Stirling with a toddler

[BumbleBeeBear]

We're going on holiday to Scotland this summer with our 2 year old. The nearest town will be Stirling. We are planning a day trip to the safari park but beyond that, not many ideas! Can anyone offer any suggestions? We will have a car and are happy to do a bit of a drive if needed.
Thanks x

I guess it depends on the weather. Lots of parks (King's park is the biggest, but also causweyhead or laighills in Dunblane are decent) and also Briarlands farm next to the safari park. There used to be a decent sized softplay if it's wet. The grounds up at the uni are nice for feeding the ducks and swans. It's been a while since I had toddlers so I'm probably forgetting lots of things. I'll put my thinking cap on.

Stirling is a city btw - albeit a not very big one.

Our almost 3 year old loves the castle!! We've been a few times, he loves hunting for dragons round the walls.

Is there anything that the adults are interested in OP? Might be able to kill 2 birds with one stone?

Boat trip on Loch Katrine? Nice Park in Callander with ducks etc too.

Lots of nice walks in the area, some buggy friendly and could time with nap time?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/uk/4288014-Things-to-do-in-Scotland-with-toddler

The soft play which was at Bearheart Castle is now a role play called kidz town. Great for a rainy day but need to book in advance

www.kidztownroleplay.com/

Another vote for Briarlands which is right next to the Safari Park, it lovely.

Go and visit the Falkirk Wheel - the Wheel itself is interesting for the adults and there are things for toddlers including a great play park (used to be the Irn Bru park but that might have changed)

www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/plan-your-visit/activities-at-the-falkirk-wheel/

Stirling Castle had a good bit for children with dress up and musical instruments etc. Not sure what the deal with covid is, if you can still do that stuff. It can be expensive though (kids are free atm), if you doing more than one Historic Scotland attraction it might be worth buying the 3 or 5 day pass if they're still doing them.

There's a good playpark at the foot of Wallace Monument. Also King's Park in Stirling if the weather is OK.

Brairlands farm next to the safari park is good and Dobbies along the road do a good kids afternoon tea which is a nice treat.

Big swimming pool at the Peak leisure centre and there's ice skating there too, kids get double blades skates a little penguin thing to push round.

The Kelpies? Not sure how much is there for wee ones but good for a stroll around.

Thanks everyone, loads of lovely ideas to keep us busy.

@ElephantOfRisk Adults are happy to go with the flow. Enjoy walks, animals, a bit of history, quite easy to please really!

(I only realised it was a city after I posted, was hoping no one would notice my ignorance 😳)

Ah don't worry, at least you didn't call it Sterling...

Should be plenty to do and see, but remember we are still in the mandatory mask situation and still lots has to be prebooked. If you like heights and toddler isn't too heavy you can go up the Wallace Monument or walk up the local hill Dumyat - there is a car park a bit up it so not as far to walk, I suppose it depends on whether your toddler is just 2 or heading for 3. My two walked it up at age 2 and 3 quite regularly but they were closer to 3 and 4 I think.

Halfway up.

Alpaca trekking! m.facebook.com/flandersmossalpacas/

If you have a car then Helix Park is a great play park, take a scooter or balance bike as well. As others have said Stirling castle is fun although for a just 2yr old you would have to carry them a bit as there's quite a few staircases. Blair Drummond and Briarlands farm are both a full day visit and very well organised. Callander House is nice. The Dunsmore Pineapple is near Airth and great for a picnic

We did alpaca trekking, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, the Kelpies

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre near Comrie is great for little ones. Lots of animals, feeding and handling sessions, outdoor play equipment, indoor play barn/soft play and a cafe with lovely views.

Wellsfield farm which is a big outdoor play area, soft play and the kids can also take a pony ride too

Our two loved Stirling Castle at ages 2 and 3. We then must've had a bang on the head as we carried them to the top of the Wallace Monument (and back down again!). That was an experience! Cracking view, mind you.

Wellsfield park is closed at the moment unfortunately.

Briarlands is fantastic for toddlers and we’ve had great days out at the castle. Kings Park is great but very busy these days. Kelpies is great - kids are fascinated by it and there’s a fab play park.