Scotland’s school children break up for summer in the coming week. And while the kids will be smiling from ear to ear, parents might be wondering how they will keep their little darlings entertained over the holidays.

Thank goodness then that Scotland is acclaimed as Europe’s outdoors capital – and has more than 50 fun outdoors activities on offer.

Whether you’re a fun-loving parent or a thrill-seeking kid there is sure to be something to suit your dreams and desires.

We bring you an A to Z of some of the best adventure activities on offer this summer.

A is for Abseiling: The traditional way is backwards, but you can also head down the rock face forwards, too. Whatever you choose, abseiling offers a thrilling challenge for a wide range of abilities. Check out Boots ’n’ Paddles, near Inverness

B is for bugging: Climb aboard your inflatable “bug” – also described as a one-man inflatable armchair boat – and head down river navigating white water cascades, eddies and rapids. There’s little else to compare to this crazy water-based sport. See Splash White Water Rafting

C is for climbing: Head to Scotland’s largest indoor climbing centre the EICA:  Ratho, near Edinburgh. From child-friendly scrambling to towering climbing walls to an awesome aerial assault course there really is something for everyone to do. See EICA

D is for diving with sharks: It might be indoors but that doesn’t mean this activity is not a full-on adventure. At Deep Sea World, near South Queensferry, only the daring will want to try the underwater safari that sees divers swimming with a host of marine creatures, including the sharks. See Deep Sea World

E is for expeditions: Fancy planning your own bespoke expedition? G2 Outdoors, at Aviemore, will help you to create a trip to suit your aspirations and budget. Whether on foot, in sea kayaks, in open boats, or on bikes, a bespoke expedition is a great way to take in Scotland’s great outdoors. 

F is for a Forest Safari: This is a great opportunity to introduce the kids to the wonders of the natural environment during a Land Rover safari trek amid the Perthshire countryside. Expect to see red squirrels, roe deer and other forest wildlife. See Highland Safaris, Aberfeldy. 

G is for geo-caching: Walking has never been so much fun as you go in search of hidden treasure. There are geo-caches hidden across the UK. See Geo Caching 

H is for hover crafting: It’s not a car, boat or plane. There are no brakes, gears, reverse of wheels. Until you have tried hovercrafting you will never know what it feels like to skim at speed across the ground’s surface on a cushion of air. Tuition is a must so head to Craigluscar Activities, Dunfermline. 

I is for ice climbing: The Ice factor at Kinlochleven gives adventurers the chance to try the challenging sport of ice climbing on the world’s biggest indoor ice wall. Some 500 tonnes of snow are used to create this amazing facility with climbing opportunities ranging from easy-ish to extreme. See www.ice-factor.co.uk

J is for jumping: Cliff jumping has become one of Scotland’s must-do adventure activities. From mini leaps to adrenaline-buzzing high jumps into deep-water pools the sport most often takes place as part of a gorge walking or canyoning adventure. See Vertical Descents, Onich, Fort William

K is for kayaking: Kayaking is one of the fastest growing adventure sports in Scotland and thanks to a wealth of different water ways, including lochs and rivers, there are no end of places to get out and about. For introducory courses see the National Kayak School, Oban. 

Land yachting: Combining the grace of sailing with the buzz of motor racing, land yachting sees participants zooming across the ground or sand and trying to out-race friends and family. Blown Away Land Yachting Experiences is the place to head. 

M is for mountain biking: Scotland is Europe’s premier mountain biking destination and offers an exciting trail or downhill outing for every age and fitness. Some of the best can be found at the Forestry Commission’s 7stanes network of centres in the Borders. 

N is for Nordic Walking: Get fit and see the countryside during a Nordic Walking trek. The activity utilises a wide range of muscles and claims to help with weight loss, toning and endurance. For expert adult tuition try Breathing Space Outdoors, Comrie, Perthshire. 

O is for orienteering: Many of Scotland’s public parks have a permanent orienteering course for have-a-go adventurers. All you need is a map, a compass, a bit of energy and the determination to tick off all the checkpoints. To find out more see Scottish Orienteering

P is for paintballing: Scotland’s first custom-built professional-standard tournament paintball facility is now open at Scotkart near Cambuslang. Participants have the chance to take part in a pro-style fast-paced paintball “game”  that promises a thrill a minute. 

Q is for quad biking: A cross between an off-road car and a scambler bike, quad biking could have been developed with Scotland’s rugged landscape in mind. The motorise, four-wheeled vehicles are a great way to take in the views and eat up miles of countryside tracks. Try a quad bike trek on the Rothiemurchus Estate, near Aviemore. 

R is for rafting: Scotland's white water rivers are perfect for white water rafting. many outdor companies offer trips on rivers such as the Tay and Spey. 

S is for surfing: There is little to beat the moment that you first stand up on your surf board and feel the strength and speed of the wave as it takes you oh-so-smoothly beach-ward. But to get to this point you’ll need a few lessons. One of the best places for family surf lessons is at Belhaven beach near Dunbar with Coast to Coast Surf School.

T is for tank driving: For a truly different day out, how would you like to take to the wheel of a go-anywhere ex-military FV432 tank? Of course you want to! So check out Tank Driving Scotland, Auchterhouse, Dundee.

W is for wakeboarding: Like water skiing, only on a mono-board, and like surfing, only you’re pulled along by a high-speedboat, wakeboarding is fast becoming the trendiest adventure sport there is. Give it a go at Loch Lomond Wakeboard.

X is for Xtreme Karting:  Your chance to go wild on the tracks at the indoor karting centre in Larbert, Falkirk.  The challenging circuit offers the ultimate test of your rubber-burning skills. See  www.xtremekarting.co.uk 

Y is for yachting: Great for all the family, yachting – or sailing – offers a hands-on adventure. You could learn the ropes in dinghies at sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae or on a full-scale yacht master’s course. See

Z is for zorbing: Grab a friend or unsuspecting relative and climb inside a huge inflatable zorbing sphere before you are sent tumbling at great speed down the side of a hillside. Zorbing has to be experienced to be believed. See Nae Limits, Perthshire.

Have a great summer outdoors!