Budget-friendly events and days out that are perfect for families across Scotland this summer
GOOD TIMES Budget-friendly events and days out that are perfect for families across Scotland this summer
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WITH the summer holidays now underway, thousands of Scots will be looking for fun ideas for days out with the family.
Now that schools have finished up for summer until mid-August, parents from across the country will be trying to find different ways to entertain children.
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Pipping Live! is coming to Glasgow next month
Credit: Alamy
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The Strathaven Balloon Festival will return next month
Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing - The Sun Glasgow
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The Fringe by the Sea festival in North Berwick will run until August 10
Credit: Alamy
But, of course, that also costs money at a time when most of us are already feeling the strain on our budgets.
Luckily, there are dozens of exciting events and activities that are perfect for families whilst also being easy on the purse.
Experts at VisitScotland have compiled the ultimate Summer Activity List, which is a guide full of fun events happening in Scotland on a budget.
And it has something for everyone, with everything from incredible one-off occasions to entertaining events on for days and weeks.
Crail Festival - Fife
From July 16 until July 26, families can enjoy a day out at the Crail Festival.
This is a beloved community-run celebration of arts, music, and culture set in the historic fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife.
And visitors can enjoy performances and exhibitions, or take part in imaginative outdoor competitions such as rock stacking or sandcastle sculpting that encourage creativity and friendly competition.
But the best part about it is that there are free events throughout the ten-day festival that anyone can attend.
There are also a variety of ticketing options to suit different needs and budgets.
However, it is advised to plan ahead as the event can get busy.
TRNSMT-mad bride travels 250 miles for epic festival hen do in sizzling 30C heat
Glasgow Pride March
This event has become increasingly popular over the last few years.
Over 50,000 people took part in 2023 and 2024, and even more are expected to take part again this year on July 19.
The march is a vibrant display of love, diversity, and inclusion - plus, it's free for anyone to attend.
But this doesn't mean that it will be boring for those who participate.
Everyone involved is expected to enjoy parades, performances, and community spirit.
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Thousands of people are expected to take part in the Glasgow Pride March this month
Credit: Getty
Piping Live! - Glasgow
Next month, Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes this summer is set to come to Glasgow.
Piping Live! and World Pipe Band Championships is expected to draw thousands of people to the city from August 11 until August 17.
The Glasgow Piping Festival is an annual week-long celebration of bagpipes and Scotland's iconic piping culture.
The festival features a wide range of events, including concerts, recitals, workshops, and competitions.
Tickets for the event start from just £10 (or £9 for concessions), per day. However, those under 16 will be able to join for free.
While in Glasgow…
IF you're looking for something else to do in Glasgow then you can head to Pollok Country Park.
This is the city's largest green space, with the chance to even spot a Highland cow.
You can explore its woodlands, gardens, and wildlife or visit the Burrell Collection.
This is a world-class art museum featuring treasures from medieval Europe, Chinese antiquities, and works by famous painters.
The Tall Ships Races - Aberdeen
Europe's largest free family festival is set to descend on Aberdeen in days.
The Tall Ships Races event will see almost 50 ships from around the world during this epic four-day maritime festival.
And it is expected to attract 400,000 visitors while it's here from July 19 until July 22.
Attendees can expect days packed with live music, cultural showcases, and hands-on activities for all ages.
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The Tall Ships Races will arrive in Aberdeen this weekend
Credit: HANDOUT
Festival of the Sea - Aberdeen
Another event happening in Aberdeen this month is the Festival of the Sea.
This one is already underway after kicking off on July 12 and will run for just over two weeks until July 27.
With the Tall Ships on the horizon, many firms are following suit with maritime-themed events for visitors to the city.
This includes several events from art, heritage, sport and leisure organisations across the city.
Prices vary for each event, and those interested can visit the website for the full details.
Women's Scottish Open - Troon, Ayrshire
Fans of golf will be looking forward to this event, and where would be better to have it than the West Coast?
The 2025 ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open will be held at Dundonald Links in Troon for the fourth consecutive year.
Dundonald Links is a course designed by golfers for golfers, with sweeping vistas of the Ayrshire coast, wide fairways, undulating greens and situated among five-star luxurious facilities.
The event is taking place in Troon from July 24 until July 27.
And while tickets for daily general admission start from just £15, anyone under 16 can attend for free.
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The 2025 ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open will be held in Troon
Credit: Getty
Fringe by the Sea - North Berwick
Families can enjoy music, comedy, literature, and family fun in this coastal town during Fringe by the Sea.
From August 1 until August 10, the event will be held at The Lodge Grounds and other venues, including the Scottish Seabird Centre and North Berwick Library.
Described as an arts festival, it offers a wide range of free and affordable events.
But a new event at the festival this year is the Wavelength Music Film Festival, which celebrates the connection between music and film.
Kids for a Quid
THIS summer, families can get out and about across Scotland via Scotrail train for less.
Kids for a Quid tickets are available with most adult tickets, including Advance Singles, Season Tickets, Flexipass, and most concession tickets.
There are also deals available online for free entry for children at various visitor attractions across Scotland, too.
This is available every day, all year round.
See the ScotRail website for more information.
The Largs Viking Festival
This exciting event is taking place at the end of summer from August 30 until September 7.
It commemorates the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and the Norse.
The week-long celebration includes a reconstructed Viking village, live entertainment, workshops, markets, and a grand parade.
And there is even the dramatic Festival of Fire, which features a Viking skirmish, longboat burning, and fireworks.
Adult tickets cost £10 while a child's ticket costs £5. But the event is free for anyone under the age of five to attend.
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Vikings torchlight parade march in Largs
Credit: Alamy
Strathaven Balloon Festival
Scotland's only hot air balloon festival is returning next month.
It is set to take place at the award-winning Strathaven Park from August 22 until August 24 for free.
Visitors can expect dramatic hot air balloon launches (weather permitting) in the mornings and evenings.
There will also be live music, a funfair, market stalls, and a skydiving display.
And on the Saturday evening, there will be the spectacular Evening Glow.
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Strathaven Hot Air Balloon Festival is a free event
Credit: Alamy
Orkney Food Festival
This is another event that is happening towards the end of summer in September.
Families can discover the taste of Orkney at the Orkney Food Festival 2025 from September 21 until September 25.
Perfect for families, this fun-filled celebration features local produce, hands-on kids' activities, cooking demos, and delicious treats for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy a warm island welcome, explore food trails, and make tasty memories together in a stunning coastal setting.
This event is free for everyone to attend.
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The Orkney Food Festival will return in September
Credit: Getty
Scone Palace, Kids Go Free - Perthshire
Scone Palace is an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland.
It is set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
From ancient kings to mazes, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages.
And it is offering free entry for anyone aged 15 and under while it runs until August 15.
Adult tickets cost £19.50, while concessions and tickets for those over 65 cost £18.50.
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