East Links Family Park
A vibrant family park in East Lothian with animal encounters, train rides, play areas, and go-karts for endless fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
East Links Family Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant family park in East Lothian with animal encounters, train rides, play areas, and go-karts for endless fun.
"Worth every penny for a full day of family fun with loads to do for all ages!"
🎯 Pack for all weather
Scotland's weather is unpredictable! Layers are key. Bring rain gear just in case.
💰 Entry fee value
Entry can seem pricey, but most activities are included. Worth it for a full day of fun!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Park Train Adventure
Throughout the park
A scenic train ride offering views of animals and the park's landscape. Knowledgeable drivers share insights.
Animal Encounters
Various enclosures
Get up close with Highland cows, sheep, and other farm animals. Animal feed is available for a small fee.
Play Barn & Outdoor Fort
Play areas
Indoor soft play for younger kids and an exciting outdoor fort with trampolines and climbing structures.
Go-Karts & Pedal Tractors
Activity zones
Fun for all ages with a variety of go-karts and pedal tractors to race around.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack for all weather
Scotland's weather is unpredictable! Layers are key. Bring rain gear just in case.
💰 Entry fee value
Entry can seem pricey, but most activities are included. Worth it for a full day of fun!
🚗 Car recommended
Easier to get to and explore the surrounding East Lothian coast.
🍦 Cafe treats
Reasonably priced cafe with good food options. Don't miss the ice cream!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack for all weather
Scotland's weather is unpredictable! Layers are key. Bring rain gear just in case.
💰 Entry fee value
Entry can seem pricey, but most activities are included. Worth it for a full day of fun!
🚗 Car recommended
Easier to get to and explore the surrounding East Lothian coast.
🍦 Cafe treats
Reasonably priced cafe with good food options. Don't miss the ice cream!
🧸 Gift shop finds
A nice size shop with reasonably priced souvenirs, including fun toys.
🐾 Animal feed fun
Small charge for animal feed, lasts all day for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise East Links Family Park for its wide range of activities suitable for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. The included attractions like the train ride and play areas are a big hit, and the opportunity to interact with friendly farm animals is a highlight. While some find the entry price a bit steep, most agree the value for a full day of family fun is well worth it.
"First time visiting this family park. It was great for adults and Children. The train was so much fun and the train driver was very knowledgeable about the animals around the park.
The play park and the fortress was a great addition to the park.
Feeding the animals was fun.
The cafe had an extensive menu with hot food, sandwiches, ciabattas and a good kids menu. Prices were reasonable and staff very friendly.
The shop was just a nice size and not too expensive. Would highly recommend this for some family fun."
Gemma Birch
"We visited from the US and wanted a kid friendly thing to do that was different... this is certainly the place! Sooo many activities that we didnt even get to try them all, and their's additional holiday themed ones as well. Kids ranging from 2 years to 13 enjoyed the hours spent!"
Tessa Russell
"Nice for family activities. I went there alone , the entry price a bit expensive £19 . They have highland cows which is lovely included others kind of animals highly recommend if you have a car . I took x7 bus from princess street and then walk 10-12 mins . If you have a kid, it’s a good idea to take them there so they can have experiences lots of activity days for children"
Pan Yaso
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the X7 bus from Princess Street in Edinburgh, which involves a 10-12 minute walk to the park. Driving is recommended for easier access and exploring the wider East Lothian area.
Yes, the X7 bus route serves the area, but having a car is generally more convenient for families visiting the park and surrounding attractions.
The park offers ample parking for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Absolutely! It's a popular choice for a day trip from Edinburgh, offering a full day of entertainment for families.
While there isn't a direct train station at the park, you can take a train to nearby towns and then arrange onward travel. Driving is generally more straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry prices can vary, and some visitors find it a bit expensive at around £19 per person. However, many feel it's worth the cost due to the included activities. Booking online might offer savings.
It's worth checking the official East Links Family Park website for any current promotions, family packages, or online booking discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
A significant number of activities, including the train rides, go-karts, and access to play areas, are included in the admission fee. Animal feed incurs a small additional charge.
