to write Peter Pan. The city of Glasgow is another obvious choice 🙂

I hope we’ve offered some clear structure plus lots of flexibility and extra suggestions so you can pull together a trip that suits your family, your interests and your needs. there are so many Must Sees in Scotland . Do browse this East Coast itinerary for more info about Edinburgh and St Andrews etc. Remember to pack waterproofs, hiking boots and suncream! You may need all of it on the same day.

If the Scotland with Kids Itinerary  helped you plan a day, break or trip then please consider subscribing here or buy me a coffee. Join the conversation on  Facebook,  or check out the bonny photos on  Instagram . For any queries or opportunities please email  [email protected] . Content and images copyright of Scots2Travel.

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The Family Conscience

Family Travel, Parenting and Raising Curious Kids

Europe , Family Travel , Travel Guides , Travel Tips , Uncategorized · March 1, 2022

The Ultimate Road Trip In Scotland With Kids

Last updated on February 16th, 2024 at 11:00 am

The Family Conscience contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for more information.

Whether you’re based in the UK and keen to lower your carbon footprint with less air travel, or are simply keen for adventure and time spent outdoors, Scotland with kids is a fantastic choice. It ticks multiple boxes when it comes to breathtaking scenery and new experiences for the whole family.

Read on for your Scotland road trip with kids itinerary…

How To Get To Scotland With Kids

There are so many ways to explore Scotland. The North Coast 500 (NC 500) has become extremely popular in recent years and that’s certainly one option. Another is to patch together a multi-based stay and explore several pockets of Scotland during your family vacation to Scotland.

We opted for the latter, due to the fact we were driving all the way from the southeast. We anticipated we’d probably feel like we’d done enough miles already, without going right to the very top of the country!

If you’d rather not drive the whole way, and you’re after even more of an adventure, consider taking the Caledonian Sleeper. It leaves from London Euston and stops at several different locations in the Highlands. It’s a fun way to get to Scotland with kids!

For rail journeys in Europe, arrange all your travel through RailEurope.

✅ Book HERE for train tickets with RailEurope

If you’d rather travel by train to Scotland and then keen on touring Scotland by car, we recommend Rentalcars.com

✅ Book HERE for car rental with Rentalcars.com

If you’re flying in from another country we recommend WayAway for the best deals on airline tickets. With the WayAway Plus membership plan, you also receive cashback on flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, and more.

✅ Book HERE to get the best deals on flights with WayAway

On our road trip to Scotland from London, we broke the journey up with our first afternoon and night spent in the Lake District. If you’re coming from a similar location to ours, this makes a brilliant stopover.

For the kids to let off some steam, check out Brockhole on Lake Windermere. It has boat hire, tree-top adventure and nets, an adventure park and more. A great lunchtime pitstop.

How long Was Our Scotland family trip?

We put together a ’10 days in Scotland’ itinerary for our family trip to Scotland. 2 weeks in Scotland would be even better. A Scotland itinerary of 7 days might feel a bit rushed, but of course, it depends on where you are travelling from, how much time you have and how much you want to see.

A 10 day Scotland road trip felt doable, although we would have liked a little longer in some locations.

TIP: For when to visit Scotland, take a look at What is the Best Time to Visit Scotland: Planning Your Trip .

What to see in Scotland in 10 days

The map below shows the route we took on our family vacation in Scotland:

Oban Via Glasgow

Our first overnight stay on our Scotland trip with kids was in Oban, on the west coast of Scotland. Setting off from the Lake District in the morning, we stopped for coffee and a leg stretch in Glasgow.

If you do the same, make sure you check out the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s a perfect stop if you’re in Scotland with kids as it has loads of family activities.

If you’re in Scotland with kids, a walking tour and treasure hunt is a fantastic option too:

✅ Book HERE for Glasgow Self Guided Walk and Interactive Treasure Hunt

Keep an eye out for some of the city’s creative street art and the fish and chip shops selling deep-fried Mars bars. We bought one and had a bite each – that was enough!

In Oban things to do aren’t in short supply. Oban makes a perfect base for seeing the isles of Mull, Iona and Staffa. However, it’s undoubtedly a location worth seeing in its own right too. Its harbour is at the centre, with the colourful town surrounding it.

Take a Boat Trip

We took a short one-hour boat trip out from the harbour to see the seals and salmon farm with Allan’s wildlife boat trips – perfect if you have only a short time to spare. It’s a particularly fun thing to do if you’re in Scotland with kids. The large number of trawlers is an indication that you can find some seriously good seafood here.

Seafood in Oban

The Oban Seafood Hut offers packed-to-the-brim crab and prawn sandwiches as well as fresh oysters, mussels and scallops you can take home for dinner. Yum.

If you’re a big fan of seafood, and you want to see more of Oban’s hidden gems, make sure you book on to this tour:

✅ Book HERE for Oban Historical Tour plus Seafood Tasting

Seafood not your thing? Try a Tattie Scone (a grilled potato scone in a roll, served with ketchup if you want) from Food from Argyll next door. The kids loved them!

Where to Stay in Oban With Kids:

The Farmhouse (traditional Scottish home near Oban) – available via Airbnb

A large, comfortable home with amazing views and a conservatory that’s perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine and a book. Perfect for animal lovers and those visiting Scotland with kids. Children can help feed the sheep, chickens, ducks and the pet rabbit in the garden.

✅ Book HERE for family friendly places to stay in Oban via Booking.com

Mull, Iona and Staffa

Oban makes a good base to visit the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa (the ferry terminal is in the town centre) on your Scotland family vacation. We were in two minds about a trip to Mull as we already had Skye on our itinerary. I’d read comments comparing the two islands and advice seemed conflicted about which to visit or whether it was worth seeing both.

In the end, we decided to go for it as we thought the ferry experience would be good fun and we were intrigued by the idea of the tiny islands of Iona and Staffa.

Unfortunately, we left it too late to book a ticket to take our car over, meaning we had to rely on a bus to get us across Mull (from Craignure to Fionnaport) in order to travel on to Iona. This meant we didn’t have time to fit Staffa in too (famous for its resident puffins and the basalt columns of Fingals cave).

If you want to take your car across (and I’d recommend you do – it’ll give you so much more flexibility) then make sure you book at least a month ahead. Book ferry tickets with Calmac here .

If you’d rather avoid the stress and book on to a tour, there’s a day tour which covers the isles of Mull and Iona:

✅ Book HERE for Oban: Isle of Mull and Iona Tour

You’ll need to leave your car at Fionnaport when taking the ferry from Mull to Iona (only residents are permitted to take their cars across). However, Iona’s only three miles long and the main attraction (the Abbey built by St Columba) is only a short walk from the harbour.

With only 200 permanent residents, the island is a peaceful place. It has a reputation for spirituality (there are some beautiful little craft and jewellery shops here).

The powder white sand and crystal clear blue water of Iona’s beaches could also rival that of any Caribbean one. Despite the rain (which started soon after we arrived), the first glimpse of the bay here was definitely one of our ‘wow’ moments.

Boats to Staffa can be taken from both Fionnaport on Mull, or from Iona with Staffa Tours .

Because we packed this all into one day and didn’t have the car, we didn’t see as much of Mull as we would have liked. If you find you have more time, make sure you visit the capital, Tobermory, with its brightly coloured harbourfront buildings. It was used as the location for the children’s television series, Balamory,

One plus point of the bus, however, was that we had an amazingly informative bus driver who drove us from Craignure to Fionnaport. Although he wasn’t a tour guide, we learnt so much about the island as we crossed it.

We thought these amazing islands were worth more than just a day trip. If we could, we would have spent longer here. If you have a bit more time or would like to focus on this part of Scotland, you can book 3 or 4 day tours of this region where you’ll get to explore the islands more fully.

✅ Book HERE for an amazing 4 Day Mull, Iona and Staffa Puffin Experience from Edinburgh

Glencoe and Glenfinnan

From Oban, day trips to Glencoe and Glenfinnan are doable and should definitely make the list.

✅ Book HERE for From Oban: Glenfinnan and Glencoe One Day Tour

Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint

If you want to fit both into one day, head to Glenfinnan first to catch sight of the Jacobite steam train. It passes over the Glenfinnan viaduct at around 10.55 am (and again in the afternoon – check the website for up-to-date timings).

It’s a must if you have Harry Potter fans in your midst – as the Jacobite steam train also doubles as the Hogwarts Express!

Park in the visitor’s centre car park (get there an hour beforehand if you can, as it gets busy). Walk up the path to the left of the centre to reach the Glenfinnan viaduct viewpoint.

Even if you don’t manage to see the train passing over, the view is still more than worth it. You’ll hear the train before you see it, which will give you a chance to get your camera ready.

The train travels slowly over the viaduct, giving you plenty of time. After you’ve got your pics of the train, walk down to the Glenfinnan monument and the loch for more picture-worthy views.

For more information, head to All You Need To Know About Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct .

Glencoe Walks

Glencoe has to be one of the prettiest villages in the Highlands, acting as the backdrop for films such as Skyfall, Braveheart and, most recently, Indiana Jones 5.

It’s the perfect place to take a family-friendly walk. We loved this trail around Glencoe Lochan. It comprises three separate routes but it’s easy enough to do all three in a couple of hours.

Drive down the A82 afterwards for views of the Glencoe Valley before you head back.

The Isle of Skye

Our next base was the Isle of Skye (a three-and-a-half-hour drive away from Oban). In terms of how to get to Isle of Skye, head north via Fort William and then west across the Skye bridge.

Skye definitely isn’t a day trip – but depending on how much you want to do and see, two or three days should work.

Skye can be particularly unpredictable weather-wise and even in the summer, you may be met with sheets of rain and gusty winds.

If the weather is good, the first thing to do on the Isle of Skye with kids is head to the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle (to the west of the island).

Fairy Pools

When you get to the Fairy Pools, park in the car park (this is a really popular site and it gets busy, but luckily the car park is a large one) and walk down the track opposite. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the first of the pools.

With the majestic Cuillin mountains framing them, the clear spring water pools are super inviting on a sunny day. Take your swimwear and go for a dip, if you dare (this is Scotland, and the water’s more than a little chilly). The kids were game, but we settled on just a paddle.

The Fairy Pools are breathtaking and a lot of fun. This is one of our top recommended things to do in Scotland with kids.

Portree makes a great base for your stay in Skye – it’s central and offers some lovely restaurants and shops. Try Sea Breezes for local seafood and The Wee Isle of Skye Ice Cream Shop for amazing salted caramel ice cream. The multi-coloured houses on the bay are a photo opportunity must.

Skye’s attractions are mainly outdoors and since good weather is far from guaranteed, make sure you’re properly kitted out. Raincoats are essential as are a pair of decent walking boots. For little ones, waterproof trousers are also a good idea.

The midges are in full force in the Highlands, so make sure you pack a repellent. I’d seen Avon So Soft recommended in several places and this did seem to do the trick. However, beware of any patches you miss – those midges will head straight to them!)

The main things to see in Skye, other than the Fairy Pools are the Old Man of Storr and the Quirang (these both involve walks that might be a little strenuous for younger children). If you have time, you could also fit in Coral Beach, Dunvegan Castle and Lealt Falls.

If you have limited time in Skye or would rather have someone else take care of the plan, think about booking a ‘Best of Isle of Skye’ full day tour.

✅ Book HERE for Portree: Best of Isle of Skye Full Day Tour

Eilean Donan Castle

On the way to or from Skye, consider visiting Eilean Donan Castle on your Scotland road trip. It offers an opportunity to learn a bit about the Jacobite rebellion. As the castle was restored in the 1920s, there’s more to see here than in some of the other castles in the Highlands, which are now in ruins. They offer a kids’ trail sheet too.

Head to my article: The Top 5 Things To Do On The Isle Of Skye For Families for more details on things to do on the Isle of Skye with kids.

Where to Stay on The Isle of Skye With Kids:

Properties in Skye get booked up quickly so make sure you book well in advance. For cottages on the Isle of Skye, try Sykes Cottages , or for a more remote setting try Chasing the Moon .

✅ Book HERE for family-friendly accomodation on the Isle of Skye via Booking.com

Aviemore/ the Cairngorms

Next, head east towards Aviemore (via Inverness) – a three-hour drive. Aviemore makes a great base for activities around the Cairngorm mountains and Loch Ness.

Any of the villages in the area make good options and we plumped for Newtonmore which is home to a number of local attractions.

The Highland Folk Museum

The Highland Folk Museum is located in the village; it’s an open-air museum, free to visit, and offers an insight into how locals lived in the area during the 1800s and 1900s.

Keep your eyes peeled for the highland cow in the field next to the kids’ playground. The ‘heilan coos’, as they’re known locally, aren’t as easy to spot as we’d assumed, but you will find one here!

The Wildcat Experience

The Wildcat Experience is a local treasure hunt which will have you (and of course your children) addicted! Run by a charity supporting Scottish wildcats, you pay £10 and are given a bag, pen and booklet in preparation for your hunt around the village.

You’ll need to locate as many of the 132 colourfully painted wildcats (with fab names such as Cat’n Jack Sparrow and Feline Blue) as you can. The hubby’s competitive nature meant he popped out to find more on his own on our last evening!

This is such a lovely activity and it’s well worth supporting this local charity. A must-do if you’re in Scotland with kids and near this area.

The Highland Wildlife Park

The Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, halfway between Newtonmore and Aviemore, is definitely worth a visit while in Scotland with children. They have a drive-through section and walk-around areas such as Wolf Wood.

Look out for the snow leopards and polar bear. Our favourite was the Arctic fox – we were surprised to see it had grey fur (apparently, they’re only white in the winter). You’ll also see some (real!) Scottish wildcats here.

Glenmore Forest Park

For walks in the area, Glenmore Forest Park is in Aviemore – don’t miss the beautiful Lochan Uaine (the green lake). If you’re all up for a bit of a steeper walk, try the Ryvoan trail (3.5 miles long).

Rothiemurchas

Rothiemurchas , also in Aviemore, is a fantastic option if you’re in Scotland with teens. They offer quad biking, segways and river tubing and have their own fishery where kids can catch a trout for dinner. They also have hairy coo safaris – so if all else fails, try here for a guaranteed pic!

Be sure to visit the farm shop on site for some fantastic sausages, the biggest scotch eggs you’ll ever see and other tasty treats.

There are a number of locations which will allow you to get a sense of the vastness of Loch Ness. We stopped off at the village of Dores and walked down to the shore from there.

If you have a little longer than we did, take a walk down the Tor Wood footpath.

If you’re an active family with children over the age of 7 years old, you might like this tour:

✅ Book HERE for a Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms

Where to Stay in Aviemore with Kids:

The Beeches Studio, Highlands of Scotland – available via Airbnb . In the village of Newtonmore, this studio is a cosy and modern base. If you’re taking part in the Wildcat Experience, make sure you take a proper look around the gardens here!

✅ Book HERE for family-friendly accomodation in Aviemore via Booking.com

Heading Home From Scotland With Kids

If you’re making the long drive back down south from your family trip to Scotland, think about adding in some rest points. Here are a couple of ideas:

If you’re heading back down south, there are a couple of great options for stops. Edinburgh (two and a half hours south of Aviemore) is a perfect stopover point in Scotland with kids as there’s loads to do and is such a beautiful city. It should make your itinerary for at least one night.

We did a Harry Potter walking tour . For Harry Potter fans, this offers up plenty of magical nuggets of information. It takes you to the graveyard where J K Rowling picked up inspiration for characters in her books and shows you the real Diagon Alley, and the cafe where Rowling started writing the books.

✅ Book HERE for your Edinburgh Harry Potter Walking Tour

York marks a midway point between Edinburgh and London and offers an opportunity for a walk along the cobbled streets. And of course, a Yorkshire cup of tea and a slice of cake (put a visit to Bettys on your list if you’re happy to brave a bit of a queue).

