If you’re heading to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday with your family, you’ll want some ideas up your sleeve to keep the kids entertained.
Of course, there are swimming pools, playgrounds and free entertainment at your holiday park – but if you want to step outside and explore the local area, there’s plenty on offer.
We’ve asked The Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor and holiday park staff on the best family-friendly activities in ScotlandCredit: Alamy
We’ve asked local experts for their top recommendations on what to do with your family in Scotland, with suggestions that are never too far from our £9.50 Holiday parks.
From child-friendly aquariums to free-to-enter country parks that have brilliant playgrounds, here’s where you should take the kids first.
Adventure park thrills
For families with kids needing to burn off some energy, a day trip to an adventure park could be a good bet.
Children will enjoy coming face-to-face with more than 22 prehistoric giants in Dinosaur Kingdom and embracing nature on a fun treetop trail (keep eyes peeled for red squirrels).
If you’re staying closer to Perth, you could instead head for Active Kids Adventure Park.
Recommended by Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park, it has an indoor soft play and little ones will love feeding the animals.
Christopher added: “We also have magical bluebell woods at Kinclaven and seasonal fruit picking at Gloagburn Farm, which has a play park.”
Swings and steam engines
The Scottish Sun Travel Editor Heather Lowrie says: “Sundrum castle is just outside Ayr – you could go into the town and go to Ayr beach for its attractions, big swing park, and Pirate Pete’s adventure play areas for kids.
If trains are what your brood is into, Strathspey Steam Railway is another great idea for a family day out.
See the magnificent Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of a plush carriage, or stop off at Boat of Garten to spot ospreys at the nearby RSPB reserve.
The railway is located near Aviemore, around an hour’s drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park.
Bungee jumping off Garry Bridge near Killiecrankie in PerthshireCredit: PA:Press Association
Free family activities
In Ayrshire, near holiday parks such as Sandylands, Eglinton Country Park is ideal for a family day out without spending a penny.
As well as having 400 acres for your kids to run around in, it has a big swing park and marked routes including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) trail.
Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park says: “It’s a good option for families on a budget because it’s free to enter and there are lots of picnic areas and barbecue stations.”
Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.
Leaps of faith
Older kids – and parents – can test their mettle with a bungee jump.
Highland Fling is just a short drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park and offers heart-pounding activities such as bungee jumping, bridge swings and zip lining through the valley of Killiecrankie.
Meanwhile, around 20 miles south of Ayr on the west coast, Adventure Carrick offers a range of water-based thrills, including three-hour coasteering sessions (from £55pp).
Suitable from age eight, the high-energy sessions will see you climb cliffs and leap into swirling seas near Ballantrae.
For budding scientists
If your kids are scientists in the making, expand their little minds at a family-friendly museum like Glasgow Science Centre.
Its super-engaging exhibits include a Planetarium that transports you through the solar system and a “Perception” room with mind-bending visual illusions.
Wildlife lovers big and small can find their favourite species from all over the globe in Scotland.
You could head to Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore – home to everything from polar bears and snow leopards to rare Scottish wildcats.
Or how about letting your kids be a zookeeper for the day at Camperdown Wildlife Park in Dundee?
For an aquatic adventure, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond contains a magical underwater world, and you can join turtle tea time and watch the tropical sharks being fed.
If your kids are scientists in the making, expand their little minds at a family-friendly museum like Glasgow Science Centre.Credit: Martin Shields
IF you want to make 2026 the year of family-friendly days out from theme parks to aquariums, castles and waxwork museums – take advantage of the Merlin Black Friday Sale.
You can save up to £60 on an annual pass that will allow you entry to around 20 attractions across the country – but the offer ends very soon.
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The Merlin annual pass allows entry into theme parks- like Alton TowersCredit: AlamyFor the little ones, head to Cbeebies Land also in Alton Towers
Until December 21, you can get £60 off a Merlin Essential yearly pass, costing just £79 rather than £139.
With this, you can enter over 20 top attractions for 339 days out of the year.
Some of the attractions include Alton Towers which is perfect for families who love rollercoasters, or those wanting to try out the Bluey ride in its CBeebies Land.
For foodies, in Birmingham there’s Cadbury World families can uncover the story of Cadbury chocolate – and get to taste some too.
Jordan Middleton, Head of Merlin Annual Pass, commented on the sale: “Just in time for the festive season, our Black Friday Magic Sale has great savings of up to £60.
“With offers starting at just £79 – which is equal to just £1.52 per week – Merlin Annual Pass is the gift for those who you have no idea what to buy.”
