Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's opening after lockdown
The lockdown restrictions have been eased and places are opening up. There are still rules to keep in line with, particularly around the numbers of people we can meet up with. However, there is still a lot out there to keep kids entertained, enthused and educated, either right now or in the near future. Note that most places ask you to book in advance so it is worth checking out a venue before you head out.
If you know of anything we should be including in this guide, please let us know at judy@writeplacemedia.co.uk
East Links Family Park in East Lothian is now open. Although some of the attractions are off limits because of restrictions, you can still enjoy the animals and many outdoors activities.
Dalkeith Country Park is open as is Fort Douglas adventure park. Meanhwhile, Conifox adventure park is open with all outdoor fun available, although indoor eating is still paused.
Dynamic Earth is also finally able to reopen, weekends only.
Edinburgh Zoo has some restricted sections but there are still lots of animals to see.
The Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian has boat trips available to see the gannets on Bass Rock (fairly but not too) close up.
The outdoor sections (which means quite a lot!) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are open with a booking system in place.
Almond Valley in West Lothian is taking bookings and although there are restrictions to what you can see, the main attraction – the animals – are ready for visitors.
All the water and land-based activities at Foxlake in East Lothian are available to book for an adrenaline-filled day out.
The Scottish Owl Centre at Polkemmet Country Park in West Lothian is open with some events restricted, but you can still see the largest collection of owls in the world.
There is a refurbishment underway at Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian but the Fairy Trail and grounds are still open to enjoy.
Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian is open with animals still there to be enjoyed.
Jupiter Artland in West Lothian is taking bookings for visitors to the arts space in the country.
The National Trust for Scotland is re-opening many properties - the playpark at Newhailes is open now, including the cafe, as is the Georgian House.
LOVE Gorgie Farm is welcoming visitors to see the range of animals and no need to book in advance.
Many parents will have enjoyed the National Museums Scotland as children and they have now re-opened their doors, using a booking system – that includes the National Museum of Scotland and East Lothian’s National Museum of Flight
Historic Environment Scotland has reopened many, but not all, sites with a booking system, including Edinburgh and Craigmillar castles and Linlithgow Palace.
National Galleries Scotland has re-opened the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – Modern 2, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – Modern 1.
The Royal Yacht Britannia has safety measures and a booking system in place, as does the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Outdoor, non-contact exercise has been allowed for a while so golf courses and tennis courts are already open. leisure centres are now permitted to re-open, such as such as those run by Edinburgh Leisure including the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. Midlothian Snowports Centre has also re-opened with some restrictions and online booking.
Shops can now re-open, as well as other indoor spaces such, as Doodles Ceramics Workshop and Maddie & Marks shoes. And shopping centres with essential shops, such as at Cameron Toll, have been open within the restrictions.
Many libraries are still closed (although most are offering a click and collect service). Councils are, however, working to re-open them in the near future.
Cinemas are reopening and places like Fountain Park also have other attractions available, such as ten pin bowling. Theatres are also opening their doors and shows including In the Night Garden at the King's Theatre are coming back.