10 fun things to do in Aberdeen with kids

Aberdeen is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that cater to children of all ages. Whether your little ones are adventure seekers, budding scientists, or nature enthusiasts, the city has something to offer everyone. From the adrenaline-pumping rides at Codona’s Amusement Park to the fascinating exhibits at the Satrosphere Science Centre, Aberdeen promises an array of fun-filled adventures. This guide highlights 10 of the best family-friendly activities in Aberdeen, ensuring a day of excitement, learning, and bonding for you and your kids. Dive in to discover how you can make the most of your family time in this vibrant Scottish city!

Thrill rides and arcade games

Codona’s Amusement Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for a day of excitement and adventure in Aberdeen. Located along the beachfront, this popular amusement park offers a variety of attractions that cater to kids of all ages, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled family outing.

For thrill-seekers, Codona’s has a fantastic selection of rides that promise to get your adrenaline pumping. Older kids and teenagers will love the Looping Star Roller Coaster, a classic ride with twists, turns, and plenty of speed to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. For a unique experience, try the Dead Man’s Drop Tower, which gives riders a breathtaking view of the park before a sudden, exhilarating free fall.

Younger children can enjoy gentler rides such as the Apple Coaster and the Cup and Saucer, which provide all the fun of a theme park experience without the intensity. The Carousel and the Log Flume are also great for family members of all ages, offering a mix of nostalgic charm and splashy fun.

Beyond the rides, Codona’s Amusement Park features a large indoor arcade, filled with a wide range of games that will delight children and parents alike. Test your skills at the claw machines, race against each other in classic driving games, or try your luck at winning prizes in the many carnival-style games available.

If your family needs a break from the excitement, head over to the Adventure Golf courses for some friendly competition. With three themed mini-golf courses to choose from, including the Pirate Island course complete with shipwrecks and treasure chests, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

To round out your visit, grab a bite to eat at one of the park's family-friendly eateries. With options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving.

Codona’s Amusement Park offers a full day of entertainment that combines thrilling rides, fun games, and plenty of laughs, making it an essential stop on any family trip to Aberdeen.

Explore nature and wildlife

Hazlehead Park is a sprawling green oasis in Aberdeen, perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in nature and explore a variety of outdoor activities. Spanning over 180 hectares, this park is one of the largest in the city, offering a wide range of attractions that cater to both kids and adults, making it an ideal spot for a day of family fun.

One of the park’s main attractions is the Hazlehead Pets’ Corner, a small petting zoo that’s a hit with younger children. Here, kids can get up close with a variety of friendly animals, including goats, pigs, rabbits, and birds. The petting area allows children to learn about the animals in a hands-on way, making it a memorable and educational experience. There are also regular feeding times and informative talks by the staff, adding an educational twist to your visit.

For families who enjoy outdoor adventure, Hazlehead Park has plenty of scenic walking and cycling trails that wind through its wooded areas and open fields. The Nature Trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride, where you can spot local wildlife such as squirrels, birds, and the occasional deer. These trails provide a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of nature while enjoying some fresh air and exercise.

The park is also home to a fantastic play area designed to keep children entertained for hours. With swings, slides, climbing frames, and even a zip line, there’s something to suit kids of all ages. The playground is located close to picnic areas, making it easy for families to set up a base and enjoy a packed lunch or snacks while keeping an eye on the little ones.

Hazlehead Park is also known for its beautiful gardens, including the Queen Mother Rose Garden, which features an impressive collection of roses in a rainbow of colours. For a quieter experience, explore the Pinewoods or the Dutch Gardens, where the tranquil surroundings provide a peaceful retreat from the more active areas of the park.

With its combination of wildlife encounters, outdoor activities, and serene natural beauty, Hazlehead Park offers a full day of adventure and relaxation for families visiting Aberdeen. Whether you’re exploring the petting zoo, wandering through the gardens, or playing on the trails, this park is a perfect destination for creating lasting family memories.

Discover the wonders of science

The Satrosphere Science Centre is Aberdeen's premier destination for interactive, educational fun, making it a must-visit for families with curious kids. Located near the city centre, this hands-on science museum is designed to inspire and engage children of all ages, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the wonders of science in a fun and interactive environment.

