Blair Drummond Safari Park: One of Scotland's Best Family Days Out
A Wild Day Out Near Callander
If you're staying in Callander and looking for a family day out that will keep children entertained from the moment the gates open until they're asleep in the car on the way home, Blair Drummond Safari Park should be high on your list.
Located just 20 minutes from Nest Holiday Home, Blair Drummond has been delighting families for generations and combines wildlife, adventure play, boat trips, rides as well as hands-on experiences into one action-packed day. It's one of those rare attractions where children of all ages find something to love. Toddlers, teenagers, parents and grandparents can all enjoy the experience together.
We 100% recommend you include the park into your holiday plans.
Blair Drummond Safari Park: One of Scotland's Best Family Days Out
Take the Boat to Chimp Island
Few attractions can claim that one of their exhibits involves a boat trip. At Blair Drummond, visitors can board a boat and travel out to Chimp Island, home to the park's chimpanzees. The short crossing adds an extra sense of adventure and anticipation. Children often feel like explorers heading off on an expedition.
Watching the chimps interact, play and socialise is fascinating. Their behaviour is remarkably human at times and often leads to plenty of laughter and discussion among visitors.
It's one of the most memorable parts of the entire park. Our travel tip is to do this first thing in the morning to avoid a long wait.
If you have limited mobility, boarding the boat may be a problem.
Meet Animals From Around the World
The wildlife is, of course, the main attraction.
The park is home to an impressive collection of animals from across the globe, giving visitors the opportunity to see creatures they might otherwise only encounter on television.
Depending on the season and animal activity levels, you may spot:
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Lions
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Giraffes
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Rhinos
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Zebras
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Meerkats
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Lemurs
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Monkeys
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Tapirs
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Antelope
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Birds of prey
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Farm animals
Children particularly enjoy seeing how different animals behave and comparing their favourites.
One minute they're watching giraffes browsing calmly, the next they're laughing at meerkats standing on lookout duty.
It's an excellent opportunity to spark conversations about conservation, habitats and wildlife around the world.
The Seal Experience and Looking After Our Oceans
One of the highlights for many visitors is the seal presentation. These intelligent and playful animals are always crowd-pleasers, but the experience goes beyond entertainment. The keepers use the sessions to share important messages about marine conservation and the impact of litter on our seas and coastlines. Children learn how everyday choices can help protect wildlife and reduce pollution entering our oceans. It's a positive and engaging way to introduce environmental responsibility while still keeping younger visitors entertained.
Adventure Play Areas That Keep Going... and Going
The animal exhibits may bring families through the gates, but many children would happily spend half the day in the adventure playgrounds. The climbing fort is enormous and offers endless opportunities for climbing, exploring and imaginative play.
Nearby, the giant sandpit provides younger children with a chance to dig, build and create while parents enjoy a few minutes sitting down. It's worth allowing plenty of time for the play areas because once children discover them, they rarely want to leave.
The Aerial Runway - Flying Fox
One attraction that always generates squeals of excitement is the aerial runway. Also known as a zip wire or flying fox, it allows children to glide through the air while burning off a considerable amount of energy. The queue is often a good indication of its popularity. Fortunately, most children seem perfectly happy to fly down again and again and again.
Dodgems and Fairground Fun
Blair Drummond isn't just about animals. The dodgem cars add a touch of classic family fun and provide an opportunity for parents to rediscover their competitive side. There is something timeless about dodgems. No matter how many modern attractions appear, children still seem to love crashing gently into one another while laughing uncontrollably. Parents often enjoy them just as much.
Paddle Boats
For families who enjoy being on the water, the paddle boats offer another fun way to explore part of the park. They provide a more relaxed activity between the excitement of the play areas and animal encounters. It's also a lovely opportunity to slow down for a few minutes and enjoy the surroundings.
Our Family Favourite: The Sack Slide
Every family develops their own favourite attraction. For us, it's the giant sack slide. You'll spot it from a distance because it's impressively tall and usually accompanied by shrieks of laughter.
The concept is wonderfully simple.
Grab a sack, climb to the top and slide all the way back down.
Then do it again.
And again.
And probably several more times after that.
It's a fantastic way for children to burn off energy and one of those attractions that somehow remains just as entertaining on the tenth ride as it was on the first.
Many families end up spending far longer there than they originally intended.
Food, Drinks and Picnic Areas
There are plenty of food and drink options available throughout the park. You'll find cafés, snacks, refreshments and family-friendly meals available on-site, making it easy to spend the entire day there. That said, if you're organised, bringing a picnic can be a great option. Many visitors take advantage of the picnic areas and enjoy lunch outdoors. For something a little different, you can even bring barbecue packs. The park provides designated barbecue facilities and staff will light the fire pits for you. It's a lovely way to break up the day and adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.
A Magical Christmas Experience
If you think safari parks are only for summer, think again. During winter, Blair Drummond transforms into a magical Christmas experience that surprises many first-time visitors. Rather than simply adding a few festive decorations, the park embraces the season with Christmas-themed attractions, seasonal entertainment, lights and festive activities. It's not quite what most people expect from a safari park, which is part of its charm. Families often return year after year as part of their Christmas traditions.
A Day Out Worth Planning For
Blair Drummond Safari Park has earned its reputation as one of Scotland's best family attractions.
It combines wildlife, education, adventure, play and family fun in a way that appeals to all ages. Whether you're watching seals, sailing to Chimp Island, racing on the dodgems, paddling across the water or repeatedly climbing back up for "just one more go" on the sack slide, there's something here for everyone.
If you're staying at Nest Holiday Home in Callander, it's one of the easiest and most rewarding family days out nearby. Just remember to book your tickets in advance.
Book Ahead to Avoid Disappointment
Before you set off, there's one important thing to know.
Tickets now need to be booked in advance. During school holidays, weekends and peak summer periods, popular dates can sell out. We always recommend booking before you travel to avoid disappointment. It's a simple step that can save a lot of frustration, particularly if you have excited children counting down the days.
Dogs are not allowed in the park, but there is a kennel area, so you don't leave them in the car.
Do you know?
Blair Drummond Safari Park is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions.
It welcomes around 400,000 visitors every year and has won the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for four consecutive years, placing it among the top-rated attractions in the country.
That's quite an achievement and a good indication that you're in for a great day out.