There are many great days out for kids in West Lothian. I have written about my absolute favourite places to visit in West Lothian for families below to help give you some ideas. If you have any places that I haven’t listed and you think should be, then please let me know so I can add more of the best family days out in West Lothian. The more places people know about the better!
From days out with toddlers to adventure days out for the family, I hope I have included some great suggestions below.
Please check with the places directly for up to date COVID information and social distancing details as things are changing all the time and I don’t want to have the wrong information detailed. Some places listed still might be closed so please make sure you check directly before heading there to avoid any disappointment.
9 Family Days Out In West Lothian
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Five Sisters Zoo
We have been to Five Sisters Zoo plenty of times over the years. I can honestly say when I first visited I wasn’t impressed however going back there are always improvements happening and it is a great little zoo now. The zoo is located in West Calder which isn’t far from Livingston and there is plenty of things to do when you are there to keep everyone entertained. A big plus I find is that it isn’t as hilly as Edinburgh Zoo so little legs don’t get tired as quickly and parents don’t need to have their porridge to push any prams around the zoo!
For details on how to get to Five Sisters Zoo and up to date prices then pop over to the Zoo website.
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
I always call Almond Valley Mill Farm but I’m never too sure why it is called that. I find this is a great place to visit with kids as there is so much to do. We have had a membership for a few years now (it’s only recently I haven’t renewed it) and I found it a good investment as you can just pop in for an hour or so if you didn’t have time for a full day out. Like other attractions, there are some things that aren’t included in the ticket price like the soft play and tractor ride. However, there is still enough entertainment to keep the kids entertained if you didn’t want to pay extra for these.
For more details on Almond Valley Heritage Centre like current prices and COVID regulations take a look at the Mill Farm website.
Country Parks
There are three country parks in West Lothian. I normally take the boys to Beecraigs or Polkemmet. However, there is also Almondell and Calder Wood Park. They are great for getting outside for a walk or just letting the kids run off their energy at the parks. If you fancy a picnic then there are places to sit and relax at each of the Country Parks. If you didn’t fancy a picnic then there are food outlets at the Country Parks, but you are better checking before you leave that they are definitely open.
Check out the West Lothian Council website for more details about each of the parks and the latest COVID information.
Blackness Castle
I must admit Blackness Castle has been on my to-do list for ages. I still haven’t managed to go explore with the boys but hope to visit the “ship that never sailed” at some point in the future. There is also a beach and you can go for a walk too to make a day out with the family if you like.
For full details of prices, opening times etc you can see the Historic Environment Scotland – Blackness Castle page.
Linlithgow
The historical town of Linlithgow is such a great day out with the kids in West Lothian. There are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. If you are into craft shops then Linlithgow has many independent little shops where you can buy handmade items. If you like to get out and walk then you can walk around Linlithgow Loch or along part of the John Muir Way. There is of course also Linlithgow Palace which you can go explore.
Remember to check out the local attraction’s website directly to see if there are indeed opening and the latest prices. Rules and regulations regarding COVID are changing weekly so it’s always best to check directly.
Scottish Owl Centre
Located at Polkemmet Country Park, the Scottish Owl Centre is definitely worth a visit with the kids. As it’s located at the country park it means after you have spent time looking around you can also head to Polkemmet afterwards for a walk or look around.
Livingston Shopping Centre
If it’s raining then the shopping centre is a great place to go. There are plenty of shops, food outlets, toilets and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. There is also a cinema, aerial assault course and adventure golf to keep the kids (and big kids) amused.
Innoflate
Innoflate in Livingston is basically an inflatable indoor theme park. My boys love to go and have such great fun bouncing to their heart’s content. The Livingston branch also has a cafe and lots of seating for when you are not bouncing around.
If you head over to the Innoflate Website you can see opening times and up to date pricing.
Get Outside
There are plenty of places around West Lothian for outdoor days out to get out for a walk, cycle etc. Make a day out of it and take a picnic with you or make sure you have a food stop within one of the many West Lothian towns to enjoy a tasty treat. I will more than likely have a dedicated post for local places for walking and cycling in the future and can add peoples favourite places to go into it.
So there you go, my top family days out in West Lothian to visit. Do you have any family days out in West Lothian that you absolutely love? Let me know in the comments below!
If you are looking for days out ideas further afield why not check some great family days out in Falkirk?
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