Now that summer has arrived, families around Scotland and further afield will be looking for activities that will be easy on the purse.  Visitors are spoiled for choice during this season.  There are so many things to do and see that will appeal to anybody looking for excitement and fun.   

Getting organised could not be easier as VisitScotland has prepared the ultimate Summer Activity List.  There are spectacular one-off occasions such as magnificent tall ships coming to the Scottish coast or, going inland and looking upwards to see colourful hot air balloons majestically rising into the sky. Opt for imaginations to go wild with authentic Viking reenactments or ignite a competitive spirit with traditional Scottish bag piping events. Finally, it's worth sampling the local cuisine and indulging the taste buds with traditional food specialities. All this will help families create and share new memories and stories for years to come. 

Crail Festival, Fife - 16–26 July 2025 

Set in the historic fishing village of Crail, the Crail Festival is a beloved community-run celebration of arts, music, and culture. Alongside live performances and exhibitions, families can take part in imaginative outdoor competitions such as rock stacking or sandcastle sculpting that encourage creativity and friendly competition. 

Price: Includes free events, plus a variety of ticketing options to suit different needs and budgets. It is advised to plan ahead as the event can get busy. 

Celebrate Pride & Bagpipes in Glasgow 

Glasgow Pride March - 19 July 2025 

With over 50,000 people taking part in 2023 and 2024, Glasgow's Pride March is a vibrant display of love, diversity, and inclusion. Experience parades, performances, and community spirit.   

Price: free.  

Piping Live! – The Glasgow International Piping Festival & World Pipe Band Championships - 11–17 August 2025 

Glasgow is set to host Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes this summer: Piping Live! and World Pipe Band Championships. The Glasgow Piping Festival, also known as Piping Live!, is an annual week-long celebration of bagpipes and Scotland's iconic piping culture. The festival features a wide range of events including concerts, recitals, workshops, and competitions.  

Price: From £10 (£9 concession) per day with u16 free. 

While in Glasgow… Take a break in Pollok Country Park, the city's largest green space, with the chance to even spot a Highland coo! Explore its woodlands, gardens, and wildlife or visit the Burrell Collection, a world-class art museum featuring treasures from medieval Europe, Chinese antiquities, and works by famous painters. 

Price: free. 

The Tall Ships Races, Aberdeen - 19–22 July 2025 

Aberdeen will come alive with the arrival of almost 50 ships from around the world during this epic four-day maritime festival. Expect live music, cultural showcases, and hands-on activities for all ages. With an expected 400,000 visitors, it's Europe's largest free family festival.  

Price: free 

Festival of the Sea, Aberdeen – 12 – 27 July 2025  

With the Tall Ships on the horizon, art, heritage, sport and leisure organisations across Aberdeen are unveiling a raft of maritime-themed events for visitors to the city.  

Price: Various, see website for full details.  

Women's Scottish Open, Troon, Ayrshire, 24-27 July 2025 

The 2025 ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open marks the second year with ISPS HANDA as title sponsor and will be held at Dundonald Links in Troon for the fourth consecutive year. With sweeping vistas of the Ayrshire coast, wide fairways, undulating greens and situated among five-star luxurious facilities, Dundonald Links is a course designed by golfers for golfers. 

Price: from £15 daily general admission, under 16s free.  

Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick - 1–10 August 2025 

Enjoy music, comedy, literature, and family fun in this coastal town during Fringe by the Sea. Held at The Lodge Grounds and other venues like the Scottish Seabird Centre and North Berwick Library, this arts festival offers a wide range of free and affordable events. New this year: the Wavelength Music Film Festival, celebrating the connection between music and film. 

Price: from free. 

The Largs Viking Festival – 30 August – 7 September 2025  

 The Largs Viking Festival commemorates the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and the Norse. This week-long celebration includes a reconstructed Viking village, live entertainment, workshops, markets, a grand parade, and the dramatic Festival of Fire - featuring a Viking skirmish, longboat burning, and fireworks. 

Price: £10, child £5, U5s free. 

Strathaven Balloon Festival – 22-24 August 2025  

 Scotland's only hot air balloon festival, the Strathaven Balloon Festival, returns to the award winning Strathaven Park in August. Expect dramatic hot air balloon launches (weather permitting) in the mornings and evenings, plus live music, a funfair, market stalls, a skydiving display, and on the Saturday evening the spectacular Evening Glow.  

Price:  free. 

Orkney Food Festival – 21-25 September 2025 

Discover the taste of Orkney at the Orkney Food Festival 2025! Perfect for families, this fun-filled celebration features local produce, hands-on kids' activities, cooking demos, and delicious treats for all ages. Enjoy a warm island welcome, explore food trails, and make tasty memories together in a stunning coastal setting. 

Price: free. 

Scone Palace, Kids Go Free – until 15 August 2025  

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.  

Price: Free for children (under 15 years when visiting with a fee-paying adult; adult costs  

£19.50, concession over 65 years, £18.50.   See website for full terms and conditions.)  

Kids for a Quid, ScotRail* - available every day, all year round 

This summer, families can get out and about across Scotland via Scotrail train for less. Kids for a Quid tickets are available with most adult tickets, including Advance Singles, Season Tickets, Flexipass, and most concession tickets. There are also deals available online for free entry for children at various visitor attactions across Scotland, too.  See the ScotRail website for more information.  

For more inspiration and ideas for summer breaks and days out in Scotland — plus offers and passes for travel and attractions, visit:www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/when-to-visit/summer