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Kincraig · Zoo
Highland Wildlife Park
Highland Wildlife Park combines a drive-through reserve with animal areas to explore on foot, seven miles south of Aviemore. It is home to Scotland's only polar bears, as well as tigers, snow leopards and wildcats, though sightings are never guaranteed. Most of the day is outdoors, with Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre, the café and playground giving you places to break up the walking.
- Best for
- Animal lovers; hills can tire little legs
- Cost
- Paid entry · under-3s free
- Weather
- Mostly outdoors
- Allow
- 3–5 hours
Our family take
This is a good choice for children who are happy to spend time watching animals. Allow half a day or more so you can pause at enclosures, stop for lunch and take another drive through the reserve. Younger children may enjoy the car ride and playground, but the hills can make the walking tiring. If you need a flat, compact or mostly indoor day out, choose somewhere else.
- Before you book. The site is steep and rugged in places, and animal sightings are not guaranteed.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Tickets
- Paid admission; under-3s go free. Book ahead, particularly for weekends and school holidays. Guided Reserve Tours and other special experiences cost extra.Tickets & booking
- Memberships and offers
- Check the official ticket options if you have membership, a free-entry entitlement or a concession. Some offers require direct booking.
- Opening times
- Open daily except Christmas Day, subject to weather. Hours vary by season; last entry is one hour before closing. Check opening times and closure notices for your date.
- Visit length
- Allow around 3–5 hours for the drive-through, walking, lunch and play stops, depending on your pace.
- Parking and arrival
- Free parking at Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL, seven miles south of Aviemore. Follow the park signs from the B9152; satnav can be unreliable here.
- Hills and weather
- Paths are steep and rugged in places, including some routes around steps. Snow, ice or severe weather can close the drive-through reserve.
ParkingCafé or restaurantGift shopAccessible toiletsToiletsPacked lunch space
16 September 2026
A little more detail
Make it work for your family
Animals, the drive-through and indoor breaks
In the drive-through reserve, look for deer, elk, vicuña and bison from your car. Stay in your vehicle and do not feed or touch the animals. You can drive round more than once, which is useful if the first pass is quiet.
The walking areas include polar bears, tigers, wolves and snow leopards. Animals may be resting out of sight; revisit an enclosure later rather than making one particular sighting the test of a good day. The park map and app help you find your way and check daily talks.
Inside Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre, the Gateway has games, technology and wildlife stories. Check access to the hilltop Conservation Den before making it part of your route. The indoor spaces give you breaks from the weather, but you still need to dress for an outdoor visit.
Toddlers, buggies and pacing
The playground is beside the main car park, so it makes a handy stop around the drive-through. With small children, leave room for snacks and play instead of trying to reach every enclosure.
A buggy may save tired legs, but pushing uphill can be hard work. Most steps have alternative routes, which can still be steep. Look at the accessible map before choosing your route and bring sturdy footwear.
Lunch, toilets and changing
Antlers Café serves food, or you can bring a picnic. The main picnic areas are beside the car park and up the hill near the markhor enclosure. If allergies affect your lunch plans, speak to café staff before ordering.
Toilets are marked on the park map. Accessible toilets are near the Visitor Centre and Blue Badge parking, and there is a Changing Places toilet. Ask the park about baby-changing arrangements if you need them. There is also a gift shop.
Mobility and sensory support
Blue Badge spaces are limited. Manual wheelchairs are free to borrow and mobility scooters have a hire charge; both are first come, first served. Contact the park before travelling if a particular mobility aid or route will decide whether the day works for you.
Sensory bags with ear defenders, fidget toys and a sensory map can be borrowed from the Visitor Centre for a refundable deposit. One accompanying carer can enter free with a qualifying paying visitor; bring the required proof.
Registered assistance dogs have access restrictions. Check the park's arrangements before travelling with an assistance or emotional support animal, and tell admissions when you arrive.
Visiting without a car
The bus stop is at the bottom of the entrance road, around half a mile from the pay kiosks. Check the current timetable and return journey before setting off. If you want to see the drive-through without your own vehicle, ask about the separately booked guided Reserve Tours.
Travelling with a dog
Pet dogs cannot join you around the park or wait in your car. Bookable self-service kennels are available near admissions for an extra charge. You remain responsible for your dog and need to check on them during the visit; staff do not make routine kennel checks. Read the kennel terms and decide whether your dog would be comfortable before booking.
Other days out near Aviemore
Highland Wildlife Park or Landmark Forest Adventure Park?
Choose Landmark Forest Adventure Park if your children mainly want rides and adventure play. Highland Wildlife Park suits a slower day spent watching animals, with the drive-through as a change from walking. Both involve plenty of time outside.
Other nearby alternatives
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre offers a more focused animal visit: paddock visits and hill trips have different age, seasonal and weather limits. Strathspey Steam Railway is worth comparing if you want more of the outing seated.
Plan the rest of your day
Comparison guide
Animal and farm days out in Scotland with kids
Compare animal and farm days out in Scotland for families, including zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and farm...
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Nearby stop
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
A higher-energy Cairngorms day out with rides, adventure play and more child-led activity than Highland Wildlife Park.
Nearby stop
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
A shorter, more focused animal experience near Aviemore, with paddock visits and hill trips depending on age, season and conditions.