Top things to do with kids this Autumn

To help you keep the kids busy when the shorter days roll in, we’ve compiled a list of fun things you can do locally, during your stay this fall.

Stargazing

The resort is one of the best dark-sky sites in Dundee and Angus, thanks to its rural location, away from the glow of the city. The resort night sky is peppered with stars, and guests have spotted the Northern Lights numerous times.

We recommend downloading a free stargazing app like SkyView. All you need to do is step outside, open the app, point it to the sky and let it identify stars, constellations, satellites and more. At the same time, watch out for nocturnal wildlife like hedgehogs, foxes, bats, and owls.

If you get the bug for stargazing, you can take a trip to the Mills Observatory in Dundee.

Check out the Go Stargazing Blog for reminders about when and where to see meteor showers, Aurora Borealis and more.

On a side note, our Stargazer Shepherd Hut is out of this world for a child-free night away. With the above-bed stargazing window, you can gaze at the night sky while tucked in bed. Or hop into the private hot tub and watch the stars from there.

Autumnal Walks

Heading out to unearth a new trail in the fresh air fosters mindfulness and helps keep you present. We’re lucky to have some wonderful onsite walks, city strolls, and parks nearby. Below are our top three.

Monikie Country Park is a five-minute drive from the resort and has been developed around two former reservoirs. There’s a great adventure playpark for kids and a Denfind Bird Sanctuary. You can bring seeds for the ducks and enjoy a picnic on the picnic benches.

For the Shank of Omachie Farm Route, step outside your lodge and head on a 60-minute walk through the golf course and around The Shank of Omachie Farm. Afterwards, head to the Cairn O’Mount bar to refuel with some of our warming Autumn dishes. For a shorter route, try the Lochan or Forest walk.

The Dundee Waterfront offers a scenic stroll. Park for free in the car park opposite Tesco Riverside and wander along to the Urban beach, where kids can play in the sand and try the tastiest freshly-made donuts from Heather Street Food (you’ll also find top-notch coffee for mum and dad – bring on the caffeine!). You’ll pass The V&A and The Discovery ship – both excellent Dundee cultural attractions. Kids can find the penguins in front of The Discovery and spot the Tay Whale metal installation by the Urban Beach.

Spooky Tour

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get in the spooky spirit than to book into one of Dark Dundee’s walking tours. This ones good for older kids. In their own words, Dark Dundee Tours offers, ‘Local history told by local guides in a quirky, offbeat style. Packed with facts as well as a few laughs along the way, there’s something for everyone.’

Visit the Brownie Barn at Hatton

This hidden gem is a lovely way to fill an Autumn afternoon with the family and an opportunity to taste some delicious locally made goods. Located just 5 minutes drive from the resort, you’ll find The Brownie Barn at Hatton, a self-service shop stocked with mouth-wateringly good Artisanna Brownies (Isle of Skye Sea Salt Caramel Brownies are the brownies of dreams!), Phlump Gourmet Mallows (made a stone’s throw from the resort), Mill of Inverarity Farm Shop eggs, Sacred Grounds Coffee Company whole and ground beans, Fallone’s Gelato and Chocolatia 20.

Tenpin

If the weather is rubbish, you can try out the newest addition to Dundee’s attractions, Tenpin. It has 29 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, karaoke booths, soft play, escape rooms and amusement games. There is something for every age! You can grab a bite to eat afterwards; there’s a host of crowd-pleasers on their menu, from pizza to burgers.

Glamis Castle Autumn Festival

Glamis Castle is buzzing with history; it was childhood home to HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and once the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Glamis Castle Autumn Festival was in October last year; keep your eyes peeled for updates on the 2025 event. It is a chance to soak up the history while exploring the autumnal changes in the Italian Garden, Macbeth Trail and Walled Garden areas. Last year the event offered the best local food, drink and craft suppliers, plus family-friendly activities for all ages to enjoy.

Autumn is one of our favourite seasons at Kingennie. The woodland lights up with burnt amber and gold hues reflected in the water, and the colder weather makes for the perfect excuse for cosy nights by the fire. With all the above to do while you stay, it’s time to plan your next trip to Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort.