Last updated on April 14th, 2024 at 08:41 pm
Are you looking for things to do in the Isle of Skye Scotland? If you’re only there for a short visit, we’ve got the top five places to visit in Skye for families.
We visited the Isle of Skye during our family road trip in Scotland.
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The Isle of Skye is top of a lot of families’ lists when they plan a visit to Scotland. Famed for its rugged landscape and dramatic scenery, Skye will remain etched in your mind and find a place in your heart too. It’s a great destination for families who love to hike and be outdoors.
However, if you’re anything like us and you prefer to mix it up with shorter walks, places of interest (and eating), then you have plenty of options too. Whatever your travel style is, Skye with kids is great!
Where is Isle of Skye?
The Isle of Skye is on the west coast of Scotland. The island is 50 miles long by 25 miles wide. The Skye Bridge connects the island to mainland Scotland.
The Isle of Skye does not have an airport. The closest airports are Benbecula and Stonaway Airports, however many visitors travel to Skye from further afield by car.
Where to stay in Skye
The capital of Skye, Portree, makes a great base. It gets busy in the summer but you’ll find the most choice here with regards to accommodation. As Portree is fairly central, you can make your way to most of the sights in Skye easily from here.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates on places to stay in Portree via Booking.com
How long should I stay on Skye?
A minimum of two days and up to a week is ideal. You can do all of the top 5 things to do on the Isle of Skye in an Isle of Skye itinerary of 2 days.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Skye?
The best time to visit the Isle of Skye is from May to September. For more detail, we have a post on the best time to visit Scotland.
A Note About Driving on Skye
Driving on Skye is fairly straightforward and can be a great way to see the landscape, especially if the weather’s not great. We really enjoyed driving around Skye.
Do be aware that there are some winding roads and many are single-track with limited spots to pull in to let passing cars by. If you remain cautious and keep an eye out for cars (and sheep)! coming in the opposite direction, you’ll be fine.
✅ Book HERE for your rental car for the Isle of Skye
A Note About The Weather on Skye
The weather on Skye is unpredictable at best. I think we experienced at least three seasons in a day while we were there. Hiking boots and waterproof jackets are a must and waterproof trousers for kids are also a good idea. Be prepared for rain and lots of wind – particularly at some of the elevated sights.
So, here are my top 5 things to do in Skye with kids. Check out this map of Skye attractions to see where each is located:
The Fairy Pools
A visit to The Fairy Pools in Skye (if the weather is reasonable) is definitely my number one thing to do in Skye with kids and one of the best activities in Skye. Cross the road from the car park and follow the track for around 20 minutes before you reach the first of the fairy pools.
The initial section of the path is quite steep with loose stones so bear this in mind if you have a buggy or mobility issues. You’ll cross the river and some smaller streams a couple of times where you’re likely to need to help younger children get across.
In summer, when it gets pretty busy, it makes sense to walk on for 10 to 20 minutes more to reach the pools at the far end. There’s a popular pool with a natural arch which you can swim under. Wild swimming is popular here and you’ll see why – the water is crystal clear and the magnificent backdrop of the Black Cuillin mountains makes it extra enticing.
There are no hiding places to change so come prepared with your swimming stuff on under your clothes or bring an extra large towel to change under if you do want to swim. Of course, this is Scotland, so it’s cold – no matter what the season. Be prepared! Even if you don’t swim, sitting on the rocks admiring the magical beauty of this area is still worth it – it’s no wonder they’re called the Fairy Pools.
To get there:
Near Glenbrittle, the closest village to the fairy pools is Carbost. Park in the large Forestry Commission Car Park signposted ‘Glumagan Na Sithichean’.
Where to eat nearby:
Head to The Old Inn in Carbost for local produce – including fish caught from the neighbouring loch.
✅ Book HERE for Isle of Skye Tours which include The Fairy Pools
The Old Man of Storr
The hike up to The Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular things to do on the Isle of Skye. It was a particularly windy day when we visited – even though it was August. Some parts of the trail are in better condition than others; you’ll need a sure footing, particularly on a windy day. The ‘old man’ is a striking pinnacle of rock, initially created by a landslide, and visible for many miles around.
It’s an uphill hike and is a 3.8-kilometre round trip. If it’s windy and you’re travelling in Skye with kids, it’s likely to take an hour and a half, probably two.
