Heading into the summer holidays it can be tricky to keep children entertained with new ideas. With searches for ‘free family days out’ surging by 123% in just the past week, families are looking for exciting days out to keep young ones happy whilst watching the pennies.
Scotland offers an abundance of free and low-cost attractions that make it an ideal destination for family day outings. From engaging museums that blend education with entertainment, to vibrant summer festivals brimming with lively atmosphere, there is something to captivate every member of the family.
To provide inspiration for budget-friendly family activities and encourage families to enjoy a day out, VisitScotland has curated a list of attractions that cater to all ages. With Scotland’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, these free attractions give families an opportunity to create lasting memories while experiencing the best of Scotland.
The Helix: Home of the Kelpies, Falkirk
Standing at an impressive 100ft tall and weighing over 300 tonnes each, the magnificent Kelpies in Falkirk’s Helix Park are the world’s largest equine sculptures. Created by artist Andy Scott a decade ago, these stunning statues have become iconic landmarks, modelled after the Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron.
Visiting The Kelpies makes for a fantastic free family activity. It’s well worth exploring the surrounding area too, with idyllic walks that run alongside the canal, and a number of winding pathways that navigate through lush greenery and enchanting woodlands. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, or a refreshing cycle, the Heart of Falkirk Trail is particularly perfect for families.
Make a day of the visit, drop by the cafe for lunch, and perhaps extend a visit to the area and stop by the nearby Callendar House (free to visit).
Where to stay: Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, Falkirk.
How to get there: Scotrail trains (Falkirk is approximately 25 minutes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow; up to four children can travel for just £1 return each with an adult paying full price, see here). The Kelpies can be reached by FirstBus, or a 45-minute walk from Falkirk Grahamston station. Parking from £2.20 if travelling by car. With a ScotRail Kids for a Quid ticket, children can visit numerous attractions for free with a standard adult entry, including Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, Royal Yacht Britannia and more.
Perth Museum, Perth
The Perth Museum, now open and free to visit, is perfect for a family outing, especially if the weather doesn’t allow for an outdoors adventure. Following a £26.5 million redevelopment project, the museum offers a world-class cultural and heritage experience that brings the rich history of Perth and Kinross to life.
Families can explore fascinating exhibits such as the 3,000-year-old Carpow Logboat and the Stone of Destiny, one of Scotland’s most significant historical objects and an important symbol of Scotland’s monarchy that has returned to Perthshire for the first time in over 700 years.
Grab a bite to eat at Stone, the museum’s cafe, which has a picturesque view of St John’s Kirk, which dates back to the 15th century, and is open to everyone, not just museum visitors. Consider combining a visit to the museum with a visit to the Black Watch Castle & Museum (family ticket: 2 adults, up to 4 children, £28.25) located nearby in Perth.
Where to stay: Parklands Hotel, Perth.
How to get there: Via Scotrail trains. The Perth Museum is just a 15-minute walk from Perth Railway station.
Aberdeen Festival of the Sea, Aberdeen
The Aberdeen Festival of the Sea showcases a diverse range of events running until 28 July 2024. Hosted by Aberdeen City Council for the first time, it celebrates the city’s deep-rooted maritime history and traditions, reflecting its strong connection to the sea.
The festival features family drop-in arts, crafts, and activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With free and premium events, families can enjoy activities like a Harbour Film Screening of Song of the Sea, and the opportunity to climb aboard the historic tall ship Reaper.
Visitors can also explore stunning beaches along Aberdeen’s 165 miles of coastline and learn about the region’s marine past at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum (free to visit). Don’t forget to check out Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum (free to visit) and finish off the day with a meal at the vegan-friendly Foodstory Cafe.
Where to stay: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa, Aberdeen.
How to get there: Scotrail trains. Also, Aberdeen is on the main LNER east coast route.
Riverside Museum, Glasgow
The Riverside Museum in Glasgow is an award-winning experience for those interested in transport and technology. With over 3,000 objects on display, the museum has an extensive collection ranging from skateboards, locomotives and even a resident Stormtrooper.
Families can explore vehicles from various eras, including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trams, and buses, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of transportation. Make sure to pass by the recreated street scene, where visitors can walk along a cobbled street lined with shops, houses, and a subway station, authentically recreating Glasgow’s past. Throughout the summer, the museum hosts free events, such as the Riverside Summer Fair, an annual summer market, full of handmade treats, arts and crafts from local producers.
