You don`t have to have kids - but these are a few of our boys favourites.
Wild Goat Park: This car park is situated on the Queens Way in the heart of Galloway Forest Park, adjacent to the Wild Goat enclosure. The goats do come up to the fence and they are partial to a sandwich or two, so watch out!
Red Deer Range: Within the GFP, enjoy a guided walk with knowledgeable Wildlife Rangers from June – September, then come back in October for the Roaring Stags event. At that time of the year the stags are looking even more handsome but they have one thing on their mind, and that’s being top Deer!
Cream O Galloway: Nature trail, dog walk, flying fox, adventure playground, organic farm tour, pedal carts, cycle track, picnic area, cafe and best of all - ice cream experience, where you get to sample lots! Open from mid March to end of October, and reasonable entrance charges based on how much you want to do.
Red Kite Trail: The trail is an anticlockwise route of some twenty four miles around Loch Ken (winter) with an additional fourteen miles of forest drive (summer only). Being out on a bike is a great way to spot red kites and for the energetic, it’s a reasonably level route, with cycle racks provided at Boat O Rhone, New Galloway and Mossdale. The west side of Loch Ken is particularly quiet and attractive for cyclists. The best viewing spot is Bellymack Hill Farm near Lauriston, where the birds are fed every day at 2pm - regularly 50+ birds - fab to see.
Monreith Animal World: Local sanctuary, set in 12 acres with otters, horses, goats, belted galloway cattle, pigs, chickens, donkeys, reptiles and more.
Gem Rock Museum. The Gem Rock is the leading independent museum of its kind in the UK and is renowned worldwide. Owned and run by the Stephenson family it is regarded as one of the finest private collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils in Great Britain.
Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park: A varied collection of nearly 150 animals from all over the world can be seen within the peaceful and natural settings where the woodland has been tailored to provide large and imaginative enclosures over a 27 acre site. Closed in December & January, but from 10am the rest of the year.
CocoaBean Company: Award winning chocolate makers with kids workshop available.
Logan Fish Pond: Logan fish pond is a fully restored Victorian fish larder in a unique setting. A historic tidal pool created by a blow hole which formed some time during the last ice age.In 1788 Andrew McDouall Laird of Logan decided to create a Fish Larder for storing live sea fish by adapting a natural rock formation on the shore. The work was finished in 1800, taking 12 years to complete.
Mabie Farm Park: A real favourite! Among the many attractions at the Farm Park there is a Dirt Buggy Track, a Grass Sledging Slope, Astro Slide, Pedal Go Karts, a Boating Pond, lots of animals and a 5000 square foot Indoor Playbarn. A bit futher afield near Dumfries, but a good day out.
Dalscone Farm: Similar to Mabie, but on a smaller scale for smaller people! On the outskirts of Dumfries.