Upon entering the Satrosphere Science Centre, you’ll find a variety of exhibits that encourage kids to touch, experiment, and learn through play. The centre covers a wide range of scientific topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and space, with each exhibit designed to be both informative and entertaining. Whether your children are interested in the human body, robotics, or outer space, there’s something here to capture their imagination.

One of the highlights of the centre is the Science on the Spot demonstrations, where staff members perform live experiments that showcase exciting scientific principles. These engaging shows often feature impressive chemical reactions, fascinating physics tricks, and interactive participation, ensuring that kids stay engaged and entertained while learning.

The Interactive Zone is another favourite among families, featuring hands-on exhibits that allow children to conduct their own experiments. From building circuits and launching rockets to creating giant bubbles and exploring optical illusions, this area is designed to stimulate creativity and encourage kids to think like scientists. It’s a great way for children to learn through trial and error, fostering a love for discovery and problem-solving.

For younger children, the Discovery Den provides a space filled with tactile activities, puzzles, and age-appropriate exhibits that introduce basic scientific concepts in a fun and approachable way. This area is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, offering plenty of opportunities for play and exploration.

The Satrosphere Science Centre also hosts regular workshops and themed events, which provide deeper dives into specific scientific topics. These activities are often aligned with the school curriculum, making them both educational and fun. Be sure to check the centre’s schedule to see what’s on during your visit, as there’s always something new and exciting happening.

After a day of exploration, families can relax at the centre’s café, which offers a variety of kid-friendly snacks and meals. There’s also a gift shop filled with educational toys and science kits, perfect for continuing the fun at home.

A visit to the Satrosphere Science Centre is a fantastic way to spark a love of science in children, providing a memorable experience filled with learning, laughter, and hands-on fun.

Go on a pirate adventure

Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, where kids can immerse themselves in the city’s rich seafaring history. Nestled on the historic Shiprow near Aberdeen Harbour, the museum offers a fantastic mix of interactive exhibits and engaging displays that bring to life the thrilling tales of the high seas, making it a perfect family outing for young pirates in the making.

Begin your pirate adventure in the museum’s dedicated children’s area, where interactive exhibits introduce kids to the exciting world of maritime exploration and piracy. Here, they can learn about the daring escapades of notorious pirates who once sailed the North Sea, try on pirate costumes, and engage with hands-on displays that make history come alive. The “Pirate Trail” throughout the museum challenges children to hunt for hidden treasure and solve puzzles, encouraging them to explore every nook and cranny of the exhibits.

The museum’s impressive collection of ship models and maritime artefacts provides a captivating backdrop for storytelling sessions about the golden age of piracy and the brave explorers who charted unknown waters. Kids can also enjoy steering a virtual pirate ship through stormy seas in the ship simulator, testing their skills against the challenges of navigation and the unpredictable ocean.

At the North Sea oil platform models, families can discover how modern technology has transformed Aberdeen into a leading hub for offshore oil and gas, bridging the gap between past maritime traditions and contemporary industry. This area includes interactive displays that explain the science behind drilling and the life of workers on offshore rigs, making it an educational experience for both kids and parents.

For a more hands-on experience, the museum often hosts pirate-themed workshops and events, where children can participate in craft activities, such as making their own pirate hats and flags or learning to tie sailors’ knots. These workshops are designed to engage kids with creative tasks while teaching them about the life of a pirate and the skills needed to survive at sea.

After exploring the exhibits, head to the museum's café for a well-deserved break. Overlooking the bustling harbour, it’s a great spot to refuel with a snack while watching the ships go by—perhaps even spotting a pirate ship in the distance!

With its blend of interactive exhibits, engaging activities, and captivating stories, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers an unforgettable pirate adventure that is sure to ignite the imaginations of young visitors. It’s a fun, educational experience that provides a unique way for families to dive into Aberdeen’s maritime heritage and discover the thrill of life on the high seas.

Enjoy outdoor fun

Seaton Park is a lush, expansive green space that offers a perfect setting for families looking to enjoy the outdoors in Aberdeen. Located along the banks of the River Don, this beautiful park is a local favourite, known for its vibrant gardens, open spaces, and a fantastic playground that will keep kids entertained for hours.

