10 wet day adventures for families in the Cairngorms
We’ll be honest — it’s the rain that keeps the Cairngorms so lush and green. But a few drops (or even a downpour) don’t have to dampen your holiday. Around Fraoch Lodge, there are plenty of brilliant ways to make the most of a wet day — whether your little ones are puddle jumpers, wildlife lovers, or budding historians.
Here are ten of our favourite rainy-day family adventures, all within easy reach of Fraoch Lodge.
NB Not all activities are available all year round. For example, the Folk Museum is closed after the end of October until Easter and Ballindalloch Castle is also closed over the winter, so you may need to think a little harder about where to go if you’re here during wet spells in the autumn BUT if you’re kids are into bikes or skateboards there are always options for them if they are well wrapped up.
1. Meet the Reindeer
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore
Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd lives right here in the Cairngorms, less than 30 minutes from Fraoch Lodge. On a guided walk, you can get up close, feed, and even stroke these gentle creatures — a truly magical experience for children.
If you’d rather stay dry, the Reindeer Centre itself has indoor displays about reindeer life, a small museum, and hands-on exhibits (including soft reindeer fur to touch). You can also adopt a reindeer — a fun souvenir that supports the herd.
A visit to the reindeer really comes into its own in November and December – it can almost be a cheap replacement for flying to see Santa in Finland! Maybe not quite the full experience, but at least you get to learn all about the reindeer and even get up close and personal with them. If you’re in the area at Christmas, the reindeer do star in the Christmas parades in Grantown and Aviemore.
2. Highland Wildlife Park
Kincraig
A guaranteed family favourite — and home to the UK’s only polar bears! The Highland Wildlife Park combines a drive-through safari with walk-around enclosures featuring tigers, wolves, and native Highland species like wildcats and red deer.
Don’t miss the Land Rover tours — the rangers’ stories and behind-the-scenes insights bring the park to life, even if it’s pouring outside.
3. Step Back in Time at the Highland Folk Museum
Newtonmore
This open-air museum is a fascinating (and surprisingly fun) day out, with an indoor schoolroom, traditional games, and a fully reconstructed 1700s township where costumed guides demonstrate daily life — from porridge-making to weaving.
There’s also a great play area and picnic spot for when the rain clears. History has never felt so hands-on!
(Outlander fans may recognise parts of the museum from the series!)
4. Ballindalloch Castle & Play Area
Ballindalloch
A true Highland gem, Ballindalloch Castle is less than 30 minutes from Fraoch Lodge. Families love it for the expansive gardens, beautiful floral displays, and — most importantly — the excellent play area with mini tractors, diggers, and go-karts.
When the rain eases, explore the castle grounds; when it pours, retreat inside to admire the grand interiors and family portraits.
5. Soft Play Fun
Aviemore
Sometimes, little ones just need to let off steam indoors. Both the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and the Coylumbridge Hotel Fun House have soft play areas ideal for younger children (up to around 8 years old). Parents can relax with a coffee while the kids climb, crawl, and giggle their way through the morning.
6. Go for a Swim
Aviemore or Grantown-on-Spey
When it’s too wet for the hills, the pool is a perfect fallback. The Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers a 25m pool with wave machine and slide — a sure-fire hit with kids. Alternatively, the Grantown pool has family-friendly sessions at weekends.
Tip: Bring snacks and towels, and make a day of it with the nearby playgrounds and cafes.
7. Puddle Jumping Adventures
No need to overthink this one! With waterproofs and wellies, puddles become playgrounds. There are plenty of woodland trails right behind Fraoch Lodge where the puddles are perfect for splashing. It’s a simple pleasure that often ends up being the day’s highlight for little explorers.
8. Paint Your Own Pottery
Smarty Art, Grantown or Aviemore
A creative indoor treat for rainy days. At Smarty Art, children can choose from a range of pottery pieces — from penguins to mugs — and decorate them however they like. Staff are wonderfully patient and happy to help, and parents might even enjoy painting their own keepsake.
Alternatively, for kids aged 5+, we can book you into a pottery-throwing session at Loch an Eilein on Thursdays — just ask at Fraoch Lodge.
9. Duck Feeding
Boat of Garten, Loch Garten or Loch Morlich
Stay close to home and make a morning of it, Milton Lochan is perfect for feeding ducks or trying a bit of geocaching (a GPS-based treasure hunt).
The little ones will be happily entertained — and you’ll discover some of Boat of Garten’s hidden corners.
10. Coastal Escape – Findhorn Beach & The Kimberley Inn
Findhorn, Moray Coast
If you’re up for a short drive (under an hour), the Moray Coast often enjoys drier weather. Findhorn Beach offers endless sand and fresh sea air, while parents can warm up with seafood and local ale at the Kimberley Inn.
Bring spare clothes — no matter what you plan, kids will find a way to get sandy and wet!
Autumn additions –
For active kids there is always the pump track here in Boat of Garten, almost directly behind Fraoch Lodge. We know the kids will still get wet, but if you pop in to the Osprey Cafe they have plenty of cake, soup and hot drinks to warm you up while you dry off and there’s a kids corner which will keep the wee ones happy while you sip your drinks.
Rain or Shine, You’ll Be Busy Here
Not every item on this list fits neatly into one day — and that’s part of the fun. From castles to crafts, reindeer to rainy rambles, there’s always something new to try from your base at Fraoch Lodge.
Keep an eye on our blog for day trip itineraries and insider tips to help you make the most of every moment — whatever the weather.