Places to go in Aberdeen with a 7 year old!

[Tangledmother]

My DH is working in Aberdeen at the moment and myself and my 7 year old wee girl are going over for a long weekend in February. I was wondering if there is a good complex with soft play/ bowling etc there? I know there's cinemas but I would like an activity centre or swimming pool or sny suitable theatres for us to visit.... we will have a car and can go outside the city aswell if there's places near... thank you

This is really good aberdeensciencecentre.org

Codonas at the beach is a small amusement park with rides, go carting and mini golf. There is bowling inside (or next door - not 100% sure it’s the same place but I think it is).

Oh and it has a large soft play/cafe area inside. It’s not far from the science centre.

www.codonas.com

Came on to say the science centre. Just been fully redone. It’s really good. Perfect for a 7yr old.

If you have access to a car most of the soft play centres are on the outskirts of the city, Den & the Glen, Hoodles, Wynford Farm. Might be a bit “young” for a 7 year old though. Definitely recommend the Science Centre, it’s fab! Codonas is fine but can get very pricey

There is a cinema 5 minute walk away (also a swimming pool but I am pretty sure it’s closed at the moment).

If you get a reasonable weather day, drive down to Stonehaven. Visit Dunnotar Castle, there's an outdoor swimming pool with a fantastic play park next to it, then The Bay for fish and chips afterwards. The seafront at Stonehaven is good for a brisk winter walk too.

Jump in

Innoflate

Wynford farm

As above Stonehaven too but don't forget a trip to Auntie Betty's, the most amazing icecream shop ever. Its on the sea front beside the bay chipper

Science Centre definitely, it’s great. I’ve 6 year old twins and no way would I take them to Dunnottar castle it’s really not a place for kids with all the cliffs in my opinion. Stonehaven is lovely but weather dependent much like anywhere outdoors in Feb.
there’s also a good adventure playground at crathes castle which is national trust but you can pay at the entrance just for the playground if not a member.

Not sure if this is what you’re looking for but Aberdeen Art Gallery is great for kids. There’s also Provost Skene’s House for a bit of history, and the maritime museum is good- all 3 in the city centre. Provost Skene’s is right next to the Mackie’s ice cream shop cafe! Duthie Park has good slides etc

If you feel more outdoorsy head up Deeside to Aboyne/Cambus/Ballater where there are plenty of child friendly walks and cafes to choose from.

The beach leisure pool is closed now in Aberdeen it was the big one with flumes and waves etc. There are smaller regular swimming pools open but nothing on that scale now. You would get information from the Aberdeen City Council website. Duthie Park is indeed a lovely park if you happen to get decent weather it also has the winter gardens (fancy greenhouse complex but very pretty people can get married there) which will pass a cold weather hour it has a nice cafe McPuddick the frog a mechanical frog that pops out of a pond and Spike the talking cactus ( only on certain days). The beach area has Codonas as PP’s have said restricted opening in Feb but if it’s mid term it may be open more, fun fair, soft play, ten pin bowling and Pirate mini golf. The science centre is also at the beach area. Also Innoflate a large inflatables place and Transition Extreme a skate park and climbing wall place are both in the beach area. Aberdeen beach is lovely but you need to wrap up warm. Else where in Aberdeen City are Jump In a big trampoline place and if you are looking for somewhere free The Maritime Museum, The Art Gallery, provost Skene’s house are all free and in the city centre. Loads of castles around the area but restricted opening times in February also if you fancy a wee drive out of the city and like the Royal Family there is Royal Deeside out along the River Dee to Crathes ( where they go to church)and out to Balmoral Castle ( I guess that’s probably not open in Feb though). If you go to Aberdeen again in the summer there will be a lot more on and open.

These are terrific suggestions! Thank you all so much...we will probably go back over some time during the summer months aswell and I'm going to go over for a weekend child free in April so no doubt I'll be back here asking all you knowledgeable people for restaurant recommendations! Thanks again, my husband hasn't found the golf courses yet but rest assured it's coming..... my little one will be delighted with these suggestions..

Zoology museum at old aberdeen and botanical gardens next door. Old Aberdeen is interesting to look round (University of Aberdeen) and you can pop into St Machar Cathedral before going to Seaton Park. Best on a nice day.

Aberdeen art gallery after the recent refurb I would say is THE BEST art gallery for kids. Far better than any in London, Edinburgh or Glasgow.