An activity such as the Jorvik Viking Centre (with a fab ride that kids and adults alike will enjoy, as well as learn from) can also be part of your stop-over. Or how about this award-winning tour of York (possibly not for the squeamish or very young children):

✅ Book HERE for Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York

Hopefully, this itinerary will have given you some inspiration for your Scotland family trip! Have fun.

More Info…

If you’re wondering what conscious travel is or would like to know more, head to my article: How To Be A Conscious Traveller

For another family itinerary in Europe of similar length, take a look at The Best Itinerary For A Family Holiday In Croatia

And if you’re looking for something even more adventurous, have a read of Borneo With Kids And The Perfect Family Itinerary

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March 29, 2023 at 11:04 am

What an amazing trip for you all, this is amazing and so well documented with lots of great advice. We are very thankful for the mention of Chasing The Moon and delighted you visited all the most iconic sites when you stayed. Thanks so much, Maggie xxx

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[…] you’re looking for more inspiration for travel in Europe, take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip in Scotland With Kids or The Best Itinerary For a Family Holiday in […]

[…] A visit to Glenfinnan could be used to break up a journey from Glencoe to the Isle of Skye or as part of a visit to Fort William and Ben Nevis. For more information on how to fit it into a visit to Scotland, please see ‘The Ultimate Road Trip In Scotland With Kids’. […]

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Best Things To Do In Scotland With Kids – A Complete Guide

May 24, 2021 by Jenny Eaves Leave a Comment

As a Scottish family we do love to travel around our country, exploring all the amazing sights. From Edinburgh castle in the central belt to driving the North Coast 500 up in the Scottish highlands, there is so much to see and do here in bonny Scotland ! Family travel is now a big business and Scotland has a great number of attractions suited to families . Central Scotland has the most attractions due to its location, but you will find fun things to do all over the country. You don’t even have to take the car, try this 10 day itinerary for Scotland by train !

Click on the links in the post to take you to even more informative posts throughout the blog!

Table of Contents

Family Friendly Accommodation in Scotland

Scotland has an amazing number of places to stay and it can be difficult to choose a single location for your trip. It really depends on what you are looking for. For cities, restaurants and plenty of museums you are going to want to head to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Whereas if you are looking for wild rugged landscapes then the highlands are going to be the best for you. The islands are brilliant for beautiful white sand beaches and boat trips, although even every island is completely different! This post has a range of great options for places to stay in Scotland .

Finding family friendly accommodation can be tricky. Fortunately many hotels in the cities have family rooms, self catering can be a good option for bigger families or of course camping for keeping costs down.

I asked the kids their favourite places we’ve stayed and inevitably they chose camping at Invercaimbe near Arisaig and Eastside Cottages in the Pentland Hills. Of course there were plenty of other places they love too! Including the beautiful Isle of Gigha and glamping on Iona . If you are looking for budget accommodation I can also recommend hostelling Scotland, both Port Charlotte at Islay and Cairngorms near Aviemore are great for families and self catering too.

Family Attractions In Scotland

You will not be short of family attractions when visiting Scotland . There is something for everyone, from free days out , to those that will cost most of your days budget! We have theme parks, aquariums, zoos, safari parks and tons of fantastic museums, castles and other historical sites! We’ve also loved exploring seasonal activities such as Scottish sunflower fields in the summer, Scottish pumpkin patches in the autumn and Christmas events in Scotland in the Winter.

It’s also fun to just explore, especially on the islands, try a small island such as Iona for a starting point. Then walk, cycle and just enjoy the slow life for a while! Or head to a smaller city or town and explore the sights. Dunfermline isn’t normally on top of everyone’s list to visit, but it has such a great number of interesting historical sites that it should be! Did you know that Dunfermline was Scotland’s ancient capital?!

If you are entering Scotland via the road from the lowlands then you will probably be looking for lots of stop-offs on your Scottish road trip . Some of our favourites include Coldingham Bay and the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune or the various attractions in Falkirk such as a magical Harry Potter themed shop or the Kelpies!. Or if you are travelling up the West then the Dino Park at Dumfries or Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton. I also have a whole post of Scottish country parks if you desperately need somewhere for the kids to run about in a large open green space!

Scotland also boasts a large amount of wildlife spotting destinations. From Basking Sharks to Golden Eagles, we have lots of wildlife to watch in Scotland ! We’ve been lucky enough to see Minke whales and dolphins whilst crossing to the Isle of Eigg from Arisaig . Plus we have seen a huge number of puffins only a metre or so away whilst visiting the Isle of Lunga from Mull . It’s amazing just how close you can get to Scottish wildlife with the kids!

Scottish Islands

Don’t forget to visit at least a few of the Scottish islands . We have so many to choose from and they are stunning! Check out the Complete Guide to Isle of Iona here or an Isle of Mull Itinerary . If you are heading to the islands from the seaside port of Oban , then you may also want to check out my ‘ Things To Do With Kids In Oban ’ post.

The Isle of Skye is another favourite of ours or perhaps the lesser known island of Gigha . Whatever you are looking for, from the distilleries of Islay to the history of Orkney and Shetland (home to the most Northerly island in the UK, Unst ), you will find plenty spread throughout the Scottish islands. You will also find plenty more ideas in our post with the 10 Best Scottish Islands to visit here .

There are even some hidden gems closer to the cities, like Inchcolm Island . Or islands you can visit on a day trip such as the Isle of Bute or Kerrera !

Scottish Road Trip Ideas

The North Coast 500 isn’t the only road trip you can take. There are plenty more Scottish road trips to try. From island hopping in the Hebrides to trips around the mountainous East highlands and Aberdeenshire. Scotland can easily take you from mountain to white sand beach in one day!

For a road trip you definitely need to decide how long you have. Then decide which main attractions you want to fit in. It’s best not to do over do it otherwise the kids will get annoyed pretty quickly! Especially when they just want to play at somewhere rather than rushing on to the next sight. If there’s a lot to do at your destination then it could be sensible to stay longer in one place. Such as 2-3 nights and then drive out each day from there. This would work well on places like Orkney or even the Highlands of Scotland.

Scottish Family Adventures

If you are looking for adventure with the kids then have a look at these Scottish adventures . We are lucky to be able to kayak in stunning crystal clear waters. Or speed over the Scottish sands on land yachts! It may also interest you to know that we have some awesome destinations for wild swimming in Scotland . Brilliant landscapes for those social media selfies too!

if you would like some help with planning your Scotland itinerary then I recommend checking out this post with 10 awesome family itineraries . You can also check out our Scottish packing lists for every season here ! It’s not always the easiest country for packing as our weather is very changeable.

If you’re not able to get to Scotland at this moment it’s also possible to visit virtually. There are hundreds of Scottish webcams dotted all around the country. You can check on the scenery, the wildlife and even the passers by. Family travel and days out in Scotland can be just a click away!

More Scottish Travel Posts!

Top 10 Things To Do In The Outer Hebrides With Kids

The Lesser Known Scottish Island: Gigha

Scottish Holiday Swaps: Trade Europe for Scotland

Pin The Complete Guide To Family Travel in Scotland

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Italy Family Vacations

Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, how to plan an incredible family trip to scotland.

• By Lisa Frederick
• October 23, 2019

Given the spectacular landscapes, dramatic ruins, wild coastal beauty and wealth of culture, a family trip to Scotland offers so many tempting possibilities that it can feel daunting to choose. The good news? That also means it’s hard to go wrong. Our top itinerary suggestion for first-time visitors pairs a few days of immersion in Edinburgh’s ancient past and modern-day buzz with a retreat to the rural Highlands for a taste of life in the countryside and an eyeful of some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. The list of ideas for a family vacation in Scotland is as vast as the gorgeous views.

Best Places to Visit in Scotland for Families

If you have time for only one Edinburgh attraction, make it  Edinburgh Castle . Hunkered down on a hilltop, this behemoth presides over the city with all the gravitas of its 1,000-plus-year history. You can take as much time as you like to explore the castle and its museums, but plan on at least one and a half to two hours to get a thorough overview. Try to catch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, which has gone off every day (except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday) since 1861.

Afterward, make a stop at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a 19th-century funhouse right next to the castle that’s filled with mazes, optical illusions, holographs and other interactive fun. Its namesake and showpiece is an old-fashioned camera obscura through which you can peer at the streets below. Or see the  Museum of Childhood , a quick but fun — and free — detour on the Royal Mile that highlights the evolution of toys over the years. On a rainy day, its one of our favorite things to do with toddlers in Scotland. If the kids are game for a more intensive museum visit, pop into the National Museum of Scotland . The collection is vast and eclectic, but excellent kids’ programs and cool interactive activities help younger ones get the most out of it.

TIP : If you have two or three days to spare between the city and the Highlands, spend them at Gleneagles , located in the countryside about 60 miles northwest of Edinburgh. This magical luxury retreat is bliss for all ages, offering a nearly endless list of family-friendly activities: pony trekking, fishing, biking, falconry, a gundog school, indoor games, a toy-filled playroom, a teen lounge and many more. Parents, meanwhile, will be partial to the spa, the golf course and the first-rate onsite dining.

Ciao Bambino can help you plan an incredible family vacation in Scotland

Our Family Travel Advising Team will work with you to book accommodations, recommend activities and more, all with one-on-one support. Click here to send us a request >

Inverness and the Scottish Highlands

A few hours’ drive west of Edinburgh, Inverness — a hub of the Scottish Highlands — makes a convenient base for one of this region’s signature sights:  Loch Ness . Reserve a spot on a  Jacobite Cruises  boat tour to cruise the waters and keep an eye out for the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Although parents may or may not buy into the Nessie lore, kids will get a kick out of searching for her with the radar monitor that combs the depths of the water. And the setting, with views of evocative Urquhart Castle (an optional stop), is a highlight for everyone.

For a totally unique glimpse into life in the Highlands, plus memorable time together as a family, book a lesson at  Scottish Highland Art , deep in the countryside about 30 minutes from Inverness. Artist Ros Rowell welcomes guests to her cozy studio and does a fantastic job instructing families in different painting techniques, making sure they create pieces they’ll be proud to show off at home.

The classic itinerary for a family trip to Scotland includes a visit to the Isle of Skye or another of the Hebrides , and that’s certainly doable from Inverness. But for a more offbeat coastal excursion, drive north to Spey Bay for dolphin watching and strolling along the bay’s pretty beach. The  Scottish Dolphin Centre  has a staff of naturalists who can help you spot the sea creatures, plus a small educational center. On the way there or back, make time for a stop at  Dunrobin Castle . It flies under the radar compared to big-name cousins such as Stirling and Eilean Donan, but its rooms and gardens are well worth touring, and its small museum displays a collection of taxidermy and Celtic stones.

Where to Stay in Scotland with Kids

Luxury-loving families will adore the iconic Balmoral Hotel as well as the Waldorf-Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian . Both of these 5-star properties are located on Princes Street a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile, and both pamper guests in every imaginable regard. We offer our clients wonderful perks when their stay is booked through our agency.

Depending on where you travel to in the Scottish countryside, we can recommend full-service resorts or intimate castle stays or quiet bed and breakfasts. Reach out to our family travel advisors to beginning planning your perfect getaway to Scotland!

Relevant Links:

Browse all-family friendly activities and destinations in Scotland with kids

72 hours in Edinburgh with kids

Best things to do in Glasgow with kids

Best luxury hotels in Scotland with kids

A taste of Adventures by Disney Scotland

A dream home base in rural Scotland with outdoor activities galore

Start a Discussion

The vibrant colors and vivid descriptions in your blog transport me to another world. Thanks for the virtual escape!

https://www.voyageroams.com

Hi Team. I am new to the UK and we would like to plan a trip to Scotland. My wife and I, along with our son (2.5 years), would love to go on a 3 day trip to Scotland. Please help me with this. Thank you.

Hi Karthik, our Family Vacation Advisors will be happy to help! Someone will reach out in email about next steps.

Another important point is while you are traveling in the Highlands to bring some insect spray as the small insects (midges) can be really irritating and the bit although not dangerous is uncomfortable. And dress in layers!

We are planning to go to Edinburgh on November 28th with 1.5 years baby. We are interesting to go highland, castle and lochness as well. Could you please advise the suitable tour for us?

Hi Aries, thanks for using our site! We can book tours as part of our complete family vacation planning service. I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor get in touch via email to explain more about how we work. Enjoy your trip!

• Pingback: Things to Do in Edinburgh | Edinburgh Family Holidays | Ciao Bambino

Hello My sister & I are planning a wee road trip in Scotland with our 5 kids boy 10 girl 7 girl 4 boy 4 & baby In August, we’ve done the East coast so keen to do a bit more maybe an Inverness starting point then ending back in in Glencoe and would majorly appreciate a pre-tried itinerary for travelling with kids in Scotland. Time wise 3/4/5 days worth TIA

Hi Kim, sounds like a fun adventure! I’ll pass this along to our Family Travel Advisor team, and the right person will reach out in email to see if our planning service is a good fit. Happy travels!

Hi there ! We are planning a trip to Scotland in May with our 5 year old and 2 year old. Would you point us in the right direction ? Thanks !

Hi Usmaan, we’d be happy to help! A Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will follow up via email. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi there! Planning a trip to Scotland in June with my family of 7/ 3 children (4yr, two 2yr olds) 4 adults. Looking for advice on best stops for then to run and enjoy the wilderness while still having fun visiting unique places. As well as the best affordable places offering larger room accommodations or catering to families as we’ll be traveling on a budget. Thanks!

Hi April, thanks for reaching out! One of our Family Vacation Advisors will be in touch via email to discuss next steps and how we can help with your plans. While our specialty is upscale to luxury accommodations, we do maintain a select list of more affordable properties. Best of luck with your travels.

Good day, We are staying in Edinburgh, Scotland this Dec. for 1 week with a 2.5 year old. Any tips and advise will be appreciated (what to wear, pram or baby carrier) and advise on kids friendly places to go to in Edinburgh and outside.

Hi Chandre, thanks for reaching out! We’d be glad to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors will get in touch via email and explain more about our trip planning service. Happy travels!

We have our 1.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this February and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. Could you advise on how we can arrange this.

Hi Nadya! We’d be happy to help as part of our full planning service. Would you like one of our Family Travel Advisors to reach out in email?

We would love to do the same as Nadya with our 2 year old in April. Could somebody help us with an itinerary?

Hi Sophie! Let me relay your request to our Family Travel Advisor team, and one of our planners will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Would like to know about packages for a 3 or 4 day visit to Scotland strating from Edinburgh. Family of 3 with a kid 3 years old.

Hi there! We do offer a Scotland package and you can find out more here: https://ciaobambino.com/family-vacation-package/scotland . Our Family Travel Advisor Team can also arrange a custom trip for you if you decide to go that route. I’ll have a colleague reach out in email. Thanks!

Hi, Me , my wife and our 2 year old daughter will be on our Scotland tour from 3rd Nov to 6th Nov ’18). Could you suggest a 3 days itinerary for us. we would like to visit Lochness, Isle of Skyee , is it advisable to visit during November ? if not what are the other options

Hi Krishna, thanks for your request! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy planning!

Hi, Me , my wife and our 22 months old son will be on our Scotland tour(11th Aug -14th Aug ’18). Could you suggest a 3 days itinerary for us on an urgent basis. Thanks,

Hi Jeetendra – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email. Best of luck.

Hi, my family and I are going next summer and my daughter will be 4.5. We love golf and are partially coming to play 3-5 courses, but also want fun for the whole family and especially my daughter. Can you help?

Hi Michael, absolutely! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi We are a total of : Adults : 4 Children : 2 ( both children between 6 – 7 Years of age ) Infants : 2 (Infant 1 – 8 months old & Infant 2 – 1 Year 8 months ) We want to book the Family 1 day tour of – Loch Ness , Glencoe & the Highlands on 20th June 2018 . Pls let me know the following : 1. Are infants allowed on this tour ? 2. Is car seat mandatory for infants on this tour ?

