Ultimate Scots guide to everything you can do for FREE in the school summer holidays… from tennis lessons to cinema
HAPPY HOLS Ultimate Scots guide to everything you can do for FREE in the school summer holidays… from tennis lessons to cinema
THE summer holidays are here but keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge - and expensive.
A new study found parents spend as much as £1,000 a week on their children during the six-week break but there is a wealth of free family activities across the country that promise a brilliant summer without breaking the bank.
4
There are loads of fun things to do whatever the weather
Credit: GETTY
From sport classes to screenings and festivals, there are hundreds of free opportunities across Scotland to try. Here's our pick of the best...
1. Free lunch:
Lots of restaurants and cafes offer kids eat for free deals over the summer holidays. For example, Subway joying one free kids' meal with the purchase of any Footlong Sub at participating restaurants while youngsters can enjoy a freebie meal with every adult main.
2. Get two tickets to The Dungeons
As a Sun Club member you can get two free tickets to The Dungeons.
Take your pick from London, York or Edinburgh Dungeons. We have thousands of free tickets, plus 47,000 from just £12.50. Head to the 'Offers Hub' and click 'The Dungeons' page to book from 11am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
3. Tennis lessons for beginners
Get the kids healthy and into a new sport with free tennis sessions. Barclays is sponsoring free group tennis sessions that can be booked on the Lawn Tennis Association website while you'll find more free sessions at Tennis For Free.
4. Art and sculpture trails
Track down some wooden wildlife at the Loch Ard Family Sculpture Trail in the heart of The Trossachs. The 16-mile route takes in stunning spots, such as Loch Chon and Kelty Water, and is ideal for cyclists and walkers. The sculptures represent the animals and birds which inhabit the forests around the area.
Primark is selling the perfect beach bag for your summer holiday - it's lightweight, waterproof and shoppers can't get enough of the sparkles
5. Outdoor cinema pop-ups
Go to the cinema for free with pop-up screenings of popular movies. Queens Park Arena, in Glasgow, has a programme of free film classics showing throughout July, from Mary Poppins to Gladiator. Advance booking is essential.
6. Fun in the forest
There are some stunning forests in Scotland with trails for walking, running and cycling - check out Forestry and Land Scotland for routes. You can make a trip more challenging by orienteering. Find out about courses near you and where to find maps at goorienteering.org.uk
'10/10' FREE DAY OUT
A SAVVY mum has revealed the "10 out of 10
Lisa, from Scotland, regularly shares parenting tips, travel suggestions and a glimpse into her family life on TikTok (@twinniesandtwo).
Now that the school holidays are in full swing for summer, the mum-of-four has been on the hunt for cheap activities and days out to enjoy with her brood.
And she recommends a "wholesome family day" at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride, just 20 minutes away from Glasgow.
In a recent video documenting the "10/10 day out", Lisa said: "From the kids' explorer section with colouring-in and dress-up fun, to meeting the pigs, horses, cows and chickens at the farmhouse – it was a perfect day out for our family of six."
The mum used her National Trust of Scotland membership card to gain free entry to the museum itself.
But don't worry if you don't have one, the play park and animal enclosures are still completely free outdoors.
And the visitor attraction is open from 10am until 5pm, allowing for a full day out with the family.
Lisa said: "We headed round and we just had a wee explore of the inside bit [at the museum] and there's a wee kids bit now which I don't remember being there the last time at all and I think there's been quite a few things added.
"Obviously there's the museum part where you can see the tractors and everything to do with agriculture and mine are all the age where they like looking but they're not gonna stop and read anything.
"I do try but they're just not really that interested. There's a cafe [and] a little explorers room which the kids absolutely loved and there's wee dress up stuff."
7. Library reading challenges and games
Get the children reading with the free challenge run by the Reading Agency and available at most UK libraries. Librarians will issue your children with a collector folder, and they can earn stickers and rewards for reading books, while they may also run other free activities.
8. Local museum craft days
Many of Scotland's museums don't cost anything to enter and run free or extremely cheap craft days for children in the summer holidays, many of which you can book in advance online.
As well as the big free museums, check out smaller local galleries and follow them on Instagram to see what they're offering, for example Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge has free drop-in activities over the summer, including nature walks, brass rubbings and arts and crafts.
9. Geocaching
Make a walk more exciting with the free geocaching app, which encourages you to find small 'caches' containing plastic toys and other tokens and leave some for others.
Just download the app from geocaching.com and find caches near you.
