This Easter there’s a fantastic range of events taking place across Edinburgh and Lothians to keep the whole family entertained – from mind-blowing science demonstrations to castle trails – and, of course, plenty of chocolate.
So, hop to it and read on to discover how to make this Easter egg-stra special!
Tip 1: Book in advance online to secure entry.
Tip 2: Some of these events take place outside, so dress for the weather.
Tip 3: Several of the places where these events take place can be reached by bus or train, giving you the chance to leave the car at home.
Edinburgh Science Festival
The world’s first and largest celebration of science, the Edinburgh Science Festival returns this spring with a jam-packed programme of entertaining and educational activities taking place at venues across the city.
Choose from workshops, shows, exhibitions, films, trails and talks for all ages, all with a fun and interesting scientific twist.
Edinburgh Science Festival runs from 30 March to 14 April 2024.
Easter trail at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Hop along to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions for a fun-filled adventure for all the family.
Themed decorations and seasonal projections will be hatching out everywhere. Can you find the colourful bunny rabbits hidden amongst the interactive exhibits – there’s a sweet treat reward available to all taking part.
To make it even sweeter, get 20% discount on tickets during the Easter holidays for entry before 9am when booked in advance online.
Visit the Easter trail at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions from 29 March to 13 April 2024.
Conifox Adventure Park’s Easter Festival
The Easter Bunny and his friends arrive at Conifox Adventure Park, just 20 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh.
Enjoy a fun-packed family day out as you meet a whole host of characters and have some cracking adventures. Weave your way through the magical maze – just watch out for the Big Bad Wolf; bounce like a bunny on the 18 inflatables; see if you can be first over the finishing line at the Easter-lympics and hunt for the eggs in the Adventure Park.
Although the event is accessible, please be aware that some surfaces are uneven and may cause difficulties. Early morning sessions may be quieter and more suitable for children with additional needs.
Conifox Adventure Park’s Easter Festival takes place on selected dates from 23 March to 07 April 2024.
Easter Afternoon Tea aboard Fingal
Experience an exclusive five-course Easter Afternoon Tea aboard luxury floating hotel Fingal.
The ship’s talented pastry chefs have created a beautiful Easter-themed sweet course starring chocolate nests with mango-filled eggs, Yuzu and matcha tea bunnies, and strawberry and mascarpone Chantilly meringue baskets. Topped off with freshly baked hot cross buns.
Choose from a range of loose-leaf teas by Edinburgh’s own PekoeTea or for something new, try their Sparkling Tea, an organic, refreshing non-alcoholic alternative to Champagne, a refined and delicate accompaniment to afternoon tea.
Enjoy Easter Afternoon Tea aboard Fingal from 29 March to 01 April 2024.
Easter at Dalkeith Country Park
Experience the thrill of the Fort Douglas Easter Festival at Dalkeith Country Park where adventure awaits at every turn.
Lace up your running shoes for the 1k Bunny Fun Run; let your littles unleash their creativity at the Kids’ Easter Workshops, and don’t miss the chance to share a magical morning on Easter Sunday, when you can join the Easter Bunny for Breakfast.
The Fort Douglas Easter Festival is on from 29 March to 07 April 2024.
The Local Kids’ Guide to Edinburgh
Ever wondered which local attractions kids love the most? We asked the people who know best – Edinburgh’s kids!
Featuring both renowned attractions like Edinburgh Zoo and Camera Obscura as well as many free or low-cost places to visit, this is one guide that children and their families should always have to hand.
Prefer a hard copy? Download this print-friendly version which can be coloured in and used on your own trail
Easter at Craigies Farm
Just 30 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh, Craigies Farm at South Queensferry is gearing-up for a week of Easter fun.
Get crafty with wooden egg painting, enjoy an interactive story session, have a play in the play barn, search for the eggs hidden around the farm, and hop on the barrel train to enjoy panoramic countryside views.
Easter at Craigies Farm takes place from on selected dates from 30 March to 07 April 2024.
Easter events at Lauriston Castle
The grounds of Lauriston Castle will be packed with easter-special activities as part of their Easter events.
Let your artistic side out with family craft workshops, and take part in storytelling, Easter trails and egg hunts. Bring your own hard-boiled egg and enter it in the egg and spoon race and hope that it doesn’t crack!
Lauriston Castle’s Easter events run from 29 to 31 March 2024.
Craigmillar Castle’s Easter eggsplorer trails
Known as Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’, the 15th century Craigmillar Castle is the perfect place to escape the hubbub of the city.
Discover more about this imposing building and its important place in Edinburgh’s history as you crack the clues and complete the Easter Eggsplorer Trail.
Take part in Craigmillar Castle’s Easter Eggsplorer Trails between 29 March and 01 April 2024.
Newhailes House Easter Egg Trail
Set in a stunning country estate 6 miles southeast of Edinburgh city centre, Newhailes House is a lovely place for a family day out.
Explore the mansion, woodland walks and playpark before following the Easter Egg Trail and enjoying pony rides, games and face painting.
The Newhailes House Easter Egg Trail runs on 29 to 31 March 2024.
Easter family activities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Put your craft making skills to the test this Easter with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Taking inspiration from the beautifully decorated Fabergé eggs in the Royal Collection, the Extravagant Eggs Activity gives budding young artists the chance to decorate their own Fabergé-style eggs to take home.
While if you fancy decorating your own special Easter crown to wear as you explore the Palace, don’t miss the Easter Activity Day. Complete the day by exploring the gardens of Edinburgh’s Royal Palace with a special family trail.
The Extravagant Eggs craft activity will run on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the weeks Monday, 01 to Saturday 13 April 2024. The Easter activity day will be on Saturday 30 March 2024.
Dynamic Earth’s ‘EggStravaganza’ Trail
Fancy a different kind of egg trail this easter? Then don’t miss Dynamic Earth’s ‘EggStravaganza’ Trail.
Find out more about some incredible egg-laying creatures, from dinosaurs to penguins, as you search for their eggs, hidden throughout the exhibition. Complete the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a tasty treat.
The Dynamic Earth’s ‘EggStravaganza’ Trail runs between 30 March and 14 Apr 2024.
Princes Street Easter Play
The Easter Story is brought to life beneath the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
With a new script each year, the Princes Street Easter Play is staged by a large community cast and is open to all.
The performance is free and unticketed and will have integrated BSL interpretation, audio description, wheelchair access and access stewards.
See The Princes Street Easter Play at 2pm on 30 March 2024 in West Princes Street Gardens.
Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse
For over 200 years, Musselburgh Racecourse has been delighting horseracing fans with legendary events.
This March, why not join in the fun at the Easter Saturday Raceday which not only features top class racing, but a tempting array of food and drink stalls, music, dancing and a host of free activities for kids and families.
Join Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse on 30 March 2024.
Looking for more things to see, do and experience in Edinburgh this Easter?