Hi Shagun – Your best bet is to reach out to the tour company directly to check availability. They can advise about age limitations and car seats. Best of luck and thanks for using our site!

We have our 1.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this October and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. Could you advise on how we can arrange this

Hi Farah, absolutely, we can help with this. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy travels!

we want to travel on the 18-22nd June with our 2 and half year old. please can you advise re itinerary – would like to go to Loch Ness, isle of Skye if possible. could you please email us over options many thanks

Hi Davina, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy planning!

Hi , I am planning to come with my family including 3 kids(9,14 and 3 Year old). Not many tour planners offer with less than 5 year old and the ones which have are very expensive. Can you please suggest

Hi Aman, thanks for reaching out! Our specialty is 4- and 5-star itineraries. If you’d like to find a budget travel-focused operator for Scotland, we recommend that you check in with the Scotland Tourist Board and have them direct you, https://www.visitscotland.com/ . Happy planning!

Hey, we are a family of three with a 14 months toddler. We plan to take a day trip from Edinburgh. Do you have anything in store for us?

Hi Rutuja, we’d be happy to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy travels!

I am planning a trip to Scotland with my 2 year old daughter and would be staying at Glasgow. Please advice

Hi Tony, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to talk about how our service works and how we can help. Happy planning!

We will be travelling to Scotland in April/May with our 2.5 year old and would love some information on the best things to see/do in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and the Scottish Highlands… as well as the best way to go about it logistically in 10-14 days. Any information would be great! Thank you.

Hi Christie, we’d be glad to help! A Family Vacation Advisor specializing in the UK will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Thank you for using our site.

We are attending a wedding in Aberdeen July 24/25 2018 and would like to take our then 1.5 and 4.5 yo kids with us. Could you help us plan logistics and a great vacation?

Hi Jenny, thanks for reaching out. We’d be happy to help – one of our Family Travel Advisors will contact you in email about next steps. Best of luck!

Hi My husband n me are planning to go to scotland at the end of November 2017 with my 2.5 years old daughter.we are staying in Portsmouth now.we don’t want whole day tour…we want three days tour but 3 to 4 hours in a day for the sake of my baby…is it possible ? Please let me know as soon as possible

Hi Soma, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! A Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

I would like more information about traveling with a 1 year old and two adults please 🙂

Hi Monica! Thanks for using Ciao Bambino. We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email. Best wishes!

hi I am travelling with 5 month old and would like to do a tour of the highlands with my mom and the baby. my mom wants to see Eilean Donan Castle

Hi Joy, are you currently traveling or planning for the future? Let us know, and we’ll have the right Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to help. Thanks!

Hi We are planning for a trip to Edinburg between 26th Oct (reaching night 11:30) till 29th (by around 6:30 PM – tour you may end by dropping us on Edinburgh Waverley station)) and looking for an all-inclusive package (accomodation and travel). We are 2 family, as in 4 adult and 2 kids (of 3 year and 2 year old). Can you please provide a option to cover best places in these 3 days with a cost? We haven’t decided the places to cover and would like your advice over same.  For accommodation, we would need 2 separate twin or double room. Looking forward for your response.

Hello Aniket, thanks for using Ciao Bambino. We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to see how we can help with your plans.

hi, we are travelling with 2 kids.. one is an infant (1yr) and other one 4 yr old. can u let us know if there are any 3day tour in scotland for the same. please contact me on [email protected] regards Sahil..

Hi Sahil – Thanks for reaching out! A Family Travel Advisor will be in touch via email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

Hello, I am interested to travel Scotland and England from London with my wife and 3 year old Daughter in October, 2017. Please provide details.

Hi Gaurav! Thank you for using Ciao Bambino as a travel resource! We’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland and England reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi We are 4 adults travelling to Edinburgh for a 4 day holiday in August. We will have a 9 month old baby with us. We would like to go for a day tour in the Highlands. Any suggestions please? Thanks

Thank you MaryAnne for your using Ciao Bambino as a family travel resource! We have sent you a message about your inquiry. Happy travels!

Hi, I am planning to visit Edinburgh this year in the end of june. I am travelling with a a 1.5 years old child and looking for a tour company that will allow young toddlers too. Could you suggest someone? thanks Sunny

Hi Sunny – Thanks for reaching out! Our focus is on providing full itineraries for parents traveling with kids rather than standalone tour and activity recommendations. If we can be of help with a more comprehensive trip plan, please let us know!

Hi, We are planning to visit Scotland by end of june for 5d/4n with two kids 16 month n 9 yrs. Can you suggest good bus tour guide who is ready to take kids along as most of the travellers are not allowing kids. Please suggest Thanks Monika

Thank you Monika for your message! We sent you a private message in response. Happy travels!

Hi we will be traveling with our 22 month old daughter to Scotland from July 19-25 and would love some help with going to and getting around the Highlands and Loche Ness!

Thank you Missi for your message! We have sent you a private message. Happy travels!

Hi, I am planning to Visit Scotland this late June. The problem I am facing is that all the bus tours are not ready to take along with my 6 months old Infant daughter. Can you suggest me any bus tour guides who will allow it. We are not weighing private cab tours because of our budget constraints. Please suggest. Thanks Raj

Thank you Raj for your message! For this we would suggest to contact the Tourist Board. Here is their official website. https://www.visitscotland.com/contact-us/

Hi. I’m traveling to Scotland with my husband and 2 year old daughter fro 17-23 June 2017. We intend to base ourselves out of Edinburgh, but I haven’t been able to find any tours that take us to the surrounding areas that allow toddlers – can you please help?

A Family Travel Advisor will connect with you soon. Thanks for your patience!

Hi, I’m visiting Edinburg with my family on June 8, 2017 with 2 year old and would like to make a 2 day trip to highland, Glancoe , Lochness, Fort williams etc Could you please advise on the family support tours? Thanks, Manali

Hi Manali – We can help with tours as part of our comprehensive vacation planning service. I’ll have a Family Vacation Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out via email and explain more about how we work. Thank you!

Plan to visit the highlands with a 10 month old baby in July – from Cairynryan. Can someone please contact me with suggestions for a base location? Thanks

Hi Louise – We’ll be glad to help! A Family Vacation Consultant specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Enjoy your travels!

Hi, I’m visiting Edinburgh with my family on 20 May 2017 with 1 year old baby and would like to make a day trip to highland, Glancoe and Lochness. Could you please advise on the family support tours? Thanks, Charlie

Hi Charlie, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We work with several local family-friendly companies who offer tours – I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to discuss options.

Hi I am planning to travel with my Kid 2 years old in Scotland for a short tour in June.Can you recommend the places to visit and the option of transport please ?

Hi Somnath – thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Hi lisa, We would be travelling to scotland for 4 nights in june with our 6 year old daughter can you pleasevhekp us plan our itenary with some stay at farm bookings. Thanks, Ami

Hi Ami, one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Thanks and happy planning!

Hi Lisa, We are here in Edinburgh right now with our 14 Month Old daughter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are having a hard time finding ways to take kids this age through tours or even dining for Dinner. We will be here for the next 4 weeks so we have time to look into any suggestions. Thank you.

Hi Felix – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! Our focus is on full itineraries and accommodations. If you’d like help booking hotels and activities, we can have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email.

Hi Lisa, We would be in London from May 24 to June 2 n plan a Scotland tour of 3 days. We are a couple accompanied by ouy 2.25 yr old son. Thanks

Hi Prashant, one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

Hi, we are travelling to Scotland with a 5.5 year old boy in June/July for a week, can you please help us plan our trip considering there’s a child with us Thank you

Hi Patel – Absolutely. One of our Family Travel Planners specializing in Scotland will be in touch via email. Happy planning!

Hi, I and my wife were planning to visit Scotland with our 2yrs old daughter. Would love to get some help in arranging our plans for this July. Thanks

Hi Ryan – We’re happy to help! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Thanks!

Hi. Can u help me out with recommendations to travel with 5 year old in the month of April -may

Hi Sanam – Absolutely! Our Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

Hi Interested in recommendations for travel with two and half year old in Scotland around july

Hi Angela – We’re happy to help! Our Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out to you in email. Happy planning!

Hi. We are an Indian family of four, 2 adults and our 2 children aged 16 &8 yrs. We are planning to fly straight to Edinburg fromNew Delhi this June and cover the best of Scotland in 4-5 days. Then we plan to head onwards to Brussels, London, Paris and end our European escapade withSwitzerland. Can one of your local experts help us in planning our trip? Much thanks

Hi Tandons – Thank you for your message. One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in those destinations in Europe will reach out in email to help. Happy Planning! -Amie

Ciao! I will be traveling with two children: 2.5 y/o and 7 y/o. I’d like to be contacted by a Scotland focused family travel advisor please. Thank you!

Hi Jen, Wonderful! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will be in touch to help. Happy Planning! Best, Amie

Hi, I am planning to reach Edinburgh on 25th Sep and want to go for some places in Scotland. Could you please suggest some places or tour packages which allows 10 months baby in it. I am coming with my wife and my 10 months baby. My mail id: [email protected]

Hi there, and thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to help.

Hi! My husband and I and my 16 months would want to take a 3 day tour in Scotland in June. Can you please recommend something for us?

Hi Renalyn – One of our expert Scotland planners will reach out to you in email. Thank you for your interest!

Hi Amie, Can i also have your contact for the toddler-friendly Scotland tour? we have our 2.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this October and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. regards, Axaya

Hi Axaya, Indeed, I’ll have our Scotland-focused Family Travel Advisor reach out. Thanks! -Amie

I also plan to do a 3-4 day tour to Scotland with a 20 month old. Please help

Regards Anurag

Hi Anurag, thanks for reaching out to us. When do you plan to travel? Let us know and we can determine how best to help!

Hi we have a 7 month old infant and we are keen to do isle of skyre tour please can you suggest the best way

Hi Sargam, I’ll have one of our Family Vacation Consultants specializing in Scotland reach out. Thanks! -Amie

hi Amie, can i also have your contact for the toddler-friendly scotland tour? we have our 20 months baby coming with us to Scotland this Dec and would love to do loch ness, glencoe and highland tour. thanks

Hi Cendana, Thanks for your message. I’ll have one of our Scotland specialists reach out to help (she will email you). Best, -Amie

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Things to Do in Scotland With a Baby

Traveling with a baby can be both rewarding and challenging, but Scotland offers plenty of family-friendly activities that are suitable for even the youngest travelers. From scenic walks and gentle hikes to baby-friendly attractions and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on your Scotland family vacation . In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in Scotland with a baby, ensuring that your trip is filled with fun, relaxation, and cherished memories.

Soothing Strolls & Scenic Views

• Edinburgh Meadows:  Expansive park perfect for strolling with your pram, offering picnics, play areas, and stunning city views.
• Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow:  Enjoy spacious lawns, a children’s playground, and the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum (with baby carriers allowed).
• Victorian Promenade in Aberdeenshire:  Breathe in the fresh sea air while strolling along the picturesque path, with stunning coastal views and nearby cafes.
• Loch Lomond Shores:  Explore nature trails, enjoy boat trips on the loch, and visit the interactive SEA LIFE aquarium (baby carriers permitted).
• The Hermitage near Dunkeld:  Discover a tranquil walk through a wooded gorge, featuring waterfalls and picturesque scenery.

Sensory Explorations & Gentle Adventures

• Edinburgh Zoo:  Spot pandas, penguins, and other animals, with baby-changing facilities, pram-friendly paths, and even baby animal encounters.
• Stirling Castle:  Explore the castle grounds, take in panoramic views, and enjoy storytelling sessions specifically designed for young children.
• Falkirk Wheel:  Marvel at this engineering marvel, take a boat trip through the rotating boat lift, and explore the Helix Park with pram-friendly paths.
• National Museum of Scotland:  Discover dinosaurs, explore interactive exhibits, and participate in storytelling events catered to young children.
• Highland Wildlife Park:  Watch playful otters, majestic wolves, and endangered Scottish Wildcats in a natural setting, accessible with prams.

Relaxing Retreats & Hidden Gems

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh:  Wander through vibrant flora, enjoy peaceful walks, and have a picnic amidst stunning plant displays.
• St Andrews Botanic Garden:  Explore tranquil gardens, take boat rides on the pond, and visit the Discovery Centre with interactive exhibits for young children.
• Culzean Castle:  Witness dramatic clifftop views, explore hidden caves, and get lost in the maze, offering pram-friendly paths and engaging experiences.
• Fairy Pools on Skye:  Hike to these turquoise pools amidst stunning scenery, enjoy the natural slides, and take a refreshing dip (weather permitting).
• Blair Drummond Safari Park:  Discover animals from around the world, enjoy a drive-through safari with a baby carrier, and explore the petting zoo.

Beyond Top Activities

• Visit Baby Cafes:  Enjoy delicious food and beverages while having a dedicated space for feeding and changing your baby.
• Attend Baby & Toddler Groups:  Connect with other parents and let little ones socialize at community-organized events.
• Take Scenic Train Journeys:  Relaxing train rides like the West Highland Line or Jacobite Steam Train offer stunning views and pram-friendly spaces.
• Explore Farmers’ Markets:  Discover fresh local produce and handmade crafts while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.
• Participate in Free Events:  From outdoor festivals to cultural celebrations, many events offer pram-friendly spaces and child-friendly activities.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Pack Essential Baby Gear:  Pack diapers, wipes, changing mats, bottles, and baby food, while considering the unpredictable Scottish weather with layers and waterproof clothing.
• Choose Baby-Friendly Accommodation:  Opt for accommodations with amenities like cribs, high chairs, and changing facilities for added convenience.
• Plan Flexible Itineraries:  Allow plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, and naps, embracing spontaneity and adjusting plans based on your baby’s needs.
• Embrace Public Transportation:  Trains, buses, and ferries offer comfortable and scenic journeys, often equipped with pram spaces and changing facilities.
• Utilize Baby Carriers:  Opt for a comfortable baby carrier for exploring historical sites, hiking trails, and scenic walks hands-free.
• Stock Up on Essentials:  Visit local grocery stores or supermarkets to stock up on baby food, formula, and diapers readily available throughout Scotland.
• Research Baby-Friendly Restaurants:  Many restaurants offer high chairs, changing facilities, and children’s menus, making dining out manageable.
• Connect with Locals:  Ask helpful locals for recommendations on baby-friendly cafes, parks, and hidden gems tailored to your interests.
• Pack Entertainment for Baby:  Carry age-appropriate toys, books, or sensory items to keep your little one entertained during travel or waiting periods.
• Relax and Enjoy the Journey:  Don’t stress about minor hiccups. Embrace the slow pace of life in Scotland, focusing on creating joyful memories together.

Traveling with a baby in Scotland is a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful country and create lasting memories with your little one. With its scenic landscapes, baby-friendly attractions, and warm hospitality, Scotland offers the perfect setting for a family holiday with a baby.

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Heinz Bulos

Heinz is the co-founder, chief writer, researcher, and photographer of Kids-Agogo. He has decades of experience as a magazine editor, copywriter, freelance content writer, and blogger. He loves to travel with his family and document their adventures through writing and photography. Heinz has traveled to North America, a few parts of Europe, and most of Asia. And he enjoys spending hours researching and planning an itinerary. As Anthony Bourdain says: "I write, I eat, I travel, and I'm hungry for more." When he's not writing or traveling, Heinz promotes conferences and certification courses for his company, Learning Curve.

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Five Things I Wish I had Realized Before Visiting Scotland with Kids

We had a whirlwind seven days spinning around Scotland with kids, which, I think, officially makes us experts. Not true. Not at all. The only thing that it taught us, like really really taught us, is that we need to dedicate a lot more time to this little nation that has so much to offer beyond kilts and bagpipes, haggis and Scotch.

We cruised through farmlands, hills, mountains, and cities. Found islands and shorelines. We made our home in city apartments, mountain resorts, and small village inns. And in all of that movement and in each nook and cranny we crawled into, we met amazing people, ate food rich in texture and taste, and saw sunshine and rain cohabiting across the countryside. Still, there were a few aspects of our travel through Scotland with kids I was ill-prepared for because I had no idea or because I just didn’t think it through.

