Fort William Holiday Lodge
table of contents
Our 16 brilliant child friendly activities near Fort William
family fun on the mountain
Nevis Range
The Nevis Range, a short drive from Fort William, offers a fantastic day out for families. While famous for mountain biking, it’s also a great place for everyone to enjoy stunning views. You can take a scenic Gondola ride up the mountain (bikes can be attached!), making it easy for all ages to access the mountaintop cafe and enjoy breathtaking panoramas.
For families interested in trying mountain biking, the Nevis Range has beginner-friendly trails and offers bike hire for all sizes (Off Beat Bikes nearby is another option for longer rentals). They also have helpful guides to get you started. More experienced kids (and adults!) can enjoy the more challenging downhill routes.
Good to know: The gondola provides easy access for families with younger children or those who prefer a less strenuous way to see the views. Check the Nevis Range website for gondola operating times and bike trail availability (bike trails are seasonal, but lower trails are often open year-round).
For families interested in trying mountain biking, the Nevis Range has beginner-friendly trails and offers bike hire for all sizes (Off Beat Bikes nearby is another option for longer rentals). They also have helpful guides to get you started. More experienced kids (and adults!) can enjoy the more challenging downhill routes.
Good to know: The gondola provides easy access for families with younger children or those who prefer a less strenuous way to see the views. Check the Nevis Range website for gondola operating times and bike trail availability (bike trails are seasonal, but lower trails are often open year-round).
GLENFINNAN VIADUCT
Hogwarts Express
Experience a truly magical day out on the Jacobite Steam Train, often called the “Hogwarts Express”! This unforgettable train journey travels from Fort William to Mallaig through spectacular Highland scenery, including the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films.
Making it a full day: In Mallaig, with a little planning, you can hop on a West Isle Cruise for a chance to spot amazing wildlife like whales, dolphins, seals, and eagles. Afterwards, the steam train will bring you back to Fort William.
Alternative options: If you can’t get tickets for the Jacobite, the regular ScotRail train to Mallaig offers the same stunning views. You can also drive to Glenfinnan to see the viaduct up close and enjoy some easy walks in the area.
Making it a full day: In Mallaig, with a little planning, you can hop on a West Isle Cruise for a chance to spot amazing wildlife like whales, dolphins, seals, and eagles. Afterwards, the steam train will bring you back to Fort William.
Alternative options: If you can’t get tickets for the Jacobite, the regular ScotRail train to Mallaig offers the same stunning views. You can also drive to Glenfinnan to see the viaduct up close and enjoy some easy walks in the area.
indoor climbing
Three Monkeys Climbing
If the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor adventures, head to Three Monkeys Climbing Centre in Fort William. Housed in a cool converted church, it offers a safe and exciting indoor climbing experience for kids of all ages and abilities.
With lots of “bouldering problems” (lower climbs without ropes) and higher roped walls, there’s something for everyone to try.
Friendly staff are on hand to offer advice and help beginners. There’s also a cafe where you can relax and watch the action.
With lots of “bouldering problems” (lower climbs without ropes) and higher roped walls, there’s something for everyone to try.
Friendly staff are on hand to offer advice and help beginners. There’s also a cafe where you can relax and watch the action.
highland hits
Highland Cinema
The Highland Cinema in Fort William is a great option for a relaxing family outing, especially on a rainy day. They show all the latest blockbuster movies in comfortable seating, and you might even get to watch a film in a real Lotus car! The cinema cafe is also highly recommended for snacks and drinks.
outdoor adventures
Munro Bagging & Hikes
Introduce your children to the wonders of the Highlands with accessible walks, even bagging a Munro! A fantastic option for families is using the Nevis Range Gondola. It takes you high up the mountain, skipping the initial steep climb and immediately rewarding you with incredible views. Check out our walking page for other possible options with the kids.
Hunt for nessie
Loch Ness Cruise
Take a short (around 40-minute) drive north to Fort Augustus, a charming village at the southern tip of the famous Loch Ness. From there, you can enjoy a scenic cruise on the UK’s largest lake by volume.
Cruise options: Choose an evening cruise for beautiful sunset views or a daytime cruise for better light when trying to spot the legendary Nessie! You can also select between a relaxing scenic cruise or a more exhilarating “speed boat” option. Visit the Cruise Loch Ness website for more details and booking information.
Cruise options: Choose an evening cruise for beautiful sunset views or a daytime cruise for better light when trying to spot the legendary Nessie! You can also select between a relaxing scenic cruise or a more exhilarating “speed boat” option. Visit the Cruise Loch Ness website for more details and booking information.
silver sands
Beaches
You might be surprised to find some of the UK’s best beaches a short drive from Fort William!
The coastline near Arisaig and Morar boasts stunning white sands and turquoise waters, making the one-hour drive along the scenic “Road to the Isles” a must-do on a sunny day. Combine your beach visit with a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoy fresh seafood in Mallaig for a memorable family day trip.
The coastline near Arisaig and Morar boasts stunning white sands and turquoise waters, making the one-hour drive along the scenic “Road to the Isles” a must-do on a sunny day. Combine your beach visit with a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct and enjoy fresh seafood in Mallaig for a memorable family day trip.
coastal trek
Pony Trekking
For families with horse lovers, there are several pony trekking opportunities nearby.
Coastal Trekking: Head west to Silversands Trekking Centre for guided treks along beautiful beaches and coastline. This is ideal if not everyone wants to ride, as others can relax on the sand.
