10 Free things to do with children in Scotland
With Easter Holiday beginning and the Summer on its way we thought it would be a good idea to round up the ten best free family days out in Scotland. Hopefully there is something for everyone here:
With thousands of amazing objects across multiple galleries, the Museum offers you a world of discovery all under one roof. You can explore the National Museum of Scotland all day and still not see everything. This place is simply mind blowing. A deserved top spot.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum opened in 1901 and is a firm favourite with local people and visitors. It has stunning architecture and a family friendly atmosphere. Explore our 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more.
Craigtoun is a 47 acre country park located just 2 miles from the historic town of St Andrews. The park itself is open 24/7 and it’s a great day out for the whole family. During the season (Easter to October) you can enjoy rides on the Rio Grande miniature railway and the Puffin’ Billy road train, as well as Boating, Putting and Crazy Golf. There are Bouncy Castles and Pedal Cars to keep the little ones entertained and 2022 saw the introduction of a Go-Kart track suitable for older children and adults. All weather permitting for safety reasons.
Beavers. In Scotland?!? Yup. Take a picnic and enjoy the walks or cycle rides on offer. Early morning or evening is the best time to see the beavers swimming.
Close to the busy harbour, on the historic Shiprow, Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long and often dramatic relationship with the sea. From the earliest days of trading, fishing and shipbuilding, to offshore energy and life in the industry, and Aberdeen’s place today as a leader in global energy transition, your voyage of discovery starts here.
Plockton and the surrounding area is part of the Balmacara Estate which is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The area is characterised by low coastal moorland inter-mixed with small crofting townships, sheltered bays, coral beaches and outstanding views over the sea to Skye, the Cuillins and Applecross.
There are walking routes for everyone here. At Glentress, you can take an easy stroll around ponds just near the café, follow the stories of people who lived here in prehistoric times, or take a hike into the hills for some superb views.
Around 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building monuments out of stone. It’s testament to their skills that those domestic and ritualistic monuments still survive today, giving us incredible insights into their lives.
The Helix Park is The Home of The Kelpies – the largest equine sculptures in the world. The visitor centre at the Kelpies has a gift shop, café and more information on The Kelpies themselves.
Tobermory is the main town on the island of Mull. The port with its colourful harbour-front buildings was the setting of children’s TV show Balamory.