Step Into History – Kids Go Free at the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with Kids Go Free promotion, running from 30 June to 15 August 2025. Perfect for keeping the kids busy and entertained.
Set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scone Palace is offering free entry for children (aged 15 and under), making it an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland.
From ancient kings to, mazes, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages.
Perth’s historic landmark offers a unique blend of storytelling from times gone by, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Children can step into the past as they stand where Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II had been crowned on Moot Hill and pose for a photo on the replica Stone of Destiny. Inside the Palace, young visitors can take part in a special treasure hunt, a fun way to explore history, with a small prize at the end as a reward.
The Palace grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, explore, and play. With over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands to discover, there’s no shortage of fresh air and freedom. The grounds feature an adventure playground, the Murray star- Maze, and a chance to spot local wildlife including butterflies, squirrels, and the famous vibrant peacocks that roam the estate.
Families can take a break in the coffee shop, where all food is freshly prepared on-site using ingredients from the Palace’s Kitchen Garden. From tasty baked goods and hearty soups to child-friendly lunchboxes, there’s something to suit every appetite. The gift shop also offers a handpicked selection of books and toys, perfect for children eager to take home a souvenir from their day.
To make summer visits even more exciting, Scone Palace will host special event days included with the Kids Go Free admission. Visitors can enjoy Falconry Fridays on 11 July and 15 August and join in on the fun at the Circus Workshops taking place 24 July.
The Kids Go Free promotion runs daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm between 30 June and 15 August 2025. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the gate. With something for everyone, from history lovers and nature enthusiasts to energetic little explorers, Scone Palace is the ideal summer day out for families that will keep costs down.
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, solving the Palace treasure hunt, or simply enjoying an ice cream in the sun, Scone Palace is ready to welcome families for a summer of stories, adventure and memories – now with free entry for kids. With its beautiful historic backdrops, blooming gardens and wide-open spaces, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holidays in Scotland at Vue in Edinburgh – offering ample opportunity to spend quality time with the family now that the school year has finished.
Almost nine years since its enormously emotional debut warmed hearts and mini minds across the world, Inside Out 2 is now out on the big screen, inviting us back to the wonderful world of Riley’s mind and Emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. Now, as Riley reaches her teenage years, our gang meets a whole new cast of unfamiliar emotions which set them off on another marvellous adventure across the teenager’s mind.
Joining Joy and friends, this summer welcomes Gru and the Minion crew back with Despicable Me 4, which sees our former villain turned family man face off against new nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina. Expect more Minion mayhem, criminal capers and plenty of laughs when Despicable Me 4arrives at Vue on 12 July
Some recent family favourites are returning to the big screen this summer as part of Vue’s new Mighty Morning screenings which sees Garfield, IF,Kung Fu Panda 4 and Little Monsters back this summer holiday from just £2.49 when tickets are booked online.
As part of Vue’s recently announced family offering, Vue’s Big Shorts will be bringing some favourite children’s characters from television shows and web series back to the big screen, including The Gruffalo’s Child&Zog and the Flying Doctors.
These short and sweets screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged one to four.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, said: “We’ve got a great selection of new films and big screen entertainment on show, offering a perfect way to enjoy quality family time while school is out for the summer.
‘Even better, our Vue Mighty Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films from just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, immerse themselves in great stories and switch off.’
Tickets are available, along with more information on Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings, at www.myvue.com/family
Now in it’s third year P.A.L.S! Summer scheme has helped support over 100 young people make the transition from primary to secondary school
A collaboration between three youth arts organisations based at the Drill Hall
P.A.L.S! returns to the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July
Monday 24th to Friday 28th July sees the third P.A.L.S (Play and Learn Stuff!) Summer Scheme return to the Out of the Blue Drill Hall!
Started initially as a response to the pandemic, the scheme was designed to help young people get back outdoors, off their screens and enjoying new experiences within a safe and supportive environment.
Specifically targetting children aged 11 – 13 in the Leith area, the free scheme provides a circuit breaker from technology, a chance to re-engage with others and participate in the arts.
Since its inception, the P.A.L.S Summer Scheme has helped over 100 children learn new skills and gain confidence prior to starting secondary school.
First established in 2021, it’s a collaboration between three youth arts organisations, all based in the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith: Out of the Blueprint, Strange Town Youth Theatre and All or Nothing.
As in previous years, the three partner organisations will deliver a free activity based on their specialist art form.
The scheme has evolved since its inception and following feedback from parents and children. After taking part in the scheme many parents recognised increased confidence and resilience in their child in preparation for moving to high school.