Make Reservations

We generally plan ahead a bit when traveling. Scratch that. We’re actually big planners, but we’re also fine when those plans have to get tossed at the last minute (say because we’re facing a series of epic meltdowns as a result of a small cut on a foot…not speaking from experience though). But, going against our better senses, we hadn’t made any real reservations for dinner during our trip to Scotland; we were relying on the “we’ll just show up” theory of eating. On our first day (in Edinburgh ), we were left with some hangry kids, as we got turned away again and again at each deliciously smelling place we walked into. So we got smart enough to make reservations.

See, we’re not super foodies, but we do like good food, so swinging by a little sandwich shop or fish and chips shop and taking the goodies home with us wasn’t an option we were too keen on doing every night. And since little people can’t be in pubs after 5 pm, we found there weren’t that many options within walking distance of our airbnb beyond fine dining (which suited us, but maybe isn’t for every family). The service at these restaurants was hit or miss as some restaurants were more than willing to accommodate our three little people, but others it was clear that they were a bit less than comfortable. Fortunately we have eaters, so we never really had an issue, but a bit more research and some reservations could’ve helped us here.

Additionally, when we reached a resort for the evening, feeling a bit road weary and hungry, we anticipated getting into dinner in one of their two restaurants wouldn’t be too hard. Not a crazy assumptions since it was so late, right?  Wrong. It was hours and hours and hours to wait. And all the restaurants in the little mountain town? Hours and hours and hours at them too. So, we ended up eating food we ordered from the bar in the hotel lobby bar while sitting on a couch by the front door. Not so bad, really, as we were literally surrounded in a sea of families doing the same thing. (And that little set up only took about an hour to get us our food, not the two we had been told it may be…). So, reservations. It’s better to have them and break them then just hope that food will magically find you when you’re little people are at the breaking point.

Travel with Rain or Hiking Boots

I’ll admit: this should’ve been a pretty obvious one to me. But for some reason I guess I just missed this memo. I thought that I’d be too uncomfortable traipsing around the city in Wellies to take them (and they take up just so much space). But you know what’s more uncomfortable? Wet feet. Wet. Soggy. Feet. And that was just the city walks.

We knew we were going to be in the Highlands, in Isle of Skye. It wasn’t a surprise, but still. I dropped the ball on this one. Knowing that we had the littles in tow meant that we were going to be taking some easy hikes—nothing too difficult. Nothing that would really require the traction and support of a hiking boot. A simple sneaker would do. And maybe it would’ve. If it weren’t soaking wet out everywhere (which is how Scotland is…I knew this too…). So, yeah, that traction would’ve served me well as I helped a three year old and a six year old jump across slippery rocks to avoid falling in freezing water. And perhaps it would’ve meant that my feet wouldn’t have been coated in wet brown mud that had seeped through the mesh of my sneakers when I was walking along the fairy glen—you know, the one where there are no paths and people have made so many in them that they’re just pits of mud, especially on rainy days. Like the ones Scotland has all. the. time. So, learn from my epic, wet-footed failure (to be fair, I did pack the kids boots, so little people toes did not suffer…and every day I was thankful for that because who knows what kind of anger that could’ve produced in the irrational moments of toddlerdum).

Bring a Wash Cloth

Pretty simple really. Bring a wash cloth. I thought that the lack of a washcloth was just a facet of our airbnb, but it seemed it was the same thing in the two hotels we stayed at as well (one a large resort and one a small Inn). See, while in Scotland, we were all given hand towels, which, yes, was appreciated and awesome. And, honestly, I don’t know if I was supposed to use them as hand towels or as wash cloths. But, I did what any mom has to do when her little people are covered in a day of muck they picked up on some amazing explorations: I used it as a wash cloth. But, I’m just not used to having to clean my little people with a hand towel, so I felt a bit like I was washing them with two hands that had no thumbs. I was just clumsy and awkward. It was a circus show really: trying to wash ears and ending up with wet towel in the eyes or mouth too. Yes, by the end of the trip, I caught on, mostly. But there was a learning curve for me and it wasn’t pretty (but it was clean).

Tread Softly

I feel like I’m seeing Scotland advertised all around me. It’s on FaceBook ads, on the tips of friends’ tongues, highlighted on tv. It is popping up in magazines and billboards. And along with that, it means that country is getting more visitors. No place was this more evident than the Isle of Skye. We were staying in a small town inn mere minutes from the fairy glen in the northern part of the Isle. While we were having dinner in the inn, two older, local couples were seated near us (it was a small dining room so this was not hard to do). My middle little needed to use the restroom and his father took him, much to the sorrow of the tiniest little. He ran after them; I quickly snatched him up and brought him to the table where he was instantly calmed down by the biggest little and I. Then, out of nowhere, with all the remaining troops quiet, we were verbally attacked by one of the local women at the table. (And speaking on the behalf of my little people, they really were too tired to do much more than sit in their seats and eat.) Fortunately, just as my frazzled mother nerves were about to give way to complete and utter devastation, another kind couple came up and reassured me that my littles hadn’t been disruptive at all and were so well behaved.

Still a bit shaken and feeling a bit confused, the next day we got up and went to the Fairy Glens. And when I saw what was happening around me, the lack of respect, the disregard for the people who lived there, I finally got it. As we were driving on the small single lane road towards the Fairy Glen, we passed by notices that motor coaches were not permitted past a certain point, but a few minutes after we arrived, guess what pulled up? And people came streaming out. I was told that often those drivers of the motor coaches will encourage tourists to create formations with the rocks in the area, again changing the landscape of an area that is at its best without human interference.

The Fairy Glens have no “stay on the path” markings yet, so people can traipse throughout them wherever they feel like. And in an environment that sees a great deal of rain, it means that the ground is ripped up and turned into huge mud pits–mud pits people don’t want to walk through so walk around, creating even more mud pits and tearing up more land. There is trash left behind, ground destroyed, and calm silence broken. It was upsetting to see, and it isn’t even my home. Then I knew: the woman and her party weren’t really disrupted by my children. Their way of living is constantly disrupted by travelers like us. She didn’t know that we aimed to treat her home with respect and gentleness. She didn’t know that we aimed to leave it better than we found it. While there was no way I could have prevented her anger, having this in mind would have saved me considerable anxiety and anger at having my children criticized.

Bring More Time

I know. I know. Not possible. Here or anywhere else in the world. I’ve come to figure out that no matter where we go, we’re always going to leave that place wanting and needing to come back. The thing is, I had never expected to feel this so profoundly as I did when we were in Scotland. Each of us wanted more of something. More time to explore the coasts. More castles. More mountains. More hikes. More cows (those little creatures are so cute it’s ridiculous). The nearly two year old just yelled for more sheep the entire time. Like for days.

When we were planning this trip, we tried desperately to get a real path down for our fast but furious drive into the highlands and Isle of Skye. We changed in once, twice, a third time. I read books, blogs and FaceBook groups. But no one, not a single person, gave me the same itinerary. It was as though every one had a different “must see” place in Scotland. And I get it now. We just kind of meandered our way through. But with every new twist in the road, every change in the angle of the sun or the movement of the clouds, every crest of mountain, it became increasingly evident we needed more time to take this country in. It was the landscape, the tiny towns, and the cities. The landmarks. The people. The history. We squeezed in so much, but left feeling like our relationship with this nation had just begun.

If every place was just like the one we left, what would be the point in going? Fortunately, Scotland has so many ins and outs, each moment of each day was something new and just as amazing as the last. Perhaps the most amazing moment was spending our twelfth wedding anniversary in a family-owned pizza shop in a tiny country-side village, chatting away with the lovely owner about her nation and about our little people. I didn’t realize that that would happen either, but I will be forever grateful it did.

Have you had any of those places where the longer you were there, the more you time you found you needed? We’re always on the hunt for new places, so drop us a comment below!

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14 comments.

Harmony, Momma To Go

what great tips! Crazy about the restaurant stories. We are spoiled here, espeically I live right outside of NYC always things open late.

Bradley & Jenny

Great post. We love Scotland and we’re having our first baby in January – so, we have been paying more attention to posts like these! Thanks again.

Respectfully, Bradley & Jenny http://www.eatwanderexplore.com

Three Kids and A Car

Oh wow!!!!! Congrats! Just make sure you keep traveling!

Bob Conahan

I’m leaving for Scotland June 4. My first time. Saint Andrews 5 da. Edinburg 5 da. Thanks for the sharing. Where’s the pizza place?🤗

I’d definitely look into staying near Siracusa for a bit. So many wonderful hill towns can be accessed there just in a short day or half day trip. If you want beach, I’d recommend Taormina or Cefalu. We had the most amazing family friendly hotel in Cefalu if you’d like the name.

Hey! Just wanted to chime in about the wash cloths! Yes, you should pack your own! I imagine it’s the same in other parts of Europe, but in the UK they are rarely provided. It’s considered a really personal item that you wouldnt want to share, so hotels and b&bs don’t provide them!

We’re travelling next month to Skye, Inverness and Edinburgh with a 1 year old, spending 3 days at each spot. This helps a lot, but any other tips would come in handy! Thanks for your views……can’t wait to visit Scotland ourselves!

Hope your trip was amazing!

Kimberly Pigott

Hello, I am planning a trip to Scotland for my family- 2 adults 3 kids. It seems really challenging to find accommodations for a family with more than 2 children. Do you have any suggestions? I have my spouse, two teen girls and one nine year old boy. Thank you.

We found a great Airbnb in Edinburgh for that reason and I can recommend a good hotel in UIG in Skye if you’re headed that way. It had a great family-style room and three beds for the kids. Also, a family friendly one in Cairngorms NP—but that was two connected rooms. The hotel and area itself was quite family friendly though. Let me know and I can pass them along to you.

Molly Campbell

We’re planning to take our three littles (ages 8, 5, and 2) to Scotland in August, and we’re getting completely overwhelmed by the amount of travel time between places. We’re planning to stay in Edinburgh for a few days, then head to Skye, taking day trips from Portree to other areas of the island and to Loch Ness (my daughter is obsessed with dragons and sea monsters!). But I’m so concerned that the long travel times will cause major meltdowns and just won’t be any fun for anyone. Did you find that to be the case at all?

Hi Molly-I have to preface this by saying that we drag our kids on road trips often so they’re pretty used to car rides. We did break up the trip substantially though. From Edinburgh, we headed to St Andrews for lunch and wandering. Then we went up to Inverdruie for the night, stopping to tour a castle along the way. From there we went to Skye, stopping at Urquhart Castle (Loch Ness) and Eilean Donan Castle on the way. Breaking it up made it doable for our kids. Enjoy yourselves. I hope you still get there, even if you’re not able to this August. It’s the most amazing place.

Shanna Schultz

We are taking our third trip to Scotland in August (or we hope to be if the world can break free of this virus fiasco). We get to do two whole weeks this time – we are heading all the way up to the Orkneys!

Remembering our first trips and heeding your advice, we will all be bringing our wellies and our hiking boots, and perhaps washcloths (it is funny how it is the little things that make the difference, isn’t it?)

We havent been to Skye in 10 years, and it has gotten so much busier! When we last visited, once you got out of Portree it felt like you almost had the place to yourself conpared to how busy it sounds now.

Were attractions like the fairy pools still worthwhile feeling with the kids and crowds, or just more frustrating? Would it be better to stay more “Off the beaten path?”

We still really loved the fairy pools. It was a bit crowded, but only in that we could see people scattered about. In no way were the paths congested. The fairy glen on the other hand felt overrun. They were busing people into the area–and it’s so small to begin with. If you do go there, get there early before all the little buses get there. We stayed at a lovely hotel (UIG hotel) that had a perfect family friendly vibe and it was in Uig rather than Portree, so way less crowded. I’d totally recommend (I have a review up if you want to check out some pictures and read about it). Enjoy your trip–I’m hoping you get there. And if not, that at least you were able to postpone it until you can safely get there. It really is so beautiful isn’t it?

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Road trip in Scotland with a baby

If you travel with a baby Scotland is a destination I often recommend for the summer holidays because the temperatures are mild and the landscapes are gorgeous. We loved our family holidays in Scotland and we will return there for sure because we are far from having seen everything! With all its castles, lakes and mountains, Scotland has something to make young and old ones dream! For our first road trip in Scotland, we focused on the Highlands and Isle of Skye .

Age of  my son: 11 months Period: August 2010 (temperatures were around 18 degrees and we only had one day of rain! Lucky!) Duration: 10 days

Itinerary for a 10 day road trip in Scotland:

• Arrival in Glasgow –> we directly went to Edinburgh
• 2 nights in Edinburgh
• 3 nights in Glencoe (for hiking)
• 1 night in Dunvegan on Isle of Skye
• 1 night in Flodigarry on Isle of Skye
• 1 night in Plockton
• 1 night in Crianlarich in the Trossachs
• 1 night in Glasgow : a stroll in West end and visit of the Burell collection in Pollok Country Park (8000 art pieces!).

Road trip in Scotland with a baby: our hints, our hikes, our best-of:

We visited the old town and we had a bucolic walk in Dean Village along ther river. Then, we climbed to Arthur’s seat (1 hour) for a view over the city. If you stay longer than us in Edinburgh, I recommend you read the article about the best of Edinburgh by Globetrotting .

We climbed the Pap of Glencoe: it took us two hours to get to the summit carrying Ticoeur in a baby wrap. Picnic break and descent. “Papa Voyage” carried our baby on the way up and I carried him on the way down. Wonderful landscapes on the mountains, the lochs… We went back to the B&B to let our sweet baby take a nap !

Isle of Skye

Our favourite part in Scotland! Everything is beautiful on this island! We wanted to photograph every stone, every cliff, every sea view! Beware: the roads are sinuous! But fortunately the Scots are very polite and drive with a lot of courtesy! The most beautiful places on Isle of Skye :

• Neist Point
• We did a hike in Talisker near beautiful cliffs (note that you can’t visit the distillery when you’re with children.).
• Quirraing hike: it took us 1 hour and a half. A true paradise ! We stopped at the Kilt Rock waterfall that falls into the sea.
• Old Man of Stor: a 1 hour and a half walk.
• Eilan Donan Castle

We ended up continuing our roadtrip to Plockton, located at the exit of the Isle of Skye – less spectacular but the scenery by the sea is very relaxing, so peaceful..

Then we went back down through Crianlarich in the Trossachs (to walk near Lomond Lake and admire the Ben Lomond).

Practical information for a trip to Scotland with a child:

• a pleasant climate (but with a high risk of rain ;-))
• a very quiet environment
• perfect for hiking with a baby
• handy when baby is not yet walking
• in all the restaurants: high chairs, changing tables… and we have often seen a children’s play corner in the pubs!

Be aware of :

• baby must be protected against midges bites (small harmless but unpleasant mosquitoes…). Also watch out for ticks!
• the risk of rain 🙂

Hikes: to find suitable hikes for a trip to Scotland with children (so hikes not too difficult, not too long), I used a very good site -> https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

Baby equipment: a baby wrap, car seat and a travel cot. Baby food and diapers bought on the spot. Don’t forget sun cream as we are very exposed in the mountains. For hiking, we really found that the baby wrap was very practical and not too tiring.

Scotland with your family: our good addresses!

In edinburgh:.

Globetrotter Inn (youth hostel): tiny but cheap room, backpacker style, very nice building, very green setting, free shuttle to the city centre

Chez Marlayne: French restaurant with Scottish touches. Very good and inventive.

Always Sunday: for a gourmet break in the heart of the historic centre

A Glencoe :

Kate and Alan Ward – Saint Brides Old Rectory (B&B): very good reception, well located near the loch and not far from the hiking departures / North Ballachulish 01855 821 337

Lochleven Seafood Café:  by far the best restaurant we’ve done in Scotland (we ate there 3 nights in a row!). Delicious seafood at an affordable price with inventive recipes.

