School's Out - Family Activities for the School Holidays

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER! 

As the schools break up for the summer holidays, we have pulled together the best activities you and your family can enjoy this summer across Edinburgh and East Lothian.

1.  The National Museum of Scotland

You can't always rely on the sun in Scotland, so for the damper days this summer, visit the National Museum of Scotland for a full day of family fun. Travel back in time through Scottish history, get up close with animals from all over the world, strike a pose in the fashion and art gallery, discover ancient Egypt and meet celebrities like Dolly, the most famous sheep in the world. 

2. Beach Day 

When the sun is shining, Portobello beach offers a beautiful family fun day. Grab your bucket and spade (and maybe a jumper!) and have fun in the sand, enjoy an ice cream and a dip in the sea. There are plenty of amenities nearby for refreshments! In addition Gullane Beach and North Berwick's Milsey Bay Beach are well worth a visit for some sea side fun!

3. Picnic in the Park 

Pack some homemade sandwiches and enjoy a lovely picnic in one of Edinburgh's beautiful green spaces, such as The Meadows, Princes Street Gardens, Inverleith Park and Holyrood Park. Why not bring along a football, have a mini sports day, play some games or read a book. 

4. Royal Mile 

As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes over the City for the month of August, take a walk down the Royal Mile and enjoy the free street performers, from magicians, acrobats, singers, actors, kids shows, comedians and theatre acts, you will be entertained all day! 

5. Climb Arthur's Seat

Grab your hiking boots and climb Edinburgh's extinct volcano, Arthurs seat! There are multiple routes up to the top to suit a range of fitness abilities. Once at the top you will discover panoramic views of the beautiful City. 

6. Cramond Island

Take an adventure to Cramond Island, a tidal island in the Firth of Forth which can only be accessed at low tide by a causeway, extending just under a mile long from the village of Cramond. Be sure to check the notice board at the landward end of the causeway before setting out to ensure safe times to cross. In addition, you can text CRAMOND to 81300 to get safe crossing information sent to you by the RNLI.

7. East Links Family Park

East Links Family Park in Dunbar offers a farm themed day for the whole family, where kids and adults can play and learn together. With go-karts, pedal tractors, hay barn, crazy bikes, slides, sand pit, trampolines, 18 hole crazy golf and a safari train, the whole family will have endless fun. The farm is also home to cows, highland cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, deer, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, geese, ducks, llamas, wallabies and more! What more do you need!  

8. Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park in Fort Douglas offers 1000 acres of history, walks, wellness, shopping, food and adventure. There is something for the whole family!

9. Dynamic Earth 

Discover how our planet evolved millions of years ago and explore the past, present and future with interactive exhibits and mind blowing technology!

10. Edinburgh International Climbing Arena 

For the adventurous kids, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is Europe's largest indoor climbing centre, and hosts a range of climbing walls suitable for all ages as well as soft play and introduction to real rock outdoor climbing. They offer a range of summer holiday camps and coaching.