You can climb right to the top of the Storr but I wouldn’t recommend it with kids. We took a break at the foot where you can still get great views, before venturing back down (which is much easier going). It’s quite an adventure and a must see in Skye!
To get there:
The Old Man of Storr is in Trotternish, in the north of the island. The car park is on the main road from Portree. It’s not as big as the car park at The Fairy Pools, but they were extending it when we visited. Many people park in the lay-by or along the roadside leading to the start of the walk up.
Where to eat nearby:
Your best bet is to head towards Portree (a 10-minute drive) for lunch. Try Skye Burger which is on the way and serves a wholesome veggie burger.
✅ Book HERE for Isle of Skye Tours which include The Old Man of Storr
Fish and Chips and Ice Cream in Portree
Portree’s quaint and colourful harbourfront cottages are picture-perfect and the capital is worth a visit for the sight of these alone. A wander around Portree is a great option if you want a more chilled-out morning or afternoon. But one of the best things to do in Portree Scotland is to pick up fish and chips and eat them overlooking the water and the cottages. Or eat in, if you need to find things to do in Skye in the rain!
– The Harbour Fish and Chip Shop (1 Quay Street)
– The Chippy Portree (Armadale House, Bank Street)
– Stuart’s Fish and Chips (Quay Street)
After your fish and chips, head for a stroll and pick up an ice cream from Original Isle of Skye Ice Cream (1 Wentworth Street).
To get there:
Portree is the capital of Skye and is in the centre of the island. We chose to stay here, as it makes a great base to reach all of the different parts of the island.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is an iconic image of Scotland, originally built in the thirteenth century but rebuilt a number of times since then. An opportunity for kids and adults alike to learn a bit about the Jacobite rebellion, there’s a good kids trail sheet too.
The castle was restored in the 1920s, so it’s in good condition with lots to see. You’ll cross a bridge to the castle, which is on a small island and you can walk around both the inside and the outside of the castle.
There are some good displays inside and plenty of information – plus some really friendly and knowledgeable guides ready to answer your questions!
To get there:
Eilean Donan is only a few miles from the bridge over to Skye, in a village called Dornie. There’s a good-sized car park here so you shouldn’t have an issue finding a space.
Where to eat nearby:
There’s a small café and takeaway (Heilan Scran) at the castle, which puts together some interesting creations. Try the MacHaggis Toastie!
✅ Book HERE for Isle of Skye Tours which include Eilean Donan Castle
The Fairy Glen
Just like at the Fairy Pools, you really can imagine otherworldly beings hanging out at this ethereal location. A visit to the Fairy Glen is one of the best activities on the Isle of Skye for families.
Like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing nearby, it’s thought that the landscape at the Fairy Glen was originally formed by a landslide. It was then shaped by the weather and the movement of glaciers during the ice age that followed.
Kids will love running up and down the hills and along the small paths and steps. Head up to ‘Castle Ewen’, the large rock formation at the top for views of the glen below.
The Isle of Skye, and Scotland folklore generally, has long been associated with myths and magical beings and this beautiful spot will certainly have you and the kids believing in fairytales!
To get there:
The Fairy Glen is in Balnacnoc, above Uig (on the west side of Trotternish). Parking is very limited here, but people tend to park in lay-bys nearby or on the side of the track leading to the path to the Fairy Glen. Or you can park in Uig and walk there (around 30 minutes).
Where to eat nearby:
Try the Uig Hotel Restaurant for local fare. They serve soup and ciabattas for lunch if you’re looking for something light.
✅ Book HERE for Isle of Skye Tours which include The Fairy Glen
The Verdict: Is the Isle of Skye Worth It
The Isle of Skye is definitely worth visiting for families. If you love the outdoors, there aren’t many places better than this to have an adventure! Just make sure you pack waterproof clothing as the weather can be very unpredictable!
This is a lovely guide to Skye with great advice regarding the roads and appropriate hikes for families. Trotternish has many great family walks that involve hunting for dinosaur footprints and fossils, there’s even a dinosaur museum in Staffin. The paths to Storr and the Quairaing have recently been improved so it’s far easier to walk further to enjoy the majesty of the views over to the islands. There are some new family-orientated accommodations opening up too. So Skye welcomes everyone to come and enjoy its otherworldly appeal.