Things to Do in St Andrews with Kids
By Editorial Team · Last updated 15/08/2026
St Andrews offers a remarkable blend of history, stunning coastline and, surprisingly, plenty to keep families entertained. It’s a destination that can genuinely cater to all ages, and we've taken a look at the available tour options to pinpoint what will work best for your family adventure. Our focus here is on choosing experiences that naturally lend themselves to enjoying time with children, and we’ve considered the various types of tours available.
Let’s start by examining the Walking Tours. There are 20 different walking tours offered in St Andrews, ranging in price from a very reasonable £7 up to a substantial £932. The top-rated option, the “Private St Andrews Town, Golf and Old Course Walking Tour” at an impressive 5.0/5, suggests that exploring on foot is a genuinely rewarding experience for all involved. A walking tour offers a fantastic way to soak in the atmosphere of this historic town, allowing children to wander freely (within safe boundaries, of course) and discover its unique features at their own pace. The routes cover the Old Town, providing glimpses into St Andrews’ rich past, and, depending on the specific route chosen, there might be opportunities to see parts of the famous golf links – a sight that will undoubtedly capture young imaginations. Considering the price range, you can find an affordable option perfectly suited for families on a budget.
Next, let's consider boat tours. While we don’t have figures specifically detailing the number of boat tours available in St Andrews, the very nature of a boat trip is inherently appealing to children. The chance to see marine wildlife, experience the sea breeze and enjoy the views from a different perspective makes it a strong contender for family fun. A good boat tour would be a fantastic way to break up a day’s sightseeing, offering a refreshing change of scenery and creating lasting memories. We can imagine families enjoying this activity immensely, particularly if it includes spotting local seabirds or perhaps even dolphins – though specific details on available tours are limited.
Now, let's look at the Walking Tours again, as they offer a flexibility that’s really beneficial for families. The sheer variety of routes means you can tailor an experience to your children's interests and energy levels. A shorter, more focused tour might be ideal for younger children, while older ones could appreciate a longer exploration of the town or even a portion of the golf course – again, depending on the route chosen. It’s also worth noting that many walking tours are designed to be engaging and informative, incorporating stories and anecdotes that will capture the attention of children. The range in price, from £7 to £932, means you can select an option that fits your budget perfectly.
We don't see any tour categories that would generally be less suitable for families. The evening-focused tours – those concentrating on pubs and nightlife – are typically not geared towards children, and wouldn’t offer a particularly engaging experience for them. Similarly, experiences centered around specific historical events or figures, without a broader appeal, might not hold the attention of younger travellers.
When planning your family day out in St Andrews, we recommend starting with an early morning walking tour to get acquainted with the town's layout and key landmarks. Allow plenty of time for exploration – perhaps a visit to the beach is essential! Lunch could be enjoyed at one of the many cafes or restaurants offering family-friendly menus. Consider building in some downtime, perhaps allowing children to play on the grassy areas near the harbour, or exploring the local shops. A good afternoon might involve another shorter walking tour focusing on a particular area of interest, followed by an ice cream – a classic treat! Finally, factoring in that there are 20 walking tours available, you'll have plenty of options to suit your family’s preferences and energy levels throughout the day.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, we suggest researching the various tour categories carefully beforehand, considering your children’s ages and interests, and booking in advance where possible, particularly during peak season. Don’t be afraid to combine different activities – a morning walking tour followed by an afternoon spent on the beach is a perfectly achievable and memorable day out for families visiting St Andrews.