With activities including scavenger hunts, putting, kite flying and pool time, there’s plenty to keep the wee ones entertained here at The Old Course Hotel. There are new children’s menus at the resort and kids can make themselves at home in their own robes and slippers, and will find a special gift waiting on the bed. Meanwhile, around Fife there’s no shortage of fun and frolics, from stately stags and flamboyant tropical fish to adorable alpacas and an awesome adventure playground. Here’s what you need to know.
Scottish Deer Centre
Encountering the monarch of the glen in its natural habitat is a highlight of any visit to Scotland – but in this rolling Perthshire park you can get even closer and discover every part of the animal magic. Reindeer, elk and wapiti are among the other members of the Cervidae family to call the 55-acre centre home, and they’re joined by brown bears, lynx, otters, Scottish wildcats and wolves (plus wolves-in-waiting). Rangers run feeding and play areas and falconry displays in the Raptor World bird of prey centre only add to the allure.
St Andrews Aquarium
You’ll find Nemo, Dory and a host of their pals at this family-owned aquarium on the cliffs above St Andrews Bay. Star billing among the 120 species on display goes to sharks and rays found in British waters, adorable Humboldt penguins, dazzling tropical fish, dwarf caimans, piranhas and snapping turtles. Green iguanas, bird-eating tarantulas, pythons and monitors are less aquatic, but no less intriguing. Education and conservation are two of the aquarium’s watchwords, so expect experts to share their knowledge through daily talks and feeding times – and annual adoption packages – if your kids are suddenly smitten.
Bowbridge Alpacas
Gentle, calm and wonderfully woolly, alpacas are guaranteed to charm children of all ages – and you can hang out with a whole herd on a leisurely trek around the grounds of Bowbridge Farm, in the heart of the Fife countryside. On your own or in pairs you can lead an alpaca around the paddock and out on a gentle series of circuits, with plenty of opportunities to give them a cuddle. There’s a chance to feed the animals by hand, learn about the Camelidynamics training method and try your hand at needle-felting for a unique souvenir made from super-soft alpaca fleece.
Craigtoun Country Park
A slice of rural Scotland just outside St Andrews, Craigtoun Country Park is ideal for active families, with an adventure playground, trim trail obstacle course, trampolines and a 30ft zip wire. The Fairy Glen has been enchanting families for decades, and trampoline parkland and picturesque ponds make this prime strolling territory. Park admission is free, but there is a small charge for attractions such as the Puffin’ Billy Tractor – pulled by a vintage Massey Ferguson 135 – and the Rio Grande train. The park also hosts regular events throughout the year. Open all year, some attractions closed after 29th October. friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk / park open all year, some attractions closed after 29th October
