Easter in Edinburgh is one of my favourite times of the year. Over the years, my family and I have discovered some brilliant Easter activities that never fail to entertain both younger and older kids. From classic egg hunts to unique experiences, here’s a round-up of the best things to do with kids this Easter – all tested by us and guaranteed to create some special family memories.
1. Easter Egg Trails with the National Trust for Scotland
If your family loves a good treasure hunt, the National Trust for Scotland‘s Easter Egg Trails are a must. Every year, they host fun, interactive trails at their properties across Edinburgh and beyond. Our family membership makes this an easy and affordable choice – for under £20 a month, we can visit as many times as we like and support the incredible work they do preserving Scotland’s heritage. The trails are simple enough for younger kids to follow but engaging enough to keep older ones entertained (especially with the promise of chocolate at the end!). Check out the 2024 trails here.
2. Historic Scotland’s Easter Eggsplorer Quest
For a mix of history and fun, Historic Scotland‘s Easter Eggsplorer Quest is always a winner. Running at historic sites across the country, these family-friendly quests combine learning with adventure – perfect if you’re trying to sneak a little education into the holidays. Edinburgh Castle is always a highlight for us (I’ve written about our Castle adventures before), and the Easter events add an extra layer of excitement. With a family membership, you get access to dozens of incredible sites year-round. Find out more about the Easter Eggsplorer Quest.
3. Extravagant Egg Hunt at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
If you’re looking for an Easter event fit for royalty, the Palace of Holyroodhouse‘s Extravagant Egg Hunt is a fantastic option – especially for younger children. The setting is stunning, and the trail is thoughtfully designed to keep little ones entertained while encouraging older kids to join in. Plus, everyone knows there’s chocolate waiting at the finish line. Learn more about the egg hunt here.
4. Easter Trail at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden hosts a beautiful Easter trail each year. It’s a gentle, peaceful outing that’s perfect for springtime – and it’s a great excuse to get everyone outdoors and away from screens for a while. Our kids love spotting the clues, and for those who’ve done it before, the reward at the end is a familiar favourite – chocolate! Find more details here.
5. Bunny Fun Run at Dalkeith Country Park
Dalkeith Country Park is a family favourite for us year-round, and this Easter they’re hosting a Bunny Fun Run. While their popular breakfast with the Easter Bunny is already sold out, the fun run is a brilliant way to burn off some energy while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. See the full EasterFest schedule.
6. Lamb Feeding and Play at Craigies Farm
One of the sweetest Easter experiences is lamb feeding at Craigies Farm. It’s a hands-on, heartwarming activity that younger kids especially love. Their Little Farmers Playbarn is a newer addition and has quickly become a favourite spot for playtime, making Craigies a lovely half-day outing. Check their schedule for feeding times and Easter activities.
7. Alice in Wonderland Easter at Almond Valley
For a more imaginative Easter, Almond Valley Heritage Centre has gone all-out with an Alice in Wonderland theme this year. Expect whimsical activities, trails, and plenty of hands-on fun – a brilliant choice for kids who love stories and adventure. Get curious and explore more.
8. Easter Play in Princes Street Gardens
For those wanting a more traditional Easter experience, the Easter Play in Princes Street Gardens is a moving and memorable event. This year’s play, Behold the Man, explores the life of Jesus and his positive influence – it’s suitable for older children and a thought-provoking option if you’d like to engage with the spiritual side of Easter. More about the Easter Play here.
9. Edinburgh Science Festival – Spaceship Earth
The Edinburgh Science Festival is the biggest event on our Easter calendar. Running across multiple venues from April 5th, this year’s theme – Spaceship Earth – explores life on a planet with limited resources through the lens of science fiction and space travel. It’s hands-on, exciting, and a sure fire way to keep curious minds busy. Explore the 2025 programme.
Fun Easter Activities to Try at Home
If you’d prefer to avoid too much chocolate or just want some relaxing family time at home, here are a few tried-and-tested ideas:
- Paint Your Own Wooden Eggs: These Easter Wooden Eggs are a fun, creative alternative to chocolate. The best part? You can reuse them year after year for egg hunts or as keepsakes. Check them out on Amazon.
- Easter-Themed Cookie Decorating: We love baking as a family, and these Easter cookie cutters make it easy to create festive treats. Decorating biscuits is a fun way to keep little hands busy – and the results are always delicious! Find them on Amazon.
- Fly a Kite at Yellowcraigs: A simple pocket kite is perfect for a breezy spring day. We often head to Yellowcraigs Beach for a run around – it’s a great way to blow off steam and enjoy the fresh air. Grab a pocket kite here.
One to note: Why Family Memberships Make Sense
We couldn’t do half of these activities without our family memberships to the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland. For under £20 a month combined, they pay for themselves after just a couple of visits – and we go at least 10 times a year and love being able to go into the Castle for shorter amounts of time as there’s so much to it, there’s a risk that a single visit would be overwhelming and you’d miss out on everything it has to offer. Additionally, whenever we take the car to visit family in England, we stop at National Trust properties instead of service stations – as our Scottish membership works at all of those properties too. Plus, supporting these organisations means we’re helping preserve these amazing places for future generations.
What Easter activities are your family’s favourites? Let me know in the comments – I’m always on the lookout for more adventures to try!
