10 Best Things To Do In Ayrshire With Kids
Planning a family trip to Scotland’s beautiful west coast? Ayrshire is full of exciting attractions, historic castles, outdoor adventures and stunning beaches, perfect for children of all ages. Whether you’re looking for seaside fun, animal encounters, or a dose of Scottish history, there’s something here for everyone.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Ayrshire with kids in 2025.
Family Day's Out in Ayrshire
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway
Step into the world of Scotland’s national poet at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. Run by the National Trust for Scotland, this family-friendly attraction brings Burns’ story to life through over 5,000 artefacts, including his handwritten manuscripts.
Kids can explore Burns Cottage where he was born and follow the outdoor trail linking the museum, Brig o’ Doon, and the Burns Monument Gardens. There’s also a great café and play area to enjoy after your visit, perfect for a relaxed day out.
For more information, read our Guide to Visiting Robert Burn’s Birthplace Museum here.
Kelburn Castle and Estate, near Largs
Kelburn Castle and Estate is one of Ayrshire’s most colourful attractions — literally! The castle’s mural, painted by Brazilian graffiti artists, makes it one of Scotland’s most unique buildings.
Families can explore woodland walks, adventure playgrounds, secret forest trails, and the magical Fairy Glen. Younger children will love the petting animals, while older kids can take on the zip lines or join a treasure hunt. It’s a brilliant day out for all ages.
There’s always something fun going on in the school holidays, so keep an eye on their socials for up to date events. You’ll also be able to see what’s on at weekends for families.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the waterfall!
Entry to the grounds is free – this includes the glen and gardens.
Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock
History and nature meet at Dean Castle Country Park. You can explore the restored castle, visit the small animal farm, and enjoy walks through woodland and riverside paths. The visitor centre has a lovely café and plenty of indoor space for rainy days.
The park’s play areas and wildlife ponds make it ideal for kids to burn off some energy and have some outdoor fun. Keep an eye out for the deer! Entry is free, making it one of the best value family days out in Ayrshire.
Ayrshire’s Beautiful Beaches
Ayrshire has some of the best family beaches in Scotland. Ayr Beach is a firm favourite, with golden sand, safe paddling, and a traditional seaside atmosphere.
Troon and Prestwick beaches are also great options for picnics, kite flying and rock pooling.
The beach at Seamill has fantastic views of Arran and is a great beach for rockpooling and walking the dog.
Dunure Beach is lovely to walk along with the added bonus of Dunure Castle ruins to explore too.
Pack a bucket and spade, grab some ice cream, and spend a sunny afternoon enjoying classic Scottish seaside fun.
Day Trip to the Isle of Arran
Fancy an adventure? Take a day trip to the Isle of Arran, known as “Scotland in miniature.” Ferries run regularly from Ardrossan, and the island is packed with family activities.
Visit Brodick Castle, enjoy beaches and waterfalls, or spot seals along the coast. The journey itself is part of the fun — kids love the ferry crossing and the chance to explore a real Scottish island. You can travel over on the ferry as a foot passenger or take your car.
If you decide to go as a foot passenger as we did, and visit Aaran for the day, you can walk from the ferry port in Brodick to the castle. Fisherman’s Walk footpath takes you to Brodick Castle passing a beach, children’s playground and independent shops on the way.
Brodick Castle has lots of space for the kids to run round, lovely gardens to explore and a fantastic play area which the kids will love!
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for red squirrels in the castle grounds.
Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning
If your kids love going to the park, head to Eglinton Country Park near Irvine. The estate covers over 900 acres of woodland, meadows and riverside trails. There’s a brilliant adventure playground, a pond for fishing, small cafe and plenty of picnic spots.
The Lugton Water runs through the park adding to its appeal. With lovely riverside trails, bridges and nice paddle spots for kids in the summer when the water is low.
You can also explore the ruins of Eglinton Castle and learn about the park’s history in the small visitor centre. It’s perfect for walking, cycling and there’s even a nature trail for families.
Culzean Castle and Country Park
No visit to Ayrshire is complete without exploring Culzean Castle and Country Park. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde, this National Trust for Scotland property looks like something from a fairy tale. Discover the family treasures of one of the oldest clans in Scotland.
Families can tour the castle’s grand rooms, walk through miles of woodland trails, and let the kids run wild in the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas. They offer lots of thrilling features to explore, including soaring towers, treehouses, slides, climbing walls, a mazehouse and zip slides.
There’s also a beach, café, and deer park, making it one of the best family days out in Ayrshire.
Top Tip: Keep an eye out for possible free entry (or reduced price) to Culzean Castle during the National Lottery Open Week (from 7 – 15 March 2026).
Heads of Ayr Farm Park
For younger children, Heads of Ayr Farm Park near Ayr is a must-visit. It’s packed with animals, play barns, tractor rides and outdoor activities.
