14 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in East Lothian

Check out these things to do with the kids in East Lothian, whether it's building sandcastles at Yellowcraig Beach, or letting off steam at Lauderdale Park, I've got you covered, and best of all it's free!

I'm still adding to this list, so keep checking back, please get in touch if you've got any hidden gems to recommend, or if you have a picture to replace any that I'm missing (ie the places that have words). As a thank you, I'll send a 20% money off voucher to spend in the shop for anything that gets used.

I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Although I'd love to be able to travel to every place on here, time and practicalities dictate that I've sourced a lot of information from 3rd parties so some information might be incorrect (Please let me know if you spot anything that is so that I can amend it). 

Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc). 

Happy adventuring!

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A sandy beach with an adventure play park, nature trails and a BBQ site. Enjoy the views of the 1885 lighthouse, thought to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's book, 'Treasure Island'. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

Learn all about the life and legacy of the famous enviromentalist, with interesting and thoughtful displays to engage the whole family. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

Learn about the culture and heritage of the coastal communities in the local area. There are treasure hunts, puzzles and geocache links for the kids.  

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A huge community garden, with a vast diversity of plants including a wildflower meadow and an orchard. Check the website for family events. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A public park with lots of space as well as an aviary, wild rabbits, a hare trail, play park, and a zip line. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A family friendly museum telling the county's history from prehistoric times til the present, with plenty for kids to do including activity sheets. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A walled garden with plenty of space and a playground. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

The castle grounds are open, there is currently no access to the castle or Doocot due to masonry inspections. Click through to the website for more information. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A community heritage project preserving the industries around Scotland's first railway. Check the website to see when it's open (only on selected days). 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

Discover the history of the 1745 battle with lots of interesting hands on learning for kids, including a mock campfire and tents area to exlore what life was like for the soldiers. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

One of Scotland's best-preserved Iron Age hillforts, probably built in the first millennium BC, and occupied by the Romans. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A 16th century town house teaching the history of the town. It includes the room where magistrates and councillors presided over local affairs for over 400 years, as well as an atmospheric jail. 

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

An industrial hub for over 400 years, including a harbour, glassworks, pottery, colliery and brickworks. The marks they've left behind now provide a sanctuary for wildlife.

free things to do with kids in East Lothian

A country park with a wide range of habitats, and including some stunning coastline. There's also a large play park. 

Things to do with kids activity pack

You know what the kids would love to be filling in as you're exploring new places? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!

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