Cairngorms Trekking: Drive east to Kingussie in the Cairngorms and visit Highland Horse Fun, offering pony trekking since 1952. Here, you can choose from carriage rides, guided treks through the stunning Cairngorms scenery, or hacking for experienced riders.
Coastal Trekking: Head west to Silversands Trekking Centre for guided treks along beautiful beaches and coastline. This is ideal if not everyone wants to ride, as others can relax on the sand.
Cairngorms Trekking: Drive east to Kingussie in the Cairngorms and visit Highland Horse Fun, offering pony trekking since 1952. Here, you can choose from carriage rides, guided treks through the stunning Cairngorms scenery, or hacking for experienced riders.
highland racing
Aviemore Go Karting
For a change of pace, consider a fun go-karting experience in Aviemore, about a 1 hour and 20-minute drive east. Kids over 4 can drive their own karts (various sizes available), and there’s adult-only karting for older family members. This is a great option for some high-speed family fun!
zoo
Highland Wildlife Park
For a fantastic wildlife experience, consider a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park, located in the Cairngorms National Park (approximately a 1 hour and 20-minute drive east, between Kingussie and Aviemore).
This park offers the chance to see a variety of amazing animals, including polar bears, tigers, bison, elk, lynx, snow leopards, and more! It makes an ideal activity to combine with a go-karting trip in Aviemore for a full day of family fun in the Cairngorms.
This park offers the chance to see a variety of amazing animals, including polar bears, tigers, bison, elk, lynx, snow leopards, and more! It makes an ideal activity to combine with a go-karting trip in Aviemore for a full day of family fun in the Cairngorms.
theme park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, situated in the Cairngorms (about a 1 hour and 30-minute drive east through beautiful scenery), is a top-rated UK adventure park with something for everyone in the family.
Kids will love exploring the Dinosaur Kingdom, riding the Wild Water Coaster, discovering the Butterfly House, tackling the Tarzan Trail and Wee Monkey Trail, and experiencing the ‘Skydive’ and Ropeworx courses. With the Forest Tower and much more, Landmark offers a full day of exciting activities for all ages.
Kids will love exploring the Dinosaur Kingdom, riding the Wild Water Coaster, discovering the Butterfly House, tackling the Tarzan Trail and Wee Monkey Trail, and experiencing the ‘Skydive’ and Ropeworx courses. With the Forest Tower and much more, Landmark offers a full day of exciting activities for all ages.
historic highlands
West Highland Museum
Located in the centre of Fort William, the West Highland Museum offers a fascinating and free opportunity to learn about the rich history of the Highlands.
Explore exhibits covering topics from the Jacobite uprisings to the Special Forces training during World War II.
This museum is a great option for a rainy day and can be easily combined with a visit to the Highland Cinema, which is conveniently located next door. It provides an engaging and educational experience for families.
Explore exhibits covering topics from the Jacobite uprisings to the Special Forces training during World War II.
This museum is a great option for a rainy day and can be easily combined with a visit to the Highland Cinema, which is conveniently located next door. It provides an engaging and educational experience for families.
hit the waves
Water Sports
For families who love getting active in the water, the Fort William area offers a fantastic range of options! Thrill-seekers can try white water rafting, canyoning, gorge walking, coasteering, or white water river tubing.
For a more relaxed experience, enjoy paddleboarding in the scenic waters of Glencoe or kayaking along the beautiful West Coast.
With so many choices available, there’s sure to be a water-based activity that the whole family will enjoy. Visit our dedicated Water Sports page for more detailed information and booking options!
For a more relaxed experience, enjoy paddleboarding in the scenic waters of Glencoe or kayaking along the beautiful West Coast.
With so many choices available, there’s sure to be a water-based activity that the whole family will enjoy. Visit our dedicated Water Sports page for more detailed information and booking options!
step back in time
Highland Folk Museum
Take a memorable and educational day trip (approximately a one-hour drive east into the Cairngorms) to the Highland Folk Museum.
This living history museum offers a fascinating glimpse into life in the Highlands between the 1700s and 1950s. Explore over 35 historical buildings and experience how people lived in the past. It’s an engaging and interesting outing for children of all ages.
This living history museum offers a fascinating glimpse into life in the Highlands between the 1700s and 1950s. Explore over 35 historical buildings and experience how people lived in the past. It’s an engaging and interesting outing for children of all ages.
ben nevis views
Cruise Loch Linnhe
Introduce the kids to the beauty of the sea on a relaxing cruise on Loch Linnhe. From the comfort of the boat, you’ll have the chance to spot seals and eagles, and enjoy incredible views of Ben Nevis towering over the loch.
This is a great way to experience the scenery and wildlife while staying warm and dry. Check local cruise operators for schedules and booking information.
This is a great way to experience the scenery and wildlife while staying warm and dry. Check local cruise operators for schedules and booking information.
nevis centre
Bowling & Soft Play
Located right in Fort William, The Nevis Centre offers a variety of indoor activities perfect for family fun, whatever the weather.
Enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, let younger children burn off energy in the soft play area, try roller skating, or have a friendly match of table tennis or badminton. The Nevis Centre provides entertainment for the whole family under one roof.
Enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, let younger children burn off energy in the soft play area, try roller skating, or have a friendly match of table tennis or badminton. The Nevis Centre provides entertainment for the whole family under one roof.
