Family values; Take the kids on an Easter break with activities such

Now boasting national park status, and with redevelopment of the area well underway, Aviemore is fast becoming a top destination for families looking for choice and value. So the Hilton Coylumbridge, near Loch Morlich in Glenmore, was the perfect place for a break with my daughter Zoe.

Out at the loch, we spent part of the morning throwing chuckies across the ice. It was perfectly still and as the ice thawed, snow- covered Cairngorm was mirrored on the water. There's a host of walks around this loch, many of them pushchair and wheelchair friendly, and after all that exercise, there's a cosy cafe at the Glenmore Shop, complete with a balcony at tree-top height and bird-feeding tables.

At the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, later in the day, we watched the animals in their paddock before peeping into Santa's official residence where he leaves toys for his guests.

Then it was off to Fun House; a soft play centre with a creche, this is just one of the reasons families return here each year. Another is the Landmark Heritage and Adventure Park with its playground, forest maze, waterslides, Britain's tallest timber tower and tree-top walkway. There's also the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig where you can learn the difference between a buffalo and a bison.

Mainly, though, there's a sandy beach, a clear sky and a warm sun. And when all is said and done, the great outdoors is the best playground you can find.

Hilton Coylumbridge, 01479 811811, family rooms for four from (pounds) 158 per night including dinner, B&B. Landmark, 01479 841613, family ticket (pounds) 27.60. Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, 01479 861228, family ticket (pounds) 20, fun house from (pounds) 1.50. Highland Wildlife Park, 01540 651270, family ticket (pounds) 27.

A little Luxury The Westin Turnberry Resort There's plenty on offer at the five-star Turnberry Resort including fun golf clinics, splashtime in the indoor pool, an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. New this year is a 'buddy' system ((pounds) 95 for four hours) in which children of eight to 12 go horse riding or quad biking while adults play golf or go off-roading. Double rooms start at (pounds) 395 for a three-night stay, including breakfast. Children's beds are available for (pounds) 20 a night. Two-bedroom self-catering cottages are available on-site with mid-week prices starting at (pounds) 155 per night and (pounds) 185 at weekends. Call 01655 333 991 or go to www.westin.com/turnberry Peebles Hydro An Easter bonnet parade, treasure hunts, a magic show, fancy dress and hot cross buns for breakfast are among the Easter highlights for children at Peebles Hydro. A family room for four with dinner/high tea, breakfast and activities is (pounds) 225 a night. Call 01721 720602 or visit www.peebleshotelhydro.co.uk St Andrews Bay, Fife Easter activities include egg painting and a treasure hunt, with a creche available so adults can enjoy the spa or a round of golf. Dinner, B&B and a jazz brunch on Sunday costs (pounds) 105 per person per night ((pounds) 50 for children, which includes Easter activities) for a minimum of two nights. Call 01334 837000.

Gleneagles, Perthshire There's the Gleneaglets' Den for Easter bonnet making, a puppet show and a daily splash hour in The Club for the kids, plus plenty of entertainment for adults - some sport- based, some alcohol-based, as well as a gourmet lunch on Sunday. Three nights including breakfast, lunch and dinner costs (pounds) 1275 per room. Call 0800 704 705 or visit www.gleneagles.com for details.

standard fare The Milton, Fort William You don't have to like stout ale and stout boots to enjoy Fort William. For starters, there's a gondola up the side of Ben Nevis with return trips priced at (pounds) 7.50 for adults and (pounds) 4.60 for children (01397 705825, www.nevis-range.co.uk) and plenty of family walks around the area - up to the Falls of Steall, for example - while a canoe trip along the Caledonian Canal is suitable for all ages (01397 772373, www.rhiwgoch.co.uk) and a Crannog Cruise never disappoints (01397 700714, www.crannog.net). Don't leave without visiting McTavish's Kitchen - kids will love the atmosphere and the food is excellent. Prices start at (pounds) 105 a night for a family room with breakfast and access to the pool, sauna and gym. Call 01397 702331 or visit www.strathmorehotels.com Apex Hotel, Dundee The Apex Hotel is ideal for families as children stay free and there's a pool, spa and great food. Dundee's attractions for youngsters include Jungle Kids, a massive play centre for children up to 12 years, priced (pounds) 3.25 for an hour (01382 580540); Mills Observatory and Camperdown Wildlife Centre (www.dundeecity.gov.uk); Sensation, Dundee's science centre which costs (pounds) 20 for a family ticket (01382 228800, www.sensation.org.uk); and the five-star, all-weather Discovery Point (01382 201245, www.rrsdiscovery.com). Hotel prices start at (pounds) 29.50 per person per night. Call 0845 608 3456 or visit www.apexhotels.co.uk Isles of Glencoe, Ballachulish, near Fort William A child-friendly atmosphere, a pool and Glencoe as a backdrop are among the attractions at Isles of Glencoe, but there's also an adventure playground and children's den, while the hotel can arrange guided walks, bike hire, watersports, sailing, fishing and golf. Family rooms start at (pounds) 150 per night for dinner and breakfast for four. Call 0871 222 3415 or go to www.freedomglen.co.uk.

on a budgetKippford Holiday Park, Dumfries and Galloway Stay in luxury caravans in this well-laid out park close to forest trails, beaches and Mabie Farm Park with donkey rides, quad bikes, paddleboats, waterslides and grass sledging (01387 259666, www.mabiefarm.co.uk). Silver standard homes sleeping six to eight people start at (pounds) 260 for a week. Call 01556 620636 or visit www.kippfordholidaypark.co.uk Rosneath Castle Holiday Park This five- star holiday park has 270 degree views over the Gareloch and Firth of Clyde, as well as an excellent play area plus crazy golf, trampolines, boating options and an indoor play area. New and spacious caravans sleeping four to six are available from (pounds) 170 per week. Call (01436) 831208 or visit www.rosneathcastle.demon.co.uk Loch Insh Watersports, Kincraig This family-run, log cabin park set on the shores of Loch Insh has children's play areas interpretative walks, water sports, skiing, fishing, rowing, biking, archery, rafting, basketball, tennis courts and picnic areas. Five-berth chalets, including activities, are available from (pounds) 209 for two nights. Call 01540 651272 or go to www.lochinsh.com Whinstone Cottages, the Black IsleThis working farm sits amid forest tracks and is close to Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park and bird reserves at Munlochy Bay and Udale Bay. Try a two-hour dolphin trip on the Moray Firth with Dolphin Ecosse (01381 600323) or pony trekking at Broom Hill Farm (01381 620214). Cottages sleeping five start at (pounds) 220 per week. Call 01381 620946.

The Old Farmhouse, Barncrosh Farm, Dumfries and Galloway This working, organic family farm has animals including deer, rheas, alpacas and llamas as well as a trout loch, tennis court, children's adventure playground and an indoor games room. Prices start at (pounds) 370 per week for six. Call 01556 680216 or visit www.barncrosh.co.uk Touring options It may be too early to break out the tent but Travelodge and Premierlodge hotels across Scotland are offering rooms at (pounds) 25 and (pounds) 22 respectively, making them ideal families of four. Go to www.travelodge.co.uk and www.premierlodge.co.uk for details or visit www.visitscotland.com or call 0845 22 55 121.

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