



15+ Free Things to Do in the Borders with Kids
the Borders has a great range of genuinely free things to do with kids — from parks and playgrounds to national museums with no entry charge at all.
Museums(7)

Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum
★4.5Explore Jedburgh's fascinating history through museum exhibits housed in a restored 18th-century castle jail building.

Borders Textile Towerhouse
★4.6Explore the rich history of textile production in the Scottish Borders at this historic towerhouse museum.

Coldstream Museum
★4.5Explore local history and heritage at this free, family-friendly museum in the Scottish Borders.

Wilton Lodge Park
★4.7Explore Hawick's premier Green Flag park featuring an inclusive modern play park, museum, walled garden, woodland walks, and riverside cycling routes.

Mary Queen Of Scots’ Visitors Centre
★4.6Explore the fascinating history of Mary Queen of Scots at this engaging visitor centre dedicated to Scotland's most iconic monarch.
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City Parks(4)

Volunteer Park
★4.7Play on professional-grade 2G and 3G sports pitches perfect for rugby, football, and hockey with floodlights and full facilities.

Ladhope Recreation Ground
★4.8Explore scenic walking routes through this recreational ground offering charming views over Galashiels and the surrounding hills, perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure.

Tweedbank Park
★4.4Explore open parkland beside the River Tweed with established trees, wildlife, and scenic footpaths perfect for families and dog walkers.

Shedden Park
★4.4Enjoy a historic green space in the heart of Kelso with children's play equipment, skateboarding area, and sports facilities for the whole family.
Botanical Gardens(2)

Harmony Garden (National Trust for Scotland)
★4.5Explore a beautifully restored historic garden with free entry, perfect for families with pushchairs and dogs to enjoy Scotland's natural heritage.

Priorwood Garden (National Trust for Scotland)
★4.4Explore a historic Scottish garden managed by the National Trust for Scotland, perfect for peaceful family walks and enjoying nature.
Historic Houses(2)

Coldingham Priory
★4.6Explore over 1000 years of Scottish history at this ancient Benedictine priory, with impressive medieval choir ruins set in a scenic coastal village.

Leaderfoot Viaduct
★4.6Explore a striking 19th-century railway viaduct spanning the River Tweed, a Category A listed landmark offering scenic walks and rich Scottish heritage.
Wildlife Centers(2)

Pease Dean Scottish Wildlife Trust
★4.7Explore Scotland's natural heritage across multiple wildlife reserves and visitor centres championing conservation and outdoor discovery.

Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre & Golden Eagle Eyrie
★4.2Explore a historic Scottish estate with woodland walks, salmon viewing, golden eagle watching, and family-friendly countryside activities in the scenic Borders.
Country Park(1)
Heritage Site(1)
Playground(1)
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TD6 (3)
TD12 (1)
Also See
Updated regularly. Listings rotate monthly to surface the best options.