A Plockton :

Seafood Shore Restaurant: very good seafood dishes.

A Glasgow :

The Kelvin:  Very good family welcome in this small hotel located in a beautiful old house, nice area. To book: The Kelvin Hotel West End .

Kember & Jones:  for a quality snack in a nice deli.

Our wish list for a future travel to Scotland with children:

• The islands, the islands and the islands: Arran, Jura and Mull tempt us a lot for their remote style.
• Visit more castles (especially haunted ones!): especially in the eastern part of Scotland with for instance Ballindalloch Castle, Fraser Castle…
• Following in Harry Potter’s footsteps: after visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London, we also want to see some of the locations where the films were shot, such as the Glenfinnan viaduct and the Arkaig loch.

What about you? Do you want to discover Scotland with your family?

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Hiking With A Baby In The Scottish Highlands

• By guest-post
• August 17, 2020
• 5 minute read
• Note: Article may contain affiliate links with potential commissions for Bébé Voyage.

Hiking as an adult already takes a lot of planning, but adding a baby into the mix pushes everything to the next level. Christine, a French mum based in the South of England and avid traveler and blogger for Maman Voyage, shares her tips and experiences for hiking with a baby in the Scottish Highlands.

When our son was 11 months old, we traveled around the Highlands in Scotland. We always loved hiking and wanted to take the opportunity to introduce that passion to our baby.

We chose to visit Scotland for our hiking trip because of its moderate climate. With a baby, we wanted to avoid high temperatures that many places experience in the summer. It’s also much easier to hike when the temperature is mild or even a bit cool. We traveled in August and it was around 18°C (64F). We were lucky to get only one day of rain, but we were prepared for more!

The Highlands is the perfect choice for this type of holiday as it has numerous hiking possibilities around Glencoe and also on the famous Isle of Skye.

Planning and Itinerary

• Half-day or day hikes: Before becoming parents, we used to do long-distance hikes where we would leave for several days and sleep in a tent. However, since having a baby we prefer to sleep in B&Bs and stick to day-hikes. This makes it easier to monitor the weather or come back for naps if you had a particularly difficult night with the baby.
• Choose your accommodation according to the hikes you plan to do: We spent 3 nights in a B&B in Glencoe and did some hikes around the area. Then, 2 nights on Isle of Skye for amazing walks in a stunning environment and finally 1 night in Plockton before going back to Glasgow where we caught our flight.
• Organize the day: Ideally, we preferred to hike in the morning so that we could be back at our B&B by the time our baby needed to have lunch and a nap. There were obviously some exceptions when we did slightly longer hikes, such as the day we stopped for a picnic in the mountains while our son was sleeping in his baby carrier.
• Take more breaks than usual during your walk: It is important to take breaks and let the baby move around a bit. Taking breaks often gives you an opportunity to grab a snack and some water and the occasional diaper change.
• Check the weather: A small bit of rain is ok, but don’t take any risks with a baby! It’s also good to ask your B&B hosts for advice about the condition of the trail you want to hike. You may have nice weather that day, but if it rained recently then the trail might be too muddy to use.

What to Bring When Hiking with a Baby in Scotland

• Carrying: For hiking, we love the Ergobaby . We also used our baby wrap, but I don’t recommend these for hiking if your baby is heavy. We think the Ergobaby is the easiest and most comfortable option to go hiking with a baby (up to 20kg). We also found it lighter than a traditional hiking carrier as it did not hurt our backs after walking for long periods of time. You can also carry your child in the front or on your back depending on which way is most comfortable. We also took breaks carrying our son and would split the time we both carried him.
• An insect repellent to protect your baby (and you!) against midges! Midges are like tiny mosquitoes. They are very unpleasant! We crossed them only once, but that was enough. They are not dangerous and don’t carry illnesses, but they sting like mosquitoes. I also tried using some lavender essential oil, but the product we bought at the pharmacy worked better. So ask for advice once you are there as you will need an insect repellent you can use on your baby’s skin.
• Just in case, it’s good to carry a tick remover as there can be some in that area. Check your baby every night before bedtime.
• Sunscreen and a hat for your baby because they will certainly get some sun too!
• Clothes for the rain as you are bound to get rain in Scotland, no matter the season.
• Parents should wear proper hiking shoes as the ground can be very moist and it will give you better stability while carrying your baby.
• We bought baby food in local supermarkets. Ready-made baby food is fine cold, no need to heat it up if you’re in the middle of nowhere. If we stopped at a pub or while in our B&B, we used a microwave. Note also that pubs and restaurants are very well equipped for babies as most have high chairs and changing tables. Scotland in general is a very kid-friendly destination!
• We bought diapers in local shops and sometimes we changed our son in the middle of a hike or at the top of a mountain!
• Of course, always carry enough water in your day bag.
• (Check out the SlumberPod and use this link to get 5% off!–Discount applied at checkout) 
• A baby seat for the car so that you can easily drive from one hiking spot to another safely.

Best Hiking Trails with a Baby in the Scottish Highlands 

Here are the hikes we loved! They are easy as with a baby we didn’t want too much of a challenge:

• Around Glencoe:  Pap of Glencoe (4 hours round trip)
• On the Isle of Skye:  Neist Point, Quirraing hike (1 hour and a half), Old Man of Stor (1 hour and a half), and a walk along the cliffs in Talisker.

To prepare for our walks we used the website: Walk Highlands .

I wish you all some lovely family memories while hiking with your baby in the Scottish Highlands! And on our travel blog “Maman Voyage” you will find more information about our road trip to Scotland with our baby .

You may also like these articles from the Bébé Voyage blog :

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• Scotland with Tod...

Scotland with Toddler

Trying to get information on how to travel with a toddler (1.5 year) in Scotland. I was planning on using Mini-Bus Tour/Tour Groups but they don't allow small (under 5 yrs) kids. So that leaves, public transportation or renting a car.

Home base will be Edinburgh, and we can walk/use public transportation within the city limits. But if we wanted to see the highlands or go to another area it looks like we are stuck.

Any suggestions? Trip will be May 2020

Car rental would be best to see the Highlands etc. - is this a problem?

Life will be a lot easier with a car. I'm assuming that you will have a stroller. It's real pain carrying a toddler, while trying to manoeuver a stroller and other essentials on to a bus or train. Plus folding the stroller while doing everything else.

If you decide to hire a car, make arrangements to have a car seat provided, unless you're planning to bring your own. You should be able to rent a stroller in Edinburgh, or pick one up at one of the specialty shops, if you don't want to bring one with you. Just having a quick look at Tom Thumb equipment rental in Edinburgh. They seem to have a lot of top of the line strollers for 15 pounds per day. You could balance that cost against the cost of bringing your own, which would count as an extra piece of luggage.

Tom Thumb also has back carriers and slings for rent, if carrying your toddler around on your back would make things easier.

Mike (Auchterless)

Hire a car or take a train.

You can take trains around Scotland. There are also buses - both city buses and intercity buses. If the Highlands are difficult to reach, there are other areas. Take a train from Edinburgh to Oban. Pretty ride. In Oban - you can go out on wildlife boat tours. Take a train from Edinburgh to INVERNESS. Enjoy Nessie. Take a train to Stirling and see the castle. There's also the east coast of Scotland. (Pitlochry and St. Andrew's, and I believe - Fife). How much time do you have in Scotland? Are you committed to staying only in Edinburgh? If so, I believe you can still day-trip by train to Stirling Castle. Take a train to London for a few days.

One idea for you, as we have done this with our kiddo in the past (now a seasoned international traveler at the age of 10):

Look carefully at the length of your car rental vs. what the agency charges for a car seat, it may be cheaper to actually buy a car seat than to rent! This is especially possible if public transport is available at the start of your trip.

On our last trip to Germany, I used Amazon.de to purchase an inexpensive seat and (after clearing it with the hotel manager) had it delivered to our first hotel the day before we arrived. Luckily by that point our daughter was big enough for a "booster", but given the length of our trip, even a full-backed 5-point seat would have been cheaper to purchase than the rental fee. Some big cities have charities that will accept a lightly used carseat as a donation, but for the massive cost savings vs. renting we were happy just to abandon the seat with our rental agency!

After flying with a car seat a couple of times domestically, I learned I never want to carry a seat on a plane again. It consumes a carry-on bag, since most car-seats are NOT rated for Airline use, they won't let you seat the kid in the seat on the plane! We've also seen that rental car seats are usually beat to hell, and the agency is never as prepared to deliver/install it as you would like. (Most recently on a "family" trip we waited nearly an hour for a carseat for our nephew.) Go to youtube and review carseat install videos so you are confident (and competent) to install the seat on your own, as this is not a job for the minimum-wage counter jockey.

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Edinburgh, Scotland with Kids

Balmoral Hotel

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Camera Obscura

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General tips and advice

Favorite books, related blog entries, children's travel book review: wee gillis.

Posted on April 29, 2013

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Photo Friday: Bigger than a Balloon Animal

Posted on April 26, 2013

Scotland with Kids - Getting Started with Adventures by Disney

Posted on April 24, 2013

Scotland with Kids: Exploring and Adjusting

Posted on April 15, 2013

Photo Friday: Holyrood Palace

Posted on April 11, 2013

Headed to Scotland!

Posted on April 1, 2013

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Travelling with children

Planning on booking some Caledonian Sleeper tickets for yourself and your children and want to know what to expect on your adventure? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve included all of the information that you may like to know right here, so that you and your little one’s can prepare for all of the excitement!

Interconnecting or Adjacent Rooms

Our service provides a unique offering of interconnecting rooms so that you can travel in peace of mind that your children will be right there with you. The interconnecting rooms are available in our Classic Rooms only and are perfect for snuggling down and sharing bedtime stories with a hot chocolate altogether!

To book an interconnecting room online:

• Select the number of adults and children required on your chosen route and date of travel.
• Select Classic Room from the main booking page  (Club and Caledonian Doubles do not have interconnecting rooms).
• The rooms will be pre-selected for you. Check your rooms are all in the same coach and the room numbers are consecutive numbers.
• You can change rooms and coach by clicking on ‘Select Rooms’ on the review order page as shown below to choose your room from our train diagram.

If you are unable to find the rooms, don’t worry, just give our Guest Service centre a call on 0330 060 0500 (if calling from overseas, please call +44 141 555 0888) and one of our helpful Guest Ambassadors will be happy to assist you!

Family Tickets

Our bespoke family tickets are available to all of our guests travelling with children on any route! The ticket offers a saving of up to 33%, making your Caledonian Sleeper experience even more affordable for all the family. To book a Family Ticket online, simply select the number of adults and children required on your chosen route and date of travel and the option will display on the next window!

Travel Cots

Please note when travelling with infants and younger children, our rooms are too narrow for standard travel cots.

Where do you want to travel?

Some of the UK’s best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper.

Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UK’s most wonderful destinations.

Whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen or Fort William, travel in comfort and enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Castles, dungeons, ghosts and tunnels give Scotland’s capital an air of mystique, but there’s more to Edinburgh than history and creepy tales.

The Silver City with the Golden Sands, also known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has established itself as a dining and entertainment destination.

Fort William

Home to many a lively ceilidh – where the celebrated local malt is the toast of the guests – Fort William is an idyllic escape from the rat race.

A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy.

As a gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has matured to become one of the UK’s most spectacular cities.

Set on the banks of the silvery Tay, Scotland’s longest river, Dundee is arguably Scotland’s fastest-growing city.

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40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Home » Blog » Family Travel » 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Adventuring with a little one can be overwhelming, but these practical tips for traveling with a baby will make it feel much more manageable. After reading this article, you’ll feel encouraged and confident to start planning your dream family vacation.

After taking all types of different trips with our daughter in her first year – from National Parks to European Christmas Markets to traveling Scotland by campervan (and so much more!) – we have learned so much about traveling with a baby. 

Why keep all these tips to ourselves when we can share them with you ?!

We know how overwhelming it can be , especially when other people tell you how hard it is traveling with kids. 

But you know what? It can also be amazing, too. 

Traveling with your little one will full your cup, create lifelong memories, and will open your eyes to a totally different way of looking at taking trips. 

While traveling with a baby certainly looks different and requires more flexibility and planning , we’re still able to do some pretty epic things. And you can too (if that’s what you want).

Traveling with our daughter has truly been life changing, and we can’t wait for you to experience this magic, too. 

Guide to traveling with a baby

• Our story: Read about our travel-style and our background so you understand our approach to traveling with a baby.
• Top tips: Wanna get to the good stuff right away? Jump right down to our top tips for traveling with a baby! 

This article is full of practical tips, gear that is actually worth packing, and encouraging advice that will help you feel prepared and confident about traveling with a baby.

We’ll also be discussing some helpful mindsets about traveling with a baby that can transform how you think about it. 

Whether you’re an experienced parent or you’re dreaming of someday traveling with a baby, we’ve got tips and advice that will help you feel confident to plan the family trip of your dreams!

As full-time travel bloggers , traveling is one of our biggest passions, and it’s also both of our jobs. So when we found out we were expecting, we knew that travel wouldn’t just stop for us once the baby arrived (like many people warned). 

We’ve known for a long time that we’d want to start a family, eventually . So over the years, we (almost subconsciously) took note of all the people we saw traveling with their kids.

• On our 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu , there was a family with 4 kids, the youngest of whom was 8 years old.
• In Thailand , we saw countless families living nomadically or traveling with kids of all ages.
• We met a family on the west coast USA, living out of their campervan with two little boys (before it was common!).

We stored up all these acquaintances as “evidence” that traveling with a baby is not only possible, but it can still be adventurous .

We saw it as inspiration and started to dream of all the adventures we could take our little one on. Together, we dreamed about how we could open their eyes to the endless beauty and kindness around the world. And we talked about how traveling with a child would create core memories and forge a bond between us that we just couldn’t replicate at home.

We were excited about this new chapter, and confident we could forge our own path despite what anyone said.

That mindset came in handy because soon after announcing we were expecting a baby, we got a mixed bag of responses:

• “Can’t wait to hear all your advice for traveling with kids!”
• “You’re definitely going to be slowing down and traveling less now.”
• “Travel while your baby is young, because as soon as they can walk, traveling will be over!”

The good, the bad, the well-meaning… we got it all.

We expected people to say how difficult it would be . And if I’m completely honest, those “you won’t be able to travel anymore” comments encouraged us to prove to ourselves that we could in fact travel with a baby. And thrive while doing it.

The truth is, we were prepared for people to tell us we couldn’t travel with a baby. Remember, we had stored up all that “proof” that we weren’t the only ones with these dreams. 

Thinking about taking an adventure with your little one?

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for traveling with a baby !  It’s packed with good suggestions and advice for what has personally worked for us on our travels with a baby.

Whether you’re getting ready for your first ever trip with a baby, or you’re a parenting pro just looking for a few extra tips, we hope this baby travel packing list will serve you well!

Why trust our advice about traveling with a baby?

For years, whenever we saw people traveling with kids, we’d look at each other and say, “Wow, that’s badass. Someday I want that to be us.”

And now we’re doing it which feels both surreal and like we’ve been training for this for years. Because we kind of have.

Prior to having a baby, we traveled to more than 50 countries together and built a business around the travel industry. So travel is something we are not only passionate about, but it’s something we feel very comfortable with.

We made it a point to bring our daughter on some epic trips during her first year of life. And we have so many more family trips planned for the future!

In Juniper’s first year of life, she:

• took 19 flights
• traveled to 9 countries 
• visited 14 US states
• explored 4 US National Parks
• went on 2 overnight backcountry camping trips
• lived in a campervan for 4 months

Juniper went on countless hikes, slept in many different places around the world, and made more friends than any other other 1-year-old we know!

She is growing into a very adaptable little human, and we feel so lucky for all of the memories we have already created together.

If you, too, want to travel with a little one, we’re here to share all of the things that have worked for us along the way. 

