Families, Small Groups, Solo Travellers

Family-friendly Outdoor Activities

Exploring Scotland as a family or small group offers so many wonderful opportunities, from awesome beaches to bustling cities, fantastic landscapes, and of course mini-adventures in the great outdoors.

Whether you are just looking for a family adventure holiday in Scotland, outdoor activities for families or small groups, or something to do at the weekend, In Your Element has lots of fun outdoor activities for kids (and big kids!) at locations across Scotland.

Outdoor Family-Friendly Fun

For small groups or individuals, In Your Element offers a wide range of scheduled activities on fixed dates at fixed locations.  These family-friendly outdoor activities can be booked online in advance. Children as young as 5 can participate in some of our activities.

For larger family groups (typically 8 or more people) In Your Element also offers private, tailor-made activity experiences.  These can be at locations across Scotland, with more flexibility over dates and times.  These activities can’t be booked online, so get in touch to find out more, or check out the private group booking page for ideas.

Looking to Hire Bikes, Boats, or Paddleboards?

Click on one of the images below to find out more.

people on bikes on forest trail. Words Bike Hire Aviemore written below.
person on paddleboard with writing loch tay equipm,ent hire written below
people canoeing on a loch with scenic background.  writing canoe and kayak hire written below.

Find An IYE Activity For Your Group

person abseiling on rock face
Giving a huge sense of achievement, abseiling is a physically easy but mentally challenging activity.
2.5 hours
8 yrs min age
A line or archery targets on a cold frosty day, light snow covering the targets
Experience the ancient and noble sport of target archery at a location near you! Ideal for birthday parties, hen…
1 - 2 hours
8 yrs min age
archery and axe throwing targets
Our exciting archery and axe-throwing experience will leave you buzzing. You’ll learn how to hit the target, then have…
2 hours
10 yrs min age
3 archery targets lined up with lots of arrows sticking in them
This archery session takes place at the Forest Holidays retreat at Ardgartan, it’s the perfect group fun activity for…
1 hour
8 yrs min age
children lining up to do archery
Our archery sessions are the perfect group activity for all the family and is fun for kids and big-kids…
1hr 15mins
8 yrs min age
Man about to shoot arrow with bow at archery targets
Why not come and try the ancient and noble pastime of archery in this spectacular setting on the banks…
1 hour
8 yrs min age
archery targets lined up
This archery session takes place at the Forest Holidays retreat at Strathyre. It’s the perfect group fun activity for…
1 hour
8 yrs min age
person pulling axe from axe throwing target.
Prepare for an axe-ceptional adventure like no other with our thrilling axe-throwing session!
1 - 2 hours
10 yrs min age
throwing axes at target
Axe throwing is the perfect activity to test your strength and accuracy against family and friends.  It’s fun, competitive,…
45 minutes
10 yrs min age
A man lines up to throw axes at targets during an axe-throwing activity session
Lose yourself in the wilderness spirit with the heart-pounding thrill of axe-throwing in the Cairngorms National Park.  Channel your…
1 hour
10 yrs min age
axes on axe throwing target
Lose yourself in wilderness spirit with the heart-pounding thrill of axe-throwing on the shores of Loch Tay.  Channel your…
45 mins.
10 yrs min age
Some youths line up to throw axes at targets during an axe-throwing activity session
Axe throwing is the perfect activity to test your skills against family or friends. It’s fun, competitive, addictive and…
45 mins
10 yrs min age
a person riding a mountain bike on a forest trail with the sun low in the back ground resulting in a silhouette
Mountain Bike, e-Mountain Bike, Child seats, Trailers and Tagalongs for hire in Aviemore
Half-Day, Full-Day, Multi-Day
5 yrs min age
A man Mountain biking in scottish wilderness
Mountain biking over hills, through glens and forests you’ll find trails, tracks and bike centres, surrounded by some of…
From 2 to 5 hours
5 yrs min age
Man stopping his bike to look back towards camera
Aviemore has endless off-road opportunities.  We can tailor a route to suit your group, whether that’s for a relatively…
Up to 5hrs
10 yrs min age
2 people diding mountain bikes on a forest track on a sunny day
