Top things to do on the Isle of Skye: a family road trip through Scotland

The Isle of Skye was one of our favorite stops during our Scotland road trip with kids this summer. It has everything that makes a destination magical for families: dramatic landscapes, easy hikes, waterfalls, wildlife, and views that stopped our kids in their tracks.

If you’re planning a Scotland itinerary with kids, here are the things to do on the Isle of Skye!

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Hike the Old Man of Storr in the Isle of Skye

Hiking the Old Man of Storr was the moment our kids still talk about; it turned out to be one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye with kids. We started the hike in the late afternoon, which worked perfectly; long summer days in Scotland with late sunsets are a blessing.

We dressed in layers and wore mosquito nets (a must in summer), and even with a five-year-old, the trail felt completely doable. At both forks on the way up, we kept left, which gave us a more gradual climb and helped the kids keep a steady pace. The trail is steep in spots but manageable, especially when you know you’re heading toward one of the most iconic viewpoints on the Isle of Skye.

The visibility that day was incredible. We got lucky with no rain and no fog, so the views over the hills and coastline were wide open. Before reaching the main viewpoint, we kept seeing bunnies darting across the path and sheep grazing at the top of the hills.

One important note: don’t head downhill too early. Continue all the way to the end of the main trail first, where you’ll get the classic Old Man of Storr photo—the one everyone recognizes. Only after taking in that final viewpoint should you start your descent.

Keep in mind that it took us about 2,5 hours to walk up the Old Man of Storr and back with the kids.

Explore Portree, Scotland

A small town of Portree in the Isle of Skye was the perfect home base for our family. We stayed in an Airbnb just a short walk from the harbor. It absolutely made it easy to explore the little downtown area and take that classic photo of the colorful buildings lined up along the water.

We also took a walk up to the small Apothecary’s Tower for a pretty overlook of the town and harbor, and even saw the Old Man of Storr from far behind, amazing.

Having cafés, bakeries, and several great restaurants in Portree all within walking distance made our days flow easily. Just make sure to book dinners in advance if you’re visiting in summer, and be ready to stand in line for about an hour if you go to a walk-in-only place.

Here is the list of some reccomended by our Airbnb host dining options in Portree and surrounding areas:

For families looking for convenience and charm, Portree is an ideal place to stay on the Isle of Skye.

Stop by Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint, Isle of Skye

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are one of the easiest stops to add to a family-friendly Isle of Skye itinerary. The viewpoint sits just off the main road between Portree and Staffin, with a small parking area and a short walk to the fenced overlook—no hiking required.

When we visited in late July, the waterfall wasn’t very full, but you can still clearly see the stream dropping over the basalt cliffs and into the sea. It was quite windy at the viewpoint, so we didn’t linger long, but the sweeping ocean views were stunning and made the stop completely worth it.

It’s a quick, convenient moment to break up the drive and let the kids enjoy the dramatic landscape before heading on to the next spot.

Visit the Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye

Fairy Glen is a magical spot that works well for families. The tiny hills, rock formations, and grassy “fairy” mounds feel like a natural playground, with wide-open space where kids can roam, climb, and explore. There’s no official trail, so you can wander as much or as little as you like.

Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the day. Even a short visit offers a whimsical experience and makes a great addition to a family-friendly Isle of Skye itinerary.

How long do you need on the Isle of Skye with kids? At least two full days are enough to see the highlights, but three days give you room for a more relaxed family itinerary—especially if you want to include multiple hikes, a castle, and slower afternoons in Portree.

Walk to the Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

The Fairy Pools are one of the most popular things to do on the Isle of Skye with kids, and they were a big hit for our family. Just be prepared for parking—the lot fills up fast, even on weekdays. We had to circle a few times before finding a spot, so arriving early or later in the afternoon definitely helps.

The best part about the Fairy Pools is that the hike is as long as you want it to be. You simply follow the wide gravel path as it winds toward the foothills of the mountains, keeping the cascading waterfalls and natural pools on your left. You can stop at the first few pools or keep going deeper into the valley; it works for all ages and energy levels.

The water is incredibly clear and freezing. We saw a few brave people take a dip, but we were happy just going down to the water’s edge. Our girls spent time splashing and playing on the rocks while we enjoyed the views and took photos.

After exploring the Fairy Pools, we drove a short way to The Oyster Shed by Talisker for some fresh seafood. We enjoyed eating the crabs and fresh oysters straight from the sea—such a treat after a morning of hiking. If you’re interested, you can also make a quick stop at Talisker Distillery nearby.

Visit Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Scotland

For families looking for a break from hiking, Dunvegan Castle is a great option. The castle grounds include beautiful gardens with plenty of space for kids to run around, and wandering the historic castle adds a bit of Scottish history to the day.

Moreover, you can also take a short boat ride to see the resident seal colony, which is always a favorite with children. Even if you don’t spend all day here, it makes a fun addition to a family-friendly Isle of Skye itinerary.

Find dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach, Isle of Skye

If your kids love dinosaurs, An Corran Beach in Staffin is one of the most memorable places to visit on the Isle of Skye with children. This is where you can actually see real dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock along the shoreline, something our girls were genuinely excited about.

We came during low tide, which is the best time to spot the prints, and walked along the dark volcanic sand until we reached the flat rock slabs. It took a few minutes of looking closely, but once you know what to look for, the footprints suddenly become obvious.

The girls kept pointing out shapes and trying to match them to the dinosaur illustrations on the sign near the car park.

If you want to add a little more learning to the visit, you can also stop by the Staffin Museum, which has exhibits on local fossils and dinosaur footprints.

The beach itself is beautiful, with views of the Trotternish peninsula and calm waves that make it easy for kids to explore. The walk down from the parking area is quick, and once you reach the shore, you can take your time searching along the rocks.

Cross the Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skey

We stopped at Sligachan Old Bridge on our way between Portree and the Fairy Pools, and it was such a fun little break for the kids. The stone bridge crosses the Sligachan River, and our girls loved exploring the banks and spotting tiny streams along the rocks.

It was easy to get to, and we spent a few minutes taking photos and letting the kids run around before hopping back in the car to continue our day.

Spot the highland cows

Seeing Highland cows was one of our kids’ missions on this trip, and Skye delivered. We spotted them in fields along the roadside, and it became a fun scavenger hunt during our drives.

While not technically on Skye, we had a great time visiting Highland cows at the Croft Cafe on the mainland. The kids loved petting the cows and taking pictures of calves. It was such a memorable break from driving, plus their cullen skink was amazing!

It’s an easy stop if you’re coming from the mainland or heading toward Skye, and it adds a fun, hands-on experience to a family-friendly Scotland itinerary.

Bottom line

The Isle of Skye is a fantastic destination for families, offering a mix of iconic sights and easy outdoor adventures. From hiking the Old Man of Storr to exploring the Fairy Glen, spotting dinosaur footprints, and enjoying scenic stops along the way, there are so many things to do on the Isle of Skye with kids.

Our children still talk about this part of our Scotland trip, and it’s a place we’d happily return to for even more exploring.