We hope you take the advice that resonates with you and feel empowered to plan and execute your dream family trips!

Why are you here?

I imagine you’re here because you want to know more about traveling with a baby. Ding, ding, ding!!!

Okay, that was obvious. But the rest is a little harder to determine…

• Perhaps you are already a parent , and you want to start adventuring more with your little one but you don’t know where to start.
• Maybe you already travel with your baby a lot , but you’re constantly seeking new tips and advice. Everything helps, right?! 
• If you are expecting, be sure to check out our list of the best babymoon destinations !
• Or perhaps you aren’t even sure you want to be a parent , and you’re trying to figure out how much, exactly, having a baby would impact your lifestyle and dreams.

You might be feeling excited about the prospect of traveling with a baby. Or confused about how to even get started. 

Maybe you’re skeptical about the whole idea of traveling with a little one. Or you’re feeling defeated after being told many times that traveling with a baby is hard, and you’re just looking for some encouragement.

Feel all the feels. They are all valid.

Wherever you’re coming from and whatever you’re feeling, my hope is that you’ll be able to find some nuggets in this article that will speak to you .

Everyone’s journey is different 

In this article, we’re sharing tips for traveling with a baby that have worked for us. 

That last part of the sentence is important: These are the things that have worked for us , personally. 

I will say that we have been privileged that we haven’t had to deal with any major health issues. Our daughter is (for the most part) very easygoing and adaptable. Some of this we can attribute to things we have practiced and experiences that we have exposed her to. But I also know that some of this is pure luck.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. And every child is different. 

You know your child and your comfort level better than anyone. Plus, we all have different priorities and goals and dreams and lifestyles. (Remember, traveling is a big part of our job, so things may look different for you.)

Pick and choose the tips that will work for you. Ignore the ones that won’t.

Psst! After reading through all our tips for traveling with a little one, be sure to read my personal note at the bottom of this article.

Our best tips for traveling with a baby

Let’s dive into the things that have worked for us.

Scroll through them all (there are 40!), or jump to the sections that are most important to you:

• BUILD CONFIDENCE: Feel confident about traveling with a baby
• PLANNING: Planning your trip
• TRAVEL TIPS: Tips for while you’re on your trip

Good to know: Most of these tips are geared toward babies and toddlers (aka under 2 years old). As our daughter grows and our experiences change, we will continue creating resources based on our personal experiences.

1. Start small with “mini adventures”

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to start small. And start early.

In my last weeks of pregnancy, we got out a calendar and made “mini goals” for each week after the baby was born.

They went something like this:

• 1 week old: Go to your favorite coffee shop
• 2 weeks old: Go on a long(ish) walk (we went snowshoeing because it was winter!)
• 3 weeks old: Go to a brewery or event in town 
• 4 weeks old: Spend the night away (we booked a cabin in the woods)

More ideas:

• Mini road trip
• Go to a friend’s house for dinner
• Book a staycation in your own town or a nearby city
• Find a nearby soaking pool (with water temperatures safe for a baby)
• Picnic in a nearby park

Everyone will have different comfort levels, but do what feels good to you.

Having these “mini adventures” on our calendar brought some much-needed structure to our weeks after having a baby. And obviously we knew we could cancel if it didn’t feel right at that time. 

These little adventures gave us the confidence to slowly make the excursions bigger , so that we weren’t completely overwhelmed when it came time to board our first international flight.

Note: Even if your little one isn’t a newborn anymore, it’s never too late to schedule some “mini adventures” on your calendar. Base the excursions on the skills you want to practice and the type of trips you want to take.

2. Practice “baby skills” on the go

This kind of ties in with the “mini adventures” above, but make sure that you’re practicing some skills on the go:

• changing diapers in new environments
• napping on the go
• feeding (whether nursing or bottle feeding)

Trust me when I say you won’t want the first time you change your baby’s diaper outside of your house to be at the start of a trip. 

Make a point to breastfeed or bottle feed on a walk near your house.

Change a diaper in the coffee shop bathroom instead of waiting until you get home.

It will feel uncomfortable at first. But since you’re close to home, you can always go back and start fresh another day if things don’t go as planned.

Doing this time and time again will make you feel more confident and know what to expect. Plus, it will help your little one get used to environments other than your house.

3. Master the art of napping on the go

Black out curtains, a humidifier, and a bassinet that rocks babe to sleep are great, but we personally knew that we’d be in lots of situations where these wouldn’t be available.

So we were proactive about practicing napping in different situations from the time Juniper was very young . 

At home, we had an ideal sleep environment in her room, but we also practiced napping in the living room, in a travel sleeper, and while wearing her in a carrier so she could be adaptable.

Once we felt comfy with it, we practiced napping around town, and eventually on mini trips.

She quickly mastered sleeping just about anywhere:

• her stroller
• in a baby carrier
• in our arms
• in quiet places
• and noisy ones too

Being able to have her sleep in different environments has been a game-changer for us (especially in the earlier months!). It allowed us to get out of the house and not worry about being home at an exact time.

It also made the prospect of traveling with a baby seem so much more attainable when we were newbie parents.

One item that has been helpful for napping on the go:

• Travel sound machine (if you forget this, there are apps and Spotify channels with white noise)

4. Refine your diaper bag

These “mini adventures” I keep talking about will help you realize what you need in many different situations, and what items never get used. 

Take note of these things and keep repacking your diaper bag until you have it down.

AKA you have all the essentials (and remember to restock the items that get used up, like diapers and wipes!) and none of the bulk .

5. Put the essentials in a fanny pack diaper bag

Your full-sized diaper bag will come in handy for bringing all the necessities on your trip, so don’t leave it at home. But there will be many times where you won’t want to lug a big backpack around all day .

Wandering historic cobblestone streets of European cities or walking beach trails on a humid island or a hike in the mountains will all be so much more enjoyable without your full-sized diaper bag.

Pack the essentials – diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a binky, medications, small snacks, etc. – into a fanny pack. You can also include any of your personal necessities for the day (chapstick, credit cards and cash, keys, etc.)

I have this fanny pack that is actually made for this purpose (there’s a wet wipes pocket), but you could use any medium to large size fanny pack ( like this one ). Usually, I just string it over the handle of our stroller so I don’t have to actually wear it. This way, we’re prepared but aren’t bringing the bulk!

Psst! This diaper bag fanny is much cuter than mine, but it’s 3 times the price.

6. Don’t buy all the things

As soon as you get pregnant, it’ll feel like you are constantly being bombarded with ads for all this “essential baby travel gear”. 

Plus, there are all these bloggers and influencers who share all the gear that they use (myself included).

And holy cow, it’s overwhelming.

There is just so much stuff out there and it can feel like you need it all. 

Spoiler alert: You DON’T.

It’s hard to know what will really make your life easier and what isn’t worth the money or space. 

Here’s the best way to really get a feel for what baby gear you need:

• Take those “mini adventures”! I sound like a broken record at this point, but they are truly a low-risk way to find out what items you really need.
• Find a handful of voices you resonate with and trust (a friend, a family member, a blogger/influencer). See what items they recommend and see if it sounds like something you definitely need.

Psst! One way to save money is to search for items on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group. Many first-time parents end up with duplicate items or are keen to sell baby gear after it’s lightly used (since many things won’t be necessary as they grow older). We got so many baby items and nursery furniture this way (and we’ve sold/given a bunch of things away on these platforms too!).

7. Create routines that can be recreated anywhere

While you’re at home, try to create routines that you can recreate anywhere. 

Maybe there’s a certain book you read to signify bed time. Or a song before naps. Or the routine of brushing hair and teeth.

These routines are simple and don’t require much, so you can give your little one the cues they look for even when you’re far from home.

8. Pick and choose the advice you follow

As a new parent, it can be really scary even thinking about traveling with a baby for the first time. And it’s even scarier when people you know (and trust) tell you how hard it will be, or how that part of your life is over.

First things first: Tune those people out.

Take the advice that resonates with you, and ignore the rest. 

Our personal experience:

I remember when I was pregnant I kept hearing how hard parenting was. The advice came from people who meant well – and who were probably right in many ways – but it made me feel nervous and unequipped. 

In the midst of all the warnings, one of Ben’s cousins talked about how much fun being a parent was. She went on and on about how, “ yes, it’s work, but it is also the best thing ever!”

In that moment, I remember finally feeling excited rather than scared.

So I decided I would focus on the advice that lifted me up rather than the words that brought anxiety.

Now as Juniper is getting older, we get similar well-meaning advice from people who say things like, “Traveling when they’re this age is easy. Just wait until she is walking. Then, your work is cut out for you!”

The “just wait until ” advice doesn’t sit well with me. So now I just ignore it.

Take the advice that makes you feel encouraged, and leave the rest. 

Yes, that applies to this list . 

The tips we’re sharing are things that worked for us . If something doesn’t sit well with you, ignore it and listen to the pieces of advice that feel right.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. You’re in charge of yours. Nobody else.

9. Work on your mindset

Read the sentence below and internalize it: 

People have kids in every country of the world. 

Unless you’re going to a really remote region or an active war zone, bringing your child on a trip isn’t anything unheard of. Other people have brought their children to the destination you’re dreaming about, so why can’t you?

If traveling with your child is important to you, you can make it happen.

10. Adjust your expectations

Traveling with our baby has been one of the most empowering and rewarding things we’ve ever done. 

But it has also included moments of exhaustion and frustration .

Like many people, we probably don’t share enough of those moments publicly on social media . (Although I’m trying to work on that!)

I truly think that for most people, traveling with a baby will be a wonderful experience as long as you have realistic expectations…

Think about what travel looked like before kids and what it will look like now. Consider what will be the biggest changes. 

This will help ensure your expectations are realistic and set you up for having amazing experiences with less frustration.

These are some of the differences for us:

• Don’t worry too much though, the flight is just a small part of the journey and we have some tips for flying with a baby that will help a ton!
• Traveling with a baby means we usually need to move more slowly , and we are able to do less each day than we would without a baby. 
• Sometimes we need to cancel plans or turn around from a hike early because our daughter just isn’t having a great day. We’ve found we need to be a lot more flexible and be prepared for some plans to just not work out.
• Good news: We’ve got practical tips for choosing accommodation with a baby ! 
• We can’t just pop into a bar for a late-night drink if we feel like it. And there are plenty of cool bucket list activities that just don’t allow children . (Aka no more scuba diving together for a while!) Still working through my FOMO with this, but there are still plenty of epic things we can do, so I’m trying to focus on that.

11. Think about your why

Between logistics and packing, traveling with a baby requires a whole different level of planning. And it can get overwhelming. Especially when you have family or friends who aren’t all that encouraging. 

When you start to get frustrated or overwhelmed, think about why you want to travel with your baby.

Is it to feel like yourself again and pursue a hobby you love?

Is it to create memories as a family? 

Is it to show your child the world and see it through their eyes?

All of the above?

Focusing on the why will make the process – frustrations and all! – much more bearable. 

Here are some examples of why you might want to travel with a baby:

• It fills your cup.
• It shows your child to prioritize things that make them happy.
• It shows them the world is so much bigger than your community.
• It gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with people different from themselves.
• It teaches them flexibility.
• It creates lifelong memories.
• It may introduce them to a forever hobby or skill.
• It teaches them to cherish experiences over things.
• You can grow and bond as a family.
• You can push your comfort levels together.

And here’s one more that I’ll add to the list:

• It’s easier than you think. (Hopefully this article helps make it feel more doable!)

Write your “whys” on post-it notes and stick them around your house. Journal about it. Set your phone screen to be a picture that motivates you.

Do whatever it takes to remind yourself of why you want to make traveling with a baby a priority.

12 Talk about what makes you nervous with your travel partner

Still have some nerves?

That’s totally normal. In fact, I’d be a little worried if you didn’t have anything that you were nervous about.

It can really help to talk out these feelings with your partner. 

Maybe you just need them to listen to you and validate your concerns. Or perhaps walking through the scenarios that you’re most uncomfortable with together and discussing what you’d do in each situation will make you feel more prepared.

Whatever the case, getting your worries out in the open will help ensure you’re both on the same page and there for each other.

13. Don’t stress too much about the flight

The flight is just one (tiny) fraction of your trip. And in many cases, it will not be nearly as bad as you’re making it out to be in your head. 

Think of it this way: Most people on flights have headphones in (watching movies or listening to music) and won’t even notice if your baby is being fussy. 

That realization made me feel a lot better before taking our first flight with a baby! (Hopefully it helps you, too.)

We took 19 flights (legs) with our daughter before she turned one, and we gathered all our top advice and created an entire guide full of tips for flying with a baby that should help ease your nerves and make you feel confident about boarding that plane!

In short: Don’t let your nerves about the flight prevent you from going!

14. Start with a trip that’s within your comfort zone

Just like we recommend starting with “mini adventures” near home so you can build your confidence, make your first trip with a baby one that is within your comfort zone.

Maybe this means you return to a place you’ve already been to.

Or maybe this means you travel to a country where English is the native language (or widely spoken), so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Make the actual trip one that doesn’t stress you out or push your boundaries too much. This way, you can focus on getting the hang of this whole t raveling with a baby thang so that you can plan bigger, bolder trips for the future.

15. Pack as light as possible

This is honestly a tough one because I truly think it comes down to finding a balance between packing light and making sure you have all the essentials (many of which are really freaking bulky).

We’ve got lots of advice on the best gear for traveling with a baby , but in general, less is more.  Make sure the items you’re bringing are going to be used and won’t just be dead weight.

And truly, bring as few toys as possible. You will thank me when you’re traveling around with ease because you ditched half the toys you thought you needed.

Psst! Want to know what baby gear we personally recommend? We’ve gotcha covered with our favorite baby travel gear.

16. Remember: you can get diapers everywhere in the world

Personally, I don’t stress too much about diapers because you can buy them everywhere in the world. 

Bring plenty of diapers for the plane and to get you through the first several days of your trip. But if you’re going to be gone for a couple weeks (or more!), don’t stress too much about packing the perfect amount. 

Just about every grocery store or convenience store should have diapers and wipes available.

If you’re having trouble finding them in your destination, ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction.

17. Choose your accommodation wisely

Something I’ve learned is that the type of accommodation we book with a kid is much more specific than when it was just the two of us .

There are a lot of other factors to consider, and what might have been a perfectly good hotel for you will be a disaster with a babe.

Lemme tell ya, we’ve learned the hard way what doesn’t work well anymore now that we travel with a baby.

There have been a few very uncomfortable stays and even an Airbnb that we left (already paid for) because it just didn’t work with a baby.

Psst! Read our tips for choosing a hotel with baby so you don’t make the same mistakes!

18. Book places with pack ‘n plays when possible

If it’s an option, try to book hotels and Airbnbs that have a travel crib for your baby. 

Many hotels and many Airbnbs offer this, so keeping it in mind when you’re making your reservations is key. This means you won’t have to travel with your own, which is a huge space saver.

Their booking details will usually disclose if they have a crib available. If you don’t see anything about a crib, it doesn’t hurt to ask. We once asked an Airbnb host if she had a crib available, and she decided to buy one so that she could offer it to future guests.

If you’re not finding any good accommodations with cribs available don’t stress too much. It’s definitely possible to bring your own.

The Guava Lotus pack ‘n play is undoubtedly the best travel one on the market. Trust me, I spent a lot of time comparing, and it’s the smallest, most durable, and made without toxic materials. So if you’re looking at buying one for travel, the Guava Lotus is what you want. (This is the one we personally have.)

Even though it is compact, it is still bulky and another item to lug around. So if you can get away with not having to pack it, that’s a big win.

Our personal experience

During our 3-week European Christmas Market Trip, we stayed at 8 different hotels/Airbnbs, and all but one had a crib available, so we decided not to bring our own. We are comfortable with co-sleeping, so we did this on the nights that we did not have a crib available. 

