Budget-Friendly
City Break
Family Days Out

Explore Edinburgh for less this summer!

Looking for affordable family days out this summer? Whether you're entertaining little explorers, budding scientists or animal lovers, Edinburgh is packed with fantastic attractions that won't break the bank. Even better, kids travel FREE on all three of our open-top bus routes with a Grand24 ticket or any individual tour ticket, making it easier than ever to explore more of the city for less.

Written By: The Edinburgh Bus Tours Team

25th of June 2026

National Museum of Scotland

Free (donations encouraged)

With nine floors to explore, including a stunning rooftop terrace, you could easily spend an entire day at the National Museum of Scotland and still have galleries left to discover. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it one of Edinburgh’s best-value family attractions.

Throughout the summer holidays, the museum is hosting a range of drop-in family activities every Monday and Friday, with a different theme each week. The programme kicks off with Dolly the Sheep’s 30th Birthday Bash!

Getting there: Hop off at CitySightseeing Stop 5 or Edinburgh Tour Stop 9.

The Royal Botanic Garden

Free (donations encouraged)

Located in Inverleith, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. Explore 70 acres of beautiful landscapes and seasonal displays, wander woodland trails, and take in panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline.

It’s also a wonderful place for children to connect with nature, whether they’re spotting ducks on the pond or watching squirrels dart through the trees.

Getting there: Hop off at Regal Tour Stop 5.

Dynamic Earth

Discount available with Edinburgh Bus Tours

Travel through time at Dynamic Earth, from the Big Bang to the present day. This world-class science centre and planetarium offers an immersive experience that will captivate visitors of all ages.

Discounted tickets are available from Edinburgh Bus Tours staff and drivers, and all Dynamic Earth tickets are now valid for a full year from the date of purchase.

Getting there: Hop off the CitySightseeing Tour at Stop 12, right outside Dynamic Earth, or take a short walk from Edinburgh Tour Stop 6.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

10% off with your Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket

Spread across five floors, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is home to more than 100 interactive exhibits, offering hands-on fun for the whole family.

Save 10% on admission before 11am and after 6pm when you show your Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket – perfect for starting or ending a day of adventure.

Getting there: Hop off the CitySightseeing Tour at Stop 6 and take a short walk up the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Zoo

Discounted tickets available with your Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket

Animal lovers will enjoy a day discovering everything Edinburgh Zoo has to offer. Home to more than 2,500 animals from around the world, visitors can meet the zoo’s famous penguins and some exciting new arrivals, including baby sloth Atty, giant anteater pup Snoot, and Bru, the first capybara pup born in Scotland in 18 years.

Purchase discounted tickets from Edinburgh Bus Tours staff and receive one free child ticket for every adult Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket presented.

Getting there: Accessible from the city centre with Lothian Buses – Services 12, 26 and 31.

National Mining Museum Scotland

£1 off adult admission with your Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket

Step into Scotland’s industrial past at the National Mining Museum Scotland, located within the historic Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange. This VisitScotland 5-star attraction brings Scotland’s mining heritage to life through interactive exhibits and guided tours led by former miners.

The museum is also hosting a variety of summer events, including a Family Fun Day, Creepy Crawlies sessions and a Giant Games Day.

Getting there: Travel on Lothian Buses’ Service 29 from the city centre or Service 48 from the east of the city.

Start your summer adventure for less

From free museums and beautiful gardens to immersive attractions and unforgettable wildlife encounters, there’s something for every family to enjoy this summer.

With kids travelling FREE and exclusive discounts available at some of Edinburgh’s top attractions, your Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket helps you get more from your day out while spending less.

Book online today and save:

20% off Edinburgh Tour tickets throughout July
10% off Grand24 tickets all summer long
FREE travel for children on all Edinburgh Bus Tours routes
Don’t miss out – plan your perfect summer day out and start exploring Edinburgh for less.

Book your tickets now and make this summer one to remember.