Feedback from children (2021 & 2022)
“I learnt how to use the printer. I learnt how to be a better actor. I learnt how to be more creative and not hesitate to try new things! Thank you!” “Was I nervous about coming along? Obviously! The three new things I learnt this week was how to get on a hoop, how to make new friends and how to get up high by spinning in a cocoon!” “The best bit was doing things I haven’t done before”
Feedback from parents (2021 & 2022)
“We were so impressed by the whole experience (name) had. Thank you!” “My husband and I were delighted (name) attended all week because she loved the activities and managed to chat to people she didn’t know. The experience helped increase (her) confidence and independence.” “Please do something similar! It really built her confidence that she tried something new.”
Project Manager, Johnny Gailey, says: “We initially started the scheme as a way to support young folk who had missed out on transition activities that helped them make the step up to big school due to Covid.
“We’re very proud that it’s now part of our annual summer offer of activities for children in the area. Whilst the pandemic is over, this generation continues to feel the long tail of Covid and it’s effects and we believe activities that support the development of their social skills and confidence will stand them in good stead as they progress to high school.”
The P.A.L.S! Summer Scheme takes place at the Drill Hall from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July. Further details can be found on the Out of the Blue website.
National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.
Over three quarters (76%) of parents/carers are worried about activity and entertainment costs for the summer holidays due to the rising cost of living.
A third (33%) of parents/carers surveyed will be going without a family holiday, and over a quarter (26%) will be going without days out for their family during or in preparation for this summer holiday, when compared to previous years.
Almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed think they will compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children. The same figure feel more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays this year than excited.
Over a third (36%) of parents/carers anticipate they will need to seek financial and/or emotional support to get through the school summer holidays this year.
Family Action’s free advice line FamilyLine is available 24/7 for families looking for support this summer
National charity Family Action polled over 1,000 parents/carers to find out how this summer looks for families facing increasing financial pressures.
Findings revealed that 76% of families are worried about the cost of days out, such as travel, entry fees and equipment costs, because of the cost of living crisis. In the run up to and during the school summer holidays, 26% of families will be going without days out completely, and 33% will be forgoing a family holiday this year, due to the rising cost of living.
Further findings from Family Action also highlighted an increase in mental health issues facing families this summer, with nearly half (46%) of parents/carers feeling more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays, rather than excited.
The survey reveals that this year the school summer holidays are set to be a time when inequalities are amplified, with almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed set to compare the school summer holiday they give their child/ren, this year, with what other parents around them give their children.
David Holmes CBE, CEO at Family Action said: “Every family wants to make happy memories during the school holidays but, for many, this summer will be more difficult than ever. From juggling childcare to coping with the cost-of-living crisis and searching for affordable ways to have fun, the pressures can really build up.
“At Family Action we are here to help to make the summer a memorable one for the families we work with, and our services will be providing a range of ideas for simple and often free activities that all families can participate in. As our survey shows, 80% of parents/carers agree that making happy memories with their children can be free, so providing free or low cost activities is a great way to take some of the pressure off families this summer.”
Family Action runs over 170 services across the UK and this summer they will be coming together to make happy memories for the families they support, and providing the financial, practical or the emotional support needed to reduce shame and reassure families that making happy memories doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Family Action Service Manager, Leanne Best, said: “The families, volunteers, staff and colleagues we work alongside share with us that there is an expectation that summer school holidays should be a really happy time, where we spend lots of quality time together as families, doing fun activities, going on summer holidays and making special memories, but it is sadly not the reality for most this year.
“Many families are worrying that due to the cost of living crisis they will have to find more money for the basics, such as food, bills, childcare and school uniform. This means that they aren’t going to be able to afford holidays, days out, or activities which can result in stressful households and can leave people feeling guilty about ‘not being good enough’ or ‘not doing enough’ for their families.
Sanna uses our service and said: “I’m worried about trying to save up for 6 weeks because it will be quite a struggle financially because obviously the gas and electricity bill increased twice and the support we were getting from the government has stopped and has taken a chunk off the family budget, so I am worried about how I am going to keep the children entertained through the holidays.
“Family Action trips are the only time I’ll go out on a trip, as I don’t have the budget to take my kids out. Even if you go on a train its expensive and then you worry about the entry tickets. I do all the free things I can do with my kids I go to the park, for picnics, take them for a walk, but if you think about taking them somewhere where you need transport, entry tickets and food it can come to easily £100!
“When you do it by yourself you have all these worries, all these stresses, and all these anxieties, but when everything is provided, like the Family Action trips, all you need to do it sit, relax and make beautiful memories with your children.”
Leanne Best adds: “We have listened to these worries and in response, we will be enhancing the support we already offer to children, young people and families in Stockton, with the addition of our Summer Action Packs.