Or, just 20 minutes by train from Glasgow, the Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life in Coatbridge provides fascinating insight into industrial and social history. Once one of Scotland’s most important iron works, the museum makes for a great family day out and is home to Scotland’s only operational heritage tramway. The museum also boasts a mine, recreated miners’ cottages, and exhibitions with working machinery. The museum is free to enter and opens 7 days a week.
Back in the city, continue the exploration of Glasgow with a free visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the Scottish Thistle Award winning, The Burrell Collection which sits in the beautiful Pollock Country Park – where you might also spot some Highland Coos!
Where to stay: Radisson Blu, Glasgow.
Getting there: Scotrail trains. Glasgow is also on the west coast route with Avanti.
Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries and Galloway
The south of Scotland is a treasure trove of literary links and stories. Robert Burns was born in Ayrshire, lived most of his life in Dumfries and was inspired by the beauty of the area for many of his works.
The Robert Burns Centre vividly recounts the final years of Scotland’s national bard. The free to visit centre also offers regular screenings tailored for children and families, alongside a captivating 3D landscape model of Dumfries.
If you want to do more exploration, make sure to stop by Moat Brae, where Peter Pan creator JM Barrie spent his childhood. Explore the magical room where Wendy, John and Michael dream of learning to fly. Or check out Moat Brae’s Neverland Discovery Garden with magical play areas that let imaginations run wild. Though this isn’t a free activity, it’s budget-friendly, offering a rich, immersive experience (ticket prices: adult, £10.00; child (4-15 Years) £7.00; toddler (1-3 Years); £4.00. Entry to the garden is £3.00 per person)
Where to stay: Scottish Thistles Award Winner (2023) Arden Holiday Cottages, near Dumfries.
How to get there: Scotrail trains or via Carlisle on the west coast route with Avanti .
Scapa Flow Museum, Lyness, Orkney
The Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness on the Isle of Hoy, Orkney, is another excellent destination for families, providing a unique glimpse into wartime history. Open daily during summer, the museum features a remarkable collection of artefacts from both the First and Second World Wars, showcasing items of national and international significance.
Families can explore these historical treasures, gaining insight into the pivotal role Scapa Flow played during the wars. The engaging exhibits, which include plenty of wartime relics, provide an educational and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The interactive VR experiences at the museum are great for kids, and there’s a lovely café on site for when you’re finished exploring.
Where to stay: The Stromness Hotel, Orkney
Getting there: Travel with the Caledonian Sleeper service to Inverness or Edinburgh and take a Scotrail train to Thurso or Aberdeen. NorthLink ferries sail to Orkney from Aberdeen or Scrabster near Thurso. Hoy is easily accessible using Orkney Ferries from Mainland Orkney.
Tweed Valley Canoe Trail
The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, newly established for spring 2024, promises an excellent adventure for families. This 30-mile stretch along the River Tweed, the first official canoe trail in southern Scotland, is a blend of tranquility and excitement.
Beginning near the Dawyck Botanic Garden on the outskirts of Peebles and ending beyond Sir Walter Scott’s stunning Abbotsford, the trail is suitable both for adrenaline-junkies and for those who want a more relaxing experience in nature. Families can enjoy a leisurely walk along the route, soaking in the rich history and diverse landscapes, or take to the water for a more active pursuit. While the trail is free, there are gear and guide services available from Biggar Adventure and kayak rentals suitable for all levels from Kayak & SUP Hire Scottish Borders.
Where to stay: The Townhouse, Melrose. How to get there: Borders Railway between Edinburgh and Tweedbank; via Berwick on the east coast mainline route with LNER.
West Highland Museum, Fort William
The West Highland Museum, one of the Highlands’ oldest museums, offers an extensive range of exhibits, from archaeology to modern industry, with a particular focus on the Jacobite risings of the 18th century. Noteworthy displays include artefacts from the Alexander Carmichael collection, the Goldman coin collection, and the Dr Charles Hepburn bequest.
Free to visit (donations welcome) the West Highland Museum is an excellent destination for families with children. To make the school holidays extra special, the museum is hosting a series of engaging workshops that offer hands-on fun and creative craft sessions, for more information and to book onto the free sessions, please visit The West Highland Museum’s social media and follow the steps listed.
Where to stay: Alexandra Hotel, Fort William.
How to get there: Scotrail trains – Fort William train station is a 7-minute walk away.
