The Easter Holidays are almost upon us, so we’ve put together some great days out for the family.
Briarlands Farm, Blair Drummond
Hunt for Easter egg cards hidden around Briarlands Funyard, or feed the bouncing and bleating new lambs (11am/3pm). This farm is very cleverly set up for the kids to have the best fun, with a superb outdoor area, as well as an indoor area with soft play area and crafts. There is also a handy on-site tearoom. Suitable for kids of all ages. Some of the fun activities available include –
- feeding the animals
- jumping pillows
- tractor go karts
- toddler trike track
- play frames
- zip wire
- mini diggers ( £1 coin required)
- sand pits
- Sheep pen maze
- Tractor & Trailer Rides ( £1 per person)
- Archery
- Football Golf
Check their website for current opening times and details.
Easter Egg Assault Course at Glen Finglas
Will your egg survive? Take your egg on a wild journey through our woodland. Will your egg endure the aerial runway, the water rapids or catapult? There might even be some chocolate ones at the end!
Price: Free
Booking: Essential
Dogs welcome on leads please!
Parking: Free parking at Lendrick Hill car park along A821
Place: Glen Finglas, meet at our Visitor Gateway and come say hello to the estate ranger to collect your trail sheet.
Time: Between 2pm and 3.30pm so come along any time between those hours. The trail will take approximately 1hr to complete, and is suitable for all ages.
Climb Indoors @ Clip ‘n Climb at EICA:Ratho
“Clip ‘n Climb is the latest action attraction for all the family – for ages 4-84!
Thrilling fun for everyone with cleverly designed climbing challenges offering a new entertaining activity at Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena. Reaching new heights never looked so good!
Challenge yourself, challenge your friends in our exciting and colourful indoor adventure playground with 15 climbing elements providing a range of features and levels suitable for children and adults.”
Sounds like a top family day out.
Arnprior Lambing
Book fast, as this special experience is ticket only, and sells out quickly.
“You will be able to help care, feed, bed and water the ewes and their new born lambs.
And with any luck, witness the birth a new life onto the farm. (Although this can’t be guaranteed for obvious reasons)
How long does it last?
Your booked slot will last 1 hour. In this time, you can help the farmer with the chores in the lambing shed, or if you prefer, just soak up the atmosphere and play with lambs!”
Suitable for children from school age. Pregnant mums (or those trying) are advised against this activity.
Owls & Birds of Prey Experiences
Loch Lomond Birds of Prey is situated near Balloch, and is a superb experience for older kids (12+ if planning to book a handling experience). Focused on education and conservation, this is definitely an exciting and very different way to spend an afternoon.
There are over thirty Birds of Prey and Owls, representing twenty-six species including all 5 British Owls. Birds of all sizes, the Little Owl, Kestrels, Buzzards, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles, including “Orla”, our Golden Eagle.
There are a variety of ‘experiences’ available to older teens and adults, including a hunting expedition, and a ‘meet the owls’ experience for kids 12+
The Scottish Owl Centre (near Harthill) offers a good day out. Situated within Polkemett Country Park, there are lots of other activities around, including woodland walks and a large adventure playground. Owl Encounters can be booked, starting at £40 for a half hour.
- Handle and fly owls in indoor arena
- Personal owl tuition
- Full access to the Centre
Find The Faeries
The first will cost you nothing, and is a cracking little walk to do with the family. Close to Aberfoyle, this enjoyable walk is steeped in local folklore. The Doon Hill fairy trail is an easy loop with stunning woodland, river and field views that pass by the enchanting Fairy Knowe.
Alternatively, pop along to Woodland Experiences Fairy Experience (near Balfron) to enjoy a woodland trail with cute faerie houses and facepainting. **note that there is no opening date for 2018 posted on their website currently, so check with their website or call before going**
New for 2018 (launch date 24th March) is the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail at Luss, Loch Lomond. This looks like an interesting new venue. This little woodland trail starts in the picturesque village of Luss, and takes children on an adventure with a guide book to spot treasures. There are interactive elements, and the cute fairy houses and accoutrements are hand-built from wood.
Follow the directions in your guidebook to navigate around the trail, solve the quizzes and puzzles, and discover all the faeries.
Easter Antics At The Engine Shed, Stirling
There are so many hands-on and interesting workshops to choose from, its well worth having a look at their events page. Sketching , Copper Creation, Photography and building bridges using paper – ages from 7+ (depends on activity, so check website).
Join us at the Engine Shed to learn about traditional print making; as once used in wallpaper manufacture!
During this workshop, participants will explore the Engine Shed and take inspiration from the textures and patterns of its traditional materials and create their own print using a variety of printmaking techniques.
Materials: All materials will be provided, however wearing old clothes is advised.
Please note: Book online. Workshop is suitable for 10+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity.
View all Engine Shed Easter Antics events
Battle of Bannockburn Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts
Bring the whole family together this Easter and treat your loved ones to the magic of our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts! Get ready for a long weekend of fun and discovery as you spot the first signs of spring and experience nature bursting into life at the special places the National Trust for Scotland looks after. Become a nature detective to follow bunny’s clues and finish your adventure with a delicious chocolatey treat.
Dates: Friday 30 March – Monday 2 April
Time: 13.00 – 16.00
Price: £2.50 per hunt
Easter Extravaganza, Castlecary House Hotel
Easter @The Wallace Monument
After the presentation why not explore the galleries inside the Monument (see the Wallace Sword), with the crown of the tower having spectacular views in all directions.
Listen as a costumed actor gives a short presentation on the life of William Wallace. Discover who he was, where he came from and how he fought to free the people of Scotland from oppression.
Presentations at:
11:15am, 12:00pm, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm and 4:00pm – Each presentation lasts approximately 15 minutes.
A great day out is at Auchingarrich at Comrie. Animals, indoor soft play area, outdoor play area, more animals, pony rides, mini golf, milking. Actually, it has everything the kids will love. For the adults, there is Torlum Coffee Chop, with fresh homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes. Perfect.
Hatching and handling
Visit our Hatchery and handle the chicks, rabbits, guinea pigs and tortoises. If you are lucky and you keep an eye on our glass topped incubator then you may just see a chick peck its way out of the shell to start its life. See the lambs being fed at Easter and look out for any new arrivals throughout the year around the park!
A Mad hatter and Steamship Cruise at Loch Katrine
Join us at Trossachs Pier to set sail with the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit this Easter with an hour long steamship cruise around scenic Loch Katrine.
Fun for all the family, the kids will be able to take part in our Easter Egg Hunt from 10:30 hrs; to earn yourself a chocolate egg by following the clues. Our mad cap pair, the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit; will be assisting with our all new Easter Egg Hunt around the Trossachs Pier end of Loch Katrine before sailing later on.
You can then set off to see the beautiful sights around Loch Katrine on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott afternoon sailings 13:00hrs and 14:30hrs with the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit on board.
Ticket Prices for the 1 hour afternoon sails are £16 per adult, Child 5-16 £12.50, U5’s £5. (Children prices include new Easter Egg Hunt.)
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For Easter Visitor attractions throughout Scotland –
