Child Friendly Things to See and Do on Islay

Enjoy capturing the magic of an island childhood. There are so many exciting ‘child friendly’ things to see and do on the beautiful Hebridean Isle of Islay.

Enjoy escaping from the digital world of mobile phones laptops as you ‘switch off’ and indulge in some fabulous island adventures with your ‘small clan’.

Activities For Children on Islay

The island hosts lots of child friendly fun for families to enjoy. From Easter Egg Hunts, to Rock Pooling in a guided group, Sports Days to Ceilidhs, there’s plenty of events to participate in throughout the year.

Keep an eye on our Calendar of Things to See and Do which is updated throughout the season as the adventures unfold. You are sure to find loads of child friendly activities to enjoy. Or read our Family Days Out on Islay blog

Arty Adventures

Check out our Pottery at Persabus. Enjoy an afternoon painting on ceramics, before we glaze and fire them for you in one of kilns. We will guide you through some techniques in a mini workshop before we let you loose in our wee Creative Studio for some arty adventures.

Swimming on Islay

Who doesn’t love a dip in the ocean? Along the shores of Lochindaal there are plenty of sandy bays where you can enjoy paddling and swimming, crabbing and rock pooling. Sheltered from the dangerous tidal currents that surround most of Islay. Whilst a lot of Islay’s coastline is dangerous for swimming, look out for the magnificent natural pools in the rocks when the tide is out. These offer a great alternative for a refreshing dip in the soothing salty waters.

The MacTaggart Leisure Centre, in Bowmore, offers loads of fun filled activities for children and adults. Check out their inflatable fun sessions, swimming lessons, and adult and toddler hours. Islay’s swimming pool is a beautiful haven to enjoy.

Go Wild

Explore Islay’s magical wilderness with your young clan. Islay has an amazing ‘natural playground’ for the young, and young at heart.

From the epic sand dunes of Machir Bay to Saligo’s craggy rocks. Children absolutely love exploring Islay’s beaches. Clambering over the rocks, gathering shells and driftwood, building dams across the burns, creating sand sculptures, and castles, suddenly the possibilities are endless. Even on wild and windy days it’s possible to find a sheltered corner and enjoy a few hours simply exploring the textures, colours, and nature of this wonderful island.

Enjoy the maze of tracks and paths through Islay’s woodlands. Dunlossit woods near Port Askaig, and Bridgend woods, both offer idyllic walks, along river banks and lochs. Gather twigs, sticks and leaves, and create tiny makeshift rafts and boats to float under the bridge over the River Sorn.

Child Friendly Places to Eat on Islay

You and your family will get a warm welcome wherever you choose to dine on Islay.

Our favourites for young people include Peatzeria in Bowmore, a fabulous pizza restaurant for all the family. Enjoy beach side dining, or head indoors up to their mezzanine level. Indulge in delicious Italian ices, and cocktails for the older clan!

Flossie’s Kitchen at Port Mor, Port Charlotte, is filled with fabulous home baking, as well as soups, paninis and more. There’s an amazing adventure playpark for youngsters to enjoy, and a large football pitch, what’s not to love?

Looking for holiday sweet treats? Who doesn’t love a huge selection of traditional old fashioned sweets and treats? Pop along to Labels in Bowmore. A fabulous bespoke coffee shop with an amazing ‘pick n’ mix’ selection. A fantastic treat for the young, and young at heart.

Stay

Our farm accommodation at Persabus offers the ideal setting for family friendly holidays. Persabus is a working farm so you can enjoy watching as the animals are fed. From horses, to sheep, highland cows, cats, and our dog Tiggy, enjoy meeting the clan.

Stay in one of our cosy cottages on a bed and breakfast or self-catering basis.

Persabus offers the perfect retreat, when at the end of the day, a day filled with family fun and adventures, you can enjoy taking in the beautiful sunsets or head along the track for an evening stroll.

A warm welcome awaits.