The Summer Holidays are upon us and the lockdown restrictions are easing. After such a long time in lockdown, I’m sure people will be eager to get out and explore West Lothian. However, remember still that you should still be socially distancing and follow the latest Government guidelines to keep everyone safe.

I’ve seen a list on Facebook appear every year with a list of things to do all over Scotland. So I thought I would include the best family days out in West Lothian below. I have also included some ideas for places nearby in case you did want to explore a little further afield. Take a look at the little key as there are some free family days out listed too.

Remember there are plenty of other outdoor activities you can enjoy with your children. You are not just limited to these attractions below.

I’m not sure who the original writer was of the list of fun days out for kids below, so thank you to whoever it was!

canal boats on the canal in Linlithgow
Image by Robert Armstrong from Pixabay

Things To Do In West Lothian After Lockdown This Summer

Key

💴 = costs

🆓 = free (ie. no admittance fee)

☀️ = sunny days

☔️ = rainy days

🐶 = dog friendly

♿️ = accessible

 

Places in West Lothian To Visit With Kids

Aerial Adventures, Livingston

Why not try out the HiRide, HiClimb and HiFall? Located in The Centre, Livingston your little daredevils are bound to have fun. There is also a soft play for the younger ones who can’t do the adventure course. For the latest prices and opening times due to COVID check out – Aerial Adventures Website  💶☔️♿️ Prices from £5, under 1s FREE

Almond Valley, Livingston

A family favourite! Perfect day out for all the family. Lots to keep the kids entertained. Remember due to COVID all tickets have to be booked in advance and you can’t arrive on the day to buy tickets. Pop over to the Almond Valley Website to buy your tickets before you arrive. 💶☀️☔️🐶♿️ Prices from £7.50

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, Broxburn

A lovely place which is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of life. Current COVID guidelines state the park is open, however, the visitors centre and public toilets still remain closed at this time. If you plan on visiting then make sure to check out the website for the latest information. 🆓☀️🐶  FREE

Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow

Located in the Bathgate Hills near Linlithgow, Beecraigs is perfect for getting outdoors. Plenty of walks available places to go biking and a great play area to keep the kids entertained. Like Almondfell and Calderwood Country Park the visitors centre and toilets still remain closed. However, The Hideaway Cafe is open for takeaways. Check details on the Country Park for up to date information as things do change regularly at the minute. 🆓☀️🐶  FREE

5 Sisters Zoo, West Calder

As with Mill Farm, if you plan on visiting 5 Sisters Zoo this summer you must book your tickets in advance. You then get given an hour time slot to enter the zoo and then spend the rest of the day until closing to leave. For latest prices and procedures the zoo has put in place head over to the Five Sisters Zoo Website. 💶☀️ Prices from £10.45, under 3s FREE

Linlithgow Canal Centre

Currently, the canal centre is still closed. However, as the guidelines do change regularly keep checking out the Linlithgow Canal Centre Website for any further details. 💶☀️☔️  Prices vary depending on the boat trip/activity.

 Linlithgow Palace

The palace currently remains closed. However, you can still access the exterior of the palace. You also have Linlithgow Loch to explore, so there are plenty of options for a fun day out. Make sure to check out the Linlithgow Palace website to see when they plan to reopen. 💶☀️☔️Prices from £4.30, under 5s FREE

Polkemmet Country Park, Whitburn

Great place for walking, cycling and even a spot of golf if that takes your fancy. The public toilets currently remain closed however this may change in the near future so it is best checking with the Polkemmet Country Park website for the latest COVID information. 🆓☀️🐶 FREE

Scottish Owl Centre, Whitburn

Located at Polkemmet Country Park you can add this into your day out. You can either book tickets in advance to guarantee your entry or turn up on the day and see if there are spaces available to enter. The Owl Centre also has restricted hours so please double check their website for more information.  💶☀️ Prices from £6.50, under 3s & carers FREE

 

Kelpie Horses in the sun
Image by Ivor Bond from Pixabay

Places To Visit With Kids Further Afield

Below are some options for if you wish to travel a little outside of West Lothian and enjoy a family day out or you just fancy a change. Remember to check directly to see the latest COVID situation with each attraction.

Deep Sea World, North Queensferry

Located in North Queensferry, Deep Sea World is reopening the 16th July with its COVID procedures in place. For up to date prices, and to purchase tickets pop over to their website. 💶☔️♿️ Prices from £11.25 and Under 3’s are FREE

Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge

The whole park covers an area of 500 acres which includes two natural lochs, moorland, woodlands and grasslands. Currently, all the buildings located within the park are still closed due to COVID. However, this can change so please pop over to their website for more details. 🆓☀️🐶♿️ FREE

Kelpies & Helix Park, Falkirk

Plenty of space for the kids to run around, go for a walk or even a bike ride. Sit and enjoy a picnic if the weather is good. Pop over to the Helix website for the latest opening times and whats on. 🆓☀️🐶♿️ FREE

Muiravonside Country Park, nr Falkirk

Muiravonside is Falkirk’s only Country Park, providing 170 acres of woodland and parkland, Newparks farm, a sculpture trail, children’s play area and a café at the Visitor Hub courtyard. The Farm is now reopening but toilets still currently remain closed. Please see the website for the latest details. 🆓💶☀️🐶 FREE (some events cost)

Summerlee, Coatbridge

Summerlee is currently still closed but they are working on making everything safe before reopening. It is a great day out so be sure to check the Summerlee website for when they plan to reopen. 🆓☀️☔️♿️ FREE

Remember if you are heading out this summer to be safe and help protect everyone around you. Check with the attractions directly for if masks need to be worn and what facilities are open/closed.

Why not pin for later?

Now That Attractions are reopening. Find places to go with kids in West Lothian this summer.