Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter

Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!

Article Source: TASTE
Last Updated: 31 March 2026 10:42

Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy, including relaxing seasonal stays at Old Course Hotel, where children stay free and Easter activities are on offer throughout the break.

Beyond that, there are plenty of ways to keep little ones (and the bigger ones) entertained, from uncovering the hidden underground streets of The Real Mary King's Close to stepping into a world of illusions at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Families can also refuel with great-value dining at Vittoria on the Walk and COSMO Aberdeen, making it easy to plan a fun-filled day out this Easter.

Discover Edinburgh’s hidden history at The Real Mary King's Close
This Easter, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past. For those seeking a hands-on adventure, Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation offers families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in historical medicine. After a guided tour of the Close, participants will use all their senses, including taste, to diagnose ailments using 17th-century techniques. Guests will also create their own herbal remedy using authentic recipes.

For more information and booking details, visit www.realmarykingsclose.com

Mind-bending fun at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Immerse yourself in over 100 interactive exhibitions at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Visitors are invited to hop into an egg-straordinary Easter experience with a line up of seasonal surprises, extended opening hours and discounted entry. Step into the spinning Vortex Tunnel, shrink yourself in the Ames Room, get lost in the Mirror Maze and snap a group selfie from the Rooftop Terrace with panoramic views of the city.

Running from 28 March - 19 April, the attraction will be staying open late every day, as well as opening extra-early, so visitors will have the chance to enjoy everything on offer at a more relaxed pace, with the opportunity to save £4 per ticket for early bunnies when booking admission entry before 9am.

For more information and to book, please visit: www.camera-obscura.co.uk

Uncover the truth about Nessie this Easter at the Loch Ness Centre
There’s fun on land and loch at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit this Easter. Families can enjoy the immersive one-hour Signature Tour, exploring 500 million years of natural history, folklore and scientific research surrounding Scotland’s most famous legend.

Alongside the tour, visitors can take to the water with Deepscan Cruises on Loch Ness, while special events include Legends on the Loch storytelling on April 4 and a Hydrophone Tour with Loch Ness Exploration on April 11.

Across the Easter weekend, kids can also take part in a free Monster Treasure Hunt with fantastic prizes.

Open daily 10am–5pm. Under fives go free, with family ticket savings when booked 24 hours in advance.

For more information and to book your tickets, please visit: lochness.com

Kids stay free at the iconic Old Course Hotel
From Friday 3 to Sunday 19 April, Old Course Hotel offers a calm base for families looking to make the most of the holidays. Children and teens (up to 17) stay free when sharing with parents and are welcomed with their own robe, slippers and a small special gift. Days can be filled with the range of activities on offer, from swimming sessions and quiet reads in the hotel’s library to Easter scavenger hunts and an Easter Egg Colouring Competition, while the children’s menus across the restaurants guarantee to please even the fussiest of eaters.

For more information and to book, please email: reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk

Sunday Lunch at Swilcan Loft
With panoramic views of the Old Course and West Sands beach, the rooftop Swilcan Loft offers the perfect spot to gather the whole family for an unforgettable Easter Sunday lunch. Expect seasonal starters like smoked Scottish salmon and St Andrews Bay lobster cocktail, followed by mains such as a treacle-glazed rump of Scottish beef. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a menu that showcases the freshest local dishes for the holiday.

For more information and to book, please email: www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk

Hop into Easter at Thistles Shopping Centre
Thistles in Stirling is set to welcome families for a week of Easter fun with its Easter Egg-Stravaganza, a series of free interactive activities taking place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 April during the school holidays. Running daily from 12-4pm, the programme of events has been designed to spark creativity and excitement for children of all ages.

Highlights include an Easter trail through the centre on Monday, where families can search shop windows for hidden surprises before making their own colourful Easter cards, as well as the chance to meet the larger-than-life ‘Eggs on Legs’ characters on Tuesday. Young visitors can also design their own chocolate treats on Wednesday, before putting their skills to the test in an Egg and Spoon Olympics on Thursday, making Thistles the perfect destination for some egg-cellent family fun this Easter.

All activities are free, require no booking and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please visit: www.thistlesstirling.com

Kids eat for just £1 at Vittoria on the Walk
Family-run Italian favourite Vittoria on the Walk is offering a standout, budget-friendly dining deal in Edinburgh, with kids eating for just £1 - a 90% saving. Every Sunday, the Kids Eat for £1 offer is valid with the purchase of any adult main, making it the perfect affordable day out for the whole family to enjoy. Children can enjoy a three-course meal, choosing from classic dishes such as meatballs in tomato sauce, penne bolognese and chocolate profiteroles.

Known for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere, Vittoria on the Walk serves hearty Italian classics made with carefully sourced ingredients from both Italy and Scotland. The perfect spot for relaxed family dining, guests can tuck into delicious wood-fired pizzas, handmade authentic pasta, paired with an extensive wine list.

See their website for more information: vittoriarestaurant.com

Indulge in a world of flavour at Cosmo Aberdeen
Families in Aberdeen looking for a stress-free and affordable meal out can head to COSMO, where a world of flavours awaits under one roof. Diners can enjoy everything from freshly prepared Chinese stir-fries and Japanese sushi to Southeast Asian curries and Mediterranean favourites, with chefs cooking dishes live for a fun and interactive dining experience.

The all-you-can-eat buffet offers plenty of choice to suit even the fussiest eaters. Plus, children under 155cm dine for just £8.99 Monday to Thursday at lunchtime, making it a great-value family treat.

To book your table, please visit: www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

Nationwide treasure hunt with Graham's Family Dairy
Graham’s Family Dairy is turning all of Scotland into a giant, top-secret treasure map. Instead of looking for chocolate eggs, the mission is to track down special milk bottles wrapped in shiny gold ribbons. They are hiding in sneaky spots all over the country, like museums, sports clubs and local cafes.

Grab your detective hats and check Graham’s social media pages at 10am on Friday, April 3, for the official clues. Those who can solve the puzzle, track down the location and find a golden bottle will score an awesome, exclusive prize.

For more information, please visit: www.grahamsfamilydairy.com

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