There are more to the Shetlands than “Fair Isle” sweaters and Shetland ponies! The Shetlands offers spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, beautiful and dramatic ice carved landscape and is steeped in treasures of history.
However the children will love to explore the beaches and hills on the sweet Shetland ponies, looking out for puffins, otters, and even dolphins, and humpback whales! The Shetlands are great for walks with its dramatic scenery

Things to do with children in the Shetlands

Visit the Jarlshof Prehistoric Site, at Sumburgh Head. This Archaeological site dates back to the late Bronze Age, it includes oval-shaped Bronze Age houses, Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Viking long houses, medieval farmstead and 16th century laird’s house. The paths are cobbled, and the pathway to the broch and wheelhouse, is fairly narrow for those with wide pushchairs, but almost all of the site is accessible with a little patience!

Having a Scandinavian/Arctic light schedule, in the Summer means that you get practically 24-hours of sunlight, also known as “Simmer Dim”, allowing for great camping and hiking expeditions. The Winter is an ideal time to get a glimpse of the northern lights.

Take a boat trip to visit Mousa Broch, one of the wonders of European archaeology and the finest surviving example of a 2,000 year old Iron Age tower, or broch. This is one of 120 built around the Shetlands but remains one of the best preserved.

Spend an afternoon at Clickimin Leisure Complex, with its 2 flumes, outdoor lagoon, kiddies pool, a giant bubble pool and rapid river with water cannons, bubble beds and river gueysers.

For those who enjoy walking, take the Shetland Croft Trail at Burland on Trondra. It is a wonderful place for children to see old Shetland breeds of livestock, and learn about crofting history and traditional crafts such as boatbuilding. The Burra Bridge also leads to the pretty fishing village of Hamnavoe, where you can walk along the coast to the lighthouse on Fugla Ness and along the Sands of Meal, one of Shetland's finest beaches and a top picnic spot.

If you can recommend any accommodation or attractions, tell us about it.