Den in the Glen

Den in the Glen is a lovely outdoor storybook park and indoor play barn where classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales come to life along winding forest paths. It is located in Maryculter, Aberdeenshire, using the postcode AB12 5FX.

What to Expect and Enjoy
If your group loves gentle, imaginative outdoor walks mixed with high-energy indoor play, this is a wonderful hidden gem to add to your list. It sits right in a scenic, sheltered valley full of mature trees and beautifully kept lawns.

• Fairytale Houses: Kids can follow secret pathways to discover life-sized houses and characters from classic stories. You can step inside the Old Woman’s Shoe, peek into the Three Little Pigs’ houses, or pose for photos next to colorful castles.
• The Indoor Play Barn: A massive lifesaver on rainy days, featuring multi-level climbing frames, twisting tube slides, ball pools, and a dedicated safe zone for tiny toddlers.
• Outdoor Adventure Play: Scattered around the grounds are fantastic wooden climbing structures, swings, zip wires, and hidden bridges crossing over a gentle, bubbling stream.

Best For and Time Spent
This park is tailor-made for families with babies, toddlers, and primary-school-aged children, as well as grandparents looking for a relaxed walk. Most families happily spend between 2 and 3 hours here, especially if combining the outdoor trails with an indoor play session.

Height and Age Guidance
There are no age or height limits to enter the park. The indoor play frames have designated separate areas for toddlers and older children to ensure everyone can scramble around safely at their own pace.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

• Parking: There is a large, free on-site car park right next to the main entrance building.
• Food & Drink: The venue features a spacious, relaxed cafe serving hot soups, fresh paninis, baked treats, and simple children’s snack boxes. There are also plenty of outdoor benches if you prefer a family picnic.
• Footwear: Bring along sturdy walking shoes or wellies for the outdoor loops, as the natural paths can get a little muddy after a typical Scottish rain shower.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits
Because this park is located right in the same scenic valley as Storybook Glen, they make a perfect pairing for a day out dedicated to younger children. It is also just a short drive from the high-flying treetop courses at Go Ape – Crathes Castle and is close enough to the city limits to combine with a trip to the Aberdeen Science Centre.