14 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in East Lothian (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking to for a fun and free day out, then 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, there's options here to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
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. 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!
Lucy
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'.
Learn all about the life and legacy of the famous enviromentalist, with interesting and thoughtful displays to engage the whole family.
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.
A huge community garden, with a vast diversity of plants including a wildflower meadow and an orchard. Check the website for family events.
A public park with lots of space as well as an aviary, wild rabbits, a hare trail, play park, and a zip line.
A family friendly museum telling the county's history from prehistoric times til the present, with plenty for kids to do including activity sheets.
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.
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).
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.
One of Scotland's best-preserved Iron Age hillforts, probably built in the first millennium BC, and occupied by the Romans.
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.
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.
A country park with a wide range of habitats, and including some stunning coastline. There's also a large play park.
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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