With the summer holidays in full swing, it's the ideal time to start polishing up on ideas for days out to entertain the family, especially as the warmer weather arrives.
Heading outdoors is not only ideal for capatilising on the good weather but with the threat of covid still in place, it's also a lot safer.
Thankfully, Scotland has an abundance of excellent wildlife centres, zoos and petting farms that are ideal for helping curious children learn more about the natural world around them.
From getting up and close with farm animals to learning more about exotic species, here are some of the best petting farms and zoos to check out to keep the kids happy over summer.
LOVE Gorgie Farm, Edinburgh
This welcoming urban farm can be found right in the heart of the capital and is free for visitors.
You don’t need to book in advance, but the staff will be monitoring numbers in line with their space and capacity and government guidelines on social distancing.
You'll find plenty of cute animals, a playpark, and even the chance to enjoy fun events like alpaca trekking.
Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
This unique wildlife park near Kingussie is a great place for wee ones to discover some incredible they won't be able to see anywhere else.
Recently three rare Amur tiger cubs were born at the park, while other residents like elusive snow leopards, cuddly polar bears and fascinating wolverines are all sure to wow.
The park is also home to Scotland's rarest native creature, the Scottish Wildcat and you can learn all about plans to save this endangered species.
Five Sisters Zoo, West Lothian
Recent arrival Rufio is the star attraction here, you can view him in his specially built enclosure.
What was originally just a garden centre with a small collection of rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, and pigs, has grown into one of Scotland's top zoos, which offers homes to animals rescued following lives performing in travelling circuses.
Now home to over 180 different species, there are daily keeper talks, lemur feeds, animal encounters, and a large outdoor play.
SEALIFE, Loch Lomond
Found at the picturesque Loch Lomond Shores, which is a fun day out in its own right, SEALIFE offers all the fun of a top aquarium with over 1500 species of underwater creatures waiting to be discovered.
Featuring interactive Rockpool Experiences, a Tropical Ocean Tunnel and of course, their cheeky Asian Short Clawed otter trio named Lily, Pickle and Cub, it's a magical way to discover a whole new variety of wildlife.
Scottish Deer Centre
Though their 12 species of deer are the stars of the show, with reindeer, sika deer and the enigmatic Reeves Muntjac Deer just some of the herds you'll find, the centre is also home to many other exciting creatures.
You'll find animals long lost from the Scottish countryside including the Lynx and the European Brown Bear as well as a wonderful array of Birds of Prey at their Raptor Centre.
If that's not enough to keep even the fussiest kid enrapt, then there's also a treetop walk and go-kart track for an added element of fun.
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