Other attractions included in the pass are the London Eye and London DungeonCredit: AlamyThere’s also Warwick Castle for history buffsCredit: Alamy
There are two other pass options.
One is the Gold Pass which is also in the Black Friday sale for £199 rather than £239 – a saving of £40.
This has extra benefits including free parking, up to 20 per cent discount on food, drinks and retail, up to 20 per cent off short breaks at themed Resort hotels.
And there’s discounted entry for family and friends and less restricted access to the attractions.
The Platinum annual pass remains at £299 per person per year with all the perks of the Gold Pass, along with guaranteed entry all year round with no restrictions.
Platinum Passholders will also receive free Fastrack Resort Theme Parks and free tickets for family and friends, with no restrictions throughout the year.
All attractions included in the Merlin yearly passes…
Alton Towers Resort
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Legoland Windsor Resort
London Eye
Thorpe Park
Sea LIFE – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Blackpool, Brighton, Weymouth, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Scarborough, Loch Lomond
Warwick Castle
Madame Tussauds, London
Shrek’s Adventure! London
Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham & Manchester
ONE of the most iconic spaces in London will close for a whole year as it goes under important upgrades.
The Barbican, which opened in 1982, home to a beautiful conservatory, theatre and a musical venue, will soon close its doors for important upgrades, but here’s everything you can do there before it does.
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The Barbican will close for huge upgrades worth millions in the coming yearsCredit: AlamyBefore it does – visit the conservatory filled with thousands of tropical plantsCredit: Alamy
The centre that holds everything from performances to a Martini Bar is getting a makeover confirmed at £240 million for its first phase, which is set to begin in 2028.
According to The Standard, the total estimated cost will be £451million.
Major works are now needed to drag it into thefutureafter decades of wear and tear and as a result ,the centre will close from June 2028 until June 2029.
So before that happens, here’s everything you can do there if you fancy a visit.
The Barbican is home to the second biggest conservatory in London.
The ‘tropical oasis’ is filled with over a thousands species ofplantsincluding banana trees, cacti, yuccas and Swiss cheese plant.
There’s an Arid House for cacti and succulents, koi ponds with fish and terrapins, and walking paths.
Currently, the next dates available to visit are December 20 and 28, 2025 and January 2 and 4, 2026 – admission is free but sessions must be booked in advance.
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The conservatory will undergo work as the roof has glazing that’s at risk of caving in.
The renovation includes a proposal of a separate events space which allows the conservatory to be open to the public for longer.
There are also plans to rip out a staircase and a lift put in to improve accessibility, and put in toilets across all floors of the building.
There are multiple stages across the Barbican from the Concert Hall to a theatreCredit: Alamy
Theatre
London is an incredible city when it comes to theatre, so it’s no surprise you can watch some great shows at the Barbican.
TheRoyal Shakespeare Company has had two major productions at the Barbican for late 2025/early 2026:Wendy & Peter Pan, and Shakespeare’sTwelfth Night.
The show will have a full-size orchestra and will tell the story of a society wedding of the year which descends into chaos with old flames and new flames vying for attention.
Tickets for High Society start from £35 and the show will be on from May 29 to July 11, 2026.
Music
The Barbican hosts around 70 concerts a year in its Concert Hall which can seat almost 2000 people.
So, you can catch some incredible musical performances at the Barbican as it’s where the London Symphony Orchestra are based.
The London Symphony Orchestra holds around 50 concerts a year.
There are lots of classical performances throughout the year with at least one a day on the calendar – some of which are free and some are ticketed.
Throughout the year, the Barbican plays films in its indoor cinema, and outdoors in the summerCredit: Alamy
Cinema
Film buffs have got this venue on their radar – but the Barbican has an entire cinema complex with three screens.
It shows a range of films from arthouse to documentaries, blockbusters, classics and family-friendly.
There’s also an all-day café and bar for a complete movie experience.
During the summer, the Barbican Centre has an annual outdoor cinema series in its Sculpture Court during the summer.
Despite the year-long shutdown, cinemas on Beech Street and routes through the residential estate will stay open.
Library
The Barbican Library is a public space filled with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and sheet music, which is available for loan to its members.
Anyone can enter and use the public areas of the Barbican Library, but you need to become a free member to borrow books or use certain resources.
Everyone is allowed to enter the public library in the BarbicanCredit: Alamy
Lakeside Terrace
When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to soak up the warm weather than outside the Barbican next to the courtyard pond.
It’s completely free to enter, and a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee.
During the revamp, the courtyard by the pond outside will also be repaved, which will stop water leaking down onto the Metropolitan Line below.
