With the Easter holidays just around the corner, many are on the lookout for fun and affordable ways to celebrate the long weekend. Finding activities that strike the perfect balance between adventure, excitement, and great value can be tricky, but Scotland is full of options that tick all the boxes.
To make planning easier, VisitScotland has put together a selection of memorable Easter experiences that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s a classic Easter egg hunt, a scenic outdoor adventure, or a hands-on farm visit, these activities offer the perfect way to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful spring landscapes while creating lasting family memories.
Fort Douglas Easter Festival at Dalkeith Country Park
Fort Douglas at Dalkeith Country Park is hosting a fun-filled Easter Festival from 18th–21st April 2025, packed with activities for all ages. From the adrenaline rush of the Zorbing Cannon Ball Run to face painting, scavenger hunts, sweet treats, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Tickets are priced by age: under 1s go free, toddlers (1-2 years) £7.50, children (2-4 years) £14.50, children (5-12 years) £15.50, and adults £6.50. You can also save £1 per ticket by booking in advance.
Easter Eggsplorer Trails with Historic Environment Scotland
Treat yourself to a family adventure as Historic Environment Scotland invites visitors of all ages to explore its Easter trails. Throughout this festive period, historic sites across Scotland become the backdrop for an enchanting bird-themed mystery.
This spring, birds from every corner of Scotland have gathered for their annual celebration. However, excitement turns to mystery as one beloved feathered friend fails to arrive on time. Families are invited to journey through Scotland’s iconic historic sites, guided by clues and puzzles. Each self-guided trail offers participants the chance to engage with history uncovering stories from the past while solving the mystery of the missing bird.
Don’t miss visiting Linlithgow Palace in West Lothian (tickets priced £10 for adults and £6 for children), as well as Dryburgh Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders (adults £7.50, children £4.50).
Outdoor Easter adventures in Aviemore
For those looking to escape into nature and fresh air this Easter, Aviemore is a great option. Make sure to explore Rothiemurchus Estate, with its scenic walking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Grab something fresh and local from Rothiemurchus Farm Shop and head to Loch an Eilein for a picnic, a fantastic way to take in the beauty of the season.
If you want to extend your adventure into a longer break, Aviemore Youth Hostel is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and provides a comfortable, welcoming base for families. It’s also home to a Scottish Natural Heritage visitor centre, featuring a Peregrine nestcam and plenty of helpful information about the nearby Craigellachie National Nature Reserve.
Aviemore is easy to reach by train, with direct journeys from Edinburgh and Glasgow taking about three hours, and just a short 40-minute ride from Inverness. It’s also a stop on the Caledonian Sleeper from London, making it a convenient escape even for those travelling longer distances.
Experience the magic of lambing season at Lennox of Lomond
Spring is the time to reconnect with nature, and there’s no better way to experience it than through a hands-on farm visit. Rural adventures offer families a chance to discover Scotland’s farming traditions, interact with animals up close, and enjoy an unforgettable day out.
Discover the joys of farm life this Easter with a lambing experience at Lennox of Lomond, located on the western shores of Loch Lomond near Luss. Families can immerse themselves in the magic of lambing season with engaging weekend sessions that promise hands-on fun for all ages over one year old. Each session provides plenty of time to learn fascinating insights about lambing, enjoy the opportunity to hold newborn lambs, and take in the stunning views of Loch Lomond on a quadbike trailer tour around the farm’s fields.
Weekend sessions are available at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, lasting 1.5 hours and costing £21.20 per person, with children under 2 attending free.
Relaxing Easter escape at Jacksons at Jedburgh
If you’re looking for more of a peaceful escape into rural Scotland, Jacksons at Jedburgh offers a chance to step away from the hustle of daily life and experience farm living at a slower pace. Visitors can meet Highland cows, enjoy lamb feeding sessions, and explore the farm’s stunning surroundings.
General admission to the farm is £8 for children and £13 for adults, with a family ticket covering two adults and up to three children available for £36.75. For an extra hands-on experience, there’s an option to add a lamb feeding session to the farm visit for £6 per person.
Those keen to get even closer to Scotland’s famous Highland coos can opt for the special Highland Cow Experience, which allows you to set off on a self-guided walking safari through the fields, with plenty of chances to meet the animals up close. Tickets are £12 per person.
Crafts, trails and festive fun at Shetland Museum
Celebrate the end of the Easter holidays at Shetland Museum & Archives, with a day full of free, festive family fun on 21st April between 10am and 2pm. The museum is opening its doors for a special drop-in event designed to entertain and engage visitors of all ages.
Enjoy creative craft activities, interactive trails through fascinating exhibitions, and plenty of games to captivate curious young minds. For the smallest visitors, a sensory play area will provide gentle exploration and fun tailored especially for them.
This event is free to attend, however, donations are warmly welcomed. No booking necessary.
For more inspiration and ideas for spring breaks in Scotland, visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/when-to-visit/spring.
Headline Photo Credit: Visit Scotland