Family-Friendly Fun in Edinburgh — Without Breaking the Bank
- Lothians with Littles
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
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
A zoo membership gives you unlimited access for a year, and it can quickly pay for itself. A Standard day ticket is £27 per adult and £17.50 per child
Perks include
Free entry to the Highland Wildlife Park and other UK zoos (we recently visited Chester Zoo for free!)
Free car parking
10% discount at zoo restaurants and gift shops
You can visit as often as you like — we often stop in just to see the penguins or visit the play park.
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.