Start your visit at the children’s playground, a well-equipped area designed for fun and adventure. The playground features a variety of play structures suitable for children of all ages, including swings, slides, climbing frames, and a large sandpit for creative play. There’s even a zip line that adds a dash of excitement for older kids, making it a great spot for burning off some energy. With plenty of seating and picnic tables nearby, parents can relax and enjoy a picnic while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones.

After some playground fun, take a stroll through the park’s formal gardens, where beautifully manicured flowerbeds showcase a vibrant array of seasonal blooms. The Sunken Garden is particularly stunning, with its geometric patterns of colourful flowers and neatly trimmed hedges creating a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a family photo session. Kids will love the wide-open lawns that provide plenty of space for running around, playing games, or flying kites.

The park’s Riverside Walk offers a scenic path along the River Don, where families can enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride while spotting local wildlife like ducks, swans, and even the occasional otter. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for strollers and young children on bikes or scooters. Along the way, you’ll find several benches that provide lovely spots to sit and enjoy the view or have a quiet moment by the water.

For those interested in a bit of history, the park is home to the Cathedral of St. Machar, a stunning medieval church that dates back to the 12th century. After exploring the playground and gardens, take a short walk to the cathedral and admire its impressive architecture and stained-glass windows. The nearby Brig o’ Balgownie, an ancient bridge steeped in history and legend, is also worth a visit and offers a charming spot for a family photo.

One for thrill seekers

For families with active kids looking for a thrilling day out, Transition Extreme Sports Centre in Aberdeen is the perfect destination. This dynamic sports facility offers a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities designed to challenge, excite, and inspire children of all ages. Whether your kids are beginners or seasoned adventurers, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

One of the main attractions at Transition Extreme is the indoor climbing wall, one of the largest in the region. With routes that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers, this climbing wall offers a safe and supervised environment where kids can learn the basics or push their limits under the guidance of experienced instructors. The centre also features a dedicated bouldering area, allowing climbers to tackle lower walls without ropes, focusing on technique and agility.

For kids who prefer wheels to heights, the skatepark at Transition Extreme is a must-visit. The park is well-equipped with ramps, half-pipes, and rails, suitable for skateboarding, BMX biking, and scootering. Designed for all abilities, from novices to experienced riders, the skatepark offers a great space for kids to develop their skills and confidence. The centre often hosts lessons and workshops, providing expert guidance and helping kids master new tricks in a fun and supportive environment.

Transition Extreme also offers an exciting high ropes course, which is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to test their balance, strength, and nerve. Suspended high above the ground, this challenging aerial course features a series of obstacles, including rope bridges, zip lines, and swinging logs, providing an exhilarating experience for adventurous kids and adults alike. The high ropes course is fully supervised, with all participants equipped with harnesses and helmets to ensure safety.

For those looking for something a bit different, the centre has an indoor adventure playground designed for younger children. This soft play area is a fantastic space for little ones to climb, crawl, and explore in a safe, enclosed environment. It’s the perfect spot for siblings or friends to have fun together while parents relax with a coffee in the viewing area.

Transition Extreme also runs a range of holiday camps and activity sessions, tailored to different age groups and interests. These programmes provide a great opportunity for kids to try new sports, make friends, and stay active during school breaks. With expert instructors and a focus on safety, the centre ensures a fun and engaging experience for all participants.

With its variety of activities and commitment to safety and fun, Transition Extreme Sports Centre offers a fantastic day out for active families in Aberdeen. Whether climbing, skating, or navigating the high ropes, your kids will have a blast pushing their boundaries and discovering new passions.

Step back in time

Storybook Glen is a magical destination in Aberdeen that brings beloved children’s fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life. Nestled in a picturesque valley just outside the city, this whimsical park offers a unique family outing where kids can meet their favourite storybook characters and step back into a world of imagination and adventure.

