8 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in the Scottish Borders (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking to for a fun and free day out, then check out these things to do with the kids in the Scottish Borders. Whether it's playing prisoners at Jedburgh Castle Jail, or pretending to be Thor at St Abbs visitor centre, there's options here to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Lucy
Learn about the history of Scotland's queen in this engaging museum located in a 16th century towerhouse, set in beautiful gardens
Wheelchair accessible: Ground floor only.
Visit the cell blocks, find out about some of the prisoners who stayed there, and get a feel of what prison was like in the 19th century. The jailors house is home to the museum, where kids can dress up and enjoy hands on activities.
Wheelchair Accesible: Partly.
A stunning view of the River Tweed and the Eildon hills (the remains of a volcanic eruption. So named because it was one of Sir Walter Scott's favourite places. On a clear day you can see for miles. While you're there, check out the William Wallace statue.
A well maintained disused railway viaduct over the River Tweed. You can also walk over the drygrange 'Old bridge' just downstream.
Overlooking the harbour, and housed in the old village hall, learn about the past and present with interactive displays. The town featured as Thor's home in the Avengers Endgame movie, and there's great photo ops as they let you borrow Thor's hammer to take a picture with the 'New Asgard' sign.
Learn about the local history, as well as exploring the displays on Ancient Egypt, archeology and nature. There's plenty for kids to enjoy. It's set in the grounds of the beautiful Wilton Lodge park.
A small museum packed with a lot of information documenting the history of the Coldstream guards, with plenty of kids activities included.
The castle grounds themselves are private, but you can enjoy a walk in wildlife around the nature reserves, including woods and 2 lochs. See if you can spot any deer, cattle, moorhens, swans, otters or owls.
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