4
It's great to get out in nature
Credit: GETTY
10. Festivals and open days
Expensive festivals can take a huge bite out of your budget, but there are free local events in many areas of the country.Check out the Eventbrite website for free options near you. Setting the filters for free family events will let you see what's going on in your area and allow you to apply for free tickets.
11. In-store workshops
Many companies offer free workshops for kids to tempt you in during the holidays. Try your local Pets at Home for free pet owner classes with a certificate or sign up for Apple Camp on the tech company's website for free movie-making classes.
Other companies to check for free kids' workshops include Hobbycraft, the Lego Store and Hamleys.
12. Farm visits
Many city farms are free to visit year-round while others hold bookable open days where children can feed and pet animals and learn about their care. Check your local websites for details or treehub.co.uk for free farms near you or try animal sanctuaries such as Tribe Animal Sanctuary Scotland.
4
Farm parks are a great day out
13. Get girls moving
Nuffield Health offers free girls fitness classes run by expert instructors. You can book at nuffieldhealth.com/movetogether if you have a Nuffield gym near you.
14. Get up high
Visiting London? Taking a trip up the Shard or on the London Eye will cost you dear but there are several viewing platforms that allow you to see the city for nothing at all. Horizon 22 is the highest viewing platform you can visit for free, and you can book in advance at Horizon 22 or get walk up tickets on the day. Other options include the Sky Garden and the Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, all of which are bookable in advance.
15. Play football with McDonald's
McDonald's is offering free football coaching for 5 to 11-year-olds this summer. Look online to find a session near you and to sign up. Meanwhile, Kellogg's is offering 30,000 free places at Kellogg's Football Camps. To secure a place, parents need to buy a promotional box of Kellogg's cereal and use the on-pack QR code to sign up at kelloggsfc.com
16. Join a walking tour
Visiting a new city? Check out free walking tours to make the most of it with older children. A lot of cities offer these tours with an expert guide in exchange for a donation. For example, check out this free Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh. Make sure you book in advance and – in this case – make sure your children bring a wand, or something similar to 'swish and flick'.
17. Visit a splash park
If the weather warms up, a trip to a free splashpark could be just the ticket. There are some brilliant water-based fun sites across Scotland including at the Helix Park, in Fife, and at Nairn beachfront.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
TV star in 24-hour fundraiser in support of Scots brothers rowing Pacific ocean
Scotland's Home of the Year judge and architect Danny Campbell has supported Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean's mission to become the fastest people to row the Pacific. A tv star has rowed for 24 hours in support of the three Scots brothers trying to become the fastest people to row the Pacifi c. Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean are 100 days into their 120-day unsupported rowing challenge to cross 9000 miles of open ocean to raise £1million for clean water projects. The brothers left Peru in March on the mission to reach Australia. To mark the milestone, friends and supporters joined the trio virtually with a 24-hour row in Glasgow, led by Scotland's Home of the Year judge and architect Danny Campbell. Rather than braving 30-foot waves, salt sores and sea sickness, supporters took turns on indoor rowing machines at The Social Hub Glasgow. Teams of three rowed in shifts from 8am Saturday to 8am Sunday. Danny - a Social Hub ambassador and close friend of middle brother Jamie Maclean, with whom he played rugby for years - was part of a team of three which rowed more than 310,000m. Ahead of the event, Jamie gave Danny and Scotland's Home of the Year co-stars Banjo Beale and Anna Campbell-Jones a virtual tour of their tiny boat named Rose Emily in memory of their late sister. They are currently approaching Fiji. Danny is no stranger to crazy fitness challenges having recently completed a 10k in crocs for mental health charities. For this event, he wore trainers rather than his famous crocs. He said: 'That was incredibly difficult, but I think that's the point. Doing it indoors, in comfortable surroundings, for one day, is one of the hardest things I've ever done. 'They've been out there for 100 days in a tiny boat being tossed around like a sausage in a frying pan. What we did was a drop in the ocean, but hopefully it helps raise awareness and funds for a vital cause. 'Since I met Jamie, we've always tried to outdo each other. But I think he's finally got me beat.' Speaking from the middle of the Pacific, Jamie Maclean (32) said: 'We've had people rowing for 24 hours from Australia to Edinburgh. And now Glasgow. 'We're so grateful for the support. Who knows, maybe this is the start of something and 24-hour rows will become the next big fitness trend? 'Perhaps Danny will join us on the ocean one day?' The 24-hour activation was hosted and sponsored by The Social Hub, part of the brand's wider commitment to community wellbeing through fitness, nutrition and mental health support. James Rennie, Partnership Activations Manager at The Social Hub Glasgow, added: 'We've hosted everything from Pilates to HIIT classes — but this was something entirely different. 'We were proud to welcome Danny and the team to support such a worthy cause. Now it's time for everyone to rest those arms — they've earned it!' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
