Edinburgh & Scotland Summer Guide

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT AROUND EDINBURGH THIS SUMMER

Summer in Scotland is such a lovely time for family adventures. There is so much to do in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, especially if your family enjoys spending time outside and exploring new places together.


In this blog post, I wanted to share a few places and activities that I personally love and think are really worth visiting during the summer months. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas and inspiration for your own family adventures in Scotland this summer.

1). HIKing 🥾



Hiking is one of my favourite things to do in Scotland, especially during the summer months. The weather is usually perfect for longer walks, not too hot, and the views can be absolutely beautiful on a clear day.


This week is all about some of my favourite hills and hiking spots around Edinburgh and Scotland that are great for families, couples, or anyone who simply enjoys being outside and exploring nature a little more 🌿.


Figure standing on hilltop overlooking panoramic city view at sunset.
Two people running through a grassy hillside overlooking a scenic lake and mountains in the distance.

Pentlands Hills

Car park (Swanston)


The Pentland Hills are one of my favourite places near Edinburgh for a summer family adventure. It is such a lovely escape from the busy city, with open views, fresh air, and so many different walks to choose from.

If you would like more ideas and specific locations in the area, you can also read my blog post: EXPLORING PENTLAND HILLS – BEAUTIFUL WALKS NEAR EDINBURGH


Group sitting on rocky outcrop overlooking scenic city and water views.

Arthur’s Seat

Car park (Holyrood)


Arthur’s Seat is one of the most popular walks in Edinburgh, and such a lovely place to visit during the summer. The views over the city are beautiful, especially early in the morning or later in the evening.

If you would like to experience Arthur’s Seat with photos along the way, I also offer an Arthur’s Seat Photo Walk Experience where we explore the area together while I capture natural photos during the walk.

Three people enjoying the view from a hilltop overlooking a scenic landscape.

Conic Hill

 Car Park (Balmaha)


Conic Hill is such a lovely walk if you feel like exploring a little outside Edinburgh.


This 4 km out-and-back trail is relatively easy and perfect for beginners. The views of Loch Lomond and its islands are simply breathtaking and a great reward for your efforts.

2). FRUIT PICKING 🍓


Fruit and vegetable picking is great fun and perfect for kids. They’ll love picking their own fresh produce, and it’s great fun for the whole family.


Have fun picking and tasting fresh fruits and veggies! 🍓🥕🥳 

Rustic wooden farm store with pumpkins and produce displayed outside under a cloudy sky.
Fresh produce display with cabbage and tomatoes at a local market stand.

Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe

Car park & Website


Craigie’s Farm is a great place for a relaxed summer family day out. You can pick your own fruit and vegetables, visit the farm shop, and stop for lunch or coffee at the cafe afterwards.

People picking flowers together in a sunny meadow during golden hour.

Border berries

Car park & Website


Border Berries is another lovely spot for summer fruit and veg picking in Scotland. Depending on the season, you can pick strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and a wide variety of vegetables.

It is a really nice place to slow down, enjoy the countryside, and spend a few relaxed hours outside together.

Wooden chalkboard sign with arrow pointing to PYO (Pick Your Own) strawberry field.

BLACKETYSIDE FARM SHOP

Car park & Website


Blacketyside is one of our favourite summer places for fruit picking near Edinburgh. You can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, and other seasonal fruits.

There is also a lovely farm shop and a small play area for children, which makes it a really nice family stop during the summer holidays.


3). ZOO AND FARM 🐮


Visiting farms and zoos is always such a fun summer activity with children. It is a lovely way to spend time outside and see animals up close.


Most of these places also have great play areas, cafes, and plenty of space for children to run around, which makes them perfect for a full day out during the summer holidays.


Person in plaid skirt petting a brown cow through a wire fence.
Three zebras grazing on green grass, showing their distinctive black and white striped patterns from behind.

EDINBURGH ZOO

Car park & Website


Edinburgh Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in the city and a lovely place for a full day out. You can see penguins, giraffes, lions, monkeys, and many other animals from around the world.


Three zebras grazing on green grass, showing their distinctive black and white striped patterns from behind.

BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK

Car park & Website



Blair Drummond Safari is such a fun family day out. You can drive through parts of the park and see lions, giraffes, monkeys, and other exotic animals much closer than in a traditional zoo.

