There are so many great places in the Lothians for Edinburgh school pupils to enjoy a day out during the next six weeks, from educational trips looking into Scotland’s history at places including the National Mining Museum, Abbotsford and Trimontium, to thrill-seeking experiences at Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston and Foxlake in East Lothian.
Many of the attractions on our list are accessible by railway, which is perfect just now during this cost of living crisis, given the Scotrail offer for kids to travel for just £1.
Hopefully our 10 picks give Edinburgh parents some food for thought when it comes to planning a day away during the school summer holidays this year.
Hopefully our 10 picks give Edinburgh parents some food for thought when it comes to planning a day away during the school summer holidays this year.
![The fields, woods and green spaces of the Almond Valley site extend for nearly a mile either side of the river Almond. At its heart lies the old buildings of Livingston Mill and the nearby Mill Farm which is home to all manner of friendly animals who are always happy to meet you. There's a big variety of unique and imaginative play spaces set among the meadows and woodland, with loads to see and do, no matter the weather. There's indoor soft play beside the tearoom, and the shale oil museum with interactive displays. All in all it’s a brilliant family day out.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/27/14/44/Almond-Valley.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Almond Valley
The fields, woods and green spaces of the Almond Valley site extend for nearly a mile either side of the river Almond. At its heart lies the old buildings of Livingston Mill and the nearby Mill Farm which is home to all manner of friendly animals who are always happy to meet you. There's a big variety of unique and imaginative play spaces set among the meadows and woodland, with loads to see and do, no matter the weather. There's indoor soft play beside the tearoom, and the shale oil museum with interactive displays. All in all it’s a brilliant family day out. | Lisa FergusonPhoto: Lisa Ferguson
![Little ones can learn all about Scotland's rich mining history at the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange, conveniently situated next door to the train station, so another great day out to take advantage of the ScotRail Kids for a Quid scheme. The Lady Victoria Colliery, home of the National Mining Museum Scotland, was opened in 1895 as Scotland's first super-pit. It ceased production in 1981 and now serves as an example of one of the best-preserved Victorian Collieries in Europe. There is always lots to do here, with the attraction's annual family fun day due to take place on Saturday, August 10 at the end of the school holidays.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjYxMDVkZDgyLTE3NzEtNDliZi05Y2VhLTRmMGZlNTk4NjdjNDplMGFjODU5Mi1lYzk1LTRhODgtODcxNi04NjVkMjJjZjEzODk=.jpg?trim=0,112,0,111&crop=&width=800)
6. National Mining Museum Scotland
Little ones can learn all about Scotland's rich mining history at the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange, conveniently situated next door to the train station, so another great day out to take advantage of the ScotRail Kids for a Quid scheme. The Lady Victoria Colliery, home of the National Mining Museum Scotland, was opened in 1895 as Scotland's first super-pit. It ceased production in 1981 and now serves as an example of one of the best-preserved Victorian Collieries in Europe. There is always lots to do here, with the attraction's annual family fun day due to take place on Saturday, August 10 at the end of the school holidays. | Neil HannaPhoto: Neil Hanna
![Arniston House, a stately mansion house near Gorebridge, just two miles from the train station or 25 minutes by car, it offers the perfect blend of a countryside retreat a stone’s throw from Edinburgh. Arniston has been home to the Dundas family since 1571 and the family still live in the house today. Visitors are taken on an intriguing 90-minute tour putting the house into context with not only the family history but Scottish and world events. The Arniston House collection contains generations of family portraits and exquisite artworks by artists such as Ramsay, Raeburn and Nasmyth; as well as beautiful period furniture, stunning architecture and stucco work. The grounds and surrounding woodlands offer a peaceful and relaxing space to spend time in. Guided tours of the house begin at 2pm each Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmU5M2EzODBlLTVjMDYtNDljZS1hODkxLTg4ODllZDQ1YmZmODoxNGVhMjQyZC1kZjUxLTQxMjItYTZjYy0wZTk3N2RjOTU3YzI=.jpg?trim=0,321,0,321&crop=&width=800)
7. Arniston House
Arniston House, a stately mansion house near Gorebridge, just two miles from the train station or 25 minutes by car, it offers the perfect blend of a countryside retreat a stone’s throw from Edinburgh. Arniston has been home to the Dundas family since 1571 and the family still live in the house today. Visitors are taken on an intriguing 90-minute tour putting the house into context with not only the family history but Scottish and world events. The Arniston House collection contains generations of family portraits and exquisite artworks by artists such as Ramsay, Raeburn and Nasmyth; as well as beautiful period furniture, stunning architecture and stucco work. The grounds and surrounding woodlands offer a peaceful and relaxing space to spend time in. Guided tours of the house begin at 2pm each Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. | Scott LoudenPhoto: Photographer: Scott Louden
![Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston is a great attraction to take the kids to during the summer holidays. Situated just outside Edinburgh, the venue has announced the return of its annual summer festival, FoxFest, for 2024. Tickets are now on sale for the endless summer fun which is set to return on August 3 and 4. With ticket prices starting from £11.75, the festival has been designed to bring kids and adults together for limitless fun throughout the weekend. Families can soak up the atmosphere in the Conifox Festival Field with a bumper weekend of entertainment including music, circus performers, magicians, comedy and so much more.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/27/15/17/Conifox-Adventure-Park.jpg?trim=0,0,149,0&crop=&width=599)
8. Conifox Adventure Park
Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston is a great attraction to take the kids to during the summer holidays. Situated just outside Edinburgh, the venue has announced the return of its annual summer festival, FoxFest, for 2024. Tickets are now on sale for the endless summer fun which is set to return on August 3 and 4. With ticket prices starting from £11.75, the festival has been designed to bring kids and adults together for limitless fun throughout the weekend. Families can soak up the atmosphere in the Conifox Festival Field with a bumper weekend of entertainment including music, circus performers, magicians, comedy and so much more. | SubmittedPhoto: Submitted