Children's Activities
If it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't.
Tweedledee, in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass
Outdoor Activities
Children enjoy playing on our site where, in summer, the gently flowing River Earn provides scope for imaginative fun, and is often shallow enough for paddling under adult supervision. There is often the chance to see a wild rabbit, some feral goats graze in a field nearby and red squirrels and ducks are frequent visitors.
In the middle of summer a nearby river has an ideal natural pool for swimming and there is ample room for picnicking. On a sunny day the water is surprisingly warm after descending over a series of rocks where it is warmed by the sun, and the pool is large enough for lilos and fun inflatables. Ask when you arrive, and we'll give you directions.
There are superb family walks near the cabins, up hills, along by waterfalls and rivers or longish flat walks [buggy friendly] and plenty of places for picnics .MacRosty Park in Crieff combines pleasant riverside walking with a choice of children's play areas, putting, tennis and trampolines.
Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre(external link) situated about 5 miles from the cabins, includes a falconry centre, an adventure playbarn, woodland walks and picnic tables and barbeques. The centre boasts a unique wild bird hatchery where children can handle the fledglings, as well as highland cattle, arctic foxes, wallabies, deer, horses, sheep, squirrels, goats and other animals too numerous to mention. There is a good tearoom where Mum and Dad can enjoy home baking while watching over the extensive play area.
Drummond Safari Park near Stirling (40 minutes away) has lions, tigers chimpanzees, giraffes and provides some interesting insights into wilder wildlife as well as having an excellent play area.
The Scottish Deer Centre(external link) at Cupar [1 hour away] allows children to see the different types of deer, hear all about their lifecycle and feed some of the young calves. There is a playbarn close to the exhibition area and a superb adventure play area reached by a treetop walkway to the middle of the wood (a ground level path which is wheelchair friendly can also take you there). It makes a wonderful day out and is only 20 minutes away from St.Andrews with its beaches, harbour, shops golf courses and Sea Life Centre.
Indoor Activities
Swimming is available in Crieff Recreation Centre (10 miles away), which also has a gymnasium and sports hall and over school holidays has a programme of children's sports activities.
A real aquatic experience can be had at Perth Swimming Pool (30 miles away) where there are 3 different pools, indoor and outdoor swimming areas, flumes, waterfalls, current flows, ripple mats, Jacuzzi, saunas and a health suite. One pool is dedicated to younger children and has slides and playthings to suit.
Perth Ice Rink is sited next door to the swimming pool and as well as ice skating and curling has an indoor bowling rink and restaurant.
For 10 Pin Bowling, a 30 min trip to Stirling takes you to a "Hollywood Bowl" where all the family can have fun. Sausages (liners for the runs) can be supplied for younger players. There is also a large Snooker room and a snack bar.
Or you can visit Noah's Ark Family Entertainment Centre in Perth where a soft play area, 10 pin bowling, single and twin seater go carts, a ceramic studio and - in season - trampolines are available (this is just next to Perth Mart where Mum can shop and Dad can watch the cattle and sheep auctions).
Cinemas are available in Perth and Stirling (each about 40 minutes from Riverside) with modern multiplex facilities - catch up on that blockbuster that your busy schedule has not permitted you to see!
Sea Life Centres at Oban, St.Andrews or North Queensferry have areas where you can handle fish and walk along or through deep tanks containing an enormous variety of fish.
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