6 weeks 6 adventures
Your Guide to Six Fun Summer Adventures in Edinburgh and Beyond
Looking for the perfect summer plan for your kids? Discover my exciting 6-week guide filled with fun and engaging activities! From hiking trails and beach days to zoos, farms, and more, there is everything you need to make this summer unforgettable. Dive in and start planning your family's best summer yet!
Get inspired by my list of attractions and activities in Edinburgh and its surroundings this summer!
Edinburgh is a paradise for adventurous families, surrounded by beautiful hills and breathtaking landscapes.
1). HIKE WEEK 🥾
Get ready for a week of breathtaking hikes!
Hiking is my favourite activity, and the Scottish weather is perfect—not too hot or cold. Let’s lace up our boots and enjoy these beautiful landscapes together! 🌲🏞️🥾
Read my BLOG POSTS:
A Complete Guide to Your Family Photoshoot While Climbing Arthur's Seat
Pentlands Hills Floterstone
Car park: Flotterstone EH26 0PP
Start your adventure in the Pentland Hills, a beautiful range offering various trails for all skill levels. Begin at the Flotterstone Visitor Centre and follow the signs to Glencorse Reservoir for a scenic loop. You'll enjoy stunning views, peaceful waters, and the chance to spot local wildlife. Don't forget to pack a picnic for a break along the way!
Arthur’s Seat
Car park: XR2J+F5, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ
Next, visit the iconic Arthur's Seat. This ancient volcano is located in the heart of Edinburgh and provides a relatively easy yet rewarding hike. Start your journey from Holyrood Park and follow the well-marked paths to the summit. The 2.5 km round trip offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Perfect for a quick hike with breathtaking views!
Conic Hill
Car Park: B837, Balmaha, Stirling G63 0JQ
Don't miss Conic Hill, only 60 miles away from Edinburgh and offering stunning views of Loch Lomond. Start your hike from the Balmaha car park and follow the well-trodden path to the summit. This 4 km out-and-back trail is relatively easy and perfect for beginners. The views of Loch Lomond and its islands are simply breathtaking and a great reward for your efforts.
2). FRUIT PICKING WEEK 🍓🍓
Fruit and vegetable picking is great fun and perfect for kids. They’ll love picking their own fresh produce, and it’s a healthy activity for the whole family. It’s a beautiful day out, and here are some great places to visit.
Have fun picking and tasting fresh fruits and veggies! 🍓🍏🥕🥳
Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe
Car park: Queensferry EH30 9AR
Website: http://www.craigies.co.uk/
Enjoy a day at Craigie's Farm, where you can pick strawberries, raspberries, and a variety of vegetables. The farm also has a lovely cafe and play area for kids.
Belhaven Fruit Farm
Car park: Thistly Cross Roundabout, Dunbar EH42 1ST
Website: https://uk.pickyourown.farm/farm/belhaven-fruit-farm-17435/
Head to Belhaven Fruit Farm for delicious berries and fresh veggies. After picking, relax with some homemade ice cream and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Border Berries
Car Park: Kelso TD5 8NP
Website: http://borderberries.co.uk/
Visit Border Berries Farm for a fun day out picking strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and vegetables. It's a perfect spot for a family picnic.
3). ZOO AND FARM WEEK 🦁🐮
It’s such a joy to see animals up close. Visiting zoos and farms is not only fun but also a great way to learn about different animals. Plus, all these places have wonderful play parks, so you can enjoy a whole day of fun with animals and playgrounds.
Have a fantastic time exploring the animals and enjoying the playgrounds! 🐾🦓🌳
Here are some great spots to visit:
EDINBURGH ZOO:
Website: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/
Edinburgh Zoo is home to unique animals like penguins, giraffes and lions. Don’t miss the daily penguin parade and the fantastic play park for the kids.
ALMOND VALLEY
37 Millfield, Livingston EH54 7AR
Website: http://www.almondvalley.co.uk/
At Almond Valley Farm Park, you can meet farm animals, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy tractor rides. The play areas and soft play zones are perfect for kids to burn off some energy.
FIVE SISTERS ZOO
Gavieside, West Calder EH55 8PT
Website: http://www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk/
Five Sisters Zoo offers a chance to see rescued animals, including lions, bears, and meerkats. The zoo also has a wonderful play area and picnic spots.
4). RAINY WEEK 🌧️🌈
Scotland is a rainy place, so I’m sure we’ll have some rainy days ahead. What do you do with the kids on a rainy day? One fun option is to go and splash in puddles—we love that and definitely recommend trying it! But if it’s too cold, here are a few places you can explore and stay dry:
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Website: http://www.dynamicearth.org.uk/
Discover the wonders of our planet at Dynamic Earth. From volcanic eruptions to the depths of the ocean, it’s an exciting, educational experience.
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Website: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/
The National Museum of Scotland has something for everyone. Explore history, science, and culture through fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
Website: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk
Step into the world of illusions at Camera Obscura. It’s full of fun, interactive exhibits that will amaze and entertain the whole family.
5). BEACH WEEK ☀️
Scottish beaches are some of the most beautiful, with turquoise waters and golden sands. Fingers crossed for some nice, warm days ahead! Get ready to build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and soak up the sun. You can have fun all day on these lovely beaches.🏖️ Here are my favourite beaches to check out:
PORTOBELLO
1 Promenade, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2DX
Portobello Beach is a city beach that’s accessible to everyone. It has a long promenade perfect for walks, and plenty of cafes and shops are nearby. It’s great for a family day out.
Seacliff
Seacliff Beach, on the east coast, is a hidden gem. It’s quiet and scenic, with stunning views of the Bass Rock. Perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.
Tyninghame Beach
Tyninghame Beach offers wide, sandy shores and beautiful dunes. It’s a bit more secluded, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.
6). ADVENTURE WEEK
So, we’re on the last week—Adventure Week! 🎉
Adventure is all about trying new things and having fun. If you love jumping around and sliding and aren’t afraid of heights, these places are perfect for you. Let’s make our last week of the summer holiday the best one yet!
Go Ape Dalkeith
Dunbar EH42 1XF
Website: https://goape.co.uk/locations/dalkeith-edinburgh
At Go Ape, you can climb trees, cross high ropes, and zip line through the forest. It’s an amazing experience for anyone who loves adventure and isn’t afraid of heights.
Foxlake Adventures CIC
Dunbar EH42 1XF
Website: http://www.foxlake.co.uk/
Foxlake Adventures offers wakeboarding, a fun ropes course, and an inflatable water park. It’s a fantastic place to splash around and try something new.
Fort Douglas Adventure Park
Country Park, Dalkeith EH22 1ST
Website: http://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/outdoor-activities/fort-douglas/
Fort Douglas Adventure Park has amazing play areas, slides, and climbing frames. It’s perfect for kids who love to explore and have fun outdoors.
That’s all the ideas I wanted to share for this summer. Remember to capture your memories and create beautiful photos filled with happiness and smiles—these moments are precious, and you’ll cherish them forever. Don't be a stranger if you see us on a path; say hello. And, of course, if you’re not already a member of Walky Talky, my Facebook group, please join us now.
Enjoy every moment, and have a fantastic summer! 🌻
The moments we create during summer are truly special and deserve to be preserved forever. Let’s make sure every smile, laugh, and adventure is captured beautifully. Don’t miss out on preserving these precious memories—book your family photo adventure today and treasure your Edinburgh summer forever. Together, let’s create unforgettable moments to cherish for a lifetime.