BBC star reveals horror after landlord recorded naked images on hidden spy cam
She claims he spiked her drink the night before she discovered the device Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BBC actress has told of her horror after discovering her landlord planted a spy cam in her bathroom. The Scots star — who has appeared in prime-time comedies and dramas — found the recording device hidden in a washing basket after taking a shower. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A BBC actress (pictured) opened up on her spy cam ordeal as cops launch a probe Credit: Newsline 4 The clandestine device was stashed inside a washing basket in the bathroom Credit: Supplied 4 The performer's pervert landlord inadvertently filmed himself on his own device Credit: Supplied 4 The shocked star quickly removed the camera and fled the property Credit: Supplied She fled the flat before watching back the footage and finding intimate clips of herself — plus an image of the creep changing the memory card. Cops have launched a probe. Last night the telly star said: 'I was in a state of absolute shock. He filmed me when I was at my most vulnerable.' The performer told how she moved into the property in France last July after a break-up with a boyfriend. Her 40-something landlord — whom she believed was a drug user — soon seemed suspicious. The actress recalled: 'Something didn't feel right with him.' Later she found two holes drilled into the bathroom wall which she plugged with cotton earbuds. And the night before she found the recording device she claimed the sicko spiked her drink. She recalled: 'It was like something out of a horror movie. 'I always used to notice this little black dot in the washing basket across from the shower. 'I never in a million years thought he'd be spying on me. But given what had happened the night before, I went to have a closer look. 'My heart just stopped and I burst into tears. There was a green light flashing on the camera. 'I knew that it was on and I was being recorded.' Initially she remained in the bathroom and switched off the lights fearing the sicko could be waiting outside 'with a knife'. Eventually she packed a bag and fled the property before returning with cops days later. She eventually plucked up the courage to watch the video and was horrified saying: 'I was in complete shock.' Police said: 'The subject of the complaint is a violation of privacy by filming or recording or transmitting the image of a person of a sexual nature.'
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street character 'still alive and set to join soap' as fake death 'rumbled'
Coronation Street fans are convinced that the constant mentions of a dead character on the ITV soap recently are a sign they are secretly still alive and will head to Weatherfield There could be a return from the dead for a Coronation Street character, with fans claiming to have spotted some clues. The character in question was murdered offscreen years earlier, while we only learned of their existence in the past year or so. Becky Swain was the mother of teen Betsy Swain, and the wife of detective Lisa Swain. Lisa has opened up about the loss of her partner in the line of duty a fair few times, and more recently she was forced to face her past when she opened up in therapy. The death was revisited recently more than once with newcomers Matty and Logan Radcliffe, earlier this year, with their link to the death revealed. Details about what led to Becky's death, and rumours of her being corrupt ahead of her demise, have kept the plot and the mystery of it going. With that, the constant mentions of her and the desire to know what really happened has left fans questioning if there's more to be revealed, and more to happen. Amid new spoilers teasing a twist about Lisa's new partner Carla Connor, which we will not share in case fans have yet to see it, fans are wondering if an almighty bombshell will be dropped soon. While plenty of fans are willing to bet Becky is very much dead, and some are calling for the speculation of her being alive to end, other fans can't drop the idea that Becky may be in hiding. The theory has once again been shared following new episodes and twists, with fans now once again convinced Becky will head to Weatherfield very much alive. Taking to social media one fan said: "What if Carla really does do a deep dive and finds out Becky is not only bent but also alive? What if those scenes at the park are her having to break the news to Lisa alongside the Private investigator?" Another fan posted: "Feels like a juggernaut coming down the line but I could be wrong. Is Becky - deceased wife of DC Swain and mother of Betsy - not dead? My very much of a guess is - she was undercover as a bent copper, big scary criminals, faked death to save her family, witness protection, yadda yadda yadda and suddenly TA-DA!!! "It's all the endless references and musings about a character we've never met. Feels like something's afoot. Also a handy nemesis for Carla? That's always a good thing." A further post said: "I agree that the endless references about someone who we have never met is suspicious!" One torn fan then posted: "The only reason I think she has to be dead is surely a post mortem was carried out given the circumstances and surely Lisa had to identify her or saw her in her coffin." Another fan said: "Typical soap, if they don't die on screen, they're not actually dead." The theory kept on being shared, with one fan writing: "Yeah, I don't recall exactly what it was, but before the footy break a Swarla convo made me say Becky isn't dead." Another viewer said: "Wouldn't surprise me if Becky's still alive." Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