“Summer Action Packs will contain a variety of summer essentials, activities, tips & ideas, vouchers and information – which will hopefully enable families to worry a little less and have more resources and affordable opportunities, which will help them to enjoy some special family times over the Summer.”
David Holmes concludes: “At Family Action we believe that all children and families have the right to thrive. Together we can overcome the summer struggle and make it one to remember for all the right reasons.
“We know that families agree that the best memories don’t have to be expensive to make, but we also see the stress families feel under to provide the best possible summer holidays for their children, and we can help.
“Our services provide a lifeline to families with direct, practical, emotional and, where we can, financial support, all year long and our free adviceline FamilyLine is there for families across the UK, to provide advice and support.”
Join ‘The Broken Book – Mythical Monster Hunt’ and Protect the Realm from Legendary Creatures!
The grounds of Borders stately home Floors Castle are soon to transform into a world of interactive monster-hunting fun for all the family this summer, with an educational and exciting summer trail set within the magnificent grounds.
John Kerr, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe lived in Floors Castle until his death in 1804, over 220 years ago. Duke John was a great collector of many things, but his favourite thing to collect was books.
In the years following the duke’s death, most of the library was sold, but there was one book – The Great Book of Monsters, that was never accounted for. This book was very old indeed, and very valuable, and contained ancient knowledge on how to defeat and imprison many dangerous and terrible monsters.
Recently, around the Gardens and Grounds of Floors Castle, many of these beasts have been spotted. Somehow, they have escaped from the book …
From the 7th July and running 7 days a week (10am until 5pm) until 31st August, Floors Castle Summer Trail, promises monstrous thrills for adults and children alike, as they help to find them, capture them, and imprison them once again safely within its pages.
Everyone (adults & children) will need a ticket to participate in the Mythical Monster Hunt. Children’s tickets are £2 and adults will need either a valid Annual Pass, Castle Gardens & Grounds Broken Book Ticket (£18 online or £19.50 onsite) or a Gardens & Grounds Broken Book Ticket (£8). Last trail admission is 4pm.
All customers who have pre-purchased tickets online are advised to enter via the main Golden Gates (TD5 7RL) and pick up their trail booklets from the Gate Ticket Kiosk on arrival – these are essential for taking part in the trail.
*Adult Annual Pass Holders will receive unlimited free entry to the Mythical Monster Hunt as part of their Annual Pass scheme, however, ALL children taking part in the trail will require a trail ticket.
Monster Hunt tickets do not need to be booked in advance, tickets will be available to purchase on the day from both the Garden Ticket Kiosk and Golden Gates Ticket Kiosk.
Schools in Scotland are being warned to take precautions amid fears of a rise in crime over the summer holidays.
As many schools across the country prepare to close their doors for the summer holidays, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical says schools will be an attractive target for criminals over the coming months.
Ecclesiastical is encouraging residents in Scotland who live near local schools to be vigilant this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.
Ecclesiastical reports schools have been targeted over the summer months including vandalism, arson, break-ins, smashed windows, theft of lead from roofs and stolen laptops.
Amid high inflation, soaring prices and more facing economic hardship, there are worries there will be a large spike in criminal activity.
Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Schools are far more vulnerable during the summer holidays when school buildings are closed and largely unoccupied, tempting opportunists.
“With high inflation and the cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that schools take steps to protect their premises from offenders. There are a number of measures schools can take to better secure school property and assets, which would ideally be a combination of both physical and electronic protection.
“Fencing around the perimeter can often offer a good first line of defence against unwanted visitors, while CCTV can act as a visual deterrent for those not wanting to be caught on camera.
“Vigilance from the local community can be a huge help. We urge those who live near schools to be vigilant this summer and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.”
How to protect schools in Scotland this summer
Ensure CCTV systems have remote 24/7 monitoring services. Monitoring and alerting the police is far more effective than tracing criminals after a crime has taken place.
Install remotely monitored intruder alarms and change alarm security codes and passwords on a regular basis.
Install security lighting systems that have motion sensors to detect body movements.
Restrict access to school premises. Well-designed perimeter security such as walls, fences and electric security gates, and anti-climb paint help to prevent people from getting onto school sites.
Restrict vehicular access to the school site. Locate any designated parking as far from the school building as possible. The further thieves have to travel on foot the greater the risk of detection.
Use security marking systems such as SmartWater which can help with successful prosecution of thieves.
Ask the local community near your school to be vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious activity they notice on school grounds.
Inform neighbourhood watch schemes / police liaison officers of planned work over the holidays as thieves might pose as contractors.
Seek advice. Specialist insurers can offer advice and expertise to help schools manage security risks. Insurers can offer a combination of onsite and remote risk management services including security assessments and advice, alongside broader property protection and building valuation services.
Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help schools manage the risks they face.