Kids can meet meerkats, donkeys, llamas, and wallabies, then race down giant slides and bounce on trampolines. There’s both indoor and outdoor play areas which means there’s plenty for all ages, whatever the weather.
Don’t miss the animal encounters where you’ll have the chance to hold a snake and pet the rabbits.
Dumfries House, Cumnock
Located near Cumnock, Dumfries House is one of Scotland’s most beautiful stately homes and a fantastic place for families to visit. The estate features beautiful gardens, woodlands, and wide open spaces perfect for exploring.
Outside, children will love the large adventure playground, maze, and walking trails, while adults can enjoy the stunning house and landscaped grounds. There’s also a lovely café on site, ideal for a relaxed lunch or afternoon treat.
With its mix of history, outdoor fun, and family-friendly facilities, Dumfries House is a must-see stop on your Ayrshire adventure.
Lynn Falls Walk, Dalry
For a short family walk, head to Lynn Falls in Dalry. This peaceful woodland trail follows the Caaf Water and leads to a small but beautiful waterfall.
It’s an easy walk suitable for children, with benches along the way and lots of opportunities for nature spotting. Remember your wellies if it’s been raining, it can get muddy!
There’s a fairy trail with a few fairy doors and sculptures to look out for along the way. Read our Lyn Glen blog post here.
There’s plenty of things to do in Ayrshire with kids. From castles and countryside parks to beaches and museums, Ayrshire is full of adventures for families. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Robert Burns, exploring woodland trails, or meeting animals at the farm park, there are endless things to do in Ayrshire with kids all year round.
FAQ: Visiting Ayrshire with Kids
Where is Ayrshire?
Ayrshire is on the southwest coast of Scotland, stretching along the Firth of Clyde. It’s known for its sandy beaches, rolling countryside, and historic castles. The region includes popular towns such as Ayr, Troon, Largs, and Kilmarnock.
How far is Ayrshire from Glasgow?
Ayrshire is around 35 to 45 minutes’ drive from Glasgow, depending on where you’re heading. Ayr is about 40 miles southwest of the city and easy to reach by car or train. Regular trains run from Glasgow Central to Ayr, Troon, and Largs.
Is Ayrshire family-friendly?
Yes! Ayrshire is full of family-friendly attractions, from beaches and castles to adventure parks and museums. Places like the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Heads of Ayr Farm Park, and Culzean Castle are perfect for kids of all ages.
When is the best time to visit Ayrshire?
The best time to visit Ayrshire is between May and September, when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures. Spring and autumn are also lovely for quieter walks, castle visits, and scenic drives.
How do I get to Ayrshire?
You can reach Ayrshire easily by car or public transport. From Glasgow, take the M77 motorway south towards Kilmarnock and Ayr. Regular trains from Glasgow Central Station run directly to Ayr, Troon, and Largs. If you’re flying, Glasgow Prestwick Airport sits right in Ayrshire and connects with many UK and European cities.
Where can we stay in Ayrshire?
Ayrshire has plenty of family-friendly places to stay, whether you’re after a seaside hotel, countryside retreat, or cosy holiday park.
If you choose to stay near Ayr, you’re close to top attractions like Culzean Castle, Ayr Beach, and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, making it easy to plan your days out.
For coastal views and sandy walks, try Ayr or Troon, both home to lovely hotels and holiday apartments. Families often enjoy Craig Tara Holiday Park (Haven Ayrshire), which has pools, playgrounds, and entertainment for kids. Plus, it’s only a ten minute walk from Heads of Ayr Farmpark.
If you prefer something quieter, Dumfries House Lodge near Cumnock offers a peaceful countryside escape, while Seamill Hydro Hotel near Largs (in North Ayrshire) combines sea and island views with a family spa and leisure facilities.
Other options include Brig O Doon Hotel in Alloway and further inland, the Lochside Hotel and Spa Ayrshire.
There are also plenty of charming B&Bs and self-catering cottages dotted across Ayrshire, ideal for exploring at your own pace. Plus, there’s various camping sites, including yurts and a campsite at Kelburn Castle Estate.
Whether you stay by the coast or in the countryside, you’ll find a warm Scottish welcome waiting.
Can you visit Ayrshire as a day trip from Glasgow?
Yes, Ayrshire makes an excellent day trip from Glasgow. You can easily spend a day exploring Ayr, visiting Culzean Castle, or taking the kids to Heads of Ayr Farm Park. If you have more time, stay overnight and explore more of the coast.
Is Ayrshire worth visiting with kids?
Definitely! With its mix of beaches, castles, outdoor adventures, and family attractions, Ayrshire is one of Scotland’s best destinations for children. Whether you’re looking for educational fun, nature trails, or animal encounters, there’s always something new to discover.
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