Things to do

Family friendly days out

What makes for a great day out? Re-live the 'good old days' in this BBC Scotland film from 1974 then read our suggestions and send us your tips for a great day out in Edinburgh, Fife and East Scotland.

A lamb and hens at Gorgie City Farm

Gorgie City Farm, Edinburgh

Gorgie City Farm was born after a community group started cleaning a derelict site in 1977, then in 1982 the farm was opened to the public.  It is an excellent farm for all the family to spend an hour of two away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh.  There are a number of animals to see in little fields, stables and poultry and sheep houses. Smaller animals and reptiles can be found in 'The Pet Lodge'. A play park, cafe, produce stall and picnic area can also be found on the farm.
The farm is open daily and admission is by donation.

Beecraigs Country Park, near Linlithgow

A beautiful park situated just three miles south of historic Linlithgow and a great day out for the family. The park is nestled high in the Bathgate hills and has a wide range of leisure and recreational activities within its 913 acres. There are miles of walks and trails across the woodlands; a hugely popular range of obstacles and challenges for toddlers to teenagers in the adventure play area and a beautiful red deer herd.  There is also a loch which is stocked daily with rainbow trout for angling enthusiasts.
The park is open daily and admission is free.

A carnival horse in the Museum of Childhood

Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh

The Museum of Childhood is described as ‘the noisiest museum in the world’ and is an excellent visit for adults and children. The museum is situated on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and the admission is free. It has a collection of items relating to children’s toys and playthings and will make you feel young again. The two most common sayings you will hear whilst walking around the museum is ‘I used to have one of those’ and ‘do you remember this toy?’.  There are also activities for kids to do during the tour of the museum.

Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze, Cairnie, Cupar

Cairnie Fruit Farm is not only a great place to pick fruit with the family but is also home to Scotland’s largest outdoor maze. There is also a fun park with trampolines, a castle made of hay and tractor rides. It's a great place to visit especially when the weather is fine. Admission is free and the fruit farm is open daily.

A child in the National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

The National Museum of Scotland has a huge range of activities for children and adults to do in the science halls and learn about the land, people and culture of Scotland.  The museum has excellent guided tours, programmes of music and drama and family areas where kids can try on the armour of a Roman soldier or squeeze into a corset.  There are large working exhibits every day in the Museum ranging from fashion icons to amazing stories. Admission is free and the museum is open daily.

The Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick

The award-winning wildlife centre contains looks onto the islands in the Firth of Forth.  Visitors can get up close to the birds on the islands and marine wildlife via the cameras in the centre or by boarding a boat for a seabird 'seafari'. The centre has a regular programme of events including a children's 'puffin club', walks, exhibitions and films.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre

This family-friendly museum is set on peaceful riverside site near Livingston, with woods and fields extending for almost a mile. The traditional farm buildings and working watermill are home to many friendly farm animals, including Highland cattle, rare breed sheep, and Clydesdale horses. There's a daily programme of activities, including milking demonstrations and handling sessions that allow you to get up close and personal with the farm’s varied residents.  'Prehistoric Frolics' take place over the summer giving a taste of life in the stone age.