
20 days out for under a tenner as Scots schools break up for summer holidays
SCHOOL'S OUT 20 days out for under a tenner as Scots schools break up for summer holidays
WITH the schools finishing up for summer, keeping the youngsters entertained without breaking the bank can feel like a monumental task.
But fear not - Scotland is brimming with great budget-friendly activities for the kiddos.
Advertisement
1
Here are 20 of the best activities to do this summer for less than £10
Credit: Alamy
To help make the most of the long break, we've rounded up 20 of the best activities to do across Scotland all for under a tenner that promise to keep the boredom at bay.
GET ACTIVE
SMASH IT: Kids can enjoy free tennis camps. Visit http://tennisforfree.com.
RUNNING ON EMPTY: Junior Parkruns offer free 2km jogs across the country for ages four to 14.
WHEELY FUN: Find safe family bike rides at http://cyclinguk.org/article/ 50-family-friendly-cycle-routes-uk.
Advertisement
SPLASH HAPPY: Cool off at a local splash park with water jets on a sunny day.
IN THE SWIM: Some councils offer free swimming sessions during the holidays. Check your local pool, for example: http://glasgowclub.org/activities/free-family-swimming
CATCH OF THE DAY: For a quieter sporting day out, consider fishing. See https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/.
EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
MUSEUM FUN: Many museums offer free entry (check booking requirements). The National Museum in Edinburgh has free entry and interactive kids' activities.
FIND A FOSSIL: Unearth ancient animal or dinosaur remains. Find locations at http://ukfossils.co.uk/locations
Advertisement
FIND TREASURE: Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt. Use the Geocaching app or visit http://geocaching.com.
Cheapest family holiday destinations for summer 2025 revealed
FEELING TWITCHY: Spread your wings and try some birdwatching. Download a spotter sheet and build a bird feeder. A pair of binoculars wouldn't go amiss either.
A NATIONAL TREASURE: Discover free-entry historic houses and gardens like Callendar House and Park in Falkirk.
DOWN ON THE FARM: Visit your nearest farm for cheap or free entry. Kids under five go free at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride or it's £9 for an annual pass for youngsters. Dalscone Farm in Dumfries is also a hotspot - with entry fees starting at a tenner.
TRAIL GRAIL: Look for family trails in your local town or spot statues or sculptures.
Advertisement
CREATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL
PLANT A SEED: Check for free events at your local garden centre. Dobbies Garden Centres are offering free sensory workshops and families can enjoy low prices on soft play and kids can eat for just £1.
BOOKWORM BONUS: Visit your local library for the annual Summer Reading Challenge. This year's theme is Story Garden which focuses on nature and the great outdoors. Kids earn rewards and a certificate for reading during the holidays.
FIND FREE FOOD: Introduce youngsters to foraging. Look for wild strawberries in July and blackberries in August.
GOING POTTY: WizardingWorld.com has free fun, Harry Potter resources for rainy days.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
FREE FESTIVALS: Check out local event sites or your council website for free festivals. Find more options at http://moneysavingexpert.com/deals/free-uk-festivals.
Advertisement
FLOAT YOUR BOAT: Look out for carnival parades and save money by bringing a picnic.
UP, UP AND AWAY: The Strathaven Balloon Festival is a free, three-day event in Strathaven Park with hot air balloons, live music, a funfair and stalls. This year it runs from Auust 22-24.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Edinburgh Live
28 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Live
Man moves to Edinburgh from London and receives 'abuse' from Scottish people
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh resident from England spoke out on TikTok about online "abuse" he received after moving to the Scottish capital from London. The man took to social media, sharing his 'disappointment' at the response, claiming "everyone I've met here is really nice". He filmed a video while walking through the Meadows, asking people to "be more compassionate". He said: "I posted a video a few weeks ago about how much I love living in Edinburgh after living in London, and the amount of abuse that I got from Scottish people saying, 'We don't want you here. Go back to England. Stop telling people to move to Edinburgh,' [as if] I have the kind of power to make a person move house. "It was really disappointing to be honest. Everyone I've met here is really nice, so I'm not sure who all these super angry individuals are. "Imagine what would have happened if I'd have made a video saying that I didn't like Edinburgh. I can't win. Imagine the backlash. "It was really disappointing, to be honest. I love Scottish people. I think they're so nice and they've been nothing but welcoming to me here, but Jesus Christ on TikTok - the hate. "I get it right. It's hard times for people. Prices go up when more people move to a place, I understand. But it's very difficult to isolate that to just Edinburgh. All around the UK, people are finding it extremely difficult to get by. "Anyone who wants to live in the center of a town or a city - it's so ridiculously expensive now I think we all just need to be a little bit more compassionate." Sympathetic locals took to the comments. One said: "Oh God, I am from Edinburgh. I'm so sorry you have been abused." Another shared: "Cybernats are the pits. Online anti-English trolls are the worst." A third penned: "I'm Scottish but have moved back to Edinburgh from London after 25 years and I prefer England. I can't stand Scots who walk around with a chip on their shoulder and even now colleagues are funny with me because I lived down there."


Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the ‘Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats
IN Yorkshire is one of the UK's most beautiful towns - and it's even been compared to Italy. Knaresborough has waterways and plenty of boats, so it's not too hard to see the comparison, especially in the summertime. 4 Knaresborough is a beautiful town in Yorkshire Credit: Alamy 4 It's even been compared to looking like Italy Credit: Alamy On social media, one visitor recently called Knaresborough "the Italy of England." It showed visitors paddling along the River Nidd looking up at the towering viaduct, and tourists pottering around the town's winding streets. In Knaresborough, you'll also find riverside cafes, steep little streets, and plenty of historic attractions too. It's widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. On the social media post, another person commented: "It's one of my favourite places in the whole world." Knaresborough is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly along the River Nidd where locals and tourists can hire out boats and paddleboards - much like they do in certain Italian destinations. The town is known for having a huge viaduct which carries the Harrogate line over the River Nidd. It's a big attraction that draws in lots of visitors every year. Knaresborough is also home to the oldest tourist attraction in England, Mother Shipton's Cave. The cave is the birthplace of England's most famous prophetess, Mother Shipton. The UK towns with such magnificent scenery they're known as 'Little Switzerland' 4 There are plenty of riverside cafes and restaurants Credit: Alamy Mother Shipton predicted lots of historical events, including the great fire of London and the black death. Inside the cave is a Petrifying Well, where objects can be seen turned to stone. The attraction sits on the banks of the River Nidd and tourists have been charged to go inside since the year 1630. Knaresborough also has a ruined fortress which lots of visitors have said is the best place to get views "over the town, river and viaduct." Find out more about Knaresborough from someone who grew up there. She has all the top tips including where to hire out a boat to take it down the River Nidd. Her favourite riverside cafe is called Marigolds and she has a suggestion of pubs around the town. One of her favourites is Carriages, which she described as having a "cosy atmosphere and tasty food". In the summer, it's a great spot for pretty views of Knaresborough train station. Plus, discover the UK's best seaside destinations revealed – with a small English resort making the top 10 for the first time. And see more quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers.


Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots dad drowns on horror boat trip during family holiday in Turkey
The 47-year-old, from Arbroath, passed away on July 31 and his family has been left devastated SEA TRAGEDY Scots dad drowns on horror boat trip during family holiday in Turkey Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DAD has tragically died on a boat trip during a family holiday to Turkey. John Nelson is understood to have drowned last month off the coast of Turnuc, near the popular resort town of Marmaris. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 John Nelson died during while on a boat trip in Turkey Credit: Facebook 3 His devastated family, including his son Josh, have paid tribute Credit: Facebook 3 John and his loved ones were holidaying in Turnuc, near Marmaris Credit: Getty The 47-year-old, from Arbroath, passed away on July 31 and his family has been left devastated. He was enjoying a sunshine break with his son Josh and partner Sharon Stuart when he tragically lost his life. It is understood local police in the Turnuc area have launched a probe following John's death. Taking to social media, Sharon wrote: "Totally heartbroken to announce the passing of Josh's dad, John Nelson, whose life was tragically taken away at sea during our first family holiday in Turkey. "We are lost for words and totally devastated. John had turned his life around for the better. "We were so proud of him. We're just so grateful he got the chance to spend this last time on holiday with Josh, living his best life. "Our life will never be the same without him. We will always love you forever." Josh also paid tribute to his father and hailed him as his "role model and best friend". He has set up an online fundraiser to help his family as they prepare for John's funeral. Josh wrote: "My dad was my role model, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. We shared so many laughs, deep conversations, and special moments together. Miss Scotland reveals 'massive bang' after terrifying easyJet plane collision "Over the last few years, I watched him transform his health, overcome many obstacles, and push through some of life's biggest struggles. "He came out stronger, happier, and more full of life than ever before. He truly cherished every day he was given. "While we were away on a family holiday, his life was tragically taken in an accident at sea. It's a loss that has shaken my whole world and one I'm still struggling to put into words." He added: "My family and I are now facing the difficult task of arranging his funeral and covering the costs to give him the farewell he deserves. I've set up a fundraiser to help us during this heartbreaking time. "Any donation, no matter the amount, would mean the world to us. If you're unable to donate, sharing this would be an incredible help." His funeral will be held in Friockheim, Angus on August 27. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for comment.