The outside area will also get a makeover with new fountains and seating for people to enjoy when the sun is shining.
Tours
For those who are more interested in the Barbican building you can book a guided tour.
Here you’ll learn facts like the Barbican’s theatre and concert hall go deeper underground than the nearest Tube line.
Tickets for the 90-minute tour start from £18.
Or if you’re in a bigger group then you can book to have a private tour of the Barbican estate.
The center offers tours revealing historical facts about the buildingCredit: Alamy
Food and Drink
On the ground floor of the centre is the Barbican Kitchen where in the mornings you can grab a coffee and pastry.
At lunchtime, pick up a toasted sandwich, build-your-own salad, hand-made pizzas and seasonal street food menus.
During the evenings you can have some pre-show tapas, and mezze plates with a glass of wine or beer.
Children under 10 can enjoy a complimentary meal from our kids’ menu with every adult meal over £10 purchased.
On the first floor is the Barbican Bar & Grill where you can have a laid back lunch, and in the summer, dinner on the terrace.
Enjoy light bites or pre-theatre food at the BarbicanCredit: UnknownAnd there are signature cocktails at the Martini BarCredit: Unknown
Mains include gnocchi, poached salmon, Shepherd’s pie, and a salted beef sandwich
There’s also a pre-theatre menu which is set at two courses for £31 or three courses for £39.
Also on the first floor, there’s a Martini Bar which has views over the lakeside and is where you can get a simple Campari Spritz or Signature cocktail like The Brutalist.
Here, there’s happy hour from 5pm to 6pm every day where you can get two ‘classic’ cocktails for £17.
Cornwall might be best known for its show-stopping beaches and natural beauty – but there’s a whole host of family-friendly attractions, from theme parks and soft plays to historic jails and kid-friendly museums.
It’s a good idea to have some wet weather ideas up your sleeve, or if you simply want an alternative to exploring Cornwall’s golden sands and picturesque fishing villages.
St Michael’s Mount is a great day out with kids, with visitors walking across to the island when the tide is outCredit: GettyCamel Creek is a great adventure park for all ages, with a large indoor soft play for when it rainsCredit: Tripadvisor
We’ve asked Cornwall experts, holiday park staff and Sun readers who have holidayed here for their recommendations of the best family attractions in the county, located near your next £9.50 Holiday park. Here’s what they said…
Hop on a bus
Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point and her top tip is to take the double decker bus, which stops right outside the holiday park.
She said: “Taking the bus was an unexpected highlight. We took a double decker to Penzance for just £4 for an all-day ticket. The sea views from the top deck were brilliant – and, as passengers instead of driving, we both got to enjoy them.
“We jumped off at Marazion for St Michael’s Mount, which is beautiful. In Penzance we walked along the quay and got unlimited refills of coffee in Wetherspoons for £1.56.”
Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross also recommends the Atlantic Coaster.
She said: “On a sunny day, children will also love the thrill of riding this open-top bus.
“It links Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay with Padstow, offering amazing views out to sea, and you can hop on and off as you please. It’s also a bargain – with single fares from £2.”
Take a boat
A short ferry ride can add a dose of excitement to a day out, especially for little ones.
You can hop on board the St Mawes Ferry from Falmouth, like Laraine Wells, 73, from Taunton in Somerset, did during her £9.50 Holiday to St Ives.
She said: “Falmouth is a great place to mooch about – there are loads of small, independent shops selling interesting things.
“You can also catch the ferry to St Mawes – it’s a nice boat trip over and St Mawes is a pretty fishing harbour that you can explore or just have a cup of tea in one of the cafes.”
Family tickets cost from £7.56 return for five people; under-threes travel free. You can take a (foldable) buggy on the ferry.
On a sunny day, children will also love the thrill of riding on the open-top Atlantic Coaster busCredit: AlamyLappa Valley Steam Railway is a train-themed attraction set in beautiful countryside, on the outskirts of NewquayCredit: Alamy
Toddler-friendly attractions
If you’ve got tots in tow, rainy day activities can be a challenge.
In which case, take a trip to Lappa Valley, a train-themed attraction set in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Newquay.
As well as the steam engine that chugs you into the park from the car park, it features mini golf, outdoor play areas and indoor soft play (tip: check the train timetable before you arrive – they only run every 40 minutes in low season).
It was recommended by Dani Fillery, Owner and Guest Experience Manager at White Acres Holiday Park.
Dani also recommended Newquay Trampoline and Play Park, which has an under-twos area as well as huge soft play for older children (tip: rainy days are especially busy, so book online to avoid disappointment).