With a variety of fun local trails within easy driving distance of Inverness, we can tailor a route to…
Up to 5hrs
10 yrs min age
4 person Pebble power boat for hire at loch tay highland lodges
Pebble boats have a small 4hp outboard engine and are tiller-steered from the engine itself, with a maximum carrying capacity…
9:00AM - 4:00PM
5 yrs min age
In Your Element
Loch Cruisers have 10hp engines, a maximum capacity of 6 people, and a steering console at the cabin, so…
9:00AM - 4:00PM
5 yrs min age
In Your Element Adventure Activities
Our bushcraft skills experiences will introduce you to some essential skills of bushcraft and survival, teaching you how to…
From 2 to 5 hours
6 yrs min age
2 people diding mountain bikes on a forest track on a sunny day
Explore awesome off-road bike trails with experienced local guides taking in the grandeur of the Cairngorms, on terrain chosen…
<6.5 hours
16 yrs min age
Canoeing on scottish loch
This is a truly idyllic 2.5-hour canoe experience in one of the most picturesque paddling areas in the Highlands…
2.5 hours
5 yrs min age
2 people having fun canoeing on a calm scottish loch
Explore the jewel in the crown of Loch Lomond – its historic islands by Canadian canoe and on foot.
2.5 hours
7 yrs min age
A family group canoeing on a scottish loch on a sunny day
This fun, flat-water canoeing session takes place on the picturesque Loch Long, a wonderful sea loch in the Argyll…
1.5 hours
5 yrs min age
People having fun canoeing on a calm scottish loch
A family-friendly canoeing session on picturesque Loch Lubnaig, in the heart of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
1.5 hours
5 yrs min age
A young boy at front of a canoe on a gentle canoe journey on a scottish loch
Our Loch Ness canoe taster tour is ideal for those who are short of time, or perhaps have younger…
1 hour
5 yrs min age
Canoeing on Loch Tay
Explore the beautiful, southern end of world-famous Loch Ness in the company of a fully qualified canoe guide.
2.5 hours
7 yrs min age
people in 2 canoes, canoeing on a scottish loch with forests and mountains in the background
Experience the stunning panoramic views Loch Tay has to offer, learn about its history and see its amazing wildlife,…
1.5 hours
5 yrs min age
Group canoeing the great glen canoe trail
Explore the River Lochay & Loch Tay, spot the local wildlife & stop on secluded beaches for a snack…
2.5 hours
7 yrs min age
2 people canoeing on a gentle stretch of river as part of a canoe expedition
From Aviemore, you’ll be guided downriver towards the village of Boat of Garten with small rapids to keep you…
Approx. 4 hours
7 yrs min age
People Canoeing in the Aigaas Gorge on the River Beauly near inverness
The River Beauly is a bit of a hidden gem near Inverness through lovely countryside with the end of…
Approx. 3-4 hours
10 yrs min age
2 men canoeing river rapids
A guided canoe journey on the most exciting stretch of the awesome River Spey including lots of rapids on…
5 hours
14 yrs min age
canoeing on a loch
A wonderful canoe tour on picturesque Loch an Eilein near Aviemore, a truly magical place right at the heart…
1.5 hours
5 yrs min age
group of people canoeing
Canoeing is something that everyone should try at some point! With so many amazing locations to explore in Scotland,…
From 2 to 5 hours
5 yrs min age
coasteering - jumping off cliff into the sea
Swim, climb and jump. Repeat. With something for everyone the west coast really is the best place for this…
2.5 hours
8 yrs min age
Natalie Miller, Gorge walking
An awesome river gorge that fits in a lot of fun!  This venue offers more challenging version of gorge…
1.5 - 2 hours depending on group size
12 yrs min age
school and youth group outdoor activities
A fantastic introduction to the joys of gorge scrambling, that is suitable for all the family in a wonderful…
3 hours
6 yrs min age
girl sitting at the top of a small waterfall smiling
Enjoy scrambling rocks, plunging into beautiful clear highland pools, and sit under fresh waterfalls what’s not to like about…
2 hours
8 yrs min age
gorge walking - sitting in a waterfall
Enjoy an exhilarating couple of hours scrambling, climbing, swimming, and enjoying multiple BIG jumps into deep pools in a…
2 hours
14 yrs min age
Gorge walking Truim Gorge
Truim Falls near Aviemore, is a great option for all sorts of groups because we can tailor the experience…
2 hours
12 yrs min age
Gorge walking - Jumping and sliding off a waterfall
An awesome gorge near Inverness that offers both family-friendly and more challenging gorge walking adventures with wetsuits, buoyancy aids…
2.5 hours
