Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Holiday Hotspots in and around Edinburgh
We know it's not easy organising a family holiday as you need ideas for things to do on a family day out that will inspire, excite, challenge, reward and entertain lots of different people all at once. And then, everyone wants a whole lot of new things to do tomorrow….. Well, it's a good job that Scotland has oodles of adventure, history, wildlife and you don’t have to venture far from home to find it!
Kingdom of Fife
Relax away from routine with a short break in Fife and Dundee. Based in a seafront cottage, a self-catering lodge in a country estate, or perhaps a luxury caravan on a holiday park or a tent will do!
Think of days playing by the seaside, visiting exciting attractions that wee ones will love and soaking up a bit of cosmopolitan culture in the city - you won't be short of ways to have fun. We just hope the Scottish sun shines for you but then seasoned “staycationers” never leave home without the waterproofs packed, especially when there is so much beach action to be had! Nestled in the eastern corner of the Fife region, the East Neuk of Fife and its collection of pretty fishing villages and small sandy beaches make it a great area for family exploration.
Beach fun…and Lots of It
Elie beach is a beautiful curve of golden sand and as families work up a thirst for summer there can be no better way to kick start the holiday season than a trip to the beach! Bucket and spade packed but remember a towel to dry wet feet after the inevitable paddle no matter how cold the water! Once done here, move on to Elie Earlsferry beach for a double dose of shoreline play. From May to September there’s also cricket to be watched from a beachside pitch but watch for the water levels as the fixture list is dependent on the tide!
Fish “N” Chips
No seaside holiday comes without a fish and chips with a view. The sea air is known to induce quite an appetite so head on up the coastline to the charming fishing village of Anstruther to catch a bite to eat. A top attraction here is simply tucking into a quality fish supper with a harbour vista. You may even spot a fishing boat land their catch. There’s animal attractions to look out on a boat trip to the Isle of May or back on dry land, there’s the Scottish Fisheries Museum.
In and Around St Andrews
There’s lots to see and do here! St Andrews is famed for many things; home to golf, one of the country's top universities and shares the same name as Scotland's patron saint. Whilst this may not be enough to interest the little ones, don't worry as yet more beaches, conquering the Himalayas pitch and putt, a castle visit, and a trip to the Sea Life Centre – St Andrews Aquarium will!
Still looking for more? 13 miles from St Andrews, you’ll find the Scottish Deer Centre in Cupar which is a must for any animal lover. Along with the wolves, lynx, Scottish wildcats and a European brown bear, there’s many species of deer from all around the world and deer you can feed. Not to mention the falconry displays and otter feeding sessions too. When it's time to really let off steam, hit the adventure playground or take to the track and race your rivals to the finish line in pedal karts.
South of St Andrews there’s an underground surprise to be found – a secret Scotland kept for 40 years! There’s plenty of tunnel exploration at Scotland’s Secret Bunker. If discovering how to survive a nuclear attack from deadly bombs isn’t your little one’s thing then you can always play fairy tale-themed games with the children as you explore the charming grounds of Kellie Castle, Pittenweem.
Discover Dundee
Dundee has had a lot of transformation over the years and the kids are bound to be inspired by the many great things to see and do. Who knows, they may even find their calling; ground-breaking scientist inspired by the Dundee Science Centre, pioneering polar explorer or Olympic diver, perhaps? For kids who take to water like ducks, the Olympia Swimming Pool offers awesome aquatic fun. There are rapid rivers, wave pools and seated bubble beds in the leisure pool. Toddlers will love the small slides and interactive features and the daredevils will love the flumes. Only the most fearless will ride the Cannonball with a drop into the dive pool!