With the summer holidays here and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, job booking portal redwigwam has pulled together a list of some cheap or free ideas that anyone can do with their children over the summer holidays.
Claire of redwigwam says: “We know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained without spending an absolute fortune while they are off school, so hopefully these ideas will help.”
1. Go to a farmers’ market
Always fun to have a walk around, and often with animals to have a look at while you’re there, and you can always make a small purchase if you feel like it. We know items can be expensive at farmers markets, but you might fancy treating yourself to a nice jar of honey. There’s no pressure to buy though.
2. Go for a walk
Completely free and it gets you out of the house and into nature. If it’s raining, pop the waterproofs on and jump in some puddles. You’ll be doing wonders for your health both mentally and physically – and then feel less guilty about spending the rest of the day doing very little.
If you’re feeling inspired before you set off, you could even make some lists of things for the children to find while they are out – a stone, a flower, a feather etc. If not, my children always like a spot of healthy competition, so counting steps, and seeing if we can beat the total we did on our last walk is always a winner – and helps tired legs complete the last bit home.
3. Have a water fight
The weather doesn’t have to be roasting, but a water fight is always a winner on a hot day. If you’re feeling brave, get the kids to invite their friends round to add to the fun! You can invest a small amount in water guns if you don’t already have any – but we always find Calpol syringes (or similar) work really well (and let’s face it, we all have kitchen drawers full of them!)
4. Take a picnic to the park
Don’t know about you, but one of the worst things about the summer holidays is the never-ending demand for snacks and trying to figure out what you can make for lunch which is a) different and b) they will eat.
For a cheap lunch out – and lots of fresh air – take a picnic to the park. Even the same sandwiches you’ve eaten every other day taste different in new surroundings.
You can even take your own ice lollies in a freezer bag for a real treat.
5. Go to the beach
If you’re close enough, a day trip to the beach can feel like you’ve been on holiday. Pack the buckets and spades, a ball, and the swimming stuff (and a picnic of course)
One of our favourite days out last summer was an evening trip to the beach after work – nothing like vitamin sea to cleanse the soul.
6. Go camping
While you will need some equipment for this, it’s a cost-effective way to get away from it all for a couple of nights. If you don’t have a tent, see if you can borrow one – or have a look on Facebook marketplace to see if someone is selling one second hand.
And if you really can’t get away, put it up in the garden – the children can use it as a den, and maybe even have a sleepover at home.
7. Plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs in your garden
Seeds are readily available, and cheap. This is a great project for kids as they can watch how the plants grow over the summer. You can even encourage them do some research into how to look after various plants.
If you do end up with fully grown vegetables or herbs, you can harvest them and have them for dinner. Win-win.
8. Go to the library
Anything that encourages them to read over the summer. Most local libraries have a summer reading scheme for children, when they’ll receive a reward for reading a certain number of books.
Libraries often have events you can join in over the summer months – often an opportunity to do some crafts (with the bonus of keeping the mess out of the house)
If you have time, it’s always pleasant to choose some books and stay at the library to read for a while for a change of scenery. (Our local one has a café attached, so even the option of a cuppa for me too)
9. Swimming
Always a winning activity. Find out how much pools near you charge for entry and choose a cheap one. As with the library, see if your local pools offer fun sessions with inflatables, or even canoeing to try out. Fun and exercise in one go.
10. Visit a museum
Wherever you live, there’s usually a museum to visit. In many towns and cities, these are free (although do often charge for special exhibitions). Here in Liverpool, we are spoilt for choice – my own children love the World Museum – dinosaurs and an aquarium in one building.
Make a list of as many museums and art galleries with free entry which are within traveling distance and try and visit as many as possible over the summer holidays.
11. Have a games night
Board games are always a huge hit in our house. And even better if we ask friends round and they bring games we don’t already own.
A few snacks and drinks and we’re set up for the evening. You could even add a competitive element by creating a tournament with a small inexpensive prize for the overall winner.
12. Try cooking new recipes
Have a look through the cookbooks you already have or get one from the library. Or you can even research recipes online.
Try to choose a few recipes with similar ingredients so you can keep costs down when you’re doing your food shopping.
Get the children involved with planning, preparing and cooking the meal – they’ll get a great sense of satisfaction and may even be more likely to eat the meal!
If you’re feeling the pinch this summer and are looking for a way to top up your income and help pay for your summer plans, why not join redwigwam and work with us flexibly. There’s a huge choice of jobs, with hundreds added every week.
Because our jobs are completely flexible, adding extra hours around existing work commitments or childcare is no problem. You simply book the jobs and shifts to suit you.
We have all sorts of jobs in all sorts of industries including: bar work, baristas, mystery shoppers, hotel receptionists, retail assistants and waiters.
