The Family Guide to Islay

Family holding hands and splashing in water on the beach

Things to do with Kids on Islay

What will you get up to when staying in our family-friendly accommodation on Islay? There are plenty of things to do with kids on our beautiful Scottish island. Here are some of our favourites.

Play on the Beach

Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to a natural playground for all generations! Islay boasts more than 20 beautiful beaches around its coastline. Often you can have these beaches all to yourselves too. And what parents can’t resist building sand castle or letting the kids bury them in the sand? Learning can continue for all when you explore the ample rock pools that crawl with sea life! Who can collect the most shells, spot the hermit crab or find the winkles under the seaweed?

Pony Trekking Adventures

Treat the kids to a pony ride. Islay Pony Trekking offer pony rides for all abilities, from short rides for smaller children to owning a pony for a day.

Discover the Local Wildlife

The island has lots on offer for children, from bird watching to sea life spotting, Islay Sea Adventures have it covered. Perfect for kids, the trip starts at Port Ellen Marina, where the tour will take you along the beautiful coast of Islay. From seal to basking sharks this wild life adventure will be a great memory for the whole family. Highly recommended, this trip can be great fun! Make sure you bring warm clothing with youas it can get pretty cold out at sea, even on sunny days.  This is a popular experience on the island so it may be worth your while to book up in advance of visiting.

Or, if you’re looking for an indoor wildlife activity, visit the Islay National History Trust in Port Charlotte. Here you can get up close and friendly with our resident sea creatures who inhabit our touch tank aquariums. There is also a large laboratory with fun things to do including learning to use a microscope and dissecting owl pellets.

Fishing Trip

Take the kids for their first fishing trip on Islay. Get out in boat for a few hours and have the chance to catch fresh fish like tope, mackerel and skate. Again, this is a popular choice for tourists so it may be best to book up this experience online before you go.

Swimming Pool

Now lets face it…. this is Scotland and it every so often drops wet stuff from the sky! However, you may not mind getting wet in our very own swimming pool in Bowmore. For lots of splashy family fun!

Islay Family-Friendly Accommodation

So whatever the weather, you are guaranteed to find enjoyable things to do with kids on Islay. And here at Islay Cottages, we provide fabulous and cosy accommodation from a large traditional house to quaint and homely cottages where you can snuggle up in the evening after an exhilarating day of play!

Book direct for best rates guaranteed. We look forward to welcoming you!

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