7 yrs min age
In Your Element Adventure Activities
Our most challenging gorge walking venue. Everything is bigger, from the jumps and slides to the waterfalls and water-chutes. …
2.5-3 hours
14 yrs min age
a female wiht big smile on her face making a big jump of a rock into the water while gorge walking in a highland glen.
Enjoy an exhilarating adventure scrambling, climbing, swimming and enjoying jumps and slides into deep pools in a fantastic location. 
2.5 hours
14 yrs min age
A group of people scrable through a river gorge while on a gorge walking experience
This is a fantastic gorge walking experience on the shores of Loch Lomond, suitable for ages 8+.  Wicked fun…
2 hours 45 mins
8 yrs min age
girl gorge walking in a small river
A great introduction to the joys of gorge walking.  This gorge is family-friendly but still lots of fun.
2 hours
6 yrs min age
canoe camping loch ness at night
A fabulous Great Glen Canoe Trail adventure, travelling by Canadian canoe across Scotland from Fort William on the West…
5 days
13 yrs min age
Glen Affric on a sunny winters day, with frost and blue skies
Experience the raw power of nature as you traverse ancient trails, surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil…
6 hours
12 yrs min age
Winter Walk late afternoon with the sun low in the sky
Explore the enchanting Reelig Glen & Cabrich hill forts on an unforgettable walking tour that will immerse you in…
6 hours
12 yrs min age
walking group in the mountains waving at camera
Guided walks exploring Scotland’s wonderfully wild forests, hills, lochs and rivers, tailored to your group.
From 1 to 6 hours
12 yrs min age
Group of women doing tug of war in the snow, with snowy hills in the background.
A fun-filled, laid-back outdoor event with a Scottish twist – our Highland Games events are always fun.
1.5 to 2 hours
6 yrs min age
sea kayaking past castle tioram, loch moidart
If you haven’t been lucky enough to kayak on the West Coast of Scotland, this is for you. Practice…
4 days, 3 nights
16 yrs min age
a person riding a mountain bike on a forest trail with the sun low in the back ground resulting in a silhouette
Explore awesome off-road bike trails around Inverness & Loch Ness, on trails suited to your group’s riding ability using…
<6.5 hours
16 yrs min age
a line of twin-hulled katakanus on the water ready to be used.
A lovely way to explore Loch Tay independently with friends and family.
3 hours
yrs min age
the legs of someone paddle boarding on a sunny. you can't see the person above their knees.
Quickly becoming the fastest growing paddlesport in the UK, Stand Up Paddleboarding is must try activity!
From 1.5 - 3 hours
12 yrs min age
photo of someone paddle boarding with SUP deck in foreground
This is your chance to experience one of the UK’s fastest growing sports in one of the most scenic…
1.5 hours
12 yrs min age
young boy paddleboarding on a calm loch
Have fun learning standup paddleboarding on lovely Loch Lubnaig under the watchful eye of our experienced instructor.
1 hour
12 yrs min age
kneeling on a paddle board
Experience the UK’s fastest-growing watersport in one of the most scenic Scottish venues. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner,…
1.5 hours
12 yrs min age
2 people in a canoe riding through rapids on the river spey
A fantastic descent of the majestic River Spey by canoe over 3, 4 or 5 days.  One of the…
3 to 5 days
13 yrs min age
person smiling as they rock climb
In Your Element rock climbing sessions are tailored to suit the group’s needs, from introductory coaching to developing technique…
2 to 2.5 hrs
8 yrs min age
Sea kayaking under a rainbow, west coast scotland
Sea kayaking at awesome Scottish coastal locations for novices to find their feet, or perhaps more exposed sea conditions…
From 2 hrs to multi-day
14 yrs min age
walking group in the mountains waving at camera
An extraordinary journey taking you from over 1200m above sea level and then down the River Spey by canoe…
4 days, 3 nights
18 yrs min age
happy smiling girl hanign from zipline rope at treezone
A 100-metre zip-line, balance beams, hanging platforms, tight-ropes, scramble nets, white knuckle bridges & gap jumps.
1.5 hours
8 yrs min age
weaselling near loch ness
Weaseling is a family-friendly, group activity.  It is varied and challenging and includes a journey of adventure through a…
2.5 hours
8 yrs min age
white water river sledging
Negotiate strong currents, waterfalls & rapids, & surf waves in a heart-racing session finishing with an awesome rapid under…
3 hrs
14 yrs min age