However, there are some destinations where finding accommodation with cribs is much more difficult. For example, we’re currently planning a trip where we’re mostly staying at Airbnbs and none offer pack ‘n play, so we will be bringing our own.

19. You can rent things on vacation… (but you might not want to)

Lately I’ve seen a lot of articles and social media posts about renting baby items on vacation through platforms like BabyQuip .

In theory, it’s a great idea, and can be really useful in some situations . There’s a lot to be said for not having to lug around bulky gear, after all. 

Examples of items you can rent: 

• high chair if you plan on eating lots of meals at the accommodation
• bassinet or pack-and-play when your hotel does not offer this option
• car seat when it is significantly cheaper than going with one through the rental car company
• hiking baby carrier (if you have a big hike planned for on your trip)
• beach toys if you are doing an ocean vacation but don’t have or want to pack the gear
• so much more!

But here’s my word of caution…

These rentals can add up quickly , and before you know it, you might be spending hundreds of dollars. (Especially if you’re on a longer trip.)

The prices vary depending on what products you’re looking for and where you’ll be traveling, so calculate the total cost to help you determine whether this would be worthwhile service for you or not.

20. Invest in a compact stroller

One of our most-loved travel items is our compact stroller. It is one of the things we’d strongly suggest buying specifically for travel.

On our first international trip with Juniper, we lugged our normal stroller. This stroller was a hand-me-down from a friend and we love it for at home. But we quickly learned that it was an absolute beast to transport.

It was very heavy and still took up quite a bit of space even when it was collapsed.

After that trip, we bought a stroller that was made for travel . It folds up small to be able to easily fit in the overhead compartment on planes, making it a breeze for travel. 

We personally love our Colugo stroller (and have brought it all over the US and the world!) and would highly recommend it as a durable and affordable travel stroller.

21. …and a solid baby carrier

Having a solid travel stroller is great, but there are places and activities where a carrier is far superior.

Here are just a couple of things to consider:

Stroller is better when:

• it’s hot out and you don’t want to baby wear
• the sidewalks are well-maintained and the streets are flat

Carrier is better when:

• you’re in a crowded place
• the sidewalks are not well-maintained (or the streets are cobblestone)
• you’ll be getting in and out of public transportation

We’ve had a lot of baby carriers, and we both agree that the Ergobaby Omni 360 is the best all-around baby carrier. It’s pricy, but lasts for a long time and is good in a variety of situations. Plus, it works for both of us to carry her, even though we have very different bodies!

22. Consider traveling in a campervan

We’re biased and this certainly won’t be for everyone, but we’ve found campervan travel to be wonderful with a baby , especially when Juniper was really young.

We had everything we needed with us at all times, and we could pull over at any minute to cook a meal, change a diaper in the comfort of our own van, or just hang out in our own private space.

In Juniper’s first year we:

• spent 4 months living and traveling in our own campervan that we built from scratch
• we rented a campervan in Scotland for a 2-week road trip (spoiler alert: it was amazing!)
• plus, we rented a campervan in Ireland for 1 week too!

If you’re renting, you’ll really want to look at the space to figure out if it will work for your family. Most campervan rental companies will be happy to help you choose. We also have a whole list of USA Campervan Rental Companies you can choose from that we personally recommend.

Traveling in a campervan with a little one certainly requires a different mindset, and I wouldn’t recommend it as your first trip with a baby if you’ve never experienced vanlife before . But I think camping can be very special with a little one and a unique way to see a destination.

And don’t leave home without our VanLife Baby Gear Checklist . These are the things we always pack in our van that make our lives so much easier and keep our baby happy.

23. Get a baby passport ASAP

If you plan on traveling internationally with your little one in their first year, we’d recommend getting the process rolling shortly after they are born so you are sure it’ll arrive in time. We applied for Juniper’s passport when she was just 3 weeks old, so it really isn’t ever too early.

This is actually very easy to obtain and we have a whole guide to getting a baby passport . 

Good to know: If you have Global Entry and want to continue using it, you will also need to apply for this for your baby. We learned the hard way when we were turned away at Global Entry. “Interview” time slots fill up very quickly, so schedule this as soon as you get the passport.

24. Get travel insurance 

Hopefully I don’t have to explain why here, but we get travel insurance for every trip we take.

Now that we have a baby, it feels even more important to be properly covered.

Need advice on how to go about getting the best policy for your situation? We’ve gotcha covered in this guide to choosing travel insurance .

25. Get an eSIM on international trips

If you are traveling internationally, it’s super helpful to be able to connect to cell service immediately upon landing.

This can be essential if you need to contact your transport or hotel. 

We love eSIMs because you don’t have to search for a physical SIM card (a hassle) and you don’t have to pay crazy international coverage fees from your home phone service.

Our favorite eSIM is Airalo .

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to get an eSIM here . 

26. Renting a car is usually a great idea

We love using public transportation on our travels, but having a rental car is a lot more convenient when you’re traveling with a baby.

You won’t need to carry around your car seat or luggage, and you can go at your own pace, making stops as frequently as you need. Plus, you won’t have to run so you don’t miss that train! (We’ve all been there.)

When in doubt, make it a road trip. And be sure to check out our tried and true 5-step plan for making your road trip a success !

Want some road trip ideas?

Here are our favorite road trips in the world:

• Iceland Road Trip
• Scotland Road Trip
• New Zealand Road Trip
• Australia Road Trip
• Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip
• Costa Rica Road Trip
• Banff to Jasper Road Trip
• European Christmas Market Road Trip
• Oregon Road Trip
• Oregon Coast Road Trip
• Utah Road Trip
• Idaho Road Trip
• Washington Road Trip
• Colorado Road Trip
• New England (fall foliage!) Road Trip

27. Include family in your trips

Again, this is a tip that may not apply to everyone, but you may want to consider including family in your travel planning.

This could be an opportunity for them to create special memories with your little one, and who knows – maybe they’ll give you the gift of a “date night” while they watch baby !

You could either plan a trip together (hint: book a big Airbnb for the most comfortable stay!), or plan a trip to visit friends or family who live somewhere you’d like to explore.

We’ve been lucky enough to take trips with both Ben’s family and mine, and we’re excited to plan more extended family vacations in the future.

28. Move around less

If you’re used to moving around from place to place rather quickly on your trips, you may want to slow it down a bit (or a lot!) when you add a baby into the mix. 

You’ll be able to cover much less in one day, and you’ll need to consider what you’ll do during nap times and when babe needs to go to sleep at night.

You certainly don’t need to stay in one place the entire time (though that’s not a bad idea); but trust me when I say you don’t want to move to a new place every single night .

Our rule of thumb is we aim to stay in places at least 2 nights on trips, but 3-4 nights per place is ideal , in our opinion. 

(An exception to this is when we’re staying at an airport hotel the night before a flight, we only book one night.)

Psst! Read our tips for how to choose the best accommodation for traveling with a baby !

29. Get to major attractions early

Take advantage of your little one’s early wake up call (sleeping in on vacation is something I dearly miss!) and when possible, get to those popular sights before the crowds get there .

Not only will you have a better experience without all the people around, but there will be less commotion and sensory overload for babe. Plus, without all sorts of people around you may feel less self-conscious if your kiddo starts to get fussy.

30. Plan on early dinners (sometimes)

Not gonna lie, I’m a huge fan of late dinners. I like the buzzy atmosphere and I don’t usually get hungry until later in the evening.

But alas, there are many cases where it makes a lot of sense to do an earlier dinner when you’re traveling with a baby.

Popular restaurants tend to be a lot more family-friendly before the dinner rush really begins. That might mean making a 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. reservation . If you’re like me, you might be rolling your eyes, but getting there earlier means you won’t have to worry about disturbing the late-night dinner crowd with a baby that is overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds.

We don’t always stick to early dinners, but when we know a place is popular or on the fancier side (or if it’s a weekend night), we do like to go before the real dinner rush (aka sensory overload!) begins .

31. Take advantage of room service (or takeout & delivery!)

Pre-baby, this was never something I’d do, but having dinner in your hotel or Airbnb can be really convenient (especially after a long day of exploring!).

We’ve gotten takeout/delivery a handful of times on trips and either have dinner as a family, or eat once our daughter has gone to sleep. It’s can be such a treat.

Money-saving tip: If you book accommodation with a kitchen, plan on cooking at least a couple of nights during your trip.

32. Cook some of your baby’s favorite meals

When possible, I like booking accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette so I have more control over what our daughter is eating.

We love having her try new foods on our travels, and overall she is a pretty great eater. But we’re not always able to get to a restaurant when she starts getting hungry. It’s nice to be able to whip up some easy and wholesome meals we know she likes at our Airbnb so we can carry them with us throughout the day.

Below are a few meals and snacks that have worked well for us. I specifically chose dishes that use few ingredients that are easy to find in most places around the world, as well as dishes that don’t require complex cooking equipment.

If your baby is eating solids, use these ideas or create your own list of their favorite foods that you can easily replicate on your travels. Use this list to determine what items you’ll need to pack from home.

Insider Tip: Bring reusable baggies ( like these or these ) to store food to easy eating on the go. You could even bring a small cooler so you can carry it with you during a day on the road.

Banana & egg pancakes 

Mash one ripe banana then add one egg. Mix until combined into a batter. Pour this in a skillet with oil (I prefer coconut oil), and cook on both sides, like a pancake.

I like to add a little nut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon if I have access.

Insider Tip: Pack nut butter packets like these to be able to easily add it to different meals.

Smashed avocado

Super simple! You can add tomatoes too if you want. Serve as is or with rice crackers.

Oatmeal 

I prefer to bring my own premade mix from home in a large silicone baggie . Then I can cook small amounts at a time on the road. All you need is hot water.

You can make it however you’d like, but this is a combo I like:

Quick-cooking oats + hemp + flax + powdered coconut milk + chia + cinnamon + freeze dried berries.

Once it’s prepared, you can add nut butter as well as fresh berries if you’d like.

Chia pudding

This is a nutritious meal that is good to make if you’ll be staying in one spot for a while.

A simple Google search will show you plenty of recipes, but I like chia + milk (almond, coconut, or oat are my preferred milks) + a little maple syrup. I usually add a bit of cinnamon if I have it.

I sometimes pack chia seeds from home if I think they’ll be hard to find.

Scrambled eggs 

This is another go-to as eggs are easy to find just about everywhere. 

Bulk it up by adding other veggies, a sweet potato or avocado.

Rice + beans + corn

This is another easy one using ingredients you can easily find in most places. I’d recommend this one if you’re staying in a place for a longer period of time, as you’ll definitely have a few days worth of leftovers.

Alternatively, order rice and beans as a side at a Mexican restaurant and keep it in a takeaway container to store.

Pasta, peas, & pesto

Whole grain noodles combined with frozen peas and pesto is a quick and easy meal and it saves well for leftovers. You can add cherry tomatoes too!

Roasted veggies

If your accommodation has an oven, simply bake some veggies. Sweet potato is a favorite of ours!

Insider Tip: When you’re in a pinch, look in the prepared food section of the grocery store. We’ve found premade guacamole, what bulgar and veggie salad, fruit medleys, and lots more that has worked for us no matter where in the world we are. Check the frozen aisle too. We’ve found frozen falafel (or veggie burgers) and frozen veggies with hummus is an easy meal.

33. Find out where you stand on sleep schedules

One of the most common questions people ask us is, “How do you stick to a sleep schedule while traveling with a baby.”

Our completely honest answer is: We don’t.

This may be somewhat controversial, but we realized early on that we didn’t want to be super rigid about bedtime while traveling. And we didn’t want to always need to go back to our accommodation for naptime.

This is something that has been gradually changing and adapting a bit as our daughter gets older and her needs change. But during her first year, we had a somewhat flexible bedtime and we did a lot of napping on the go. 

This doesn’t mean we were hitting the town until the wee hours, but we often gave ourselves a 1-2 hour window for getting back to the hotel and getting ready for bed. We got to know her cues pretty well and used them to inform our decisions. 

We also had worked on napping on the go so much that if she fell asleep while we were at dinner, we didn’t stress out. We’d enjoy our meal, head back to the hotel and transfer her into her sleeping space.

Important Note: Sleep schedules are one of the more personal topics when it comes to parenting. And we’re not saying our way is right for you. We’re simply sharing what has worked for us so you have somewhere to start.

34. Do your own research about co-sleeping

Personally, once we felt our daughter was old enough, we practiced co-sleeping every once in a while so that we could use it as a tool if needed. This has come in handy several times on trips.

Ideally, Juniper has her own sleeping space in a hotel. However, in the case that she is having a rough night, isn’t feeling well, or we’re staying in a tiny room, we can co-sleep comfortably and with peace of mind.

We’ve also used this as a tool in our campervan on occasion. She has her own crib in our van, but if she wakes up in the middle of the night, we feel comfortable bringing her into bed with us so she is comforted.

Important note: Co-sleeping is another controversial topic. Do your own research and see how you feel so you can make an informed decision for your family.

35. Help your babe adjust to different time zones

If you’ll be crossing time zones, here are 5 tips for helping your little one adjust easier:

Start shifting time zones at home

Before you leave for your trip, start to shift bedtime 1-2 hours to get closer to your destination’s time zone.

Start slow. A few weeks before the trip, make their bedtime 15 minutes later. Then 30. And so forth until you’ve shifted as much as you’d like.

This can help cut the adjustment time down once you get to your destination. 

Good to know: If you’re going to be changing time zones more than 2 hours, you likely won’t be able to fully adjust at home. But every little bit will help!

Maybe you don’t need to adjust at all

If it’s just 1-3 hours different from your home time zone, you may not even need to adjust at all. 

Let’s say you are traveling from Seattle to NYC. This means you will be 3 hours later than at home. 

Perhaps instead of a 7 p.m. bedtime, you allow your little one to stay on their normal schedule and go to bed at 10 p.m. (which will allow you to have extra time to explore the city in the evening). This will also mean later wake-ups which is always nice on vacation.

If this is just a short trip, this can work really well and will also cut down on the adjustment when you go back home.

While you’ll want to aim for the same amount of sleep they typically get at home, there’s no rule that says you have to abide by their normal bedtime hour.

Use daylight to your advantage

When trying to adjust to a new time zone, use outdoor activity and daylight to your advantage.

Your baby will realize this is daytime, and their body will start to adjust accordingly.

Expect jet lag to last one day per hour time change

There’s kind of a general rule that you should anticipate it takes 1 day per hour that you change time zones. 

So that means if you are going to be changing time zones by 5 hours, it will take roughly 5 days for you to feel “normal” and get over jet lag.

This rule is for both adults and babies, so use it as a gauge for your own travels.

Don’t plan anything big on the first day

If you will be shifting several time zones, we’d recommend keeping your first day (or two) relatively free. 

This will alleviate any pressure and will allow you and your little one to rest up after a long travel day.

Insider Tip: We like these homeopathic “No Jet Lag” pills when we’re traveling through many time zones. These are for parents (not babies), but being adjusted yourself definitely helps deal with helping your little one shift as well!

36. Book a family photo shoot

This is a fun one I wanted to throw in there just because!

Instead of booking a photoshoot at home (like many people do), connect with a local photographer on a trip for a photo session. 

On our European Christmas Market Trip, we booked this photo walk last minute, and were so happy we did. With a baby, it has become more difficult to get good pictures of ourselves. (If you know, you know!)

The pictures turned out amazing, and it was such a special souvenir from our trip. You will never regret having photos taken , after all!

We’re definitely going to continue this tradition in our future travels.

Want to do it yourself? Look on Airbnb Experiences . This is where we’ve found a lot of local photographers around the world. Some cities have more options than others, but it is becoming more and more common. Alternatively, you can try to find local photographers in the city you’re visiting on Instagram . Reach out to them in a DM or via their website to book a session during your trip.

37. Plan on some personal time

This might not be advice you take on your first trip with a baby or even on your fifth. But eventually, it might be something you and your partner want to consider.

What would it look like for each of you to be able to do one experience on your own while the other spent quality one-on-one time with your child ?