The park is typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially during different seasons.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The park is very family-friendly, with a dedicated play barn and soft play area for younger children, as well as a musical maze and gentle animal encounters.
Yes, adults often find the park enjoyable, especially with the scenic train ride, the opportunity to interact with animals, and the general atmosphere of family fun. +1
You can see a variety of farm animals, including Highland cows, sheep, and other friendly creatures. Animal feed is available for a small fee. +1
Yes, there's a fantastic outdoor fort with climbing structures and trampolines, as well as an indoor play barn with soft play for younger visitors.
The park train offers a fun and informative journey around the grounds, with drivers often sharing interesting facts about the animals and the park. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers a good range of hot food, sandwiches, ciabattas, and a kids' menu. Prices are considered reasonable by many visitors. +1
The cafe menu is extensive, including hot meals, sandwiches, and a dedicated children's menu. They also serve ice cream, which is a popular treat.
Yes, there are plenty of places to sit and eat, both within the cafe and in designated outdoor areas, making it suitable for picnics.
While some visitors have noted refreshments can be a bit overpriced, many find the overall value of the cafe's offerings to be good, especially considering the family-friendly environment.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, and there are ample seating areas available for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture moments with the friendly farm animals, the scenic park train, and the kids enjoying the play areas. The outdoor fort and go-karts also make for dynamic shots. 
Definitely! The park provides a vibrant and fun backdrop for family photos, with animals, rides, and happy children creating memorable shots.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the animals. Getting close during feeding times can offer great opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and ask permission before taking photos of individuals.
A versatile zoom lens is ideal for capturing both close-ups of animals and wider shots of the park's activities. A smartphone is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Don't miss the musical maze for some sensory fun. The park is generally stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of spots to relax. The cafe also caters well to children with a dedicated menu. It's a place where both kids and parents can have a truly enjoyable and memorable day out.
💰 Budget-Conscious Families
Bringing your own snacks and drinks can help save money, though the cafe's prices are considered reasonable by many. The small charge for animal feed is also a worthwhile expense for the joy it brings. Plan for a full day to maximize the value of your ticket.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
As a day-trip destination from Edinburgh, it offers a complete change of pace with plenty of outdoor activities and animal encounters. Having a car makes navigating the area and reaching the park much simpler, allowing for a more flexible itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring East Lothian's Coastal Charm
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the park, East Lothian offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the John Muir Way, a long-distance walking and cycling route, or enjoy water sports at various coastal locations. The region is also dotted with numerous golf courses, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. For those interested in local culture, exploring the small towns and villages can reveal unique shops, cafes, and local crafts.
Combining a trip to East Links Family Park with explorations of East Lothian allows for a well-rounded experience. Whether you're seeking family fun, historical insights, or natural beauty, this region has something to offer everyone. The proximity to Edinburgh also makes it an accessible destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
Family Fun for All Ages
For the younger visitors, the play barn with its soft play area is a major draw, providing a safe and stimulating environment. Toddlers and babies can also enjoy the musical maze and gentle animal encounters. Older children and teenagers will likely gravitate towards the go-karts, pedal tractors, and the exciting outdoor fort with its trampolines and climbing frames. The park's design encourages active play and exploration, ensuring that kids burn off plenty of energy.
The train ride is a highlight for many, offering a relaxing way to see the park and its inhabitants. The opportunity to feed the animals, such as the Highland cows, is a memorable experience that connects children with nature. With so much to do, it's easy to spend a full day here, making it a fantastic value for families looking for an engaging and fun-filled outing.
Navigating East Links Family Park with Young Children
Strollers are generally manageable on the park's paths, and there are plenty of places to sit and rest. The train ride is a calm and scenic experience that even the youngest can enjoy. Animal feeding, with supervision, can be a wonderful way for toddlers to have their first close encounters with farm animals.
While the park offers a lot for young children, parents should be prepared for a full day of activity. Packing essentials like diapers, wipes, and extra clothing is always a good idea. The on-site cafe also offers a good kids' menu, making meal times convenient.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit