If you’re dreaming of a family break in Scotland where parents can actually relax and kids can run free, Crieff Hydro in Perthshire is the place. Tucked in the lush Strathearn Valley, this family resort has been welcoming guests for over 150 years — and it really knows what families need. Think comfy lodges, free childcare, endless outdoor space, and enough activities to fill a week (without you having to plan every minute).
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
Best for: Families with babies, toddlers, and young kids
Top features: Free daily childcare, indoor pool, lodges, outdoor activities, on-site restaurants
Ideal stay: 3–5 nights
Why Families Love Crieff Hydro
Crieff Hydro is designed with families in mind, which makes life so much simpler when travelling with small children. Everything you need is right there on-site, so there’s no stress about planning every detail or finding entertainment for the kids.
1. Free Daily Childcare (Yes, Really!)
One of the biggest family perks is two hours of complimentary childcare every day for children aged 2 and above. Little ones enjoy crafts, games, and outdoor fun while parents sneak off for a quiet coffee, a swim, or even a spa session. It’s guilt-free time for everyone.
2. Endless Family Activities
Set within 900 acres of Scottish countryside, there’s something here for every age and energy level. You’ll find:
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A large indoor pool with family swim times
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Outdoor adventure playgrounds
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Pony rides and animal experiences
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Bike hire and scenic woodland trails
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Mini golf, tennis, and archery
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A cosy cinema showing family films
Whether it’s splashing, climbing, or relaxing, kids will burn off plenty of energy — and you’ll actually enjoy it too.
3. Spacious, Family-Friendly Rooms
Crieff Hydro offers a fantastic range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms and cosy cottages to self-catered lodges — so there’s something to suit every family.
We opted for one of the self-catered lodges, and it was absolutely perfect for us. The lodge was huge, giving us plenty of space to spread out, and it came with a well-equipped kitchen so we could cook our own meals and stick to routines that work best with small children. Being able to have relaxed dinners and slow mornings without rushing to a restaurant was a game-changer.
The lodges are also beautifully located, close to the resort’s outdoor activities and surrounded by gorgeous views — a lovely base for exploring both the hotel facilities and the countryside beyond.
4. Dining Made Simple
Family mealtimes can be stressful on holiday, but Crieff Hydro makes it easy. There are several on-site restaurants offering child-friendly menus, flexible dining times, and plenty of high chairs. There’s even the option for early kids’ teas, perfect for little ones with earlier bedtimes.
What We Loved Most
For us, the highlight of Crieff Hydro was staying in one of the self-catered lodges — it was huge, beautifully equipped, and gave us the flexibility we love when travelling with two small children. Having plenty of space made such a difference, and being able to cook our own meals in a relaxed setting worked perfectly for us.
The location of our lodge couldn’t have been better — it was right by many of the outdoor activities, so we could easily wander out for a play, explore the grounds, or take in the wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.
Another bonus of Crieff Hydro’s setting is its proximity to the Trossachs National Park. We took the chance to venture out and enjoyed an amazing family-friendly hike nearby — the perfect balance between making the most of the resort and exploring Scotland’s stunning scenery beyond.
Tips for Visiting Crieff Hydro with Kids
Absolutely. Crieff Hydro is one of those rare places that truly balances family fun and parent sanity. It’s a spot where you can sip your coffee in peace and watch your kids have the time of their lives — and really, isn’t that the dream?
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Book activities early: Popular sessions like pony rides and crafts fill up quickly.
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Use the free childcare: Those two hours a day are a game-changer!
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Pack wellies and waterproofs: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, and there’s so much to explore outdoors.
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Consider a lodge stay: If you’re travelling with younger children, having your own space can make life easier.
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely. Crieff Hydro is one of those rare places that truly balances family fun and parent sanity. It’s a spot where you can sip your coffee in peace and watch your kids have the time of their lives — and really, isn’t that the dream?
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