There are also play areas, rides, and plenty to explore outdoors, making it easy to spend the whole day there with children.

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An African elephant grazes near a fence in a zoo enclosure surrounded by greenery and buildings.

FIVE SISTERS ZOO

Car park & Website


Five Sisters Zoo is home to many rescued animals, including bears, lions, and meerkats. It feels a little more relaxed and quieter than some larger zoos, which many families really enjoy.


4). RAINY 🌧️


Scotland is a rainy place, so I’m sure we’ll have some rainy days ahead. What do you do with the kids on a rainy day? One fun option is to go and splash in puddles—we love that and definitely recommend trying it! But if it’s too cold, here are a few places you can explore and stay dry:

Two people sharing a joyful embrace outdoors near residential buildings.

Dynamic Earth

Car park & Website


Dynamic Earth is a really fun indoor activity in Edinburgh, especially on rainy Scottish days. Children can learn about volcanoes, oceans, space, and the planet through interactive rooms and experiences.

National Museum of Scotland

Car park & Website


The National Museum of Scotland is one of the best free places to visit in Edinburgh with children. There is a little bit of everything there, from animals and nature to science, fashion, Scottish history, and interactive exhibits.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Car park & Website


Camera Obscura is such a fun place for families visiting Edinburgh. It is full of optical illusions, mirrors, lights, and activities that both children and adults enjoy.

5). BEACH ☀️


Scotland has some really beautiful beaches. On sunny days, the water can look almost turquoise, and Scottish beaches often feel peaceful and open, with long stretches of sand and beautiful coastal views.

Children playing and splashing in ocean waves on a sunny summer day.
People running playfully through shallow ocean waves at sunset on a beach.

PORTOBELLO

Google Maps (Portobello Beach)


Portobello is Edinburgh’s most popular beach and is such an easy place for a relaxed family day out. The long promenade is perfect for walks, with plenty of cafes, ice cream shops, and places to stop nearby.

Three silhouettes standing on a sandy beach looking out at the ocean and rocky islands.

Seacliff

Google Maps (Seacliff Beach)



Seacliff Beach is such a beautiful hidden gem, with views towards Bass Rock and wide open coastal scenery. It feels quieter and more peaceful than many other beaches, and not many tourists know about it.

Wide sandy beach with scattered beachgoers and coastal cliffs in the distance.

Tyninghame Beach

Google Maps (Tyninghame Beach)



Tyninghame Beach is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by dunes and nature. The walk through the forest to reach the beach is part of the experience and makes it feel a little more hidden away.

6). ADVENTURE 💫


Adventure is all about trying something new and having fun together. If your family loves climbing, jumping, sliding, or a little bit of excitement, these places are perfect for an active summer day out.

Small child hanging upside down inside a metal tunnel or tube.
Person navigating through a challenging ropes course high up in the forest canopy.

Go Ape Dalkeith

Google Maps Location & Website


Go Ape is such a fun place for older children, teenagers, and adventurous adults. You can climb through the trees, cross rope bridges, and fly through the forest on zip lines.

Adventure seekers crossing a wooden bridge structure over a scenic pond.

Foxlake Adventures

Google Maps Location & Website


Foxlake Adventures offers wakeboarding, a fun ropes course, and an inflatable water park. It’s a fantastic place to splash around and try something new.

Creative shadow play photo captured through a tunnel slide at a playground.

Fort Douglas Adventure Park

Google Maps Location & Website


Fort Douglas is an amazing outdoor adventure playground with giant slides, climbing frames, tunnels, and treehouses.

I hope this blog gave you a few new ideas for summer adventures around Edinburgh and Scotland. Whether you choose beaches, hills, farms, or family attractions, there are so many lovely places to explore during the warmer months 🤗

And of course, do not forget to take photos along the way. Some of the best family memories are often the simple little moments spent outside together.


Enjoy every moment, and have a fantastic summer! 🌻

The moments we create during summer are truly special and deserve to be preserved forever. Let’s make sure every smile, laugh, and adventure is captured beautifully. Don’t miss out on preserving these precious memories—book your family photo adventure today and treasure your Edinburgh summer forever. Together, let’s create unforgettable moments to cherish for a lifetime.

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