Family-Friendly Fun in Edinburgh — Without Breaking the Bank
- Lothians with Littles
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 3
Having days out doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the city’s top attractions without spending a fortune. Here are 9 smart ways to save money while still making the most of Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh Zoo Membership
If you’re planning a visit to the zoo (or a few), it might be time to think beyond single-day tickets. A zoo membership not only gives you unlimited access for a full year, but it can also save you money in the long run—especially for families or animal lovers who visit more than once.
Let’s break it down:
Standard Day Ticket Prices:
Adult: £27
Child (ages 3–15): £17.50
Now compare that to the annual Membership Prices:
Adult: £81.09
Joint Adult: £127.50
Child: £43
That means if you visit just three times in a year, the membership will have already paid for itself!
A membership doesn’t just unlock the zoo gates—it usually comes with added perks like:
Free or discounted entry to partner attractions
Discounts in the zoo shop and café
Free car parking
Worried about paying it all upfront? Good news: many zoos let you spread the cost with monthly Direct Debit, making membership even more affordable and accessible.
2. Dynamic Earth: Free Return Visits
Dynamic Earth now offers a return-for-a-year ticket — visit once, and you can return for free for the next 12 months. This includes their planetarium, where shows change monthly.
Tip: Book online in advance for a better price.
3. Choose Newhailes Over Dalkeith Country Park
Fort Douglas at Dalkeith is fun but pricey. Instead, try Newhailes Estate in Musselburgh. The Weehailes Playpark has a magical, book-themed design with turrets and stained-glass windows.
Price Comparison
Weehailes Playpark | Fort Douglas |
Child: £4.00 | Ages 1: £5.00 Ages 2–4: £9.00 Ages 5–12: £10.50 |
Adult: £1 | Adult £5 |
Under 3 free | Under 1 free |
4. Look Out for Free Entry Events
Watch for special days where you can visit attractions for free or at a reduced price, such as:
St Andrew’s Day
Book in advance where required.
5. Book Online in Advance
Most attractions offer discounts when you book online or in advance. Even saving a few pounds per person adds up fast for families!
6. East Links Family Park: Member Guest Vouchers
Members at East Links Family Park get 20% off guest passes. Ask friends or check local Facebook groups to see if anyone has spare vouchers.
Also, follow East Links on Facebook — they run a postcode lottery each month offering discounted entry to residents in selected areas.
7. ScotRail 2-for-1 Offers
Get 2-for-1 entry to top Edinburgh attractions with a valid same-day train ticket.
8. Itison Edinburgh Deals
Visit Itison Edinburgh to find deals on local attractions and experiences. Offers change regularly, but in the past we’ve seen discounts on:
Trampoline parks
Animal encounters
Sealife centre and go ape
9. Access Card for Disability Discounts
If your child has a disability, you can apply for an Access Card, which provides discounted or free carer tickets at many venues.
Alternatively, most places accept a Child Disability Payment or other award letters as proof.
Edinburgh is packed with amazing things to do—and with these tips, you can enjoy more while spending less. From smart memberships to hidden gems and discount vouchers, your next day out doesn’t need to be expensive to be unforgettable.