As you wander through the enchanting grounds of Storybook Glen, you’ll encounter over 100 hand-crafted sculptures depicting scenes and characters from classic stories and rhymes. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Jack and Jill, each character is lovingly recreated in vibrant colours, inviting children to explore and interact with their surroundings. The park’s layout is designed to spark curiosity, with winding paths and hidden corners that encourage kids to explore at their own pace.

One of the highlights of Storybook Glen is its interactive play areas, where children can climb aboard pirate ships, crawl through tunnels, and slide down giant mushrooms. These imaginative play spaces are perfect for young adventurers who want to burn off some energy while pretending to be part of their favourite tales. The park also features gentle hills and grassy meadows, providing plenty of space for picnics and outdoor games.

For animal-loving families, the petting zoo at Storybook Glen is a must-visit. Here, kids can meet and feed friendly farm animals, such as goats, ponies, and rabbits, adding an extra layer of fun to their visit. The petting zoo offers a hands-on experience that allows children to learn about the animals and their habitats while enjoying the close-up encounters.

Storybook Glen also offers a café serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks, making it easy for families to refuel during their visit. The café has a cosy indoor seating area as well as an outdoor terrace with views over the glen, providing a relaxing spot for parents to unwind while the kids continue their adventure.

For a special treat, visit the Storybook Gift Shop, where you can find a range of souvenirs, toys, and gifts inspired by the characters and stories featured in the park. From fairy tale books to stuffed animals, there’s something to delight every child and provide a lasting memory of their magical day out.

Discover marine life

Located just a short drive from Aberdeen, Macduff Marine Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families eager to explore the wonders of Scotland’s marine environment. Nestled along the scenic Moray Firth coast, this unique aquarium focuses on the diverse marine life found in the North Sea, offering an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

As you enter the aquarium, you’re greeted by the impressive central kelp reef exhibit, which replicates the natural underwater habitats found off the Aberdeenshire coast. This large, circular tank is home to a variety of fascinating marine creatures, including colourful wrasse, spiny lobsters, and the iconic wolf fish. Kids will love watching the daily diver shows, where a diver enters the tank to feed the fish and interact with them, providing a closer look at the inhabitants of the reef.

Throughout the aquarium, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits help children learn about marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation in a fun and engaging way. The touch pools are a firm favourite, allowing kids to get up close and personal with sea stars, crabs, and other rock pool creatures. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide these interactive sessions, sharing interesting facts about the animals and their habitats.

One of the highlights of a visit to Macduff Marine Aquarium is the shark nursery, where you can observe the development of shark eggs and learn about the life cycle of these fascinating predators. The nursery offers a rare opportunity to see live shark embryos growing inside their egg cases, providing a unique and educational glimpse into the early life stages of these creatures.

The aquarium also features a range of displays that showcase the different habitats found around the Moray Firth and the wider North Sea, from sandy seabeds to rocky shores and deep-water environments. Each exhibit is designed to educate visitors about the diverse species that inhabit these areas and the ecological challenges they face.

For those interested in more than just looking, Macduff Marine Aquarium offers family-friendly activities and workshops throughout the year. These events are designed to deepen understanding of marine life and conservation efforts through fun, hands-on activities like crafting sessions and guided tours with marine biologists.

After exploring the exhibits, families can enjoy refreshments at the on-site café, which overlooks the picturesque harbour, offering a relaxing place to unwind and take in the coastal views. The aquarium's gift shop is stocked with marine-themed toys, books, and souvenirs, perfect for taking a piece of the sea home with you.

Get creative

Aberdeen Art Gallery is not just a place to admire great works of art—it’s also a hub of creativity and inspiration for families. The gallery’s family workshops provide a fantastic opportunity for children and parents to explore their artistic side together. With activities designed to spark imagination and creativity, these workshops are perfect for a fun and educational day out in Aberdeen.

The family-friendly workshops at Aberdeen Art Gallery cater to all ages and abilities, making them an excellent way for kids to express themselves while learning new skills. Led by experienced artists and educators, each workshop offers a hands-on approach to art, encouraging children to explore various materials and techniques. From painting and drawing to sculpture and printmaking, there's always something new and exciting to try.

