1. Linn O’Dee Waterfall
Take a trip to Aberdeen in Scotland and discover the beautiful countryside. There is so much to do and see, especially if it’s a sunny day! There are so many family walks, where you can discover the beauty of Scotland.
Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city and is known as The Granite City, because of the local pale stone which surrounds many of its outstanding buildings.
Linn O’Dee is a famous waterfall in Aberdeen, surrounded by pine trees. It has been a popular tourist attraction since the Victorian times. The River Dee passes through a long and narrow cleft in the rocks. In 1857 the bridge upstream was built and was opened by Queen Victoria.
Address
Lin O'Dee
Braemar
www.welcometoscotland.com/things-to-do/attractions/natural-features/aberdeen-grampian/linn-o-dee-waterfall
2. Balmedie Beach
Balmedie is a growing village in Aberdeen, Scotland. Explore miles of Balmedia Beach, which is a lovely sandy beach with sand dunes. The beach has won many awards and it is around 5 miles from Aberdeen.
Why not take the family down on a sunny day to enjoy the coastal views? There’s nothing more relaxing than a beach walk or a picnic on the beach with friends and family.
There are many attractions around the beach such as golf, shopping, restaurants and other outdoor sports and activities.
Address
Balmedie Country Park
Balmedie
AB23 8XG
www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/balmedie-beach-p315451
3. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Aberdeen Maritime Museum is in the heart of Aberdeen, Scotland offering visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the harbour. The Maritime Museum is situated on the historic Ship row by the harbour. The museum explains the story of the city’s long relationship with the coast. It is an award winning museum and built in 1593. Inside, there is a huge collection of shipbuilding, sailing ships, fishing and more. It is famous for being the only place in the UK where you can see exhibitions on the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Opening times
The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to visit with family, where you can learn all about maritime history. Don’t forget to bring your camera, so you can make the most of the scenery by the museum! There are also many exhibitions that take place, so check the seasonal events before you go.
Monday – Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12noon - 3pm
Address
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Shiprow
Aberdeen
AB11 5BY
Contact details
01224 337700
www.aagm.co.uk/Visit/AberdeenMaritimeMuseum
4. Pitmedden Garden
If you’re visiting Aberdeen, be sure not to miss out on visiting the beautiful Pitmedden Garden, which displays over 30,000 annual bedding plants that create beautiful designs in the parterres. The Great Garden was originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton.
There are almost 6 miles of beautiful hedging and at the heart of the garden there is a masterpiece of patterns and vibrant colours. It is a lovely place to visit with friends and family, especially when the weather is sunny.
Opening times
See a great array of fruit trees in the orchard sweet smelling honeysuckle and jasmine – it is a delight for everyone’s senses!
Grounds
All year daily
Prices
Members: Free
Non members
Adult: £6.50
Family: £16.50
Single Adult Family: £11.50
Garden, Museum of Farming Life and Shop
1st May – 30th September: 10am – 5.30pm
Tearoom
1st May – 30th September: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Address
Pitmedden
Ellon
AB41 7PD
Contact details
01651 842 352
www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Pitmedden-Garden
5. Craigievar Castle
Craigievar Castle is famous for its beautiful pink colour, said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella. It is located six miles south of Alford, Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Why not enjoy a relaxing break and stay over in one of the holiday cottages by the castle? There are so many beautiful views!
Children and adults alike will love Craigievar Castle, as it looks like something from a fairy tale – be sure to take lots of photos! The castle has been well preserved and the most loved castle in Scotland.
If you are feeling energetic, there are many walks and trails around the castle, which offer stunning views, or you can settle down and relax with a picnic with your family.
Opening times
Grounds
All year: Sunrise – Sunset
Castle
1st April – 30th June: Fri-Tue 10.30-17.00 (last entry 16.10)
1st July – 31st August: 10.30-17.00 (last entry 16.10)
1st September – 30th September: Fri-Tue 10.30-17.00 (last entry 16.10)
Guided tours only
Prices
Adult: £12.50
Family: £29.50
Address
Craigievar Castle
Alford
Aberdeenshire
AB33 8JF
Contact details
01339 883635
www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Craigievar
Top 5 kid’s activities
When visiting this beautiful coastal city, make sure to take the kids to one of these amazing activities and day's out!
1. Satrosphere Science Centre
If your children love science and interactive exhibits, they will love the Satrosphere Science Centre! There are lots of interactive displays, exhibits and live science, which educates visors more about the world and life around them.
There are so many experiments for all ages to enjoy and also a Little Scientist Day for little scientists (3 – 5 years) to enjoy. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, where they can treat themselves to something fun with their pocket money!
Satrosphere Science Centre is enjoyed by everyone, so they offer birthday parties too, with yummy party food. It is the perfect day trip to have with young children and family.