Maybe this would be something you used to do on trips in your pre-baby days, like going scuba diving or another adrenaline-fueled adventure. Or perhaps it would be a massage appointment to unwind.

I once did a hot air balloon flight next to Mount Rainier (babies aren’t allowed) while Ben and Juniper hung out in the campervan.

This might not appeal to everyone, but if you find yourself missing your old travel days, this might be just the thing you need!

38. You don’t need to limit yourself to only baby-centered activities

If you’re not keen on the typical baby-friendly trips or activities, like kiddie pools or zoos or chain restaurants, I’d like to pop in for a minute to remind you that travel with a baby can look however you’d like .

There’s no rule that says all your trips from here on out have to be at Disney or on kiddie-friendly cruises if that’s not your style. I know we didn’t like the idea of being relegated to only taking trips that were focused on babies from here on out.

We’ve found that while there are certainly some activities you just can’t do with a baby on vacation (scuba diving being the biggest thing we miss!), there’s a lot that you can do, even if it’s not marketed toward families.

Sometimes this means you’ll need to do more planning in advance, but in our experience it has been worth it to be able to continue traveling the way that feels best to us.

We usually research activities in our destination to determine which ones we personally really want to do. Then, unless it explicitly says children are not allowed, we think about what we’d need to do to make it work for us.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

• Some cocktail bars only allow minors until a certain time, so we will plan to go earlier .
• We pack lots of snacks and a good napping-on-the-go set up for walking tours or food tours (we’ve been on a bunch with her!).
• Sometimes we might have to take turns at an activity , like snorkeling or snowboarding, while the other watches Juniper.
• We might alter a hiking route to make it more doable with a little one.
• Often, we’ll go somewhere with the mindset that we’ll leave if Juniper isn’t doing well . More often than not, she surprises us with doing great.
• We still take public transport, but we’ll give ourselves plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B.

It kind of becomes a puzzle of: how can we still do this activity?

Don’t get me wrong – there are times we turn things down because it’s not worth it to us to make it work. But for the most part, we’ve still been able to do most of the things we really want to experience.

And we’ve been able to take some pretty epic trips that are focused on our interests (even though we have a baby):

• road trip around Scotland
• backcountry camping at Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park
• lived in our self-built campervan for 4 months
• Christmas Market hopping in Europe

As our daughter gets older and has her own interests, the way we plan trips will likely change, but up until this point, this is what has been working for us.

Overall, I’m honestly surprised by how much our trips now are similar to the things we’d be doing before having a baby.

39. Get ready for some really special interactions

Something I wasn’t prepared for before having a child is the sweet interactions it would bring to our travels.

We’ve had so many different types of encounters – from servers at restaurants falling in love with Juniper (see pictures below) to people offering to help out when she’s crabby (this has happened multiple times!).

The last photo in the set above was taken at a Venezuelan bakery in Mexico where I was eating by myself with Juniper while Ben had dental surgery. She was just the slightest bit fussy, and the two sweet women behind the counter insisted that they would cheer her up while I eat my food.

Juniper is quite the conversation starter (she loves waving at strangers!), and has brought a whole new level of sweetness to our travels.

I’m so excited to watch Juniper grow up and experience kindness from different people all over the world.

*Excuse me while I go wipe my tears.*

40. Go ahead and book those damn flights! 

Here’s my last piece of advice (for now!):

Just book it!

Don’t let the voices in your head (or your well-meaning neighbor!) scare you away. 

If traveling with a baby is something that’s important to you, I know you can do it. And I’ll be your cheerleader rooting you on!

The first big trip with a baby can be daunting, but I have a feeling you’ll realize it’s not as scary as you’re building it up in your head to be. 

And you’ll feel like such a badass for turning your dream into reality. 

You might even find yourself daydreaming about your next big family vacation, which will feel a lot more doable since you’ve already got one trip under your belt.

Personal note from Katie

I truly hope this article has been helpful to you and leaves you feeling encouraged about traveling with a baby and motivates you to start planning that dream trip. I also hope you’re able to take away some helpful nuggets that you can put into practice! 

I do just want to say that if you want more content on traveling with a baby, please let us know. 

I have been avoiding writing this article for a number of reasons (which I’ll go into below), but it was readers like you who encouraged me to ignore these thoughts and just write it anyway.

So why did I avoid writing this article?

Lemme spill the tea… 

1. Giving parenting advice always attracts negative comments. 

Anytime I share things we do as parents, there’s always someone to point out why they would do something differently. Or why traveling with kids in general is just selfish.

I’m only human, and negative messages and comments are not fun to deal with. So avoiding the whole “traveling with kids tips” felt like an easy way to avoid the negativity. 

2. Traveling with a baby is very different for every single person. 

Everyone parents differently and there’s no way I could create an article that would resonate with everyone. 

This was kind of keeping me frozen in place, asking myself, “How do I give all parents advice about traveling with kids?”

And then I realized I didn’t need to. I just needed to share what has worked for us. I hope you’ve read this article with that lens. 

Some of these suggestions may not work for you or your child. You know your situation best, so pick and choose the ideas and advice that feels good for you.

3. This isn’t a family travel blog.

We decided very early on that we didn’t want Two Wandering Soles to become only about traveling with kids as soon as we had a baby.

At its core, TWS will always be about responsible and adventurous travel . And we aim to share the best things to do in locations around the world, regardless of whether or not they’re family-friendly. 

That said, we’ve realized that we can create family travel content without that being the only thing we write about.

4. Honestly, I don’t feel like an expert at parenting.

We traveled to more than 50 countries before getting pregnant. 

We lived out of a backpack for years on end, and called many different countries “home” for an extended period of time.

We have years and years of experience, and very much consider ourselves experts in all things travel-related.

But the whole parenting thing is new to us. We have one daughter. And at the time of writing this article, she is just over a year old.

So there’s a part of me who kept delaying sharing our “baby travel tips” until I felt like more of an “expert” as a parent. 

But I’ve come to realize that parenting is something that we’re likely never going to feel like experts at . It is a continuous learning process, and as soon as we feel like we’re getting the hang of it, things change. 

I finally became okay with the idea of creating content about traveling with kids without feeling like an expert. Because with the exception of people whose profession is related to parenting, we’re all just doing what we feel is best for our children.

And that might be as “expert level” as you can get.

Want more advice for traveling with a baby?

• Our top tips for staying at a hotel or Airbnb with a baby
• Feel confident on your flight with these tips for flying with a baby !

Save these tips so you don’t lose them!

Pin this article so you can easily come back to it…

We want to hear from you!

We hope these tips for traveling with a baby are helpful!

What advice would you add? Any travel hacks that have helped you? What questions or concerns do you still have?

Note: Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, we are sharing tips that have personally worked for us .

Comments (10) on “ 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby ”

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences in such an engaging and relatable way. You’ve truly inspired me to create unforgettable memories with my baby. Keep the amazing content coming! Greetings!

Insightful travel tips with baby! I loved how you addressed the importance of booster car seats and how they ensure safety while on the road. Your practical advice on traveling with little ones is invaluable, especially for parents like us. As we plan our family adventures, we’ll be sure to consider the booster seat recommendations you shared. Thanks for helping us make our trips safer and more enjoyable for our baby!

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but having a reliable travel cot is a game-changer. It provides comfort and security for your little one, ensuring they have a familiar place to sleep and play. Investing in a lightweight and safe travel cot is a must for any parent on the go. Thanks for highlighting its importance in your informative article! -Baby Train-

I feel like I could tear up after reading this – what an invaluable resource! Thank you!

I have been following you both for quite a while & have been trying to implement the tips you’ve shared over the last few months. My baby is 4.5 months old & she is so chill. Maybe it’s her personality, but I also think it’s the way we’ve done things..which has a lot to do with the tips you’ve shared! She can sleep wherever. I’ve practiced changing her & feeding her in different places & she’s been to our local museums & coffee shops more times than I can count. Though I still get nervous about things (like her getting fussy in public, etc), she really makes it pretty dang easy. We’re hoping to spend a couple of months in Europe this summer, so I’ll probably be re-reading it & studying it so I can prepare us as best as possible.

Thank you again. <3

My children are older and I am still terrified of travel, I am so inspired by seeing you travel with Juniper! I am going to start being more brave!

So happy to hear this resonates. I totally get being scared – I am too hehe! Starting with small adventures near home has been so good at building our confidence and hopefully it helps you too. Wishing your family lots of memories and adventures in the years ahead!

As always, you nailed it with your advice and tips…and your honesty. I love what my father-in-law says that parenting is flying by the seat of your pants. So true! And I am a big believer that when you become a parent, you go with your gut because no one knows your kid like you do!

Juniper will grow up with a worldly perspective…what a gift you and Ben are giving her. Travel makes me joyful, too. I like what you wrote about being a better mom when you are happy…so true!

Last year my 21-yr-old daughter was so inspired by my travel blogging that she asked to take some trips with me. So we did and it was special! There is nothing better in this world than when your adult kids want to spend time with you…and in the form of travel!

What a wonderful foundation of love, adventure and joy you are building for your sweet girl.

I know this article will help a lot of traveling parents…and any negative comments you get…tune those right out! YOU are doing it right! Happy travels with your cutie pie baby girl!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel. It means a lot! I bet seeing your kids grow into adults is unlike anything you can describe. And how cool that you get to share a passion with her! Thank you again!

This is amazing and such timely advice! My husband and I are due to have our first baby in May and we have been going back-and-forth about what kind of travel we want to do when he comes. This article has given me so much more confidence about the things that we can do with him and has really helped me see what is possible with a baby. Thank you so much for this! Keep the baby content coming! Your style of travel is so similar to ours and I love to see what you have done with Juniper so far!

Thank you so much, Stef, for the kind words. Truly just brought a smile to my face. So happy to know it resonates with you. And CONGRATULATIONS on this new and beautiful chapter. Wishing your family all the best!

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The true story behind Netflix's stalker drama 'Baby Reindeer' and what we know about the real Martha Scott

• "Baby Reindeer" follows Donny, a Scottish comedian who is stalked by an older woman.
• Actor Richard Gadd, who also wrote the show, based Martha Scott on his real stalker.
• Here's what you need to know about the real Martha Scott from the Netflix show. 

"Baby Reindeer" tells the story of how being stalked by an older woman affected the life of an aspiring comedian.

Actor Richard Gadd plays a fictionalized version of himself, named Donny Dunn, in the Netflix show that he wrote. It's adapted from the actor's 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival stage show of the same name, and he based Martha Scott on a woman who stalked him for four and a half years. Gadd hasn't confirmed who his stalker was for legal reasons, so Scott's real identity is not public.

The story also sees Donny, who is bisexual, coming to terms with his sexuality , as well as being sexually assaulted years before being stalked. In April, he told The Independent that he was forced to deal with his issues through his performances.

"I couldn't keep my life separate from what I'd been through anymore. It was becoming increasingly hard to play the frivolous funnyman when I'd been through these kinds of things. So I had no choice, really, but to conflate the two," he explained.

"Because I don't think I could have really survived having repressed it, and carried on doing these one-liners and surface-level routines. It was almost a survival choice. Because I was struggling so much."

While it would be easy for the dark comedy-drama to paint Scott as a villain, "Baby Reindeer" is sympathetic toward her in the way it examines her actions and how they affect Dunn's life.

Ahead of the release of the Netflix series, the actor told The Independent that he was conscious of depicting Scott negatively because he believes she is mentally ill.

"It would have been wrong to paint her as a monster, because she's unwell, and the system's failed her," he said.

Gadd highlighted how shocked he was that she didn't receive any help from the authorities, which he put down to cuts to public services in the UK .

He added: "I really did feel quite confronted with just how kind of how much lack of resources there seemed to be — how the police have been gutted. Like, why wasn't she being helped in some way? I left with more questions than answers."

Related stories

Here's the true story of "Baby Reindeer," and what we know about the real Scott.

Gadd knew he had an interesting story to tell when Scott was stalking him

Gadd's ordeal with his stalker happened over a decade ago. He told The Times in April that, like in the show, the stalking started after he was kind to Scott while he was working in a pub, where his colleagues didn't take it seriously

"At first everyone at the pub thought it was funny that I had an admirer," Gadd recalled. "Then she started to invade my life, following me, turning up at my gigs, waiting outside my house, sending thousands of voicemails and emails."

When promoting the "Baby Reindeer" stage show in 2019, Gadd told The Independent that over a period of four and a half years, Scott sent him 41,071 emails, 350 hours of voicemail, 744 tweets, 46 Facebook messages, and 106 pages of letters. That's not including the woolly hat, underwear, sleeping pills, and a stuffed cuddly reindeer toy that she also sent him.

Netflix confirmed on X that the emails seen in the show after certain scenes are the real messages that Scott sent Gadd at the time.

Martha's emails from Baby Reindeer. Every one of them real. pic.twitter.com/7jKVplc5vX — Netflix (@netflix) April 13, 2024

Gadd told Netflix's Tudum that he knew he had a good story to tell, even while being stalked.

"I'd go to sleep at night and these voicemails — her words would bounce around my eyelids. I remember thinking, 'God, if I was ever to speak about this onstage, I'd fire the words around. Put the voicemails in a big cacophony and fire it.' That's how the play was born."

Gadd says the situation with Scott is "resolved."

At the end of the series, Scott pleads guilty to harassing Dunn and his parents, and she receives a nine-month prison sentence as well as a five-year restraining order.

It's unclear if this also happened in real life, but Gadd told The Times that the situation is over.

"It is resolved. I had mixed feelings about it — I didn't want to throw someone who was that level of mentally unwell in prison," he said.

"I am way more cautious around people now. It takes me a long time to trust them," he added. "Before, I entered situations with such abandonment and I got burnt."

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

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J.T. Poston leads RBC Heritage while traveling with newborn baby

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – J.T. Poston’s travel contingent is bigger than normal this week – louder, too.

The Postons took their newborn baby girl, Scottie, with them on the road for the first time. She’s already proving to be the good luck charm. Poston leads the RBC Heritage by two shots after his opening-round 8-under 63.

“It's been great. It's definitely an adjustment,” Poston said. “I think my wife and I were figuring it out. My mom is here. She's helping us out, too. So we've got plenty of help. We're just kind of figuring it out.”

Katherine “Scottie” Poston was born on March 20, three days after the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship (Scottie is a family name on both sides). Poston took the next three weeks off before heading to the Masters alone. This week’s RBC Heritage, roughly two hours from the Postons’ St. Simons home, provided the ideal opportunity for a family affair.

J.T. Poston's interview after Round 1 of RBC Heritage

“We've got a two-bedroom condo," Poston said. "My mom is staying with us. We've got (Scottie) in her little setup. Last night my wife was great, she got up in the middle of the night a couple times when she was ready to eat or being fussy and let me sleep, so maybe we'll keep doing that.”

They’d be wise to keep the same routine. Poston made nine birdies Thursday, including six on the front nine as he went out in 30. Poston made three more on the back, more than offsetting his lone bogey of the day at No. 12. Poston led the field in SG: Around the Green and finished second in Putting.

“I felt like it was one of those days where if I could give myself a look, and I felt pretty confident in being able to make those putts, whether it was a close one or a 20-, 25-footer,” Poston said. “It sort of freed up the tee to green a little bit I guess you could say.”

The tee-to-green game has been an issue for Poston in recent weeks. After carding three top 10s and two other top 20s in his first six events, Poston has yet to finish inside the top 25 since the PGA TOUR left the West Coast. Poston chalked up the recent struggles to the ebbs and flows of a season. “It's hard to hit it really good every week,” he said.

Perhaps the key is Scottie. Poston finished T30 at the Masters, his best result in two months, and now leads at Harbour Town Golf Links.

“Maybe that has something to do with it,” Poston said. “It's good to have them here and sort of takes away the pressure of – I'm not worrying about golf when I'm at home. I'm trying to change diapers and take care of her.”