One of the most popular workshops is the Create & Craft session, where families can work together to create their own artworks inspired by the gallery’s collections. These sessions often focus on themes or specific artists from the gallery’s exhibits, providing a unique opportunity to learn about different styles and artistic movements while making your own masterpiece. The workshops are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, whether your child is a budding artist or just loves to get messy with paint and glue.

For families with younger children, the gallery offers Mini Makers sessions, which are specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers. These workshops use storytelling, songs, and simple craft activities to introduce little ones to the world of art in a fun and engaging way. It’s a great way for young children to develop their fine motor skills and creativity while enjoying a relaxed, interactive environment.

In addition to workshops, the Aberdeen Art Gallery also hosts drop-in activity stations throughout the gallery spaces. These stations offer a variety of art-based activities that families can participate in at their own pace, from drawing challenges to interactive art puzzles. These self-guided activities allow children to engage with the gallery’s collections in a hands-on way, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

For those who want to delve deeper into the world of art, the gallery frequently runs special events and family days that combine art-making with live performances, storytelling, and gallery tours. These events are designed to be fun for all ages, providing a festive atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to create, learn, and play together.

After a day of creativity, families can relax in the gallery’s café, which offers a variety of kid-friendly snacks and meals. The café’s bright and welcoming space is perfect for refuelling and reflecting on the day’s artistic achievements. Don’t forget to visit the gallery shop on your way out, where you can pick up art supplies and creative kits to continue the fun at home.

Aberdeen Art Gallery’s family workshops are a wonderful way to inspire creativity and foster a love of art in children. Whether you’re joining a structured session or exploring the drop-in activities, these workshops offer a memorable, hands-on experience that’s perfect for families looking to make art a part of their visit to Aberdeen.

Explore gardens and glasshouses

Duthie Park’s Winter Gardens is a magical, family-friendly attraction that offers a unique indoor experience in Aberdeen, perfect for exploring at any time of the year. Nestled within the expansive Duthie Park, the Winter Gardens is one of Europe’s largest indoor plant collections, featuring an array of exotic plants and flowers that captivate visitors of all ages. With its vibrant displays and tropical atmosphere, it’s an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and educational outing.

Begin your journey in the Cacti House, home to an impressive collection of cacti and succulents from around the world. Kids will love discovering the many shapes and sizes of these prickly plants, from towering specimens to tiny, delicate varieties. The vibrant colours and unusual forms of the cacti provide a striking contrast to the lush greenery found in other parts of the Winter Gardens, sparking curiosity and wonder in young explorers.

Next, step into the Fern House, where a lush, jungle-like environment awaits. This glasshouse is filled with a diverse range of ferns and tropical plants, creating a verdant, humid setting that transports visitors to a rainforest. The pathways wind through dense foliage, allowing children to imagine themselves on a jungle adventure while learning about different plant species and their natural habitats.

Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, a tranquil space that offers a serene contrast to the more vibrant areas of the Winter Gardens. With its koi pond, traditional stone lanterns, and carefully manicured plants, the Japanese Garden is a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a family photo. Kids will enjoy watching the koi swim and exploring the winding paths that lead through this beautifully designed garden.

One of the highlights for families is the Tropical House, where a wide variety of exotic plants, including colourful orchids, towering palms, and carnivorous plants, create a fascinating environment. The warm, humid climate inside the Tropical House provides an immersive experience, and children will be excited to see plants they may have never encountered before, such as Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. This section also features vibrant butterflies fluttering among the plants, adding an extra layer of wonder to your visit.

For a touch of local culture, explore the Victorian Corridor, which showcases traditional Victorian garden styles with vibrant floral displays and ornate fountains. It’s a great way to introduce kids to gardening history and the different ways people have designed green spaces over time.

Throughout the Winter Gardens, there are informative displays and interactive elements designed to engage children and encourage them to learn more about the plants and their ecosystems. The gardens also often host seasonal events and activities, such as guided tours and craft workshops, adding to the educational value of the visit.

After exploring the glasshouses, take some time to enjoy the outdoor play areas and open spaces of Duthie Park, where children can run around and let off steam. The park’s café offers a range of refreshments and light meals, making it easy to relax and refuel before continuing your day.