Family fun: 12 outdoor attractions in Scotland with free parking
With the cost of living still on the rise and school holidays on the horizon, you may be starting to wonder how you’ll entertain the kids this year while sticking to a budget. As every parent knows, they grow up so fast — so, it’s important to make memories and spend quality time with the whole family while you can. However, paying for transport, meals out, and tickets for attractions also means that the cost of holidays and day trips can really start to add up.
To help you make lasting memories with your children without breaking the bank, the automotive experts at My Motor World have rounded up 12 family-friendly attractions across Scotland that offer free parking (and in some cases, even free entry). So, all you need to do is pack up the car, and you’ll have one less cost to worry about!
Aberdeen: The Den & The Glen
The Den & The Glen is designed to encourage boys and girls to have fun, make friends and eat healthily! The Den is an indoor play barn with a restaurant that can cater for large birthday parties, while outside in the Glen you’ll find acres of land filled with nursery rhyme and fairy-tale characters.
Find out more at The Den & The Glen’s website.
Argyll: Puck's Glen
Lace up your walking boots and take the family along a magical trail that winds along a Victorian walkway up a dramatic rocky gorge that is said to be home to mischievous spirits. Pass several waterfalls beneath the Douglas firs and stop for lunch in the onsite picnic area, all free of charge!
Find out more at the Puck’s Glen website.
Dundee: Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Teach the kids about the importance of animal conservation at this independently run wildlife centre in Dundee, without paying for parking. See a variety of species ranging from brown bears, otters, and golden eagles to horses, lemurs, and owls.
Find out more at the Camperdown Wildlife Centre website.
Ayrshire: Heads of Ayr Farm Park
Perfect for a whole host of outdoor activities, at this Ayrshire park the whole family can enjoy bumper boats, electric tractors, trampolines, and quad biking. Not only this, but you can introduce your children to cute animals at their onsite petting zoo.
Find out more at the Heads of Ayr Farm Park website.
Dumfries: Dock Park
This popular waterfront park in Dumfries doesn’t charge for parking, and as well as a large playground, your little ones can have fun bowling, playing mini golf, and tiring themselves out on the trampolines! There’s even a café to enjoy a coffee and a cake while the kids play.
Find out more at the Dumfries & Galloway council website.
Edinburgh Zoo
Opened in 1913, Edinburgh Zoo is home to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and houses more than 2,500 incredible animals from all around the world. This is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions and is open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day.
Find out more at the Edinburgh Zoo website.
Fife: Muddy Boots Adventure Park
If your family have been lacking some quality time outdoors, head to Muddy Boots in Fife. This family run farm, shop, café, and kids adventure play area has attractions and activities for everyone, including laser tag, waterslides, and pottery painting, and offers free parking to visitors.
Find out more at the Muddy Boots website.
Glasgow: The People's Palace Museum
Set in historic Glasgow Green, the People's Palace Museum is home to a collection of artefacts, photographs, prints, and films which give a unique view into how Glaswegians lived, worked, and played in years gone by. Teach your kids about the city’s history before they blow off some steam at the swing park and café onsite.
Find out more at Glasgow Life.
The Highlands: Highland Wildlife Park
Part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, this wildlife park within the Cairngorms National Park is home to exotic animals including an Amur tiger, European grey wolf, Japanese macaque, snow leopard, and even a polar bear!
Find out more at Highland Wildlife Park’s website.
Moray: Duffus Castle
Teach the whole family about Scottish history at this medieval stronghold once owned by the Moray family. Within the free car park, you’ll find a seating area and a refreshments hut to enjoy a warming cup of coffee or hot chocolate after a day’s historic sightseeing.
Find out more at Historic Environment Scotland.
Perthshire: Active Kids Adventure Park
This park does what it says on the tin! In this beautiful Perthshire setting, your little ones can let off steam and get some exercise in 11 acres of Scottish countryside. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces, so you’re covered no matter what the weather throws at you!
Find out more at The Active Kids Adventure Park website.
Scottish Borders: East Links Family Park
Kids and adults will be spoiled for choice in this East Lothian farm. Choose from go-karts, pedal tractors, crazy bikes, slides, sand pits, a hay barn, trampolines, a musical maze, and even 18-hole crazy golf, and finally their Safari Train to meet all the friendly animals.
Find out more at the East Links website.