Meanwhile, Camel Creek is an adventure park that’s great for kids of all ages. Dani said: “There’s a huge indoor soft play where you can hide away if it rains. It’s reasonably priced, we’ve been going for years with my son who is now six.”
For older kids
Cornwall expert Ellie Ross said: “Located just off the A30, Bodmin Jail is a great option en route to or from Cornwall – or if you’re happy to head half an hour inland from your holiday park.
“The 18th-century prison has recently been redeveloped into an attraction and hotel, and is a great option for families with older children, offering educational tours for children up to the age of 16 (Key Stage 4).
“Highlights include an interactive walk back in time, offering a glimpse into life inside the historic jail.
“Or pop over to Falmouth, where the National Maritime Museum has loads of interactive exhibitions that will engage youngsters while teaching them about Cornwall’s seafaring past, from pirates to packet ships.
“Tickets – which last a year – cost £18 for adults and £9 for under-18s. Under-fives get in free.”
Bodmin Jail has recently been redeveloped into an attraction and hotel, and is a great option for families with older childrenCredit: Alamy
FROM family-favourite theme parks to popular junior coasters – there have been some sad attraction closures in 2025.
But not all is lost as there are some terrific, and of course thrilling additions coming next year from world firsts based on beloved cartoon characters to rides that will be 138-foot tall.
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Some theme parks and rides closed for good this yearCredit: AlamyBut others are planning huge new additions to their parksCredit: Unknown
Starting with the closures, there have been some big losses in 2025 from favourite attractions to whole parks…
The news was announced through a Facebook post thanking visitors for their support over the last two decades.
In a few hours the post had gained more than 1k reactions and over 500 comments.
One said: “Oh sad times. We loved spending days up there in the summer. My childrenloved the ridesand we have so many good memories. Wishing you all the best in the future.”
Some of the most popular attractions included theGo Gatorcoaster, theSnakeride, Orbiters, trampolines, and the classicCrazy Golf.
It was home to a swinging pirate ship, flume, rollercoasters and mini black taxi carts.
Earlier this year, there had been rumours for plans for a reopening it this year – these however have been scrapped.
In May 2025, hopes were reignited to reopen the park after a new leisure company called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP) stepped in to not only save the attraction but also make it bigger through a £250million project.
Those hopes were short-lived as the entire project was scrapped a few weeks later. And owners Aspro Parks, revealed they had no intentions of selling the site.
Alton Towers waved goodbye to Postman Pat’s Parcel Post rideCredit: Alamy
Found in its CBeebies Land, the ride had first opened in 2014 as part of the land’s launch – so it’s safe to say it has been a classic for any visitors with young children for years.
It closed to make way for a new ride coming in 2026, the new Bluey-themed junior rollercoaster.
Small rides like Alpine Rallye were closed at the popular amusement park in BlackpoolCredit: Unknown
Smaller Rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
In February 2025, Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced the closure of five of its rides.
It said on its website: “We’ve made the decision to close some of our smaller, less popular rides during the 2025 season: Eddie Stobart Convoy, Alpine Rallye, Thompson Carousel, Gallopers and Red Arrows Skyforce.”
The decision to close some of the smaller rides at the park however, is to make way for new ones – or to redesign them.
For example in 2024, the park’s ride Ice Blast closed and will soon open as Launch Pad.
It said: “Launch Pad promises to be more thrilling, immersive and dynamic than ever before as riders shoot to the clouds at high speed.
“We’re confident that once you’ve ridden it you’ll agree that its temporary downtime was worth the wait.”
The highly-anticipated World of Frozen will open in MarchCredit: Disney
Now for the more exciting news – what’s coming up in 2026 from whole new theme park lands and worlds to one-of-a-kind rides.
World of Frozen, Disneyland Paris
You might have heard that a movie-inspired land is coming to Disneyland Paris, and it’s all based around the hit film, Frozen.
It will open on March 29, 2026 with a new attraction called Frozen Ever After where visitors will bob through the North mountain to Elsa’s Ice Palace.
Of course Elsa and Ana will be around the land as will Olaf and even the troll, Mossi.
There will also be a new restaurant called Nordic Crowns Tavern, the Arendelle Boutique shop and the Fjord View Shop.
The World of Frozen is part of the newly reimagined second park,DisneyAdventure World.
Read on to find out more about the World of Frozen from Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski, who went for a behind the scenes look in November.
