Do you live in Cove, and are looking for ideas for days out with the kids? Or got family coming to stay and need some inspiration? Cove has lots to offer and is well connected to a variety of attractions, play centres and parks that are only a short drive away – an important consideration when your little ones get bored and frustrated about 30 minutes into a journey.
Devenick Dairy
You may have heard of the Devenick Dairy’s (12 minute drive) award winning cheeses and deserts, but did you know that they’ve opened up an indoor play area for children too? The coffee shop has also been built next to a viewing gallery of the milking parlour where from 4pm you can watch the farmer hooking up the cows to the machines - something that children will love as they sit down for some food. The menu has a daily special, a soup daily and a good range of kid-friendly paninis and baked potatoes. The farm shop is also well stocked with local meat and cheese produced by the dairy and who can resist the gorgeous home made ice cream and cheesecakes!
Brewster Bear Fun Factory
If you head in the other direction, Portlethen is home to the Brewster Bear Fun Factory (10 minute drive) which has multiple levels of climbing nets, tunnels, bridge walks and ball pits. Kids aged 4-8 years old can scramble around and climb their way through the indoor and outdoor play centre. There’s a dedicated section for babies and toddlers too, which has smaller climbing frames and more baby-friendly features for them to enjoy in safety. The best bit? The restaurant is right next to the play area, meaning you can enjoy your meal in peace – well almost!
The Den and the Glen
The Den and the Glen (20 minute drive) is a local family favourite that is split into an indoor and outdoor area, meaning whatever the weather, you have all eventualities covered. For those that have lived in Aberdeen for a while, you might have known it by Storybook Glen, which has since had a makeover and a name change. The ‘Glen’ is a child-friendly park set in 28 acres of countryside in Maryculter with waterfalls and gardens, dotted with fairytale and nursery rhyme characters. There’s also a playground with swings, slides and chutes, and a dedicated picnic area for better weather days. The ‘Den’ is the internal soft play area next door with a restaurant attached. It’s a larger soft play area with multiple levels of slides, stairs, climbing walls as well as a giant ball canyon and a multi sports arena for football and basketball for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Cove Library
Closer to home, Cove Library on Loirston Avenue hosts Book Bug Sessions fortnightly on a Friday. They are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers and their families to enjoy together. A session is 30 minutes and includes songs, stories and rhymes, perfect for quality time with your little one on a cold or rainy day.
Loirston Green
Should the weather be more fitting for some fresh air, Loirston Green across the road and just off Earns Heugh Road is a great little park to let the kids run about. There is a huge open space for football and dog walking plus a playground away from the road with climbing frames, swings, slides and treehouses. There is a beautiful scenic walk around the perimeter of the park that is pram-friendly and not far from local amenities such as the school, library and doctor’s surgery.
