It can be hard to know what to do to keep kids of all ages entertained, especially when you’ve got the unpredictable Scottish weather to deal with. But Dundee and Angus are a treasure trove of family-friendly activities to have fun during the school holidays.
Whether you want to take your children on an adventure, teach them something new or use up some of that infinite energy, there are loads of memorable days out around Dundee and Angus.
With suggestions for sunny and rainy days alike, here is our list of 13 fun things to do in the Dundee/Angus school holidays.
1. The Fun Factory, Dundee
The Fun Factory in Dundee is the ideal day out for families, with a three-tier soft play area and rope bridges for kids to explore. They also offer toddler-only sessions that give your little ones a chance to run wild in a safe environment.
The Fun Factory is split into different sections to cater for different ages with slides, inflatable assault courses and bouncy castles. Parents can also stop for a bite to eat in the cafe, while still keeping an eye on all of the play.
2. Ferry Potty, Broughty Ferry
Have you got a keen artist in the family? Ferry Potty is a paint-your-own-pottery studio in Broughty Ferry where kids of all ages can let their imaginations run wild.
After picking out the perfect piece (prices start from £10), the whole family can enjoy creating a masterpiece, with helpful staff on hand to help out and all tools provided on the day. Best of all, Ferry Potty will fire your creations in their kilns, ready for collection a week later.
While visiting Broughty Ferry, you could also check out the play park, the beach, and the 15th-Century Castle.
3. Olympia Pool, Dundee
If it’s too cold to go for a paddle at the beach, then head over to the Olympia – the biggest swimming and leisure centre in Dundee.
Younger swimmers can play in the toddler pool or training pool, while thrill-seekers enjoy the flume slides and rapid rivers. Perfect for learners and confident swimmers alike, Olympia is the place for an ideal school holiday activity.
4. Monikie Country Park, Dundee
The activities are endless at Monikie Country Park!
Explore the area on guided walks and self-led trails and check out Denfind Bird Sanctuary. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers and tawny owls around the park. And don’t forget to pick up a bag of feed for the friendly ducks!
Monikie has a wide range of watersports on offer in their 50-acre acre, including windsurfing, dingy sailing, kayaking, and rowing. Taster sessions and equipment hire are available on-site.
They also have a High Ropes course that is open between April and October.
5. Spend the day on the beach
Sometimes the best family days out are the all-time classics.
Lunan Bay, Montrose Beach and Carnoustie Beach are some of the most popular choices in the Angus area for families. Run up and down the dunes, have a paddle in the sea or just go for a walk and enjoy the scenery.
St. Cyrus Beach is an exciting spot for nature lovers where you can see all kinds of birds and insects or explore the rock pools. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot some dolphins off in the distance.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you head out for the day. No one wants to get caught in the rain!
6. Brechin Castle Garden Centre Country Park, Brechin
Brechin Castle has it all: a garden centre, coffee shop, food hall, and an action packed country park with activities to keep kids entertained all day long.
Play a round of crazy golf or footgolf (a kind of football/golf hybrid) or find your way through the wooden maze. Whizz around on go-karts and their sledge run or have a bounce on their jumping pillows.
To add a little magic to your day, make your way around the Fairy Trail, following the map and solving clues as you go. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a few fairies on the way.
7. Dundee Science Centre, Dundee
If you’ve got a budding inventor, explorer, or scientist in the family, then Dundee Science Centre is the place to be.
With the goal of bringing science to the community, the centre is a hands-on learning experience to inspire young minds and spark an interest in the world around them.
Younger visitors will love the We Are Exploring Exhibit and the Teddy Bear Hospital in the Medical Marvels exhibition. Older children also have the chance to create their own inventions and discover the wonders of science.
8. Arbroath West Links Fun Park, Arbroath
Arbroath West Links Fun Park is more than just your average play area. There are activities for all ages, with food and drinks available at the on-site refreshment kiosk.
This fun park features a selection of play equipment, climbing frames, swings, and slides. Most of the activities are free for everyone, but for a small fee, you can also access their mini golf and mini racing course.
The West Links Fun Park is also right next to the beach if you’re in the mood for a wander along the shore or a dip in the sea.
9. Camperdown Wildlife Park, Dundee
Have you got a budding David Attenborough in the family?
Take them on a day trip they’ll never forget to Camperdown Wildlife Park, where you can spot:
- Lemurs
- Bears
- Owls
- Otters
- Eagles
And much more!
For a more up close and personal trip, you can book animal experiences like Junior Zookeeper, where kids can meet the staff, feed and even handle some of the animals.
10. Pleasureland, Arbroath
On those days when the weather isn’t on your side, pay a visit to the largest indoor fun fair and amusement arcade in the Angus area. Pleasureland is an Arbroath staple which has entertained generations of visitors.
Try your hand at the games in the amusement arcade to win prizes or check out a selection of thrilling funfair rides for all ages. Alongside the classic rides like the carousel, waltzer, and dodgems, you can also have fun on their giant bouncy slide, bungee trampolines and Monte Carlo racetrack.
11. Ryze, Dundee
Another great option for a rainy day, Ryze in Dundee is a safe and exciting way to try out sports like trapezing, trampolining and bouldering.
Ryze is suitable for ages 2 and up, with KidJump sessions for younger children to safely bounce around. For older adventurers, there are loads of gravity-defying activities, including their exciting Ninja Warrior obstacle course.
And don’t worry if all that bouncing isn’t your cup of tea – there’s a cafe and viewing platform for spectators to relax!
12. Caledonian Railway, Brechin
If your kids are fascinated by trains, take them on an unforgettable railway day out at The Caledonian Railway.
You can learn more about the Caledonian Railway’s history from the exhibitions in the restored station followed by an immersive train ride.
With adventures with Thomas the Tank Engine, to festive specials like Polar Express – there’s something every child (or child at heart) will love.
Check out their website for updates on what events they hold throughout the year.
13. Longparke Farm, Dundee
Finally, we would love you to come and visit us during the school holidays!
Here at Longparke Farm, we have everything you need for a wholesome day out that the entire family will enjoy!
We are the only place in Dundee where you can see Highland Coos, so come and meet Sally, Bonnie, and our little calf, Angus! We also have a castle-themed outdoor play area for any little princes and princesses to run around.
Our cafe has an extensive menu with fresh coffee, delicious home-baked cakes, and hearty meals made with the finest local produce, including top-quality meat from our sister business, Fleming Butchers. We also have a well-stocked farm shop that is brimming with artisan goodies from British suppliers, and lots of home-grown staples from the local area.
We hope that this blog has given you inspiration for lots of fun things to do in the Dundee/Angus school holidays!
School holidays or not, we are always happy to welcome you to Longparke Farm. Find out more about visiting us on our website, browse our menus (we have a dedicated kids menu which is ideal for the little ones) and book your table for a delicious meal that is sure to delight every age.
