Eight great outdoors activities for families

Segway safaris

Segways are two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicles that are a lot easier to master than they look. They are the perfect mode of transport for exploring the trails of the Park and are ideal for adults and older children (there’s a minimum weight restriction of just over 7st).

Because a Segway is super-quiet you might also spot wildlife as you drive your 2X2 vehicle on quiet routes and tracks, such as around the shores of Loch Lomond.

See In Your Element and Castle Rednock Trekking Centre.

Double paddle

Canadian canoes are a great way to enjoy time outdoors as a family. With mum or dad at the back of the boat powering and steering the boat and a child at the front, groups of all ages can enjoy many hours of paddling fun.

You may wish to try a taster session first or to hire a canoe and stick to the more sheltered edges of a waterway, such as Loch Lomond, near Balloch, or Lubnaig, just south of Strathyre.

Other picturesque locations for a spot of paddling include Loch Drunkie, Loch Achray, Loch Ard and Loch Katrine at the Stronachlachar end.

See Loch Ard Adventure Centre and In Your Element. Hire canoes and kayaks at Killin Outdoor Centre or Portnellan Farm.

Stand up on water

SUPs – Stand Up Paddleboarding – is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in Scotland and it’s no wonder. From your position, standing up and paddling a large and stable board, you are afforded an amazing view of the clear water below and of unique, highly localised scenery.

SUPs are for adults and older children and take only about 10 minutes to learn the basics of balance, standing up and gently propelling yourself along the water’s surface. Once you have got the hang of it, SUPs are the perfect way to explore sheltered lochs and rivers.

See Loch Lomond Wake Board, Wilderness SUP or Portnellan Farm.

Monkey fun

The Park is home to Go Ape at Aberfoyle and the new TreeZone Loch Lomond. You can enjoy climbing, walking, swinging and jumping about like a monkey! (for 7 years and up)

Wake surfing

A new activity for Loch Lomond, wake surfing offers an easier way to surf. You don’t need natural waves and you don’t even need to be at the coast. Instead, special boats are fitted with a system that makes a surf wake behind the boat so participants can surf all day without worrying about the weather, or struggling to catch waves and stand up.

See this video and try wake surfing at Loch Lomond Wake Board.

Sail and cycle

Another wonderful water-borne adventure, especially for families, is exploring the National Park by boat and bike. We have plenty of itineraries combining sailing and cycling – check them out here!

You can take your own bikes or hire ones within the park.

Off-road bike skills

Practise your bike skills at Aberfoyle Bike Park on the wonderfully named Rabbit Hill. At Queen Elizabeth Forest Park there’s a network of waymarked mountain biking trails to explore.