Aberdeen Sports & Outdoors

Zorbing aka TheMountain Ball at House Of Mulben.

Little expensive at £45 per roll, but its for 2 people. It doesn't last long but thats just as well as its stomach churning.

Great fun and something you need to do once in your lifetime.

Equipment: Near Keith at Mulben

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Aberdeen Football Club was founded in 1903 when three of the city teams joined together to create the Dons - named after the river which flows nearby. Aberdeen F.C. play their home games at Pittodrie Stadium, capacity 22,199, situated near the beach promonade. The clubs mascot is Angus the Bull but if you check out the YouTube Link you will see Dolly the Sheep - an Aberdeen joke and a taunt from oppossing fans. The Northern LightsThe supporters are known as the "RED ARMY" and their motto is "STAND FREE" Although I have been to Pittodrie - one time was by default when I went - not to see the Mighty Dons - but to see Rod Stewart in Concert I have been to see them play but not as often as two of my Sons who proudly put themselves amongst the RED ARMY!

Equipment: The team colour are RED so bring along your football scarf - unless you are supporting the opposition!

If your there during the football season you should try and get down to watch aberdeen play. Although there not the team they once were they still can play good football at times. In my opinion you should try and get a ticket for the south stand but I know a lot of people who prefer the dick donald stand but they are both equally good. Make sure you have a pie while at the game it's a must.

Equipment: make sure to dress well as especially in the winter months as the stadium can get really cold due to it being close to the beach.

Another b....y ice rink?

Well, no actually. Out of all the ice hockey venues I get to visit (rink rat is the technical description) during the season, this is one of the best.

Why? Well its modern and well maintained. It has heating and clean toilets with modest luxuries like toilet paper and hand dryers! It is next to a swimming pool, so you can use both if you want. It is on the beach, so you can go for a walk and recover from the 2 hour journey to get there. Nearby you have the funfair, cinema + restaurant complex with lots of things to keep kids happy. You have a golf range next door, and Pittodrie Stadium (home of Aberdeen soccer club - but watch out for congestion on match days)

Downside - like most ice rinks, the bar and cafe close when the ice hockey starts and you have to survive on what the vending machines serve up.

Equipment: Warm clothing if spectating - its not that well heated!
Loose change for vending machines!
If you want to skate you can hire the skates.

In Summer you can watch a game of cricket being played at Duthie Park, the Aberdeen University has a team called the Bon Accord Cricket Club and were Scottish Universities first Xl champions in 2006. They play at all levels and abilities. So if you want to know the score = see a cricket match.

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Aberdeen offers quite a lot possibilities to become active. You see a lot of people running, walking, skating, riding their bikes etc. along the coast promenade. Many people enjoy playing golf in Scotland, and yes, there are plenty possibilities to this in Aberdeen as well. Students and locals meet in Seaton Park daily to play Rugby or Football, just feel free to join them if you like. I saw even people surfing in January - the Scots are really tough guys! Scotland also offers Scuba Diving, yet you have to go up north for the best spots - and leave your 3mm shorty at home :-)!
The best way to enjoy sports in a passive way is to go and see a football match in the Pittodrie Stadium. The tickets are 15£ for students, 20£ regualar, the best stand is the Richard Donald stand as it offers the best view. Visit www.afc.co.uk to see when matches are on.

During Harbour Day (held in August) you can have a trip in a little fishing boat. See where the fishermen place their creels to haul up some lobster & other sea creatures. At other times of the year if a boat is going out just ask the fisherman he will probably oblige

Equipment: No equipment necessary

Lot's of bowling lanes with good disabled facilities & shoe hire.
Bowling is fun for families but there are a lot of temptations for children to throw away their parents' money namely slot machines & video games.

Equipment: None required