A Viking realm will launch at Paultons Park with a thrilling new ride
Realm of the Vikings, Paultons Park
Family-friendly theme park, Paultons Park has revealed plans for a new £12million attraction set to open in May 2026.
The park be park which will be named Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, will be a viking-themed world with Paultons Park’s first inverting rollercoaster.
Called Drakon, it’s set to become the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists that will take riders upside down.
There will also be Vild Swing that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, two brand new thrill rides, retheming of Cobra – a famous ride at Paultons Park, into a bobsled adventure.
The ride will be renamed Raven to complement the Viking village experience.
The new immersive land will delight children who are a fan of the PAW Patrol pups.
There will be four new rides across the land including a brand new ‘my first rollercoaster’ for the littlest of visitors.
There will also be photo opportunities and themed bedrooms for the ‘ultimate sleepover’ first opened in 2025.
Devon’s Crealy Theme Park & Resort will open a new ride as it celebrates milestone anniversaryCredit: Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Pirates’ Plummet, Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is celebrating its 25 years since the opening of Devon‘s first rollercaoster with a new addition next year.
The rollercoaster called Pirates’ Plummet is a family thrill ride and will open in 2026.
Few details have been released on the ride so far, but there will be no doubt more updates in the New Year.
We went behind the scenes of the upcoming Frozen land at Disneyland Paris…
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowskiwent for an exclusive look at the World of Frozen earlier this year…
“A SNOW-capped mountain towers behind an ancient clock tower, its frosty peak protruding a whopping 36-metres into a cloudy sky.
“At its foot, a wooden-rimmed postbox is waiting to receive a bundle of postcards, Arendelle’s first ever mail, while a magnificent snowflake-shaped fountain sparkles in the centre of the street.”
“I was taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the much-hyped area of thetheme park,scheduledto open on March 29next year with a bundle of new rides and activities based entirely on the animation blockbuster.
“Visitor postcards sent home from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, over which Frozen characters Elsa and Ana rule, are just one small part of what makes this land so special.
“The immersion goes beyond what’s been seen at any Disney park so far, from the ornate-framed paintings of characters to the ultra-modern technology that places Disney fans actually in the story.
“The clock tower, complete with mini Ana and Elsa figurines, sparks into song every 15 minutes and flickering lanterns dangle from pastel-coloured buildings.
“There’ll be a whopping 13 other dining venues in Arendelle alone, including food stalls serving sticky cinnamon rolls and the grand Regal View, World of Frozen’s character-dining venue.
This spot is impressive enough without the meet-and-greets. Disney Princesses have been painted into fresco-like murals across the walls and curved chandeliers dangle from the ceiling.
“And of course, no trip to Arandelle would be complete without a visit to the kingdom’s impeccably dressed Elsa and Ana.
“And the duo won’t just appear on the street; they will dramatically sail across the lake via a huge wooden vessel, preparing to greet their fans at the “Royal Encounter” in the castle.
“A lifesized and hyper-realistic Olaf will make an appearance, too. But unlike every other character at Disneyland Paris, Frozen’s star snowman has been built using clever robotics that allow the character to talk and even waddle away on his stumpy snow feet.
“The highlight will most definitely be the lands boat ride, Frozen Ever After, which will carry riders through the snowy forest towards the Valley of the Trolls and Elsa’s sparkling Ice Palace.
“Animatronics promise to bring scenes to life as riders approach Arendelle Bay which will be showered in snowflake-shaped fireworks.”
Or there is Freefall Plus, where riders are launched at speed town the slide, as well as the dual-ride Aqua Twist and Parallel Pursit.
There is even a surf simulator and a lazy river to try, as well as a fake beach with simulated waves.
For younger guests, there is a dedicated area with shallower pool and splash towers, as well as more shaded seating.
Otherwise you can also rent private luxury cabanas which have their own plunge pools.
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The hotel’s managing director Fathi Khogaly said: “The opening of our new waterpark marks a significant milestone for Grand Hyatt Dubai, as it elevates our leisure offerings and transforms the property into a truly unique destination, where large-scale events, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable leisure experiences seamlessly come together.
The waterpark is currently only open to guests of the Grand Hyatt Dubai Resort.
There are both big slides and smaller kid-friendly zonesCredit: WhiteWater Group
Aquaventure Waterpark is on the edge of Palm Jumeriah and has huge over 105 slides, attractions and even a private beach.
Not only is it named the best thing to do in Dubai on Tripadvisor but it has the world’s largest dedicated kids zone with lagoon, slides, pools and fountains.
It costs 330 UAE (£72.12) to visit for the day, but sign up and you can visit for free if its your birthday (or six days before and after).
