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.
![This summer, Dalkeith Country Park is inviting visitors to ‘Make it Yours’ and build the ultimate summer family day out.
With a celebratory ‘school’s out’ weekend in Fort Douglas adventure playground on June 29 and 30 kicking things off. And, making its return will be the Zorbing Cannon Ball Run, promising fun for all participants. Sweet treats will be on-hand to keep energy levels high in the form of new soft serve ice cream from the Fort Douglas Cabin. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy the renowned Fort Douglas turreted treehouses, giant jumping pillows, speedy zip lines and mighty slides. The fun continues all summer long at Go Ape Dalkeith, with three exhilarating treetop courses designed with adrenaline in mind. There is also a new activity - Archery Tag – a combination of archery and dodgeball.
Throughout the summer there will also be exhibitions and tours at Dalkeith Palace, Adventure Cinema (pictured) from July 5-7 and the Dalkeith Show on July 13.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/02/26/17/07/adventure%20cinema%20dalkeith%20country%20park.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
9. Dalkeith Country Park
This summer, Dalkeith Country Park is inviting visitors to ‘Make it Yours’ and build the ultimate summer family day out. With a celebratory ‘school’s out’ weekend in Fort Douglas adventure playground on June 29 and 30 kicking things off. And, making its return will be the Zorbing Cannon Ball Run, promising fun for all participants. Sweet treats will be on-hand to keep energy levels high in the form of new soft serve ice cream from the Fort Douglas Cabin. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy the renowned Fort Douglas turreted treehouses, giant jumping pillows, speedy zip lines and mighty slides. The fun continues all summer long at Go Ape Dalkeith, with three exhilarating treetop courses designed with adrenaline in mind. There is also a new activity - Archery Tag – a combination of archery and dodgeball. Throughout the summer there will also be exhibitions and tours at Dalkeith Palace, Adventure Cinema (pictured) from July 5-7 and the Dalkeith Show on July 13. | Full FatPhoto: Full Fat
![Visit Abbotsford near Melrose, where Sir Walter Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots Baronial architecture began. This is another attraction you can visit by train on the Borders Railway, taking advantage of the Scotrail kids go for a quid offer. The rooms visitors can discover at Abbotsford were left just as Scott kept them after his death and are packed full of the fascinating items he collected. Amongst them is one of the best examples in the world of an 19th Century writer’s personal library. Listen to a free audio guide as you walk through the rooms to experience all the historic house has to offer. Pre- book your tickets online and explore Abbotsford's historic house. Pay once and enjoy free return visits all year. You can also discover the estate, gardens and visitor centre while at Abbotsford.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/27/15/42/Abbotsford.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
10. Abbotsford
Visit Abbotsford near Melrose, where Sir Walter Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots Baronial architecture began. This is another attraction you can visit by train on the Borders Railway, taking advantage of the Scotrail kids go for a quid offer. The rooms visitors can discover at Abbotsford were left just as Scott kept them after his death and are packed full of the fascinating items he collected. Amongst them is one of the best examples in the world of an 19th Century writer’s personal library. Listen to a free audio guide as you walk through the rooms to experience all the historic house has to offer. Pre- book your tickets online and explore Abbotsford's historic house. Pay once and enjoy free return visits all year. You can also discover the estate, gardens and visitor centre while at Abbotsford. | Scotland Starts Here