Opening times
Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm
Tuesday: 10am – 3pm
Saturday to Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Open during school holidays
Monday and Friday: 10am – 5pm
Tuesdays: 10am – 3pm
Prices
Adults: £5.75
Kids (3years+): £4.50
Toddlers (0-2 years): Free
Address
The Tramsheds
179 Constitution
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB24 5TU
www.aberdeensciencecentre.org
2. Boardwalk House of Fun
At Boardwalk House of Fun there is so much to choose from such as bowling, climb zone, trampolines, family amusements and many more! There is fun for all ages, 4 through to 12, with a special zone for toddlers.
If you are visiting for the day, there are various food and drink places to go to. Boardwalk House of Fun also cater for large groups and parties, which is perfect for children to enjoy.
When your children have run out of energy, why not go to the beach and take a relaxing walk and admire the coastal views? There are many restaurants around Boardwalk House of Fun, including a cinema, leisure centre and swimming pool. There’s plenty to enjoy around the beach!
Opening times
Monday to Thursday 11am – 9pm
Friday to Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Address
The Boardwalk
Beach Esplande
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB24 5NS
Scotland
Contact details
01224 583 388
www.boardwalkhouseoffun.com
3. Beach Leisure Centre
If your children love swimming, they will love the Beach Leisure Centre, in Aberdeen! There is so much fun to be had with a range of water features such as rapids, 4 flumes and a wave machine! Whether it’s raining or sunshine, your children will have an amazing time.
The Beach Leisure Centre is fun for all ages and there is also a Mini Flume which is a gentler version for children who don’t want the extreme Flumes or Wave machines.
It is the perfect day out for your children and their friends. Why not take them out on a weekend, or during the school holidays? There is plenty for them do enjoy at Beach Leisure Centre.
Opening times
Opening hours are subject to change. Visit website or call directly for more information
Prices
Adults: £5.55
Kids/Concessions: £2.80
Family: £11.50
Address
Beach Promenade
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB24 5NR
Contact details
01224 655401
www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/venues/beach-leisure-centre
4. Codonas Amusement Park
Condonas Amusement Park is where all the fun is at! – Your children will love it. It has an outdoor amusement park where you can play golf, go bowling and play in the adventure play area! Who wouldn’t want to play Pirate Adventure Golf, with a 25ft volcano, pirate ship and many other amazing special effects!
There are also a range of fun rides to go on including log flumes and rollercoasters! If your children still have the energy, they can visit the jungle themed indoor adventure golf course. For younger children, why not take them on the Apple Family Coaster?
At Codonas Amusement Park, there is fun for everyone. There is also a café and a selection of restaurants to go to for lunch or dinner. After all the excitement, your children will sleep all the way home!
Opening Hours
Sunset Boulevard and Congo Adventure Golf
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 - 24:00
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 01:00
Smugglers' Cove
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 19:00
Friday and Saturday
Amusement park and outdoor golf closed April through October.
Prices
Everything is pay and play outside with wristband offers available.
Inside
Sunset Boulevard
Super Saver Family: £12.99
Super Saver Individuals: £14.99
Smugglers' Cove
Child: £3.50 to £5
Congo Golf
Family: £5 per round each
Individuals: £6
Address
Beach Boulevard
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB24 5NS
Scotland
Contact details
01224 595910
www.codonas.com
5. Seaton Park
Seaton Park is situated in the north of Aberdeen and is owned by the council. Next to the park’s south gates, stand the beautiful architecture of St Machar’s Cathedral.
The park is a beautiful place to visit, full of flowerbeds and rose beds up to the walled garden. It’s a lovely walk to the cathedral in the summer and is popular with locals and tourist alike.
It is great for children, as the park has a large modern play area with play equipment for ages 3 to 11 years. It offers large spaces for children to enjoy and a beautiful garden to have a quiet picnic with family, while watching the fountains.
Opening times
The park is open at all times
Address
Don Street
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB25 3RF
Scotland
Contact details
01224 489273
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/community_life_leisure/parks_open_spaces/pos_seatonpark
Top 5 restaurants in Aberdeen
When visiting this beautiful coastal city, make sure to visit one of these amazing restaurants.
1. The Marcliffe
www.marcliffe.com
01224 861000
North Deeside Road
Aberdeen
AB15 9YA
Scotland
2. Granite Park
www.granitepark.co.uk
01224 478004
8 Golden Square
Aberdeen
AB10 1RB
3. IX The Chester Hotel
www.chester-hotel.com
01224 327777
59 Queens Road
Aberdeen
AB15 4YP
Scotland
4. Cafe Boheme
www.cafebohemerestaurant.co.uk
01224 210677
23 Windmill Brae
Aberdeen
AB11 6HU
Scotland
5. Moon Fish Cafe
www.moonfishcafe.co.uk
01224 644166
9 Correction Wynd
Aberdeen
AB10 1HP
Scotland